Just wanting to be together...Help.

It sounds like maybe you are hoping that by him gaining a position in the military, if that will give him some extra leverage in this situation and I dont have any expertise in this matter in the least, but my guess would be that the UK military cannot override any decisions made by UKBA in instances of immigration proceedings.  Maybe someone else can at least clear up THIS part of your query?

Correct, while being in the military can get the person in the military out of having to give notice in England and Wales while you are stationed abroad, it is not a method to circumvent the immigration controls that the UK government has placed on marriages in the UK.  Basically, outside of the military giving a steady job and income, it isn't any different then getting a job at McDonald's as far as the UKBA is concerned.

In fact I remember one poor couple...he was in Iraq or Afghan. She had come over on just the visa waiver...because some idiot at one of the hotlines had misunderstood something about the situation and told her that she could apply for a spousal visa when she got here. They even had their MP involved and kids...and I hink she still had to go back...I think she was Canadian not American though.

Of course, she had been assured that her case would be straight forward when she went back and applied for the correct visa from there. But not the military, the MP or the media could get the HO to bend and allow an in-country application. I don't know what finally happened, but it was around the same time my ILR got messed up and I remember thinking...we're screwed if compassionate reasons don't work these people.

QUESTIONS.
Does he actually, really want to join the Armed Forces?   If so, which branch?

Royal Navy, subject to frequent deployments of four to five months, and as what remains of the fleet shrinks further, these will occur more often.

The Army, this of course depends on which Corps or Regiment he joins.  But remember current deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Again, due to the diminished size of the Army, the rotation times are getting closer.

The Royal Air Force, probably the best branch to avoid these levels of deployment than the other two branches.  Of course this does not hold true of all specialisations within the RAF.

Age restrictions within the forces for marriage no longer apply.  Applications to Commanding Officers to marry are today, more of a courtesy.
I did not ask my CO permission to marry, just went off and did it, then returned and completed all necessary paperwork, applied for a Married Quarter etc.  However, things are a little different today and the possibility of getting one (married quarter) the next day, as in my case, is a little short.

But most importantly, remember that these are not nine to five jobs, and a level of commitment is required..from you both.

Thank you all, I have been doing a lot of research these past couple hours... I kept asking the same question so to speak simply because I had not gotten an answer yet hoping that with the time differences from the UK to the USA and it being the hoildays that someone whom was in the military might log on and give me some insight. Not trying to be a pest or anything.

As for which branch we are leaning towards the Air Force simply because I have a girlfriend from New York that is living over there with her husband who is a Brit and they have friends that are in the different branches. I am gaining input and information from them simply because I would like to make my decision and my fiance's on real life accounts.

I know how recruiters are, they will pretty much say and do anything to get you into the military in the states since my brother is currently serving in the Navy and one of my best friend's husband is in the Army at the moment. So we are not rushing into this decision.

Granted I did find out some good news today, My fiance and I can get married in Canada, and we do not need a visa or anything along those lines. I even double checked with them because I am not taking any chances at this point. So because I live in Washington State and it will cost us basically nothing to head up to Victoria, my Fiance is saving up airfare to meet me there. I just got off the phone with him.

So I am hoping that we will atleast be married before we fully decide if he is going into the military or not.

In fact I remember one poor couple...he was in Iraq or Afghan. She had come over on just the visa waiver...because some idiot at one of the hotlines had misunderstood something about the situation and told her that she could apply for a spousal visa when she got here. They even had their MP involved and kids...and I hink she still had to go back...I think she was Canadian not American though.

Of course, she had been assured that her case would be straight forward when she went back and applied for the correct visa from there. But not the military, the MP or the media could get the HO to bend and allow an in-country application. I don't know what finally happened, but it was around the same time my ILR got messed up and I remember thinking...we're screwed if compassionate reasons don't work these people.

She was Canadian.  It was all over the local press here, and it seems that the coverage worked as it was sorted with what, for the department of Smiffinefficiency, was amazing speed.....

