Spousal/dependent visa question

OK...so it looks more and more like the kids and I will be moving to London. So now I have another question...the baby and I are going to London for a few weeks to settle some things. The older kids have summer school so they will remain in CA under my 19 yo care. My question is...can we apply for my spousal visa before my trip then apply separately for the kids in August when they are ready for the move? Or do we need to do it all at once? If so how long are the visas good for? Thanks.

You can apply for yours and the baby's first, that's no problem.  You must enter the UK within 3 months of the date it is valid from, but you can usually get this start date to be three months after the date of application.

Vicky

You're the BEST! 

The reason I asked is because I sent my CV (thanks to those that helped review it) to the agencies that specialize in my field. I have received a couple of very positive responses. So I was thinking that it might be better if I already had my spousal visa during this trip then I could do interviews and even accept a job offer if one if tendered. Maybe even begin work.

So two follow-up questions...Emmie doesn't need a visa cause it is her dad that is English. But we haven't gotten her English passport yet. We were going to do that during the visit. Would I instead need to get it at the consulate when I got my visa? And if so...how long does that take? The UK isn't silly like the US about her having to enter the country on a UK passport, are they? And two...am I right to assume that in two months or so when I apply for the other children's dependent visas if I am working then my income counts along with my husband's?

I think you are right that you may as well get the spousal visa before you come over for the first time...it will save potential hassle at immigration that you may get if you came as a visitor...

"I'm just coming to visit"
"yes, my husband is british and living here"
"yes this is his baby"
"yes, I will be looking for a job while i'm here"

 

Check out with the consulate how long it will take for Emmie to get a passport.  If she can't get one in time, I suspect you'll need to get her a visa.

You are right about your income counting when the time comes for the other kids to come in.

Vicky

Yes, she needs to enter the country on her UK passport, if she has one.  If not, get her visa in her US passport and use that.