enter UK with visa via Republic of Ireland?

Hello,

I was issued my UK spouse visa the other day (!!! happy!), and have been looking at flights online.

I'm moving to Belfast, and flights are cheaper for me to Dublin. Can I enter with my UK visa if I fly into Dublin ? How does that work ?
Do I need to fly into a UK city (Belfast)?

Thank you!

Hi there and congrats on receiving your visa!   

As for traveling via Dublin, I know that one thing that's been advised over and over again is NOT to enter the UK via Dublin as they will NOT stamp your visa upon entry into the UK.  Therefore, you have no proof of the "start" of your visa for ILR and further.  You're better off paying a bit more to enter the UK in Belfast since that's where you'll be living.  Better safe than sorry in the long run.   

Alternatively, people have obtained proof by registering with different uk bodies to show that they were in the uk at a certain date. It's much easier and less stressful to not go through dublin though.

Thank you for your replies ... I guess I'm flying to Belfast!

Congrats on moving over!  I'm in Belfast and there are a few of us Americans around I can tell ya, three of us work in the same shop!  If you need any advice on the city or where to find things feel free to ask.  What brings you here and where ya moving from?

D