Hello,
First of all, a little bit of context. I am a UK resident (33), and my partner (32) lives in the US (New Jersey) and we met and started a relationship in 2022. This year we want to start the process for her to come here on a Fiancé Visa.
Now, we've done a bit of research already across the web but there's a few things at this stage that I would like a little bit of clarification on. These might be stupid or obvious questions, but it's just so I'm sure I'm on the right track so that we don't make a wrong decision and things go badly with the application.
Financial
I've done research into the financial side already, and perhaps closer to the time of application I'll have more questions on the finer details on the documents I need to provide but I think I'm generally satisfied on meeting the criteria.
Q: Is there any indication that the financial criteria might change in the coming months?
Lawyers, etc.
I spoke to a friend of a friend of a family member who is an immigration lawyer and got some advice in a couple of quick phone calls, but overall not sure about needing one.
Q1: I could budget for a lawyer, but I see applications go well without it, is it truly worth the extra expense?
Q2: I have been looking at Migrate.org.uk and have done part of my research through that. They offer a "DIY Pack" which provides a document checklist and template letters, and it would be the fraction of the cost of a lawyer. Curious if anyone has heard of this and think it's a viable option?
Evidence of Conversations
Q: We talk solely through Discord as it has everything we need to stay in touch (apart from maybe a couple of emails and sending each other reels on Instagram DMs). With that in mind what would be the ideal number of screenshots across the time we've been talking?
Evidence of Flights
I'm sure we can find all of our emails with booking confirmations for flights that I visited her, plus a trip we took to Florida together.
Q: I flew into Philadelphia on my visits as that is the nearest airport to South Jersey, rather than Newark. Do you think that would be something worth clarifying in the application?
Intention to Marry
Q: Aside from emails chains from talking with registry offices and wedding venues on dates, is there any other evidence of intention to marry that we would need?
Visitor Visa
We already know that she has to apply from the US and can't apply for a Fiancé Visa whilst on a Visitor Visa over here.
Q: That said, after she applies for the Fiancé Visa, can she visit the UK in the meantime? From what I've read, it seems like a potential headache and not worth the risk? Perhaps better if I were to visit her instead?
Accompanying my Fiancé
If all goes well and everything is approved, my Fiancé will book a one-way flight to the UK if affordable.
Q1: If we did a return ticket instead, then a return within the the 6 month window would work, yes? Like to re-visit family, etc. As long as she's back in good time for us to marry and start the next visa application.
Q2: We were discussing logistically, when she has her flight booked to the UK, I fly out to her in NJ a few days prior to help get things in order, then I would accompany her on the same flight to the UK. Is that possible? Anything that we would need to be aware of on doing this?
I imagine there will be more questions to come as we work towards the application, but at this time, these are our main burning questions. Appreciate any advice!
