American moving to UK with girlfriend who is a UK citizen.

[djbrandonfilmore]

Well, heres the long story short. My girlfriend who is a UK citizen, and I, want to move to the UK from Ann Arbor, MI. Im certain there is going to be quite a few hoops to jump through, but were more than willing to do whatever we have to. We are honestly looking for the most pain-free way of moving. We honestly have NO idea where to start... Any information would be wonderful.

Thank you,

-BF

[vinny]

See also Guidance.

[djbrandonfilmore]

See also Guidance.

Honestly, I figured coming to a live forum instead of researching everything manually would be easier, that link seems a bit redundant as far as the use of a forum goes.

I have been searching and searching, but nothing really answers the specifics on my actual situation........

[djbrandonfilmore]

From what Ive found, she must be 21 for the husband/wife application to hold.... is this true? I was always certain it was 18. any help??

[vinny]

See also Guidance.

Honestly, I figured coming to a live forum instead of researching everything manually would be easier, that link seems a bit redundant as far as the use of a forum goes.

I have been searching and searching, but nothing really answers the specifics on my actual situation........

Not quite redundant!

From what Ive found, she must be 21 for the husband/wife application to hold.... is this true? I was always certain it was 18. any help??

Spouse visa age lowered

Well, heres the long story short. My girlfriend who is a UK citizen, and I, want to move to the UK from Ann Arbor, MI. Im certain there is going to be quite a few hoops to jump through, but were more than willing to do whatever we have to. We are honestly looking for the most pain-free way of moving. We honestly have NO idea where to start... Any information would be wonderful.

Thank you,

-BF

You haven't given sufficient specifics on your actual situation for any more detailed advice to be given.

[djbrandonfilmore]

Well her and I have been living together over a year. she is 20, and I am 28. She was born there (Her father a UK citizen, her mother a UK resident, american citizen), and moved to the states at age 2. She obviously is a citizen of the Uk, and she and I wish to move there permanently. We are not married, but are already planning on it. I see that I will be given a 27 month "Probationary Visa", which is no problem.

I was more wondering what exactly they are going to expect from us, how much money we should have saved, what to do about me being able to work, transportation (coz lets face it, her driving scares me here in the states, im only certain it will be worse when we get there, lol). I know she isnt going to have an issue moving back to her home country, what were more worried about is me, and what proverbial hoops I will have to jump through, or if there is anything I should be cautious of. I thank and welcome all of your responses.

-BF

[djbrandonfilmore]

Also, If we choose not to get married before we leave, how would this impact/or not, our move?

[geriatrix]

Well her and I have been living together over a year.

Then you will have to wait until you two either:
1) complete 2 years living together, or
2) get married.

[djbrandonfilmore]

Well her and I have been living together over a year.

Then you will have to wait until you two either:
1) complete 2 years living together, or
2) get married.

As far as that goes, getting married is probably the easiest way, which was already discussed.

So in a nutshell, just get married, save some money, and move? It cant be that easy...

[vinny]

Probably 'easier' if applying before any proposed changes take effect.

[Greenie]

Well her and I have been living together over a year.

Then you will have to wait until you two either:
1) complete 2 years living together, or
2) get married.

As far as that goes, getting married is probably the easiest way, which was already discussed.

So in a nutshell, just get married, save some money, and move? It cant be that easy...

It is not 'easy'. You need to read the guidance that you have been directed to. You can't expect people to lay out each and every requirement before you have taken the time to read the numerous documents available.

if your girlfriend has not lived in the UK since she was 2 years old, and will be moving back at the same time as you, you will either need a significant amount in savings or one or both of you will need to have a firm job offer to go to.

Given that she is only 20, I assume she possibly doesn't have a long employment history. Are either of you particularly skilled and do you have plans as to what work you might do in the UK? have either of you been looking for work? Do you know where in the country you might live and where you intend to stay when you arrive? have you looked into the cost of renting/buying property?

[djbrandonfilmore]

Well her and I have been living together over a year.

Then you will have to wait until you two either:
1) complete 2 years living together, or
2) get married.

As far as that goes, getting married is probably the easiest way, which was already discussed.

So in a nutshell, just get married, save some money, and move? It cant be that easy...

It is not 'easy'. You need to read the guidance that you have been directed to. You can't expect people to lay out each and every requirement before you have taken the time to read the numerous documents available.

if your girlfriend has not lived in the UK since she was 2 years old, and will be moving back at the same time as you, you will either need a significant amount in savings or one or both of you will need to have a firm job offer to go to.

Given that she is only 20, I assume she possibly doesn't have a long employment history. Are either of you particularly skilled and do you have plans as to what work you might do in the UK? have either of you been looking for work? Do you know where in the country you might live and where you intend to stay when you arrive? have you looked into the cost of renting/buying property?

She has been in the work force since the age of 14. She also works for the Salvation Army in many different units. I myself, have ran a family business for many many years, done construction (commercial and residential), Bartended, etc, and I am certified in Metal work. We are looking for housing and employment constantly on Gumtree in the Brighton/Portsmouth area. As far as having a significant amount in savings, how much are you referring to?
We are fully aware of costs and such, and are taking this more than seriously. This is what we have chosen for our path in life, and we are sticking to it.

[Greenie]

Brighton is significantly more expensive than Portsmouth to live. Brighton is heavily reliant on the tourist trade so good for bar work (which is not well paid) but not so good for practical things such as metal work. A significant amount of people commute to London from Brighton as pay in Brighton is quite poor for the South particularly relative to the high cost of living. Portsmouth is not as nice to live in but more industrial and is also in commutable distance to Southampton - therefore you are probably more likely to find work in industry there.

Be careful about gumtree - there are lots of scams on there - you might find a website like www.rightmove.com as a more reliable alternative.

If neither of you have a job offer then they might expect you to show that you have enough savings to last you for the two year probationary period, given that is can be difficult to find work at the moment due to the economic climate.

depending on where you decide to live, rent could be anything from £400 - 900 per calandar month for a 1 bed property. Plus council tax which varies but can be around £100 per month, plus utility bills, food, transport etc. Also keep in mind that you usually need to have a deposit of 6 weeks rent up front, plus the first month's rent, and most rental properties are unfurnished so you need to factor these costs in.

In total, if neither of you have a job, and working on the basis that you will need between £1000 - £1500 per month, they may expect to see that you have between £24,000 - £36,000 in savings.

It would be far easier if one of you had an offer of employment, but this will be hard for both of you particularly as you don't have a visa yet and for your girlfriend because given she has not lived in the UK since she was a child she will probably find it hard to find work if she is looking from the US as to secure employment you generally need to be in the UK and able to attend an interview. Your girlfriend might want to consider coming to the UK to look for work first, perhaps you could also come over as a visitor so that you can try to find a place to live and get a proper feel for the job market, but you will need to show a clear intention to return to the US following your visit or they might refuse you entry.

[Casa]

Also bear in mind that in order to work on a building site in the UK you are now required to pass an exam in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Most main contractors ask for CIS tax registration (sub-contractors) as very few construction companies employ workers directly now.