Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

Hi BritishExpats,

I'm a UK citizen and my partner is a US citizen. We have made the decision to move back to be closer to family. We have 2 kids under 6, and both of the kids have dual citizenship.
We have discussed the option of me moving back with the kids in the summer and finding work, and getting settled. My partner would apply for their visa from the US, sell the house and get everything shipped to the UK. From what I've read I will need to find a job earning around 22K BP a year or we could sell our house and use the funds to cover the savings required for my partner to enter the UK under a spouse visa. Do I have this correct? Would I have to fly back to the US and fly with him once he gets the visa, or could he join us once the visa is approved etc?

I would love some pointers and advice. Thanks in advance.

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

If going to use employment income, YOU as the UK citizen need to be earning 18,600 GBP or above to sponsor your husband. (your kids as duals do not need sponsorship).
You would need to hold this job for 6 months before applying for the visa, UNLESS you already earn the equivalent of 18,600 GBP in the US and have a job to go to in the UK.
Read the following document carefully to see how you qualify financially:
https://assets.publishing.service.go...equirement.pdf
YOU would not have to fly back to the US and accompany him when the visa is issued.

If you go with savings from the sale of the house (62,500 GBP needed) then YOU do not need to go to the UK before him. You apply for the visa when you have the monies (no waiting 6 months to have it in your account) and then you travel over to UK when visa issued.

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

Thank you SanDiegogirl, I appreciate your response. One question for you. Once we sell the house, is it possible for me to move to the UK with the kids, and my husband to follow once his visa is approved? It seems silly to wait 12 weeks plus for the visa rather than get our life established in the UK until he arrives.

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

SanDiegogirl's probably asleep now so I'll answer this. Once your partner has their visa, they can move to the UK with you or after you, but not before you. Good luck with your plans, hope everything goes smoothly.

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

Yes.... he can apply for the visa and YOU can travel to UK before him....

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

As it's currently (at the time of your post), about 4:15pm in San Diego, I sincerely doubt SDG is asleep, unless she's having a late siesta. :lol:

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

Agreed. .... A British citizen can come and go from the UK whenever they please. The holder of a new spouse/ family visa can only arrive in the UK for the first time, either with their sponsor, or to join their sponsor who is already in the UK.

Re: Savings/versus work for spouse visa
 

Thank you everyone. This is very helpful!