Got Fiance Visa...what's next?

We went to NY and got my fiance visa...no problem!!  My next question...after we get married, what do I have to apply for next AND how long until I can work?  Do I need a ILR?  I'm not sure of the next step but I need to get my US contract ended and UK contract begun with my company within a reasonable period of time so am hoping I don't need to wait months to be able to work.  Any info is appreciated!!

Thanks,

Sandy

Hi Runner.  

First of all, congratulations on your visa!  

After you are married, you do need to apply for a Further Leave to Remain Visa (FLR).  This is valid for one year (or is it two now, they may have changed the rules recently), enables you to work the day after you get it issued, and won't cost you anything more now since you went the fiance visa route.  You can apply for this as soon as you have your certified marriage certificate, and you can do it by post (which takes several weeks sometimes) or in person at one of the Home Offices around the UK (most people go to the Croydon one).

After the FLR visa is up, you will need to go back and then get the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by proving you and hubby are still married.

Again, congrats, and good luck with the next step in your journey!!!

Thanks Wishstar!  I was very happy to get the fiance visa!  Other then a really long line and a very unorganized situation in at the Brit Consulate, it went without a snag!

If I go to Croydon in person to get my FLR, will they issue it to me that day or will I need to wait for them to post it?

Thanks!!!!

Sandy

oh my!!! that's fantastic  

Was there anything about the process that surprised you? So many people have listed what they took with them, and some things aren't what was on the official brochure if I recall correctly.

I know it's silly, but everytime someone gets their visa, or actually makes the move.. I feel one step closer to being there myself

Congratulations Runner! One more step over with. After you're married you apply for the FLR visa, which is good for two years now, I know because I applied for mine 2 months ago and that's what they told me. They give you a letter saying you're legal and good to work, and that's your go point. After those two years you apply for the ILR (indefinite leave). The FLR visa process is pretty easy, I went in person and my post is on here somewhere about how it all went. It's takes a long time though, bring magazines. ANyway, I know that was mainly a repeat of wish's post - but thought I'd add my 2p.

Most people usually get their visas the same day.  Generally, if you have gotten the fiance visa first, the next bit is pretty easy.  You basically just have to show them that you are legally married and haven't overstayed your first visa.  

Do go early though...it's an all day process.  Like Marlespo said, bring magazines and snacks!

Thanks for the info. ladies!  I will definately will bring lots of mags and things to help make the time go by more quickly when we take the trip to Croydon.  

Missy, my experience in NY getting my fiance visa was very easy although time consuming...there's a long line for everything!  My fiance and I brought along our very organized photo album that had photos of us together, old emails, and other types of "proof" that we knew each other and had a relationship.  I was surprised that they didn't ask for any proof of our relationship.  They only things they wanted were those items listed on the British Consulate website.  However, I would still highly recommend bringing proof of your relationship though as several folks on this site were asked for this info.

When do you plan on moving over, Missy?  I know what you mean about getting excited when hearing about people going through the process...I've been hitting this site for a year now and always get excited when someone takes the next required step and/or when they make their move!  

We are still dealing with the mental hurdle of such a huge step... it's mainly the question of how my moving would impact the children. So at this point, we're fact finding and trying to come to grips with what the decision to move might mean.

It's an exciting thought though

Runner, for future reference (if'n you need it, seeing as how you've already been given lots!) - here's my Immigration story from the beginning to my current point. (I'll be adding my National Insurance Number saga onto it next week as I interview).

Missy, good luck with the fact finding, this is the right place. As far as the kids go, lots of people on here have moved their kids with them, and maybe if you go to the parenting board you can pick up some more info, or read some old posts about pros and cons. Good luck!

Marlespo, I can use all the info. I get get, thanks!!  Where is your info located?  

Also, I will be covered by NHS when I arrive in the UK now that I have my fiance visa, correct?

Thanks!!!

I'm such a dork. I say "here look at my website" and then don't post it.  

http://lessermoon.tripod.com/acrossthepond/

It's the My Immigration Saga link.