So I Have My UK Spouse Visa - NOW WHAT?

OK, I am sure the answers lie here somewhere.  I have my UK Spouse Visa and I am moving back to the UK.

What should I expect next?

I DO want to get a drivers license.

I DO want to (eventually) work - at least part-time.

I DO want to (eventually) become a dual citizen.

Helpful hints and tips are greatly appreciated!

What should I expect next?

Main things to concentrate on when you arrive:

- get your name on bills/utilities

- open a bank account (you may need a bill with your name on first before you can do this)

- register with an NHS GP surgery (they will issue you with an NHS number when you register)

- apply for a National Insurance (NI) number - this will allow you to be taxed at the correct rate when you start working

I DO want to get a drivers license.

You will be able to drive in the UK on your US licence for 12 months after you arrive in the UK. In order to continue driving after 12 months, you will need to have passed the UK driving tests and hold a full UK licence.

As it can take a few months to get your UK licence, I would apply for a provisional licence and get started on it as soon as you can. You may well need a few driving lessons in order to learn how to 'pass the test'.

If you don't have a full UK licence when the 12 months are up, you will be treated as a learner driver until you get it, and will only be allowed to drive while accompanied by someone over 21 who has held a UK licence for 3 years.

I DO want to (eventually) work - at least part-time.

Your spousal visa allows you to work as soon as you arrive, so you can start applying for jobs when you get here. You can start work before you have received an NI number, but you may be taxed at the incorrect rate until you get one. So it's handy to have it as soon as you can get it.

I DO want to (eventually) become a dual citizen.

This one will take a while.You can't apply for UK citizenship until you have permanent residence in the UK (ILR - Indefinite Leave to Remain), which takes 5 years to get.

- You first spend 30 months (2.5 years) on your spousal visa.

- Then you extend it for another 30 months (2.5 years) by applying for FLR(M) (you will need to meet the financial requirement again for this) (current cost £601 by post or £1,001 in person)

- After 60 months (5 years) in the UK, you can apply for ILR (you will need to meet the financial requirement again for this) (current cost £1,093 by post or £1,493 in person)

Once you have ILR and meet the residency requirements for citizenship, you can apply to become a UK citizen.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

This cuts out all the BS I am looking at on the various websites.  I look forward to learning so much more from you all as my UK life journey truly begins.