Spouse visa for American citizen, following marriage to a british citizen in USA

Having only just got engaged, I am rather new to this game so would appreciate any advice you could offer.

During an international work assignment just over 2 years ago (whilst on a J1 training visa) I met Kelly. We quickly became friends and our relationship blossomed. I recently asked Kelly to marry me and she said yes! Kelly is an American citizen and if you can’t gather, I’m British!

We are now planning to marry in her home town of Zionsville IN, then move to the UK to settle. I posted some questions on www.visajourney.com [nofollow] and learned that I will not need a K1 fiance visa as it is not our intention to reside in the States. (Rather pleased about this as I gather it is not an easy process!)

I wish to arrange a honeymoon for straight after the wedding, but of more importance is ensuring Kelly can come to the UK straight away. Luckily her company is letting her transfer offices – don’t want any issues in her being able to start her new life in Blighty. I gather I can arrange an appointment in person at the UK embassy in Chicago to obtain a spouse visa for her.
- Is this a difficult procedure?
- How far advance should I make the appointment?
- Any advice on potential pitfalls etc.?
- Will we get a marriage license straight away? - I understand I need to bring this with me!
- Any advice on when / how to arrange for her surname to be changed? (Before the wedding so her passport etc. can be changed before she leaves the USA, or will this likely complicate matters?)

Any help / advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
James

The spousal visa application process is very straightforward.  You'll need to show that you're in a genuine relationship, are financially stable, and will have somewhere to live in the UK.  Click the little globe icon to the left for my application experience.

You can make an appointment to apply in person two weeks ahead of time via the consulate's website.

You'll need to check with the registrar of deeds in the county in which you'll be married for info on when your marriage certificate will be ready, as this varies from county to county.

Kelly's spousal visa will be issued in the name in her passport.  It's not a big deal if her passport is still in her maiden name as the marriage certificate will be proof enough of her married name in the UK.  When booking tickets for your honeymoon, it'll be easiest to book in her maiden name if her passport won't be changed on the date of travel.  Once she arrives in the UK, she can apply for a name change through the US embassy in London.

Hi Lola,

It was very interesting and informative reading your reply and your application experience. I'm starting to feel at lot more at ease about this process!

Don't suppose you can remember roughly how long it was until you got your marriage certificate? Do you remember what the additional form was that Richard required in order for him to marry?

Still enjoying leaving in the UK? Kelly has been over quite a bit during the past couple of months and I think rather likes the place!

Kind Regards,
James

We were married on a Saturday and picked up the marriage certificate either late Monday or Tuesday morning.  You can't go by my experience, though -- some counties have very quick turnarounds whilst others can take weeks.  Definitely check in the county where you'll be marrying.

The additional form just stated that Richard didn't have a Social Security number...just needed to be notarised.  Again, ask for the requirements within the county in which you'll be marrying.

I can't say I love the UK, but I do love Newcastle!  I feel quite at home here and am looking forward to applying for citizenship after we return from our trip to the US in December.   

Pretty much the same for me.  We were married on a Saturday, handed in our licence for a couple notarized copies of our marriage cerficate on Monday.  It's just an easy phone call to the courthouse or registrar or department where you get your marriage licence to find out how long it will take.  As Lola stated she doesn't have to change her maiden name in her passport.  I did because I only had a few years left on mine and wanted to have the full 10 years.  I paid the $100 to have the new passport expediated back to me in a week and then went to Chicago 2 days later with all the information and cash in hand they required.  I had my spousal visa 4 hours later.  As long as you have what is required on the list of spousal visa it is a very simple procedure! I was able to do all this in less than a month.   But I think Lola has mentioned this all as well!  Same as Lola, can't say I love the UK but I enjoy where I live!