Moving home to Scotland... Any Advice?

[micmac 6]

Hey! I can't find the thread from before about people moving home.

Its been 8 months since I moved here and still no interview for AOS. Just had a Request for Evidence, and we had the applications returned twice in January. Very fed up.

Anyway we are looking into moving home again and I am wondering if anyone else here did the same or is in the process of doing so? How is the UK system? It seems a bit easier at first look.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I did it 16 years ago (wow, time flies) and it was extremely straightforward back then, involving filling out some forms, having a brief chat with the vice-consul at the NYC consulate and shoving some money at them. The interview went something like, "Well, we're all chaps here, you seem a lovely couple. Go have lunch and come back in a bit." A few hours and some Reuben sandwiches later I had my spousal visa.

I understand it's a little more complicated now (not least of which is financial support). I know Kathy (of Glyn & Kathy) just did this earlier this year. Hopefully she'll see this and be able to add something here. Looking at the timeline in her signature she did hers in about a month, including the equivalent of an RFE.

[Holly2234 66]

We didn't move home as such because we haven't got to the US yet. But my husband came to live in the UK with me and we had to get a lawyer to help with ours because we didnt fit into the criteria for anything..

Anyway, spousal visas arent too difficult for the UK (US is easier though but not quicker!), the only thing that holds a lot of people back is the income requirements but it has since changed so that a joint sponsor (called something different but cant remember what!) can be used. The home office website doesnt say a lot about it but i tend to keep up with these things as i have been helping a friend get her husband (USC) over here.

Edited May 18, 2012 by Holly2234

[micmac 6]

cool!

In terms of sponsoring I can't do much because I am still unable to work here cause of the stupid green card. I didn't apply for the work permit because I figured there would be no point cause the wait times were similar. I read that it's as a couple rather than the citizen having to pay for everything and my husband can work from home for the company he works for here. His brother moved to England and did the same thing. So hopefully that doesn't present an issue.

My main worry is that I used to be on incapacity benefit for social anxiety. I hope they don't say I can't support him. Also, as we are applying from outside the UK we don't have an address to list. I wonder if we can put a family address and flat hunt from there when we move.

A month would be awesome! We are aiming to move in early october.

[Holly2234 66]

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/can-you-apply/maintenance/ Thats the part that most people have trouble with, but if you can cover that, you're pretty much good to go

[micmac 6]

So if my husband will be keeping his job, which is about $35000 a year, should that be ok? I assume so.

[Holly2234 66]

Yes i assume so. I dont know the figures for it but i expect that will be enough. Its more than i get in this country

I cant seem to be able to find figures anywhere.. I have read some things that say after rent and bills etc you should have £105 left over. The UK dont seem to like giving much away! I know they were trying to cut immigration so i think thats probably why. If you dont pay big money for a lawyer who knows, theyre not gonna tell you

[micmac 6]

It all seems very secretive, the website takes you round and round in circles. That is a really weird rule!

[Holly2234 66]

I thought it was weird too. But then im thinking thats because Jobseekers Allowance is currently £105 a week for a couple (i think it could be £106 possibly now, cant remember!) so thats seen as an acceptable amount to live on without needing government assistance. Not sure how true it is, but if it is, you'll be fine.

It is very secretive. The UK immigration system is not one that im keen on. Its very easy if you know how, but getting to know how, not so much these days. Plus the fees have almost doubled in a year! I paid £450 in March 2011. And having just looked at the fees, its now £826!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Wow! I think it was £200 in 1996. That's some inflation.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

uk-yankee.com

[Elora & Rob 15]

how comes you didnt get an EAD card?

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

Hey there!! Just finished up the process back in February and arrived in March. Rules are supposedly changing in July...and they are popping up maintenance to STUPID levels, but NOTHING has been set in stone yet officially. Someone posted the UKYANKEE forum above and they are really helpful and will offer some more advice. I haven't read up on the new advisory but I know its got people freaking out slightly. They are really trying to slash immigration levels. Holly is right about the fees...ridiculous.

I found applying through the UKBA much more confusing than applying with USCIS, but far quicker. I can answer any questions you have if you pm me. If I don't know, I can probably find out. I'm off for the day though so I may not get back to you till much later today or first thing tomorrow.

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

Back again, got a bit more time before I have to head out.

OK, I may be wrong about when the changes are going into affect. It may be June. The way things are at the moment , you must have left over after rent and council tax every week £106 + a bit more for any children. This I believe they are changing to a requirement of somewhere between £18000.00-£26000 per year plus a significant amount more for any dependant children. It could be a bit higher, I dont remember the exact amount. They are also looking to get ride of the 2 year requirement for ILR (indefinite leave to remain, which is a bit like a 10 year GC) and making it 5 years. Which of course I think pushes back the requirements for citizenship as well.

As I said, these are proposed changes and no one really knows what is going to happen. The whole process is very confusing if you ask me...their website does send you around in circles, and there isn't a whole hell of a lot of help. They (UKBA in NY) does have a page on Facebook where they will occasionally come on and point you in the correct direction, but other than that there is no way to directly contact them other than going through a third party called World Bridge and they aren't exactly helpful and it costs.

The best thing to do is read up, join UKYANKEE to seek advice, and then if you decide to do it, get all your ducks in a row before applying.

Again, if I can help...feel free to pm me. I still come on here just about every day.

[Holly2234 66]

I heard about the new requirements too. I think its the amount you get when you are no longer eligible for Tax Credits. I think thats £26000 a year. Thats one of the things that made us decide to make the move to the US. We dont meet the requirements and likely wont before my husbands visa needs to be renewed. Nobody will employ either of us!

You should be ok with your husbands job though