Wanna-be US to UK expat noob...

 Hi, I actually found this site by accident while looking for information to help get this visa process started. My name is Jess, I'm 26 and a United States citizen.

I married my husband December of last year in Las Vegas, NV and he's just left again tonight to go back to the UK after we found out that I'm pregnant...

We've been together 2 years, lived together here in Colorado for 11 months but I'm sorta stuck as to what the next step is.

He's going to be picking up a couple jobs in the next few weeks. And through help from our family and friends, the cost of my visa and flight should be covered, but I'm wondering if I need much much more than just that?

See my pregnancy wasn't planned, but it's kinda put us on a time constraint because I won't be able to fly after 3 months time. My husband, myself and our families are sure that we'll have worked up the money before the time limit but I really can't find the information.

I feel like kind of an idiot, but I don't even know how much a spouse visa costs or if the small amount of income I make from my art is enough... I'm sorry this isn't very organized, but I'd love any help I can get regarding my situation. I've browsed the forums a little bit and everyone seems very knowledgeable here.

You'll need a spouse visa. You can find the documents you'll need for your application here: http://londonelegance.com/transpondia/spouse/

Do you or your husband have savings? If so then you may not need to wait for him to get a job with a job contract as if it's just the two of you (unborn children don't count) then all you need to do is show that you have £102.75/wk plus housing costs to support yourselves. If you're an artist and you can show that you would continue to do your art & expect that you'll continue to sell your work to support yourself that income can be taken into account as well to meet the requirement.

Your family in the UK can provide you a place to live (accommodation) but it needs to be within the guidelines and not considered overcrowded. It would be OK for them to provide the place to stay for free as well, as that can help you with the Maintenance portion as then it would be just £102.75/wk that you would need.

You can find more information one Maintenance Requirements and Accommodation here: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ecg/maintenanceaccommodation

ETA: once you have your documents together and accommodation arranged you can apply online for your visa (the visa category will be 'Settlement' and the type will be 'Wife') here: http://visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/

You should also consider that once you've applied online and attended your biometrics appointment (for fingerprints & photograph) to use the 'Settlement Priority Service' for the Consulate to process your visa within 15 business days...if you chose not to you could be waiting up to 12-24 weeks for processing.

Thanks SO much for the info! He doesn't have savings right now but he DOES have a job lined up that should pay at least that much... I was starting to worry that we needed so much more financially than that... I don't make alot from my art, but then I'm just starting out and I do intend to keep at it.

Again I seriously can't thank you enough... I really needed that info. It's been a rough night!

It's a simple process and the financial requirements are pretty basic (VERY basic compared to US Immigration)...so as long as you have your documents, a place to live that is adequate and a bit of income coming in -- even from a brand new job you don't have to wait for a paystub just the job contract will work-- it's pretty easy.

I did my UK Spouse visa at 6 months pregnant so I understand what you're going through. Just try not to stress and remember that for US applicants the refusal rate is about 2% -- so it's not a matter if 'IF' you'll be approved it's just how long it will take you to get the paperwork together, apply and wait for the decision.

Good Luck to you and just shout if you need anything 

That's done a lot to soothe my nerves, thanks so much. It helps tons to have found this forum haha... It makes it seem like less of a big deal when you find a place where so many people have already gone through it or are going through it at the same time you are... And hearing the rate of refusal is so low makes me feel even better. I think I'll be able to chill out for now

Just wanted to welcome you to UKY!

Welcome, Angelwolf!  That's all great advice you got from WebyJ there, I just wanted to say good luck to you!

Welcome to UKY and good luck on this next journey!

Thanks everyone! This is an amazing place as far as I can see >.> I never would have thought it existed haha!

Welcome to UKY 

Hi & welcome to UKY!   

Good luck and try not to stress too much over it all (I know - easier said than done)!

Welcome and congrats on your soon to be arriving baby!