Can't fly back together.(IOM question)

Thanks to everyone who helped me out on this thread: http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=26755.0

Unfortunately, the SO is Manx, which makes things trickier. If he's still working on the Island when it comes time to apply, it may not be worth our while to apply in person, because it looks like all the British consulate would do is send it off to the Manx office anyway. From here: http://www.gov.im/cso/immigration/rules.xml

Applications from foreign nationals to take up residence in the Isle of Man are dealt with under the provisions of the Isle of Man Immigration Rules. If the person is overseas they are likely to require an entry clearance in order to do so and should make enquiries in the first instance with their nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to see whether this is the case. Application should be made to them in the first instance and they will in turn then refer the application to this office for a decision on it to be made.

So much for knowing the same day. I downloaded the pdf of Manx immigration rules, and they're exactly the same as far as requirements for visas go. But since the Isle of Man isn't part of the UK, it's WAITING AND RED TAPE FOR US! YAY! I think when it comes time I may actually have to call the consulate to see which option would be cheaper, because I'm not going to go all the way to NYC just for them to say "We can't make a decision on this." Or I might ask him to try and get in touch with someone in the Manx government and see what their advice is/how long they take to process things.

I know this is a HUGE shot in the dark, but has anyone else gone through this? Spouses from Man, the Channel Islands, anything like that? Leave it to me to fall in love with someone from an obscure little island . . .also, leave it to me to get irritated about something two years down the line . . .

EDIT: Found this on the gov't website.

How long does it take?

It varies, but applicants are advised to allow at least 6 months for applications to be dealt with. However, straightforward cases can sometimes be dealt with in a few weeks. If you are planning to apply for entry clearance you should ask the office you will be dealing with how long it is likely to take to process your application. You should tell them that you want to live in the Isle of Man.

ARGH. I guess we'll have to go the fiancee route, if there's the possibility it could take that long. ARGH.

Mari, there was a woman on here who got married a few months ago on the IOM and had questions about this very same issue....I'll try and find the thread for you.

EDIT: Here you go- this looks encouraging!
http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=23497.0

That is CTtoIOM...

I'm on the IOM as well............. welcome Almeriel

I'm not there yet, though I am going there this weekend to visit him! (Actually, I need to get the train to L'Pool in like 8 hours. I should be in bed--I'm still in the UK for a week). Where are you at? He's originally from Maughold but lives in Ramsey now. Wow, small world! 

Andrea--thanks, you're a star. As always. Think I'll do a search myself. Hate to break the news to Anthony, he seemed even more relieved than me to have everything sorted and now it's not.

I live in Castletown!
Been here for almost 9 yrs, transplanted from Oklahoma. My DH is Manx. Let me know if you need any help!

Thanks a bunch! I have a feeling you might be getting a few PM's from me next year!

Did you apply in person through the post? (Like CTtoIOM, I'm close enough to NY, but am trying to sort out whether it would be to my advantage to go or not. I'm thinking that actually having him here might help and we can answer any questions the ECO might have, but it's hard to tell).

Out of curiosity, how did you meet your Manxman? I met mine as an exchange student at his university; it's not exactly a common nationality to run into on the street!

Andrea--Thanks!! Looks like it shouldn't be TOO painful, so long as we're organized. I don't think there's any way around being apart again for a few weeks, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Thanks a bunch! I have a feeling you might be getting a few PM's from me next year!

Did you apply in person through the post? (Like CTtoIOM, I'm close enough to NY, but am trying to sort out whether it would be to my advantage to go or not. I'm thinking that actually having him here might help and we can answer any questions the ECO might have, but it's hard to tell).

Out of curiosity, how did you meet your Manxman? I met mine as an exchange student at his university; it's not exactly a common nationality to run into on the street!

Andrea--Thanks!! Looks like it shouldn't be TOO painful, so long as we're organized. I don't think there's any way around being apart again for a few weeks, but it'll be worth it in the end.

I met mine in a chatroom back in 1997........and moved here later that year...and immigration things were ALOT different then..so I can't really help you on that front. Sorry  but can say welcome and anytime you wanna meet up to moan or you are just home sick or have a good laugh let me know!

Hi almariel,

Just reading your posts and will tell you that applying for a visa with the Isle of Man couldn't have been easier for me.  Yes, I did go to NY, and they had to send my application over to the IOM.  However, I had it delivered back in my hands in less than one week, by FedEx to Connecticut.  The best part was when I applied for my FLR here.  The IOM charges NOTHING at this time, and it also took less than one week to process.  There is always the possibility that it may change by 2008, but that was my experience in June.  Best of luck to you, and like MeShell, if you have any questions or need to chat, don't hesitate.  This IS a long way from home. 

Thanks for your answer (sorry it took me so long to respond, was on the Island this past weekend and only just now have gotten caught up with everything to have time to check the boards)!

I'm definitely going to add you to my YM address book; it seems that the US is looking like the better venue for a wedding for personal, financial AND bureaucratic reasons, but it would be great to have someone to run things by once it gets closeer. I told Anthony this weekend that his being Manx might through a wrench into things, but if all it is is a few more weeks apart, then after all we've been through, I think we'll be able to handle it.

How do you find living there? We haven't decided where we're going to live permanently (that's all going to depend on where the jobs are), but provided he manages to find a well-paying job we'll probably be there for at least a few years at first. Every time I go to visit, I love it more, but sometimes I worry that's just the novelty of it and eventually I'll just go stir crazy actually living there. I don't know though, it *is* really beautiful and I love being able to take long, romantic walks along the coast with him . . .anyway, I'm rambling, but thanks again for your help and support!

almariel, this is a lovely place to live but "limiting" is another big part of it.  In my case, I'd been unable to work until recently getting married, so it has been difficult to fill my days, especially with having no family and very few friends here.  However, I will be starting a job this September and I am really hoping that will change my attitude as well as take away the extreme boredom I've experienced.  Being from the NY Metropolitan area via Connecticut, I'm used to having anything and everything at my fingertips, so this has been a huge change.  Also without being able to earn any money, finances have been tight.  Sorry not to sound too enthusiastic, but this has been a difficult 18 months for me personally. 

I met a nice senior citizen on a day trip to Liverpool last year and she told me she was born and raised on the island but felt claustrophobic every now and then.  So, I think you'll be fine if you stay here, get a job, and are able to take a break once in a while.  It is the safest place I've ever been and most of the people I've met have been very nice. 

Hi almariel,

I will have lived here 9 yrs in November. Can't believe it has been that long. It took me a long time to be "comfortable" here.

I 2nd what Ellen said..as long as you are able to take a break away at least a couple times a year it is fantastic place to live. Wages are generally hire than the UK. Taxes are lower. New NHS hospital. Other than a few car crashes and robberies crime isn't that bad.

But I can tell you I get incredibly homesick starting in October. Halloween is/was my favorite time of year as well as the following 2 months.

But I have to say I would miss my husband 100x over more than any other thing in the world.

I have to say having Ellen here as well has been great!