Planning on Visiting a Month

Hello all!

I am planning to visit my husband and his family for at least a month, during the holiday season (approx. Dec 11th-Jan 11th). I would like to ask... what proof would I have to bring to show that I have ties to the United States? I was thinking of getting my employer to write a letter, with the date in which he expects me to return to work, as well as using my itinerary as further proof that I do not plan on living in the United Kingdom. During the month, I plan on staying at my husband's house, then we plan to travel to visit his family. Should I also provide the addresses of where I would be staying? I have read stories of IOs turning down people for not bringing enough proof, and I want to be sure that I do not get turned down by the IOs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Note: When we married, I kept my maiden name. I do not want to change it, until I do actually move to England (won't be happening 'til mid 2013 hopefully!), plus I didn't want to go through the trouble of changing it on my passport, license, etc. Would that serve to be a problem with the IOs?

The lack of name change won't be a problem at all.

The employer letter and itinerary sound like a good idea. Plus, don't travel with too much luggage - take just enough for your stay.

Is there a specific reason for the delay in settling in the UK? If so, any evidence of this would be useful.

It could be an idea to get an entry clearance (a visa) before traveling though as you know it's not a requirement for US citizens.

I am delaying on settlement in the UK because my husband is currently still looking for a job while going to school. He will finish his degree by June; I believe that he is currently living off benefits (he gets an allowance from job seekers), and I know that in order to get approved for the visa, the sponsor would have to provide proof that he/she can support his/her spouse (or support each other) without the use of public funds.

Would it be better to get a visitor's visa before traveling, even though it is not a requirement for US citizens, or would that be too much?

That's overkill. You don't need a visitor's visa.

As long as you carry evidence of your ties to the US and explain to the IO why you've not yet moved to the UK, I don't think you'd have a problem. As long as it doesn't look like you're traveling with all your worldly possessions and you have evidence of ties to the US, you should be OK. This isn't a guarantee though - it does very much depend on the individual IO.

It is down to personal choice really whether to apply for a visit visa first. Some people prefer to have the reassurance especially if particularly nervous.

Ah ok, thank you both, greeta and Steve! I plan to show as much evidence as I need, although you are right that each IO is different, and that there are no guarantees. It worries me quite a bit from time to time, although I know that it is no good not to worry about such things; it is better to be prepared. 

I forgot the obvious - a return ticket!!!

That, with what you've already said, should be fine.

Best of luck

Thank you, I will be sure to remember a return ticket too. I was going to book for round trip anyway.

(sorry to bump the topic up, just an update on what is happening)

So, in nine days I am leaving from JFK airport, and flying into Heathrow to visit my husband and his family from Dec. 11th-Jan 14th. My plane arrives at 10:30am on the 12th. So far, I have the letter from my employer, and an itinerary printed out for the trip. I am also going to print out a current e statement of my bank account funds, to show that I have enough to stay in the UK for a month. Sorry for asking again, but would this be good enough to show that I have ties to the United States? As the days grow nearer, I cannot but feel both excited and nervous at the same time. I did book for round trip, thankfully! I also know from what was said before, that every IO is different, and that there is no guarantee.

I think you'll probably be fine.  I also delayed joining my husband after we were married (married in March, moved over in November).  When I went to visit, the IO asked me why, I said that I was a teacher and wanted to finish out the year and that my husband was currently writing his PhD, a process that went better without someone around to look disapproving when he took Xbox breaks.  I also mentioned that he needed to finish it to get a job, so at least one of us should stay employed throughout the process. He laughed, told me I was being quite sensible, and let me through.
You can also always bring a rental agreement or some such to prove that you are still paying for a residence in the US.

Thanks Jennie! That made me feel a bit less nervous, and more excited for the trip ahead. I will be sure to do what you suggested as well.