Ukrainian spouse 1st Visit.

[woodstock1]

Hi everyone, apologies, I posted this in the wrong forum! Please don't shout at me too much, it's late!


Hello everyone, I hope someone can help me please.My wife is Ukrainian, we married at the end of October 2012 in Ukraine. My parents have yet to meet their daughter in law, and we both think it is about time we put this right. Our initial plan was for me to emigrate to Ukraine, in fact I have my first years temporary permission to live there, and I'm about to renew it. However, although I knew it would be hard to find work there, in the clear light of day it is obvious to me that I will struggle to support her and my two step children if I live there permanently. Since well before we married I have been travelling back and fowards every couple of months. It is a crazy situation, the money I spend on flights I'd prefer to spend on my family. So, now my question, I want my wife to visit for about a week, to meet her extended family. The kids will stay with relatives during this time. Does she need to apply for a spouse visa, or will a general visit visa be correct? Long term I want us to all live in the UK, so obviously I want to follow correct procedure and not cause problems. What documents will they require? . Also, the website mentions that after a couple is married for 4 years, the requirements for entry are relaxed, but I can find no reference as to what they will require after that time. So.....please help! Many thanks in advance of any replies....Si..
woodstock1
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[Wanderer]

Visit is possible, I've seen it but I've also seen more denied since the UKBA feel the intention is to settle, and to be fair you can see their viewpoint, since so many have abused it in the past.

Spouse is more logical, but if she's got two kids it's £851x3 and permission from the father for them to leave, might cost you a bit since a court order is needed. Not saying its the case here, but Ukr. sees a lot of dead-beat dads and when this situation happens they want their share, be aware. Have deep pockets!

The four year thing is ILE - you need to living abroad and returning to UK for that, sort of instant ILR (permanent residency) but it's not an easy path unless you have huge six figure savings behind you.

[CR001]

The four year thing is ILE - you need to living abroad and returning to UK for that, sort of instant ILR (permanent residency) but it's not an easy path unless you have huge six figure savings behind you.

This 4 year ILR concession for married couples is no longer applicable as it was abolished a couple of years ago.

[SoHopeful]

If you have established a life in your wife's country, which it sounds as though you have, I think you would be ok applying for a visitors visa for her. You simply want her to meet her in laws. She isn't travelling with her children so she has ties to the Ukraine.

I don't know what you're financial position is, but many couples are opting for visiting visas for their partners until they are earning enough to meet the financial requirements, so being married shouldn't necessarily go against you. Surely people should be able to see their UK partner's home place without having to settle

[woodstock1]

Thank you everyone for your prompt replies. Regarding the children's father, he sadly passed away some years ago, and all the necessary documentation is present and corect.I understand the border agency's concern about people disappearing after arriving, but even if we do everything by the book, will they still think we are liars? Financially, I earn just under the threshold, as so many on here seem to. We are not quite ready to try for permanent settlement yet in that respect. Right now all we want is a week, maybe 2 , visit to meet family and friends.Forgive me if I misunderstood, but as I see it, there is no right of appeal for any family visas now. If that is so, can I keep re applying until they agree to let our families meet? I know this technique used to work with planning permission(!)
Thanks again everyone, forums like this are such a great help....Si..