Marrying a UK citizen? You must have command of English language

You are not a UK citizen, you live in the UK, and desire to marry one! Then you need to know this.

The UK government has issued new regulations for migrants marrying UK nationals.

The regulations came into force November 29, 2010.

A press release issued by the UK High Commission in Ghana and copied to ghanabusinessnews.com indicates that all non-European migrants to the UK have had to demonstrate a basic command of English before they are granted a visa.

This new regulation is in addition to previous visa requirements that applicants requiring a UK visa must satisfy. Previously, all applicants had to show that their marriage or partnership was genuine and that they could support themselves financially. Those requirements still remain; in addition applicants must prove English-language proficiency.

The new rule applies to spouses, civil partnerships, unmarried couples, same sex partners and fiancé(e)s, and will be compulsory for those applying from within the UK as well as visa applicants from overseas.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi