Marriage/civil partnerhip and immigration control

The Certificate of Approval scheme operated by the Home Office ended on 9 May 2011.

Abolition of the Certificate of Approval scheme

Since 9 May 2011, any person subject to immigration control wishing to give notice to marry or register a civil partnership no longer needs:

• a Certificate of Approval
• an entry clearance for the purpose of marriage or registering a civil partnership or
• settled status in the UK

Immigration control

Immigration entry requirements remain unchanged. Any person wishing to come to the UK to marry or register a civil partnership will still need to obtain the correct entry clearance before they travel to the UK.

Failure to obtain the correct entry clearance may result in admission to the UK being refused.

More information about entry clearance requirements can be obtained from the UK Border Agency or the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau.

• Getting married or registering a civil partnership in the United Kingdom - UK Border Agency website

• phone: 087 0606 7766

Please note - you are not subject to immigration control if you are any of the following:

• a British citizen
• an EEA (European Economic Area) citizen
• a Swiss national
• the holder of a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK