So, now that my spouse visa has me over in October what are my next steps ...

Hi all.  There are so many acronyms flying around the site that I begin to get confused like DF, FLR, ILR etc.  lol   

Wondered if it might be helpful for others like me who are just approved with their settlement visas and heading over shortly to find out what exactly they need to start doing once the land other than securing their NI (National Insurance number which is like our social security number, right?) and our NHS (National Heath Insurance Number). 

For example, since my settlement visa is good for 27 months, I know that at 24 months I need to apply for an extension since they are changing the rule on ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?  Am I basically reapplying brand new every 2 years until I get to a certain point and then take the "English" test to try and become a citizen?

I know this all sounds fairly silly, but I just think it is all very confusing and bobbing and weaving in between threads does not always make it simple.  I thought that perhaps since I'm confused that maybe others new like me, are too.

Sorry if this is redundent but any simple explanation would be helpful.   

Thank you!

Yes, ILR is going away in July 2011 if I recall correctly.

By then, we'll fall under the earned citizenship rules (if they activate), but since there hasn't been any official word on what those rules exactly will be, we'll just have to hang tight until we hear more.

ETA:  May want to keep an eye on the BCI Activation thread in the Visa section.

I think there is also going to be a stage inbetween spouse visa and earned citizenship called probationary citizenship? At the moment you need to take the Life in the UK test before you apply for ILR so its likely you'll need to have done that before your 27 months is up.

My husband has almost been here for a year and I am about to buy the books so he can take his soon.

It is likely that some of the requirements for the new citizenship will be similar to the current ILR ones - like proving that you have been living together as a married couple for the last 2 years so make sure you start saving all proof of addresses - see if you can get yourself added to gas/elec/water/council tax etc as that will make things easier.

The current requirement is that you need to show (as a couple with both names on the bill) 2 documents from 3 different sources spaced evenly over the 2 years. If you dont have joint documents then you need 6 each from 3 sources.

I added hubby to gas/elec/council tax/water and my back account so that we have plenty of proof when the time comes. So basically dont throw anything away!

ETA - improved wording!

For example, since my settlement visa is good for 27 months, I know that at 24 months I need to apply for an extension since they are changing the rule on ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?  Am I basically reapplying brand new every 2 years until I get to a certain point and then take the "English" test to try and become a citizen?

No one can tell you this for sure at this point, but yes, you will  need to apply for another visa of one type or another after you have been a resident for 24 months.  The test you will need to take is the Life in the UK test.  You will not have to take an English test as you come from an English speaking country.

There are many threads about "what do I do once I get there" where people have offered some good advice.  Here is the thread I began asking the same question re: NI numbers, NHS when I first moved over http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=56169.0  All the advice I was kindly given will still be relevant to you.

Thank you for the info.

Mirrajay, I meant "english test" as the Life in the UK but just did not recall the name.  lol 

Emmylou, you said that "as a couple with joint names" ... does this mean I have to change my maiden name to my husbands?  I had not planned on changing my name to be honest so would this be an issue or would the marriage certificate be fine considering it is my maiden name on my visa.

Again, thank you all for sharing your insights/info.  It is much appreciated.

No, she means that the bills have both your names on them.

Gotcha!

Thanks!

Ah sorry for the confusion!
Yes as DrSuperL99 said - both your names!