Green card Holder for US - Moving back to U.K.

[EmmaKamp]

Ok, guys.

I have literally no idea where to post this. This website is a little hard to figure out. I’m sorry if I have posted in the wrong section.

I have a lot of questions but I’ll just give a quick brief description.

I’m a U.K. citizen living in the US with my Spouse. She is American. I currently have a Green card.

We have been thinking on moving back to the U.K. on a Family based visa. My only problem is... is it that simple? I know the paperwork, the fees, all of that comes with it because, well, it’s a visa to live in another country.

But can I just move back (I know I would have to give up my GC) and get to work with the paperwork? What about our marriage in the US? What about my name change? How long even is the process?

Again, I’m sorry if I posted in the wrong area. But I would take any advice/knowledge on what we could be in line for.

Thanks all.

[seagul]

But can I just move back (I know I would have to give up my GC) and get to work with the paperwork?

About that you need to enquire from relevant authorities. Similar to it there is an ILR status in UK which usually be lost by living outside the UK for more than 2 years.

What about our marriage in the US? What about my name change? How long even is the process?

That marriage will be accepted in UK. If the new name is a married name then she will have to change the name on passport first and your marriage certificate will be the sufficient proof of name change.

[Amber]

Unless you/your spouse have substantial savings or you have a job offer in the UK, you will find it difficult to get a UK spouse visa.

Would it not be better for you to wait and naturalise as a US citizen?

[EmmaKamp]

Hi guys,

Thanks for replying to my post.

I’ve read into me losing my status in the U.K. I’ve read multiple websites that I will have to take a test? Again I am not sure how all of that works. Still trying to piece things together to see if this is all even possible. Do you have an idea on how that process works?


Unfortunately we do not have the savings to qualify, but I do have a job offer with over the salary that is needed. I know it would be me working at least 6 months with proof of income... heck it’s may even be a couple of years until I get established with my own place and enough evidence. But if in the end it gets my wife over there with me then it’s not a bad thing. Long distance is basically what we’ve been doing our whole relationship.

[CR001]

I’ve read into me losing my status in the U.K. I’ve read multiple websites that I will have to take a test?

What loss of status and what test to take exactly are you reading about??

[EmmaKamp]

I’ve read into me losing my status in the U.K. I’ve read multiple websites that I will have to take a test?

What loss of status and what test to take exactly are you reading about??

This is exactly what I am trying to find out. The previous reply by someone says that I may have “Lost my ILR status” even though I am a citizen with a full British passport. So that’s what I am trying to find out

[CR001]

You don't hold ILR (indefinite leave to remain), you are British. You don't lose anything.

ILR is not the same a being British.

[EmmaKamp]

Exactly what I thought. Thanks for clearing that up for me I appreciate it.