Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I'm american and I met my b/f who is British a little over two years ago online. We started out as friends and things gradually progressed and now we want to be together more than anything but have a few questions about the visa process and don't know where to turn. I've checked websites on visa's but I only get confused. I want to join him in the UK but we don't know if I would be refused a fiancee's visa. He is disabled and has been since birth and he gets public funds. My interpretation of what I've read on websites is that he wouldnt' be allowed to claim public funds. I guess what I need to know is if his being disabled or getting public funds would pose a problem with me getting a visa. We really want to be together and have a life together. He means the world to me and it would completely devastate both of us if our dream can't come true. Thank you for any help or advice that you can give us.

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Roby,

Your situation has probably been dealt with before by British Immigration.

However, in view of the fact that the circumstances of your relationship are rather unique it might be a good idea to seek expert advice from the British Consulate in the US?

From what I understand, Immigration Officers at British Consulates around the World are very approachable, knowledgeable and freindly! I have been told they are very pleased to listen to your case and try to find an appropriate way for a visa to be issued.

It may well be that your own ability to obtain employment in the UK will be a major factor, do you have current employment in the US and if so is that experience transportable to the UK?

I would also keep all records of any correspondance between yourself & your partner as this will add strength to your case.

Good luck!

Thanks for your advice and encouragement. I am employed in the states but unfortuantly I don't think that will help me very much as I'm only a factory worker. My partner and I want to get married but I'm really afraid of being turned down for a visa due to our circumstances. I hope this will not be the case. I will take your advice and contact the British consulate. Thank you again.

I am sure there would be no problem getting a visa due to his disability as that would clearly be a discrimanatory policy and he is free to marry whoever he chooses. I suspect you are more likely to run into a problem because this is a "long distance" relationship, and you have not spent much time physically together before deciding to go for the fiance thing. I am sure there are people out there who have been in this situation, (although without the disabiliy issue on top) who would be happy to describe their experience on one of the usenet immigration groups.

The second real issue here is would your fella still be able to collect his "public funds" if they think that you will be able to work to support the both of you (if his benefit is "means tested"), and could you get by without his public support. I would get him (or maybe a third party) to check into this with whichever agency is supporting him first.

Good luck

Iain

Roby,
Oh my! We are in the same situation! I too met my fiance online about 2 yrs ago (he's British, I'm American). I just spent 6 months with him because you don't need a visa to visit for up to 6 months. (If you are considering doing this as well, email me so I can give you more advice.) My boyfriend is also disabled and on benefit for anxiety problems. We are facing the same challenges that you face because we are deeply in love and want to marry. Maybe we can help each other out as we discover more information. It's strange to encounter someone who knows exactly what we're going through!

Thanks, I'll have him check into that about his benefits ASAP. Its great to have people that understand and are willing to help and give advice. I thought we were all alone in this. And to be honest its a bit scarey. But we are both determined to be together.

Poshfaerie, thank you for responding to my post. I've been trying to find someone that had been or was going through the same experience but I didn't think I'd find anyone with the same circumstances. I'd love advice on how to go for a visit. Please feel free to email me and I'd really like to chat with you sometime.

Dear Roby,

If you plan to travel to the UK to marry you will need to obtain a Fiancee visa from the British Authorities in America.
As your fiance is a British citizen he is able to claim benefits, so long as you will not need to this should not hinder your application. As was mentioned in a previous reply if you are able to show that you are employable in the UK (and therefore will not need to rely on your partners benefits) this will aid your application.
It may be an idea to contact recruitments agencies in the UK and submit your CV to them. If they would then be able to confirm that they should see no problem with you finding employment in the UK once you are married and your Marriage Visa has been issued, this would be beneficial.

Please feel free to contact us directly, via [email protected], if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Philippa.
www.visa-office.com.