Question for returning UK citizen and wife

Hi

We're starting to prepare for retirement in a couple of years time and are planning to return to the UK and have a question about immigration/citizenship.

I am a dual UK/USA citizen, my wife is a US citizen. We have been living together in the USA for 30 years. I was born and raised in the UK and lived there permanently until I was 26. When we retire we would like to move back to the UK (although we do plan to do a lot of traveling). We will have sufficient retirement income to support ourselves.

I've tried to find information online but the only thing I can find for partners is for those joining UK citizens who are resident in the UK. Is there a process for my situation? Obviously, I don't want to separate for a few years and then have her join me once I have re-established residency.

Thanks
Mitch

It's the same Spouse visa online application. Under the current regulations you will need to submit documented evidence of either £62,500 in savings which have been held in a accessible account for at least 6 months, or the equivalent amount from the sale of property (which doesn't have to be held for 6 months prior to submitting the application).

You will also have to show that you have adequate accommodation which will be available on your arrival in the UK.

Hi Casa

Thanks for responding so quickly. Is this the application you're talking about: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/visa-type

I think I was mis-reading that. It says that the partner (me) must be settled OR be a British citizen so I guess being a citizen I can apply for her even though I'm not currently resident. Do you have any idea how long this process takes? I recently helped a foreign national apply for entry for his family here in the US and it took several years so that's why I'm looking at this so far in advance!! If we're retiring in 2-3 years should I start the process now?

Thanks again for your help
MItch

UKVI advise you apply no more than 3 months before you and your wife plan on moving (in a situation where you move together). No harm in researching the requirements of the visa, evidence you will need (quite extensive in many cases) and how to apply at this stage though.