Bringing my Croatian/US Croatian to the UK

[Sheps]

Hi there!

There were a couple of threads I read (ILM's is particular) that were very helpful but I wanted to make my own as to not derail someone elses. I'm looking to bring wife who is both an American and Croatian citizen to the United Kingdom on a spousal visa. I'm a British citizen.

Anyway here is the deal. I met my would be wife about four years ago. We got married in 2008, I emigrated to the states and spent two years living with her parents in Michigan simply because there was no way at all we could get work, so we helped out with my father in laws trucking job.

Anyway, in 2010 the family moved to Croatia, a country in which both myself and my wife can easily obtain legal immigration but as there is no work there. To cut a long story short, we both came to the UK. For three months I would look for work while my wife kept me company. Once her three months were up she returned to Croatia.

Now during this time I've only been able to find temporary work while staying at my mothers and I know that's not going to get myself or my wife a visa. Well a job opportunity has just arisen for me. It will start off through an agency for 13 weeks before I can get the contract (which I know I'll get 100% as it's through a high ranking family member).

Just wondering if you had any advice for us. I know it doesn't look good living with parents but I'm 23 and for the past three years haven't had an opportunity branch out and make a life for myself or my wife. It's only in England that I've successfully been able to find employment. I want to start a life here with my wife and I was wondering if there were any tips you could give me.

One thing I want to note is that I want to get this done as soon as possible. At the moment she's in Croatia and I'm here in England and we simply can't stand to be apart from each other. Which brings up the question, would I have to wait the thirteen weeks to get my contract before applying for a visa or could I get a written statement from my employer letting them know the situation?

Here are my main concerns:

I have only recently found employment in the UK (past two months or so)
I currently living with my mother (although she does work 40 hours a week also)


Thanks in advance. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

PS, would I have to go to Croatia to do the visa with my wife?