[GROAN] Please just reassure me again re: spouse working

adlibris · Post by **adlibris** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 7:57 pm

I've tried to find it on these boards, and I'm sure it's printed somewhere in BIG FLASHING LETTERS that I am just missing... but I'd like some concrete reassurance that my spouse is considered a work permit holder just because I am (and assuming he is accepted into the country under a spouse visa).

Specifically, I'd love a link to one of the UK visa/work permit websites the government sponsors. I feel like, if I can print that sucka out, I can stop worrying!

I mean, we can live fine on my salary and our savings. I just want him to be able to even consider work...he's no loafer... and if I drag him overseas and he can't work, he'll be bored out of his skull. I know. Sounds wacky, but it's true!

DETAILS: I have an intra-company transfer work permit and am applying under VAF-1 for my non-settlement visa.

Thanks for indulging my worry-wartness.

Post by **John** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:56 pm

If an employer in the UK gets a WP for you, and then you subsequently apply for and get an employment visa .... and your husband gets a dependent visa .... that is, he would be your dependent, then yes he is able to work in the UK.

Does that mean he "is considered a work permit holder just because I am"? Well the strict answer to that is no. In a sense his rights are better than yours. Whilst you as a WP holder are restricted to working for the employer who got the WP for you, your husband can work for anyone .... without needing a WP! That includes the ability for him to change jobs without having a problem .... whilst if you wanted to change jobs the new prospective employer would need to get a WP for you.

The downside for your dependent husband is that if you lose your job and thus need to leave the UK, then your husband has to leave as well.

adlibris · Post by **adlibris** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:02 pm

That's funny! Thank you for the reassurance, too.

Does it say any of this anywhere on BritainUsa or UKVisa or any of those sites that are run by the UK government? If so, I cannot for the life of me find it! Do you know where a link may be?

Thank you!!!!!!!!

Post by **John** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 10:39 am

This is a very reasonable question that you pose, but without using a lot of time to find anything about this on the two sites to mention, although I did have a quick look on both, I found something on the www.workingintheuk.gov.uk website.

Have a look at this webpage and in particular read no. 17. As it says there :-

The spouse/unmarried partner will be given conditions of stay, which do not place any restrictions, other than those that would apply to a resident worker, on their taking employment or engaging in business.

Therefore, a dependant of a work permit holder is free to work in the UK as long as the endorsement in their passport places no restrictions on them.

adlibris · Post by **adlibris** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:27 pm

John, you're da bomb. And I'm hopelessly out of touch because I still use the phrase "da bomb." : )

If any of you come to Dorking soon -- holler at me!

I'm so excited! Best of luck to all of you in obtaining work and visas!

Post by **John** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:48 pm

I am glad you found that link useful.

DETAILS: I have an intra-company transfer work permit and am applying under VAF-1 for my non-settlement visa.

No doubt you already appreciate that your husband will need to also use form VAF1 to apply for his dependant's visa. The applications should go in at the same time.

Any children? They will also need to apply for such a dependant's visa.

adlibris · Post by **adlibris** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:53 pm

Thanks -- no kids yet. We were thinking about it but now I'm thinking that the last thing I want to do is move to Europe and sit at home! ha ha.

I'm sending of my VAF-1 today or Monday, and my husband's application will follow.

BTW, this messageboard is an invaluable resource. Thanks to workpermit.com for providing it and all you great folks for keeping it going! It's saved me many a sleepless night so far.

Speaking of, does anyone know if it's common to get turned down for the VAFs? I assume we'll both be granted them, but if there's some trick or tip I don't know.... ??

Post by **John** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 2:16 pm

I'm sending of my VAF-1 today or Monday, and my husband's application will follow.

I would send them off together. That way they can easily see the link between them.

Or rather, why not file both applications online ... and then send off the required supporting evidence for both applications together. After all the same supporting evidence will be needed for both.

Full details of the online filing facility on the www.BritainUSA.com website .... click here.

Speaking of, does anyone know if it's common to get turned down for the VAFs?

As long as the required supporting evidence is supplied then there is no reason why the applications should fail. Clearly as you are going to the UK in view of a WP being issued for you, that supporting evidence will include proof that the WP has indeed been issued. Leave out that vital supporting evidence and failure is guaranteed!

adlibris · Post by **adlibris** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 2:30 pm

Thanks John! I never considered sending them off together... That's a good idea. I've almost completed mine online... I guess I would complete his online as well, pay the $165ish for each and then print them out and send them in the same envelope with the same bank statements, marriage certificate and work permit etc... Good thinking!!

That cuts down on the wait time, too. Cha cha cha cha cha! (that's me dancing ; )

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[GROAN] Please just reassure me again re: spouse working