Hey Terpe, thanks for your reply....
You are correct in saying her student visa should be valid for at least six months and at least three months must remain. I read this on the COA guideline forms.
I also read the thread you quoted and a few others and realise how important it is to apply for the FLR. (I don't know why someone wouldn't or even let their visa expire)
I suppose now my questions have changed now that I'm confident that I have the process correct.
Do we need to send supporting documents with the COA? as I stated in the OP there is no mention of doing this on the guideline forms (nor from memory are there any questions asking how long the relationship has been for so far etc)
How will she show that she didn't intend to come to the UK on a student visa to then wed? She is currently on a 2 year student visa of which 1 year has expired so I suppose that sort of shows she intended to come here to study as it's now a year down the line and only now applying for the COA. Any thoughts on this?
Cheers.... Ashley.