US Citizen marrying UK citizen in UK - help!!

[clairybible]

Hello all,

Sorry if this is in the wrong place but I couldn't see anywhere better to put it!

My partner (US citizen form birth) and I (UK citizen from birth) have been together since 2013. We are planning to get married next summer and know that we need all of our visa stuff sorted so that he will be able to stay here, live with me and eventually get a job. No idea what visa would be best - I've looked through them all. The marriage visa says that he would have to leave within 6 months?

I have heard mention of the partner (me) needing to earn a certain amount - I am on £22k at the moment and will be able to support him whilst he is in the UK.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

[CR001]

The financial requirement (earnings) that you as the sponsor need to meet is £18,600pa.

He can apply for a fiance visa. This is valid for 6 months and you need to get married within the 6 months. He would not be permitted to work on this visa.

Once you are married and before his visa expires, he can apply to switch within the UK to FLR(M) which is the spouse settlement visa. The Immigration Health surcharge is payable in addition to the visa application fee to switch. He can apply by post or in person for a same day decision. Once he is granted the FLR(M) visa, he is free to do any work.

A marriage visitor visa is exactly that, a visitor visa and is a different visa to the fiance visa and yes, he would need to leave the UK and apply for a spouse visa from the USA.

[Casa]

Selecting the correct visa depends on where you intend to marry. You have the following options:
1. Marry in the US and apply for a spouse settlement visa. Visa fees are due to be increased and the indication is that 2016/17 a settlement visa fee will be £1,195. In addition there will be NHS surcharge of £600. The initial visa will grant a probationary period of 2.5 years, after which a further extension of 2.5 years will have to be applied for. Sponsor's minimum annual income is £18,600 under current rules. Application VAF4a

2. Apply for a fiance visa in the US. Visa fee the same, £1,195. NHS surcharge not payable at this stage. The wedding must take place within 6 months of the visa issue date. Application VAF4a. After the wedding, apply for a 2.5 year spouse visa on form FLR(M) from within the UK. A postal application is expected to be £811 + NHS surcharge of £500. Bear in mind that your husband will be unable to work legally until the FLR(M) visa has been granted. If you apply in person at a Premium Service Centre where most applications are decided on the day, there would be an additional fee of £450.
Edit: I knew that Miss Speedy Fingers, CR001 would beat me to the post!

[clairybible]

Thank you so much, that makes it a lot clearer! Had no idea it was so expensive though, we better get saving!!

[CR001]

You are welcome and come back for any further questions you might have