American married to a Brit living in Spain! Help

[McFlangie]

Hi,

I am British, married to an American man living legally in Spain.

We want to go to the UK, I have a job offer for Jan but am not quite sure if we qualify for the family permit. If not, how do we make him legal in the UK?

Thanks
McFlangie

[Casa]

Are you exercising your treaty rights in Spain. i.e working?
Why not apply for a Spouse visa under UK regulations (not an EEA permit).
The route to permanent residency for your husband would be quicker, although the Visas aren't cheap!

[geriatrix]

McFlangie, when did you two marry and have you been living outside the UK since?


regards

[McFlangie]

We were married in the States 2 and a half years ago.

We moved to Spain when I got a job here, but was made redundant in July. I now have a job offer and we are looking for the quickest (and cheapest!) was to get us both back and working.

I was not sure what the permanent residency required, and how long it would take. Can he come to the UK as soon as the papers are lodged?

Any info would be gratefully received.

Thanks

[geriatrix]

I guess there is no route to settlement that is both quick and economical. It is either quick (2 years under current UK immigration law) or economical (5 years, I believe, under EU laws).

For application under UK immigration law, see Settlement - visa application guide, and Maintenance and Accommodation (MAA). See also How to apply for a UK visa in Spain.


regards

[ElenaW]

Keep in mind that the UK rules may change soon. You would fall under the new catagory of people which may well be 5 years to permanent residency just like under the eu route.

[vinny]

See also 2. Procedural comparison