Considering move to UK - question

Hi there! I'm an American citizen. I met a man from the UK about 14 years ago, fell in love and I petitioned for him to come here to the states. Hes been in the states now for about 11 years and has his green card (never went for citizenship)    Now we are thinking of moving to the UK! He has a very big family, we are all close and we want to relocate to the town where they all live.  I work from home on the internet and could continue to work for the same company and have a direct deposit put into my back account monthly.   Does anyone know what the process would be like for me to relocate there with him and the best way to go about it?   I dont think he would have a problem as he never gave up his UK citizenship. It was such a process to get him over here and actually took about 1.5 years because of little glitches along the way.  Im anticipating it will probably be the same for me to get over there! Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks!

You didn't mention that you're married, so I'll assume you're not.

You probably want to have a look at the Unmarried Partner visa.

(Though as a total aside, you should strongly consider your partner getting his US citizenship before you leave!! He won't lose his British citizenship, and if you ever decide to move back to the US, it'll make things a whole lot easier.)

Thanks for your response! We are married.    I dont think I'll want to come back haha, but it does make sense.

First off, hello.

Since you're married, you'll need to apply for your spousal visa, then.  When do you anticipate applying?  There are a lot of changes expected as of April 2012 such as extending the length of time for ILR eligibility and the abolishment of ILE jus to name a few.  I'm about to go through the process of the spousal visa come March (fingers crossed).  There is a LOT of information in the threads of the Visa & Immigration section of the forum and a lot of very knowledgable people who have already gone through the process.

As for US citizenshiop, it's definitely more of a benefit to have his done and dusted.  You never know what you may decide in the future, but that way, you're covered immigration wise on this end.  DH just did this and it does only take a few months after applying.

Thank you! Ill go through the links so I can get my head around this.

Call me stupid but this is the first time in many years I am on a board like this. What would it mean for us if they abolish ILE? Would we have to go through the paperwork process before even entering? I am just reviewing the options now, it probably wouldnt be for another 6 months to  year. I know, im jumping the gun but I wanted my ducks in a row and time to do the research I need to try and make it go smoother? Would i be able to just enter the UK and then apply for the paperwork?

My grandfather was born in Italy so as his granddaughter I have the ability to get citizenship in italy....im starting to think even with the italian govenerment the way it is..it may be easier to do this and then just take up residency in UK! lol

Good luck to you in March!

If they abolish ILE, it just means that you'd be applying for a straight spousal visa and if they extend the eligibility period to 5 years, you'd have to wait the 5 years to become a permanent resident in the UK (ILR).  You'd still have to have your visa in hand before you enter the UK to live either way.

However, DEFINTELY go the Italian citizenship route if you can.  You wouldn't have to deal with the headaches of the immigration process and it would save you a LOT of money in the long run.

I second that - get the Italian citizenship as soon as possible. Far easier and far cheaper, and it's permanent!

Yeah, if you can get Italian citizenship you would be legally allowed to live and work in the UK (or any EU country) without needing a visa - so no need to worry about spending thousands of pounds on spousal visas/ILE/ILR/UK citizenship over the next few years !

Also, if your husband can get US citizenship before you leave, then you will both have the freedom to live in either the US or the UK (or any EU country) for the rest of your lives... no more visas/green cards .

Wow, I am glad I posted here!  Thanks for all this great information! I will definitely have him file for citizenship here while im filing for italy!

First off, hello.

As for US citizenshiop, it's definitely more of a benefit to have his done and dusted.  You never know what you may decide in the future, but that way, you're covered immigration wise on this end.  DH just did this and it does only take a few months after applying.

Regarding becoming a US citizen if you are a UK citizen...I would recommend reading the pros and cons before doing so.  ONce a US citizen you HAVE to pay taxes to the US forever now way of getting out of that. Not only that it affects other things investments etc.  As a UK citizen living in the US and planning on returning home in 2012, I am struggling with that decision now, on whether or not to get my US citizenship before I leave.

Yes, but either way, the OP has to file US taxes where she is a US citizen anyway. 

To me and my husband, it's a small "price" to pay if we ever decide to move back to the US...besides, who is to know what the process/costs would be in several years, if we did.  By him having his citizenship, that's something we no longer have to think about. 

It's certainly a personal choice and may not be right for everyone whatever the reason, but certainly one I would advocate...just to NOT have to deal with immigration ever again on this side of the "pond."   

Regarding becoming a US citizen if you are a UK citizen...I would recommend reading the pros and cons before doing so.  ONce a US citizen you HAVE to pay taxes to the US forever now way of getting out of that. Not only that it affects other things investments etc.  As a UK citizen living in the US and planning on returning home in 2012, I am struggling with that decision now, on whether or not to get my US citizenship before I leave.

I think having to file taxes adds an extra layer of complication, but the chances are that you won't actually owe any additional taxes.  Just be aware of and be careful with some of the bigger pitfalls, like not investing in unit trusts.

I work from home on the internet and could continue to work for the same company and have a direct deposit put into my back account monthly.

I know this is off topic (I wanted to PM you but it wouldn't let me.  I am curious as to your internet job, I am always searching for one!

I think having to file taxes adds an extra layer of complication, but the chances are that you won't actually owe any additional taxes.  Just be aware of and be careful with some of the bigger pitfalls, like not investing in unit trusts.

Indeed! That is what I'm talking about...before making any investments I would have research if I'm violating US tax laws etc.  So I don't know..there are definitely pros and cons to becoming a US citizen.  I'll definitely have to make a decision next year

Get the Italian citizenship.  It will give you the right to stay in the UK regardless of your marital status.  IIRC, we've had someone on the forum who was widowed before she qualified for ILR and had to jump through a few hoops quickly in order to remain in the UK.  If you are exercising your own EU/EEA (can't remember which term is correct) treaty rights as an Italian citizen, you shouldn't have to do that.