lauraalbury wrote:I am a British citizen, and my partner is a Bahamian citizen; and we both currently live in the Bahamas together. We plan on getting married in the next few months, and we would like to move to the UK. I've done some basic research on different types of visas, etc, but just overwhelmed by the amount of info available. I am wondering where I can start and which visa would be best? Would I need to move back beforehand and live and work first, or is this a move we can make at the same time?
TIA!
The application would be a Spouse Settlement visa. VAF4a
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/overview
You have options:
1. Return to the UK alone and after being employed for at least 6 months on a minimum income of £18,600 p.a (pro-rata), submit your spouse's settlement visa application to join you. 6 months pay slips + the 6 months corresponding bank statements are mandatory.
OR
2. If you can show income in the Bahamas the equivalent of £18,600 for the 12 month period prior to submitting the visa application
AND have a confirmed job offer to start within 3 months of arrival in the UK, again with an annual salary of £18,600, you will qualify to enter the UK together once the settlement visa has been issued.
OR
3. Without income, you would qualify with savings of £62,500 if they have been held in an accessible account for a minimum of 6 months.
Proof of adequate accommodation available on your arrival is required.
In addition to the visa fee of £1195 your spouse will also have to pay the £600 NHS surcharge.
Assuming your spouse is a Bahamian national, they are exempt from the English language requirement.
The initial visa will grant a 2.5 year limited leave visa, after which your spouse will have to apply for a 2,5 year extension before qualifying for permanent residence (ILR) after the full 5 year period.
