First time poster here.
So I'll run thru the story of me first: A theme not uncommon to this site, I fell in love with a brit. Im a 21 year old american girl. We've been in a relationship for a while, we've seen each other in person several times for weeks at a time, we love each other... and wish to marry... however upon looking into it it seems nearly impossible! Im near the end of my rope, and everytime I think on the subject I cry. I dont know what to do mostly because I dont fully understand these visa rules.
So Im here out of desperation because I simply dont know what to do. I started reading through the forums trying to find a post much like the one Im making, with all the info I need, but I noticed my heart racing and chest tightening... so I thought I'd post to save myself an increase in blood pressure.
I truly wish I hadnt been so ignorant, im 26 days from flying over to spend 6 weeks with him, and it looks like from whats required no marriage this time around. :\\\'(
so here come the questions:
1.From what I understand, there are only three places you can apply for visas in the US: New York, Chicago, and LA. Do you have to be physically present at these locations or can you mail all the information in?
2. What information is required to send in? I read a post thats recent on a lady who put together an entire binder of information. From what I understand, the following is required, and please... CORRECT ME IF I MISSED ANYTHING!
-my passport
-his passport
-copy of my ss card
-copy of his ID card
-copy of both driver licenses
-my birth certificate
- his birth certificate
- proof that we've met (ie photos, plane ticket stubs, emails and phone records?)
-A bank statement from each of us
- A letter of sponsorship from him
-a letter of intent from me
-a letter of intent from him
- My pay stubs
-A letter from his employer stating how much he makes
-My resume
- The visa application
-the passport sized photos
Anything I missed? this is the topic I was viewing:
http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=29754.0Do I assemble this all into a binder? He already has a flat, do I have to sign anything regarding a lease before I come over if we are going to stay there until marriage and then find a place of our own?
3. After getting the fiance visa, going over to the UK and marrying him, what then? can I apply for whichever visa allows me to live there on a permenant basis as his wife right away?
4. After I marry him and we are husband and wife, can I start looking for a job? (Or do I need yet another visa??? I read on another site that once youre married there are no restrictions on your ability to search and find work)
5. If I do need another visa to live and work after marrying him, can I apply for this asap (before the 6months on the fiance visa are up) from inside the UK or do I have to go back to the US and do this all over again?
6. If I go over on a fiance visa, should it be a one way ticket? Should I plan on actually staying there as a resident and as a wife of a UK citizen?
7. Is there a place in the UK much like vegas here where you can go get married instantly with almost no barriers? Would it be easier for him to come to the US and we go to vegas ? would that work?
Any help will be much appreciated, this visa thing is turning what should be magical and blissful into a screaming nightmare. I guess we can spend some of this upcoming 6 weeks together putting all of this in order.
-Nicky