Should my wife apply for visa before entering UK or after?

[nan0man]

I'm a British citizen currently living in the US. We are moving back to the UK in the next couple of months. We were married 2 months ago here in the US. She's a US Citizen.

QUESTION:
Should she enter the UK and then start the process to get permanent residency and work authorization or,...Should she apply while here in the states?

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

[vinny]

Visitors may not switch. She should apply for a spouse visa, subject to the Maintenance & Accommodation (MAA) requirements.

[nan0man]

Visitors may not switch. She should apply for a spouse visa, subject to the Maintenance & Accommodation (MAA) requirements.

So, just out of interest, what if someone travels to the uk on holiday and ends up getting married to a citizen? They wouldn't be allowed to apply then?

[meats]

Visitors may not switch. She should apply for a spouse visa, subject to the Maintenance & Accommodation (MAA) requirements.

So, just out of interest, what if someone travels to the uk on holiday and ends up getting married to a citizen? They wouldn't be allowed to apply then?

Nope, still have to leave the country to apply.

[nan0man]

Visitors may not switch. She should apply for a spouse visa, subject to the Maintenance & Accommodation (MAA) requirements.

So, just out of interest, what if someone travels to the uk on holiday and ends up getting married to a citizen? They wouldn't be allowed to apply then?

Nope, still have to leave the country to apply.

Wow, thats crazy. Ok well I guess we'll be applying for a spouse Visa then.

Thanks all.

[nan0man]

New question:

What is the cheapest VISA to get so my wife (of the last 6 months), can come to be with me in the UK.

I saw the spousal visa price of 800 pounds, is there a visitor visa or something she could use to get here? She will also need the ability to work too.

Thanks.

[ElenaW]

New question:

What is the cheapest VISA to get so my wife (of the last 6 months), can come to be with me in the UK.

I saw the spousal visa price of 800 pounds, is there a visitor visa or something she could use to get here? She will also need the ability to work too.

Thanks.

She can't work on a vistors visa and can only stay 6 months out of the year. What do you mean by "get here" do you mean stay permanently or just visit?

[nan0man]

She can't work on a vistors visa and can only stay 6 months out of the year. What do you mean by "get here" do you mean stay permanently or just visit?

I mean, to travel from the US to the UK as my wife and then have the ability to work once she's here.

[batleykhan]

boulevardofbrokendreams wrote:


She can't work on a vistors visa and can only stay 6 months out of the year. What do you mean by "get here" do you mean stay permanently or just visit?


I mean, to travel from the US to the UK as my wife and then have the ability to work once she's here.

Whats the purpose of her travel here to the UK?. If she wants to live here as your spouse permanatlty and be able to work here legally then she has to apply for a spouse visa - No other way round....... and yes it will cost you a few hunded quids

[ElenaW]

I'm afraid there is no magical cheap visa that gives her the ability to stay as long as she'd like, and work. I agree with Batley, spousal is the way to go.

[Casa]

The initial spouse settlement visa is currently £585 (equivalent in local currency). Apply on form VAF4a.
You'll need to pay around £1020 in 2 years time for an application in person for a 'permanent visa'...£850 by post))...although the fee could increase by then.
Don't even consider her entering on a visitor visa with the intention of working. The fine for anyone employing a worker without the correct visa
is £10,000 and there are stringent checks.
In the spouse visa application you'll submit evidence of a genuine relationship and will need to prove that you can support yourselves financially without claiming Public Funds and have adequate accommodation on arrival in the UK. You must both be over the age of 21.