CONFUSED AS TO WHAT VISA TO APPLY FOR

[laurencewmartin]

If this is in the wrong section I apologise and would appreciate if the mods could do the necessary and repost.

OK - I have tried searching but cannot find the answer or advice I am looking for and would appreciate if someone could help.
I am trying to establish what type of visa I should apply for to allow my wife to stay in the UK for an extended period to accompany our son who we wish to start attending school in the UK. Our situation is as follows:

I am a British Citizen

My wife is a Chinese National

Our son (8 years old) is a British Citizen

We have been married for 9 years

Due to the nature of my job, I have not worked or lived in the UK for almost 30 years

We jointly own (fully paid) our own property in the UK valued at approx. 230,000 pounds

As I have noted, I work constantly overseas as it is not possible to secure employment in the UK for my particular profession. If my son is in the UK, I believe my wife would be classed as the Sole Carer of the child due to my absence.

My wife has previously been granted normal visit visas on several occasions which only allow her to remain in the UK for a maximum of 180 days. I have read extensively on the various requirements to allow us to apply for leave to stay and settlement but it appears that in order for this to be considered I must have, or have had, secure employment in the UK for at least 6 months. Regarding the financial requirements I currently earn well in excess of the 18,600 required.

I would be most grateful if someone has had a similar experience or could offer some guidance and suggest which particular visa we should be applying for. I have also attempted to get advice from the British Embassy but am always directed to the UKBA which states that it cannot give advice on what visa to apply for!.

Many thanks and best regards