September Advisory: So you want to move to the UK!
Online or long distance relationships are becoming ever more common but there are hurdles to the happily ever after life in the UK. While everyone would like to be able to just fly over and set up house with their special other, there are certain routes you must follow. This advisory hopes to make clear the main options for Americans to live legally in the UK with their loved one.
If you have discussed marriage, then it may be that a fiancee visa(1) is the most appropriate route. However, if you have not yet physically met, you won't be able to do this, and will have to come to the UK on another route. If you want to visit, you can do so without the need for prior entry clearance, but be aware of the pitfalls.It is a reality that some are "bounced" when entering without entry clearance. Being prepared and honest are the two most important things to remember when going through immigration for a visit. This page offers some useful advice on what to expect and what information to have at hand:londonelegance.com
If you have decided that you want to come to the UK to get to know each other before committing to marriage, but want to stay for more than six months or can't afford to be here without working, there are a number of options which may be available to you. You may find that you could apply for a work permit(2) or that you qualify for the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrants Programme)(3). If those are not options, a student visa(4) or BUNAC(5) may be the way to go.
Each option has it's restrictions and requirements, but if you are determined there will likely be a way for you both to be in the same country legally. This link contains a pdf overview of the paths to family formation as well: ffoverview.pdf. Please note the only provision for a "trial" relationship is by utilizing the visitor programme.
(1) Fiance Visa information
(2) Work Permit information
(3) HSMP information
(4) Student Visa information
(5) BUNAC information
If you have discussed marriage, then it may be that a fiancee visa(1) is the most appropriate route. However, if you have not yet physically met, you won't be able to do this, and will have to come to the UK on another route. If you want to visit, you can do so without the need for prior entry clearance, but be aware of the pitfalls.It is a reality that some are "bounced" when entering without entry clearance. Being prepared and honest are the two most important things to remember when going through immigration for a visit. This page offers some useful advice on what to expect and what information to have at hand:londonelegance.com
If you have decided that you want to come to the UK to get to know each other before committing to marriage, but want to stay for more than six months or can't afford to be here without working, there are a number of options which may be available to you. You may find that you could apply for a work permit(2) or that you qualify for the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrants Programme)(3). If those are not options, a student visa(4) or BUNAC(5) may be the way to go.
Each option has it's restrictions and requirements, but if you are determined there will likely be a way for you both to be in the same country legally. This link contains a pdf overview of the paths to family formation as well: ffoverview.pdf. Please note the only provision for a "trial" relationship is by utilizing the visitor programme.
(1) Fiance Visa information
(2) Work Permit information
(3) HSMP information
(4) Student Visa information
(5) BUNAC information
