Love knows no boarders

[MacieLouann]

Hi everyone! I am a US citizen who studied abroad in Scotland over a year ago and fell in love with a British citizen. We have been dating now for just over a year and I am just about to finish my degree here in the US and want nothing more than to be in Scotland with my boyfriend.

I am looking at graduate and research programs in Scotland in the hopes that it will help us in our journey to living in the same country but i still wonder if i should look at any other options?

Our plan now is to further my education in Scotland, that way he and i can build up our relationship credibility (work on saving money, saving bank statements, putting our name on things together, ect.) and when I am finished he and i will apply for a partner or marriage visa (hopefully with the help of the supporting documents we have from living in the same place for 2-4 years while on a student visa will help), or pray i find a job in the area and stay in the UK on a work visa until i can apply for residence or indefinite leave to remain.

It seem like a long path, but its worth the wait. I am just wondering if i am taking the right steps or if there is something else i should be doing?

Any advice, tips, or support is welcomed! Thanks in advance!

[ohara]

You're generating a good paper trail, which is a start. There are a few options to remain in the UK, depending on your skills. There's no generic "work visa" any more; Tier 2 General is your best bet if you are highly skilled, even more so if you are skilled in an area which is on the shortage occupation list. https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/overview

The spouse settlement route will be available to you once you have solid evidence of being in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. Or immediately if you marry your partner. https://www.gov.uk/remain-in-uk-family/eligibility

The most important thing to do is make sure you keep on the good side of the law! Get all your visa applications/extensions etc in on time, and whatever you do, don't be tempted to break the rules (working longer than permitted as a student etc) and definitely don't overstay for any reason. It will only cause you headaches in the future for things like ILR, and perhaps citizenship.

[Casa]

Be wary of having too long a gap while you are in the US which could break the continuance of the required 2 years of co-habitation you're trying to achieve. I believe 3 months apart is generally accepted.