My husband and I are brand new to the UK immigration journey, and our situation is a bit unique, so I am having trouble figuring out exactly where to start.
My husband is a British citizen, and I am American. We were married in the USA 2.5 years ago. (marriage only - we have never lived there together). After we were married, we moved together to Italy, where my husband is based as a Pilot at the airport in Rome. We have lived in Italy for all of our marriage, and I hold a Carta di Soggiorno, or a permanent residence permit in Italy.
My husband has requested a transfer back to the UK for work to be closer to his family. We expect that this will be granted sometime in the Spring. I am beginning the process of putting together my paperwork in anticipation of this.
I am unsure of where to file my original application. I hold a residency card here in Rome with an Italian address, but I am also technically still a resident of the USA, with an American address. I would also like to clarify whether I have to go through the entire immigration process from outside of the UK; Or whether it is possible to receive temporary entry to the UK with my husband, and then complete the paperwork once we are there together. We are unsure of when his company may transfer him, and while we expect it to be later in the Spring, it could be as soon as early March.
Last, can I even begin this process before we have an exact moving date? My husband does have a UK address, but will be here in Italy until he hears otherwise from his company. Will he need to be relocated into the UK before I can submit my application?
Does anyone have experience on the value of using a solicitor or immigration advisor for this process, or is it just as well and efficient to tackle it ourselves?
Thank you so much in advance to anyone who has some insight on any aspect of this. Happy New Year!
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Amy