Do i need a CNI for Filipina's UK fiancee visa application?

Hi there, im new to the forum, and just starting out on the process.

My fiancee and I want to get married, and settle in the UK, where I am currently. We are applying for fiancee visa for her to come here to get married, then we will go for spousal visa.

On our checklist is a certificate of no marriage, to her a CENOMAR, but in the UK i think its called CNI (certificate of no impediment). How do i go about getting one? I see some stuff online about making an announcment in a newspaper, but this doesnt seem right to me. I dont intend to get married overseas, so do we still need one? How do i get one if i do need to?

Thanks in advance for any help offered

I think I am correct in saying you will both need a CNI to marry here in the UK, from the authorities here in the UK.

But your fiancee will need a CENOMAR, the Philippine equivalent as part of her visa application. Stand by and see what the other chaps say.


To get a CNI here you go to your local UK registry office.

To get a CENOMAR your wife needs to apply to the NSO

Thanks John,

How do i go about getting one, it seems a very complicated procedure?

This is the same route that we took.

You don't need a Cenomar to get married here or to apply for a fiance visa.

Cenomar is a Filipino thing that means nothing in the UK.

I don't know what a CNI is, and we certainly never had one when we got our fiance visa.

I see a CNI is something you might need if marrying abroad. As you are marrying in the uk you won't need that.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/certificate-of-no-impediment-and-nulla-ostas

I know my loved one has submitted papers proving her marriage is annulled and I have supplied my Decree Absolute as part of the Fiancée visa process we are on with.

Yes. You need those if you've been married previously. You don't need any proof of being unmarried if it is your first marriage.

Graham. If two brits marry in the UK, don't they also need a Certificate of No Impediment? Presumably you didnt?

You're right there Mr Maharg, the majority of us chaps here at BF have been married before, just a few of you young lads who haven't

Maybe you get it when you give notice? I don't recall getting one.

we certainly never included one in the fiance visa application.

Well, you two chaps would know (Graham and Timmers).

Thanks for your reply guys, we really appreciate it. It seems a big thing that creates some confusion, and I'm still not fully sure either way.

Did any if you guys have to get one I'd marrying in Philippines? Did you have to make QN announcement in a newspaper and take an affidavit?

Thanks again!

We certainly never got either. I would say, however, that if in doubt then get it. It's better to err on the side of caution and it will stop you worrying about it.