Single US Parent of UK kids

[jolais]

Hi there - Firstly, I used to have a username here but don't remember what it was, so have made another one to get back into the site.... no malice, but can't PM the proper channels it looks like. So, as long as that's out of the way.


I, a US citizen, came into the UK on a spouse visa in 2010 and since, our relationship has broken down. I am now here on a 10-year track visa (no govt. funds) based on the fact that my 3 children are settled here. They were born in Canada, have no passports at the moment, or in fact any documentation to prove they are either British or American: I never registered them as American citizens born abroad. I am finding myself faced with a decision whether to abandon the 10-year-track visa and go back to the US or to try to beef up my next application on not much more than the UK living wage. The children's father is supportive but for the sake of their stability, I want to keep the kids with me.
So!
If I take the girls back to the US, would I have to register them as US citizens and get them US passports as they are all under 12? Or would it be more prudent to bring them in on visas as British citizens with UK passports? They may get dual citizenship, I suppose. Their father is a dual citizen of UK and Canada, so could procure UK passports for all of them...but I haven't found much on that route yet.
Or
As a single parent with no access to public funds, no notable job qualifications (barmaid/waitress), needing to attempt a move to private let housing, can I even meet the necessary financial requirements on my next round of the application coming summer 2017?

I've been thinking about this a long time and with my goal being further education for myself while maintaining the wellbeing of my kids, I must not have enough information to weigh it properly, or enough perspective, or something. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Jacki

[Dorkey]

How old is your oldest child?

What is their immigration status in the UK?

What is your current immigration status in the UK?

You don't need to meet the financial requirements on a 10year route.

[Dorkey]

If their father has ILR or is BC he can apply for British passports for the children.

[jolais]

Oh, hey! Thank you for replying.

My kids are here on ILR. They entered with ILR as their dad is a UK citizen.

I'm here on a 10-year track for relatives of settled person(s) visa where I have to reapply every 30 months for 10 years. My next application is due in June.

I was under the impression that I had to prove my ability to support myself and my family without government funds...? Was that not to be proven by a certain amount of savings or income?

Thanks again for your attention here. Was beginning to think I was going to have to just jump.

[Dorkey]

Hiya,

You don't need to meet financial requirements for a 10year route as long as you can show that you are able to accommodate and maintain yourself and children which is by having a job and accommodation.

[Dorkey]

As long as you have been a legal migrant in the UK for 10years which you said you came in 2010 means in 2020 you can then apply for ILR.

So you will need to apply two more times to get you to 2020.