UK citizen + US citizen = Spouse Visa

[aaronsaffer]

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[yankeegirl]

I know for a fiance visa etc you have to show proof of at least two years together

This is not true of a fiance visa; two years co-habitation is required for an Unmarried Partner visa.

Yes, the easiest course of action would be to go to the US, get married and apply for a spousal visa. It is valid for two years and costs 1050USD.

I do have a question though. If you are not employed how will you support the both of you? The reason I'm asking is that 3rd party support (help from family/friends) is no longer allowed.

[aaronsaffer]

Well I have a considerable loan on which to live on, and savings of my own. My girlfriend once here will be taking up employment, and part of the documentation she will provide will be that of jobs she is applying for. Any further thoughts?

[topazstar]

As far as I know, it is not how long the relationship has lasted but being able to provide proof of it i.e. letters, emails, phone calls, texts etc. between you.
We are in a similar position as met in March and married in August. As long as you can evidence I think it will be OK. Spouse visa asks for proof that:

1) You have met
2) You are married
3) You intend to stay together in a permanent relationship
4) You have somewhere to live
5) You can support yourselves without recourse to pubic funds.

Regarding point (5) as long as you can prove savings by bank statements and something to show the salary you will be on once training completed, then I think an application should be OK.

[aaronsaffer]

Well I guess that is possible - so topazstar where are you up to in your process? Can I get this right - we have to pay the $1050 regardless of whether or not we are successful? And when we go to the NY application centre, with an appointment, is that when we will get our decision?

[aaronsaffer]

Oh and one other question - am I right in thinking it's a fairly fast process getting a spouse visa in the USA for the UK, certainly more so than other countries in Asia etc?

[yankeegirl]

Oh and one other question - am I right in thinking it's a fairly fast process getting a spouse visa in the USA for the UK, certainly more so than other countries in Asia etc?

Yes, it's relatively fast. Straightforward in-person applications are usually dealt with same-day; postal ones a week or two(sometines 3).

we have to pay the $1050 regardless of whether or not we are successful?

Unfortunately the fee is non-refundable if your application is not successful. Have a good read through of some of the old threads; people have posted what they have submitted with their applications. It should be helpful so you know what they are looking for.

[aaronsaffer]

does anyone have any idea how much money is required for the sponser (me) to have in my bank account? Also, as I'm going to be in a training course in November I have no employer to provide a reference. Is that going to be a problem?

[aaronsaffer]

Perhaps someone could answer this - we are returning to the US to marry and a day later or two apply for our visa, does the short period of time we'll have been married for pose a problem even if we satisfy all other requirements?

[aaronsaffer]

Finally - we got our visa from the consulate in New York - all went smoothly. If anyone has any questions about the process feel free to ask!

Now that my wife has the visa - can someone tell me, I have to go and live in Spain for two months, using her visa will my wife be able to the same on a spouse visa etc?

Thanks for all your help!

[JAJ]

Now that my wife has the visa - can someone tell me, I have to go and live in Spain for two months, using her visa will my wife be able to the same on a spouse visa etc?

Her spouse visa is no use in Spain, sorry. She needs to have a British citizen passport in order to have her own rights of movement independently.

If you are just going to be there for two months, then she can probably stay as a tourist (make sure you have provided for healthcare). If longer, you would need to sponsor her for some kind of Spanish permit.

[vinny]

Now that my wife has the visa - can someone tell me, I have to go and live in Spain for two months, using her visa will my wife be able to the same on a spouse visa etc?

See also Spain consulate in NY, Visas:

US citizens who wish to stay in Spain for tourist or business purposes for up to 90 days do not need a visa. They should travel with a round trip air ticket and a passport valid for a minimum of six months.

If staying longer, then see also: Residence visa to reunite a family member with a citizen of Spain or an EU member.

Note that with a UK spouse visa, your wife should initially enter the UK no later than 28 days (4 weeks) from the 'effective' date of her visa. Else, she may have to apply for a FLR(M) (further leave to remain) before applying for a SET(M) (indefinite leave to remain) in two years' time.