I'm a British citizen who has been living in Hong Kong for the last five years. I married my Nepalese wife here in June 2005. We would like to move to the UK permanently.
My understanding of the immigration procedure is that I should move back to the UK, get a job and an apartment, then sponsor my wife, who will apply from HK.
However, my wife knows several Nepalese couples or families who have moved to the UK together, i.e. without one family member having to go first.
I suspect this is because they have a different visa situation: they've suddenly been granted citizenship or similar. The Border Agency website, however, says this:
My question: is it possible for both of us to go to the UK at the same time, without me first getting a job and suitable accommodation?Your husband, wife or civil partner must be over 21, and must be:
* currently living and settled in the UK; or
* returning to the UK with you to live here permanently.
You must show that:
* you are legally married to each other or have registered a civil partnership;
* you are going to live together permanently as man and wife, or as civil partners;
* you have met each other;
* you can support yourselves and any dependants without help from public funds;
* you have adequate accommodation where you and your dependants can live without help from public funds; and
* you are aged 21 or over.
Many thanks for your help!
Ben