UK husband with American wife question about finances

[Auds_Dods]

Hello! I am going to be marrying my fiancé soon, and we have a couple concerns. We've been together for roughly 7 months and are worried this may not be long enough.

I am an American, and he is English. I will be moving there (Liverpool) after the marriage (which will take place in the USA most likely), but due to some unforeseen circumstances, he does not have current employment; however, he has over 18 thousand pounds saved up in a bank account. Would this qualify him to sponsor me?

Thank you so much for any advice!

[secret.simon]

No.

He needs to be earning at least £18600 for the past six months (may require a year under certain circumstances) or have savings of £62500 in a bank account for six months to qualify you for a spousal visa.

Alternatively, he can look at the Surinder Singh route under the EEA Regulations. That requires him to move the center of his life to another EEA country, exercise treaty rights there and then return with you to the UK.

[Auds_Dods]

So I have been researching the Surinder Singh route, and I have come across conflicting or confusing information. If we were to establish ourselves in Ireland for six months, and he were to acquire a minimum wage vocation, would this suffice as "center of life?" Also, would I be able to work legally to help support us, as his wife?

In addition to having a minimum wage job, would establishing a business as a freelance writer (which is his current occupation) be of any benefit, or simply another expense?

Thank you for your timely and helpful advice.

[secret.simon]

he were to acquire a minimum wage vocation, would this suffice as "center of life?"

It suffices to exercise treaty rights.

"Center of life" is a different proposition altogether and being a relatively subjective test, is hard to quantify. Your significant other must minimise his connections to the UK. So, for instance, does he own a home or have any significant estate (either personal or real,in the UK? That counts towards the center of his life being in the UK. Conversely, the fact that you are not in the UK helps counter against the center of his life being in the UK.

In addition to having a minimum wage job, would establishing a business as a freelance writer (which is his current occupation) be of any benefit, or simply another expense?

He can pursue his dreams too, if he so wishes.

Also, would I be able to work legally to help support us, as his wife?

Absolutely.

[Auds_Dods]

Thank you for your advice.

Do you have any suggestion on what visa I should apply for, so that I may work as well and not just use up savings?

Thank you again.

[noajthan]

Thank you for your advice.

Do you have any suggestion on what visa I should apply for, so that I may work as well and not just use up savings?

Thank you again.

Once established in the state you simply apply for a RC, a.k.a. STAMP 4 EUFAM in Ireland.

More on free movement to get you up to speed:
http://ec.europa.eu/justice/citizen/doc ... 013_en.pdf

A country guide that covers Ireland for SS-ers:
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/ ... -2015.html

[sha373]

Sorry to add one more question regarding saving, should cash saving must be in U.K. Bank account or its allowed to be in wife/ husband home country??
For example if I (sponsor) have some saving in U.K. On my name and my wife(applicant) have some saving in her account in Pakistan , should it be ok ???

[Casa]

Yes as long as the savings are held in an accessible account...i.e no constrictions on withdrawal.

[sha373]

Thanxx casa

[Auds_Dods]

Thank you again for all the advice about the Singh route, but my fiancé is now concerned that if the negotiations between the UK and the EU succeed, this route may be shored up. One newspaper had a claim that it might not have any legal effect due to the free movement within the EU.

Do you know whether or not this will be closed if the negotiations fully succeed?

Additionally, I have been unable to find concise information about the total cost for the visas I will need. Do you have any idea as to what we can expect? Thank you again for your time.

[Casa]

Thank you again for all the advice about the Singh route, but my fiancé is now concerned that if the negotiations between the UK and the EU succeed, this route may be shored up. One newspaper had a claim that it might not have any legal effect due to the free movement within the EU.

Do you know whether or not this will be closed if the negotiations fully succeed? A closure can't be ruled out.

Additionally, I have been unable to find concise information about the total cost for the visas I will need. Do you have any idea as to what we can expect? Assuming you marry in the US, the visa fees from April 6th 2016 will be:
Spouse Settlement visa - £1195 + NHS surcharge £600
After 2,5 Years FLR(M) visa - £811 + NHS surcharge £500 (Postal application - in person application + £500)
At the end of the 5 year period ILR - £1875. (Postal application - in person application + £500
British citizenship - £1156.00
Bear in mind that visa fees generally increase annually


Thank you again for your time.