Thank you all, I have been doing a lot of research these past couple hours... I kept asking the same question so to speak simply because I had not gotten an answer yet hoping that with the time differences from the UK to the USA and it being the hoildays that someone whom was in the military might log on and give me some insight. Not trying to be a pest or anything.

As for which branch we are leaning towards the Air Force simply because I have a girlfriend from New York that is living over there with her husband who is a Brit and they have friends that are in the different branches. I am gaining input and information from them simply because I would like to make my decision and my fiance's on real life accounts.

I know how recruiters are, they will pretty much say and do anything to get you into the military in the states since my brother is currently serving in the Navy and one of my best friend's husband is in the Army at the moment. So we are not rushing into this decision.

Granted I did find out some good news today, My fiance and I can get married in Canada, and we do not need a visa or anything along those lines. I even double checked with them because I am not taking any chances at this point. So because I live in Washington State and it will cost us basically nothing to head up to Victoria, my Fiance is saving up airfare to meet me there. I just got off the phone with him.

So I am hoping that we will atleast be married before we fully decide if he is going into the military or not.

Please do not confuse recruiters for the US Military with ours.  It is a totally different game, it is harder to get in, and in some cases they will even try and deter you.  A much softer approach.

Actually, it is easier in quite a few respects to get into the UK military.  To start with you don't need to be within your height/weight range, which elminates quite a few people in the US.  Also, previous drug use can be more easily overlooked here, as well as many health issues that are disqualifying in the US.

I am not sure about any exams to get into the military however.  Those could very well be harder. 

Actually, it is easier in quite a few respects to get into the UK military.  To start with you don't need to be within your height/weight range, which elminates quite a few people in the US.  Also, previous drug use can be more easily overlooked here, as well as many health issues that are disqualifying in the US.

I am not sure about any exams to get into the military however.  Those could very well be harder. 

Disagree.  Having experience from both ends, and watched the practices of US Military recruiters, it seems the only qualification needed is a pulse.  In that, I mean the replacements for the high rate of attrition in the two current projects, not the specialists required to support the services.
Yes we do have the "Rehabilitation of Offenders Act", which means that CERTAIN convictions may be overlooked.  As for the drug usage, that would depend on what, and how often.  If you enjoyed the occasional spliff, then no problem, but don't get caught again.
They do tend to make fit now, rather than insist you are fit when joining.  But, pass the necessary tests, and if they see potential, you could get in.  They will shape you.  It is quality, not quantity here, and that comes from the inside.

Well, you might get the impression all it takes is a pulse, but that is incorrect. 

The Army has relaxed some things since 9-11, the other services, in particular the Air Force has gotten stricter.  Not only are fewer waivers being granted, but if you fail your tests in training, you are out.  No chance no retrain in another rate or in some cases retake the tests.

They are all doing a tough job, but I think we might have to disagree on this one. 

I think we may just have to agree to disagree, and leave it at that doncha fink?

Woah, people  To redirect the thread to the OPs original question:

I think you might be putting the cart before the horse a bit with the whole military plan.  Does he not qualify for any other job? All you need for the visa is evidence of 3 months of consistent payslips and bank statements, and evidence of accommodation. This can be as minimal as a room which he occupies in a houseshare, providing he has a) written permission from the landlord that you can stay there, what size the room is in square feet, and how many other people are living there, and b) a certified copy of the tenancy agreement. A budget proving you can support yourselves (ie have at least £94.95 every month after rent & fixed expenses, for food & recreation) on his income and your savings and then projected income once you get a job in the UK would also be helpful, as would your CV and degree to demonstrate your employability.

Going into the military is neither necessary nor any more helpful  for your application than another occupation. Unless he cannot afford his own flat/room in a houseshare? What are his occupational qualifications?  

Getting denied entry is really not a big deal when it comes to applying for a fiance visa; as long as you disclose your entry denial, and basically explain that you thought you were allowed to stay for longer than 6/12 months, you'll be fine. You were denied entry because you were trying to use the visitor route to establish yourself in the UK, and now you are entering through the proper settlement channels.

As I see it, what needs to happen is for both of you to work for at least three months and save as much as possible.

