USA national to live & work in UK

[RMacd22]

Good afternoon,
After months of trawling for answers, and finding no clear cut results, I thought I'd ask a question everyone has seen.

in January 2013, I (a 32yr old UK male) travelled to the USA for business. Whilst there, I met a 28yr old USA female. Since then we have spoken every day. I have been back to visit on many occasions, and she has been over here many times too.

However, after 29months of this, we really want to live together, to get an idea of whether or not we want to get married etc... Sounds simple and normal like everyone else. But... Neither of us want the pressure of having to pay a fortune for a fiance visa, to which then marriage is required within 6months. Nor do we wish to simply get married, in order to get a spouse visa. Marriage isn't something to be jumped into for the sake of a visa, yet it seems the goverment are pushing this route! Ridiculous!

On top of this, she would have to give up her job and isn't allowed to work here in the UK for anywhere between 6 and 18 months depending on visa's/papers etc... being approved.

Is there a simple way, for her to move to the UK, be able to work and pay taxes, live with me (I have a house and earn good money, and have never claimed a penny in my life) so that we can see if we are indeed "meant to be", at which point we'll look to get married, and then decide on a life in the UK or the USA over the coming years??

Yours, A desperate man!

[CR001]

Unless she qualifies for a Tier 2 General visa and has an approved sponsor in the UK or a Tier 4 to study, there is no easy way unfortunately.

Unmarried partner would have worked but only if you had lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for a minimum of 2 years.

6 and 18 months depending on visa's/papers

Not sure where you got this information but for clarity, she cannot work on a fiance visa but you are correct that you would have to get married within 6 months. Once married though, she can apply within the UK for a spouse visa, which can be applied for in person for a same day decision and once granted, she is free to work for any employer.

Whichever route you choose under UK immigration, there is now the added cost of the IHS Surcharge (Click) although this is not applicable for the initial Fiance Visa.

[RMacd22]

Afternoon Char,

Many thanks indeed for your response. It's very frustrating indeed. With the state of this country and immigration, You'd think that trying to do it the right way, for the right reasons, would be rewarded, yet it feels like you're being punished.

We're looking into work sponsor, as we both work for multinational companies... but such is the laws for filling positions with locally sought persons before advertisment/ sponsorship abroad, that too is a struggle.

Thank you again for your response.

Ross

[CR001]

Have you thought of looking into relocating to one of the EU countries and she joins you there as a partner? It is cheaper than the UK routes and you would need to prove durable relationship.

[ALKB]

Have you thought of looking into relocating to one of the EU countries and she joins you there as a partner? It is cheaper than the UK routes and you would need to prove durable relationship.

Out of interest: which EU country would accept a long distance relationship with no long term cohabitation as durable?

[RMacd22]

Yes Char, We've looked into that option too. Unfortunately, due to work, I have to be living in South east England. In line with this, i travel extensively, so living in Europe isn't an option. But thank you!

Ross

[terriblescream]

Afternoon Char,

Many thanks indeed for your response. It's very frustrating indeed. With the state of this country and immigration, You'd think that trying to do it the right way, for the right reasons, would be rewarded, yet it feels like you're being punished.

We're looking into work sponsor, as we both work for multinational companies... but such is the laws for filling positions with locally sought persons before advertisment/ sponsorship abroad, that too is a struggle.

Thank you again for your response.

Ross

Perhaps she can do a PG or Masters course which is only 12 months and you can spend time with her in the time being and student switching into Tier 2 General after graduation in UK does not require Resident Labour Market Test which means the firms will not have to advertise anything or justify the hire without finding local or EU person.

Well ask me ..immigrants get punished every year, when I applied for Tier 2 Visa the cost was £351 and we are family of four so it was £1404, my renewal is up in Feb and it is going to cost me freaking £4604 which includes £2000 paid towards NHS as a Immigrant Health Surcharge

I'm not saying I don't like it but it is somewhat unfair as the pay hikes are not generally this much but visa fees are.