WheelsOfSteel

Did a search on the forums here, but couldn't find what I needed.

I have been married to a US citizen for 6 years and now want to work and live in the US.

I am British and we have 2 children who are both joint US citizens. (So no problems for them)

What is the easiest/best way to proceed with this and what is the process?

If this has been answered a link would be appreciated.

Thanks...

WOS

nethead

You live together in the UK?
If so then the easiest way is DCF at the US embassy in London.

AmerLisa

US Marriage Based Visas is the forum you want to be asking questions in. Do a search on DCF and you'll come up with tons of information. We did it all without any help, sold our house and survived to wear the t-shirt. Good luck.

WheelsOfSteel

Yes, we do.

Do you know roughly how long the DCF process takes? Also, given my situation, is it a formality (subject to the usual background stuff, etc)

Thanks,

WOS

Angry White Pyjamas

Welcome WoS. Pretty much what the Amerlisa said. Good luck in your adventure.

gruffbrown

Good Luck Swiss Tony

WheelsOfSteel

Thanks all for the greeting.

I have to say the US was never on the top of my location list.

However, the wife has supported me on our various travels, so figured if she wants us to spend some time in the US, why not...

My brother has been there 10 years, plus I have acquired a large US family down the line so...

Thanks for the help & support!

WOS

SecretGarden

Hi,
To echo what someone else said, the best place to ask your questions given your particular circumstance would be in the marriage based visa forum.
Good luck!
~SecretGarden

Rete

Two things immediately come to mind:

1. Your wife needs a certain status in the UK in order to be eligible to do the direct consular filing in London. Check out the US Consulate website for London to find out which one it is. Believe, but not positive, it is Indefinite Leave to Remain.

2. Has already become a naturalized citizen of the UK and if not if she is close to the time to do so, would be in her best interest to obtain it before leaving. Makes things so much easier when or if you wish to return to the UK.

Bob

That's the one...

scrubbedexpat099

Assuming that they have been in the UK for 6 years that should be a fromality as far as DCF at the London Consulate is concerened.

The usual hurdle is needing a sponsor, you need income or assets, so if insufficient assets then either the missus goes back earlier and gets a job or a US based Family member with suficient income co-sponsors. Assuming your job does not transfer.

www.visajourney.com has a board about DCF and a UK forum.

frrussre

Hi Wheelsofsteel, from my own experience, I agree with Rete"s Para 2. My wife a USC also was married to me in UK, we had a son (Dual Citizen), we left UK & I emigrated to USA. I am now a Dual Citizen, my wife's big regret, she did not get her British citizenship. Now of course she can't do it, without moving back to UK.
Good luck with your new adventure.
Reg. Frank R.

WheelsOfSteel

Thanks all.

Yes, she does Have 'Indefinite Leave to Remain', in the UK. She does not have UK citizenship. She will (hopefully) get this before we leave...

We have not lived in the UK all that time. We lived in New Zealand for a few years, where one of our children was born. He has 3 citizenship's...

Just Jenney

Immigration is never a formality! Why would you think it wouldn't be in your situation? You're an intending immigrant, after all.

~ Jenney

WheelsOfSteel

A relative term only.

However provided one meets the requirements, it should be nothing but a formality, regardless of longevity of process.

If an application is declined, it is declined for a reason. This isn't some random event.

WOS