For the application you'll need to submit 3 mos bank statements and payslips (him) evidence of your bank balance and payslips to show both how much money you have available to support you until you find work in the UK, and roughly how much you are capable of earning. Including a budget showing both your savings at first and then projected income in the UK, combined with his income, is also a good idea. As is showing you have been in contact with UK recruiters.

If you go for the marriage in Canada followed by spousal visa route, the advantage is that you don't have to pay for a further visa right away in the UK, and you can also begin working right away which will help with your financial picture.

Bottom line is that as long as you are honest about your entry refusal, and can provide the evidence required for maintenance and accommodation (read the UKBIA website, everything on there is true, despite the fact that the little "6 in 12" guideline isn't widely published does not invalidate the information that IS there) you should be fine.

Diana
 

Woah, people  To redirect the thread to the OPs original question:

I think you might be putting the cart before the horse a bit with the whole military plan.  Does he not qualify for any other job? All you need for the visa is evidence of 3 months of consistent payslips and bank statements, and evidence of accommodation. This can be as minimal as a room which he occupies in a houseshare, providing he has a) written permission from the landlord that you can stay there, what size the room is in square feet, and how many other people are living there, and b) a certified copy of the tenancy agreement. A budget proving you can support yourselves (ie have at least £94.95 every month after rent & fixed expenses, for food & recreation) on his income and your savings and then projected income once you get a job in the UK would also be helpful, as would your CV and degree to demonstrate your employability.

Going into the military is neither necessary nor any more helpful  for your application than another occupation. Unless he cannot afford his own flat/room in a houseshare? What are his occupational qualifications?  

Getting denied entry is really not a big deal when it comes to applying for a fiance visa; as long as you disclose your entry denial, and basically explain that you thought you were allowed to stay for longer than 6/12 months, you'll be fine. You were denied entry because you were trying to use the visitor route to establish yourself in the UK, and now you are entering through the proper settlement channels.

As I see it, what needs to happen is for both of you to work for at least three months and save as much as possible.

For the application you'll need to submit 3 mos bank statements and payslips (him) evidence of your bank balance and payslips to show both how much money you have available to support you until you find work in the UK, and roughly how much you are capable of earning. Including a budget showing both your savings at first and then projected income in the UK, combined with his income, is also a good idea. As is showing you have been in contact with UK recruiters.

If you go for the marriage in Canada followed by spousal visa route, the advantage is that you don't have to pay for a further visa right away in the UK, and you can also begin working right away which will help with your financial picture.

Bottom line is that as long as you are honest about your entry refusal, and can provide the evidence required for maintenance and accommodation (read the UKBIA website, everything on there is true, despite the fact that the little "6 in 12" guideline isn't widely published does not invalidate the information that IS there) you should be fine.

Diana
 

Yes my fiance can get another job, but the job market is suffering so badly and he resides in Scunthorpe. The job he currently does have roughly only gives him anywhere from 400-600 pounds a month and he has only been working there since this August. It took him forever to find this job and it happens to be in retail hence it not being a fully stable income.

Granted anything he makes that he is not using a month is going straight into a savings account now, but we are not sure that he will find anything better paying for a while in the current area that he lives in. So hence thats why we considered getting married and then him trying to get into the military because it would give us the income we need and stem from that the housing we would need for me to go over there and be together.

I have no problem with being totally honest with immigration about me being bumped, it was an accident and would have never happened if things had been different.

As for now I am also unemployed and applying for everything under the sun, but the chances of me getting anything before christmas is slim. I am hoping that my fiance does happen across a better job, and I get one as well. He does have a small caravan/trailer that he bought that is on his mother's land over there since she does have a big lot. But I am not sure a self contained little trailer will be enough for them, because at the moment he does not pay rent.

He does pay for electric that comes from the house, gas bottles for the trailer and food and what not. And I know his pay that he makes now without paying rent can substain us as a couple since we bought food and things while I was in England for that 6 months while staying in the trailer with him.

I just can see this not happening rather soon, and it is depressing but I am making the best of the situation I can.