US married to UK living in US - need guidance

[kirts]

Hi all,

I am a US citizen married to my UK wife. We have been married for 7 years and have lived in the US since we got married, but plan to move back to the UK permanently this summer. I'm looking for info on the process.

I.e. How far in advance of moving should I apply for a visa. Is the Tier 1 - General the appropriate visa? Basically if somebody could point me to a step-by-step guide for the process, that would be great.

Thanks a lot!
Matt

[Kitty]

If you plan to move to the UK to live together permanently, you should apply for a "spouse visa":

Settlement guide

As you have been married for over 4 years, you can be granted Indefinite Leave to Enter subject to sitting the "Life in the UK Test". Basically, this means that you do not have to wait the usual 2 years until you qualify to stay in the UK permanently: you can do it as soon as you have sat the test.