information overload! Need pointers plz.

And don't forget the funds!  While not as much for the other visas, you'll need to have the £800 in your account.  (I'm an ICT, so just remembering from my application).  I am not sure if it's that amount anymore or if it has increased.

Thanks for that. The problem in answering you is that whilst, under current rules, a Tier 2 visa seems to be appropriate, within the next 18 months there has got to be a General Election here in the UK, and at this moment in time it looks likely that there will be a change of Government, to the Conservative Party, which will probably be more restrictive as regards immigration issues.

Can I ask, what sort of job does your husband do? Also, his employer, they have sent people to work in the UK before? They know the procedures involved?

"Agreed"  to all of our helpful advisors above. Plus, I can not emphasize enough, the rules are changing constantly so what we say today may be out of date as soon as new rules are published, and frankly I never knew the last rules were changing in March 2009.  So as the above poster states, stick close the the above web link.

Good luck
Tulip

Its still £800 for tier 2.  It needs to be in the account for 3 months.

The next general election needs to be held within 12 months.

Employees of Grade 'A' employers don't need to have the money if the employer's agree to support them.

Vicky

Can I ask, what sort of job does your husband do? Also, his employer, they have sent people to work in the UK before? They know the procedures involved?

as far as I am aware, Amazon has done these kinds of transfers before. Rumor has it that they not only sponsor you, but they take care of all of the visa paperwork AND fees for both the associate and his immediate family (i.e. mother, father, wife, etc.). If they really do that (which I find out on thursday) that would be a big load off of us correct?

Basically you need 20 points between qualifications and expected earnings.  If your husband has a bachelor's degree, he'll need to make over £20,000 in the UK to have enough points.  If he doesn't have a bachelor's degree (or higher) then he needs to earn more to make up the points.  If he's only making 32,000 right now and doesn't have a bachelor's degree, you may need to wait until he gets a promotion or raise in the US so he will earn enough in the UK.

This is the one that makes me a bit nervous. Across the board raises are quite common with Amazon.com as they like to keep up with the cost of living... so we should be seeing a raise soon. If not, he is requesting a promotion to be a trainer, and they definitely make more. I just hope it is enough

I'm sorry I get so confused everyone. There is just so much to consider, and so many terms I'm not familiar with. I'm really grateful for all of your help! I'll post again after thursday and let you all know what Amazon is willing to do for us and the transfer.

as far as I am aware, Amazon has done these kinds of transfers before. Rumor has it that they not only sponsor you, but they take care of all of the visa paperwork AND fees for both the associate and his immediate family (i.e. mother, father, wife, etc.). If they really do that (which I find out on thursday) that would be a big load off of us correct?

 I imagine lots of intra-company transfers typically pay for visas and moving costs and things like that.  For that matter, I think any big company, like Amazon, typically would pay for these kinds of things for relocations, regardless of its ICT.  I know I was really lucky and my company did 
Good luck on your journey!