Brain Scramble

Hello to all,

I have yet another question.....This time about moving over to the UK and being able to live in peace. And Im talking about from the start of the whole ( whats seems to be NASTY ) paper work process. VISA's? Immigration? Blah blah blah.....my mind is fried. lol There seem to be so many ways to do this, I was just wondering if anyone can tell me the easiest, and cheepest way to work this all out. I have read where people just get married when they are together ( in either country ), supposedly on a regular vist - this seems to be the easyest way. Is it?? I would love to hear how anyone in my situation has worked this out.
Thanks again,
Michelle

Michelle,

There are lots of ways to do this, but none are cheap or easy.  It's not a fun process but once you accept that, you can move on and get the whole thing over with!

Here's my visa story, if you'd like to read how we went about it:

http://www15.brinkster.com/wishstar/notourist.htm

Depending on your situation, on your personality, on your relationship, there are a few ways to go about this.  It's just a personal decision.

We went the fiance(e) route, because it was the safest way for us to guarentee I wouldn't have trouble at immigration.  It meant being apart for a few months while I waited for my visa, but in the end, the process was fairly simple.

I'm sure others can tell you their stories about going about things in other ways, and there are lots of horror stories out there.  Just follow the rules, be honest and upfront at all times, and you shouldn't have problems.

Best of luck in whatever you decide tho, and we're always here if you have any questions along the way!  

Hey there.  I also went the fiance visa route.  I only went home for a month, but I managed to get the visa the second day I was home by going in personally.  I decided on a month so that I could see my family and in case there were any unforseen problems.  I would highly suggest getting the visa.  It does cost, but I literallly spent about 30 seconds at immigration when I came through and they smiled at me  !!! Not a story you'll hear very often.

Okay Michelle,

First thing first, pour yourself a coffee or tea or wine or vodka or whatever it is that will help your nerves. Now there is a couple of ways to do this (none are cheap and easy hon, sorry, but they can be done  )

Okay, so like myself , you will be making this move with kiddies in tow (if I understood correctly). Well I did the same thing and I'll tell you how we did it. First off , we decided to get married in the States and then come over on a spouse visa. The reason being, it seemed the fastest and safest course to get the paperwork approved through the courts regarding my kids.
We were married in February and made the move in June.

Once I had a copy of our legal marriage certificate the process of getting documents for my kids began. You will need legal permission from their father to show the consulate before they will approve any visa for your children.  Unless you have documents showing you have sole legal custody, you will need your ex's permission. There is a variable if you don't know how to find your ex (long term abandonment). However, even if they only have visitation rights, they want to see a legal agreement. I hired an attorney to draft the agreements and got them signed and stamped by the courts (tedious I know) and then took these and the prove of my relationship to the British consulate in LA. I moved here with my 3 children (9yr old son, 4 yr old twin daughters) and we all had to have individual visas ($375 per visa).
Sadly it doesn't happen right away. It took 4 mos from the wedding to get all the paperwork and money together (lawyers fees, consulate fees, airline fees, THERAPIST FEES  ). We then moved here in June of this year.
If you want to talk, vent, or have questions, just email me and I'll do what I can to help you sort it out. (I got real confused with everything and probably tacked on extra time for not realizing exactly what I needed.)
Hang in there girlie .. it can be done .. just not overnight when you are bringing kids over with you  
Red
On a side note - I believe others on this board have brought children over on a fiances visa but what that may mean for paperwork with the kids later .. I just don't know. I didn't want to risk it personally, so we opted for a straight shot.

I came over on the spousal visa, and to me it seemed easier.  But with you having kids with you also, I can honestly say that I have no idea of which way tah go.  Sorry doll.