we came the the decision in april 2000 and had my hubby's spousal visa in hand by june 2000 - The first time :-)


And it is always smoother if you have a job or support over there

I was talking about the OP's studies to become a teacher. College tuition for him would be a lot more seeing he is not a resident in the UK.

But, I see that he is going to continue his studies online. Didn't know that a teaching degree could be obtained online As far as I know (seeing I got my teaching degree in the US) you need to be placed in a school to do your teaching practicum, how would that work if you're not in the US

I said I would look into it and see if it was possible. It maybe easier just to look at transfering to U.K. and seeing that I would need to do. Not sure if it is possible or not; will be contacting my school on Monday.

Okay, I see, good luck

False!

and somewhere to live....what are your plans on that?

To start with I would crash with family, and once I get a job find rented accomadation. I hope to bring enough money that I would be able to have six months rent. (Saving as much as we can).
I don't think I would get much help with council property but my brother is looking into it for me. I don't think my years of paying taxes before I left will help me in anyway; just like when I gave up work and returned back for six months to take care of my dying dad they would not help me with any support.

nope it's not so easy to get council accom from what i hear. this is a good website for accom etc > http://www.gumtree.com/

btw it is ok for you both to hold dual passports. my USC husband has both UK and USA passport and it's not a problem. you might want to spend this time applying for your USA passport being as you are a permanent resident already and that way the door's open if you wish to return...

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/form_n400.html

Would I need to become a U.S. citizen to get a passport to allow our return or would my ten year permanent residency card be enough?

You need to become a U.S. citizen.

The way that I see it, is that there are two immigration issues and then other personal issues.

First, leaving the door open if you want to come back. Your Green Card could well be in jeopardy with the plan that you have as it clearly shows intent to live permanently somewhere else. The safest option as many have said is to get US citizenship before you leave. This way you'll be treated as a US citizen just wanting to come back and that's no problem. Generally, on a green card, you're okay to be out of the country for 6 months, any longer it starts getting sticky and in fact if your intention is not to live in the US you could lose your GC.

Just as an aside if your wife is a US citizen, she could always sponsor you to move back to the US in the future, but there is time, expense, etc involved in this. Also Government can always change their rules, etc. So if you are eligible to apply now and you have the slightest inclination that you might go back in the future, it might be prudent to apply for it now. However, be aware that once you have your citizenship, you have to file returns and be subject to the US IRS rules.

Secondly, moving your family over to the UK. This is where you'll have to apply for a spousal visa. You will have to prove that you have a genuine relationship, accomodation for when you arrive in the UK, money to tide you over and generally that you won't be a burden on public funds.

I believe that once you have moved to the UK, your wife will be eligible for NHS services. I'm not sure about the 'transferability' of the teaching course that you are doing now and that's something that you might want to look into. On the five year rule, you might be referring to the fact that if you have been married for four years you can currently apply directly for Indefinite Leave to Enter as part of the spousal visa. This is not any easier, just that two years down the line in the UK, you don't have to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Thanks all for your response Dave, will certainly think about things and what is best way to do it.

Thanks all.

Does anyone know the best number to contact about sorting out getting birth certificates and passports for my birth children.

And where can I find out about getting my adopted daughter British citizenship. All the numbers seem to be pay as you go and seem very expensive. If that's all there is I will call.

I live in Texas.

Thanks.

check out post 14 for Brit citizenship etc. and remember google is your friend
btw i think you can email but yes the phone calls are not cheap!

A couple of times, I've emailed about visas, etc, and to be honest the responses have been not very satisfactory. Unfortunately, sometimes calling them up is the only way, but it may just be I like things explained to me rather than once sentence replies.