Settlement Gold Premium Service Appointment

I think this one is going to be the more appropriate one based on the feedback from this thread and the cost is far more attractive and processing time could be comparable and the time of the year hopefully helps us to get this done sooner rather than later.

Yes, the settlement priority service is the normal one... and until November 15th 2017, it was the ONLY option to speed up processing (not that the Gold service speeds it up!).

The settlement priority service has been around for several years and if you can afford to go for it, I would recommend it. Originally it was introduced as a 15-working-day service but then they realised they couldn't guarantee a decision in that time so now they just 'put your application to the front of the line, to be opened before non-priority applications'

I didn't even notice they offered other services as they aren't as bold as the other options, I guess they are trying to get the extra $$ from the gold settlement services.

Yeah, I don't understand the logic behind the Settlement Gold service... it would make sense if it got a really fast decision... like within a couple of days, but it seems to take even longer than Settlement Priority - so all you're really doing is paying about $800 extra just to keep your passport.

ha-ha we were tempted to marry while over there but fear of US officials telling us off and the wrath of my family over here missing out means we will marry in the UK and everyone can be happy.

No one will tell you off - US immigration specifically tells you to marry as a visitor if you have no intention of living together in the US after the wedding.

From the US Embassy website:

Please note: if you do not intend taking up indefinite residence but will continue to live and work outside the United States after the marriage ceremony, you should apply for a B-2 visa, or if eligible, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

(https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/)

It's MUCH easier and cheaper to marry in the US than in the UK... you save £1,000+ in visa fees, plus with a spousal visa you can work and use the NHS immediately, but you can't do either on a fiance visa, which means no working for several months, taking out private health insurance and paying out of pocket for the NHS.

What you could always do is marry in the US on a quick visit (you could even do it during a long weekend), apply for a spousal visa, move to the UK, and then have a blessing ceremony in the UK for family and friends - you can make it a big wedding celebration, you just won't be doing the legal bit.

Another quick question, am i correct in deciphering the correct visa to apply for on the visa4uk website is

Reason for Visit: Settlement
Visa Type: Settlement
Visa Sub Type: Marriage

Yes, that's correct for a fiance visa. If it was a spousal visa it would be Settlement -> Settlement -> Wife or Husband

Does it make any difference to the application if we do the "apply for someone else" / "applying for myself"? As we are both going to fill it out but wasn't sure if there was a preferred one to choose.

It's 'apply for yourself'.

'Applying for someone else' usually means you are either a lawyer or an immigration representative, and you are applying on behalf of your client, or that you are completing the application on behalf of a child who is too young to fill it out themselves.

It's MUCH easier and cheaper to marry in the US than in the UK... you save £1,000+ in visa fees, plus with a spousal visa you can work and use the NHS immediately, but you can't do either on a fiance visa, which means no working for several months, taking out private health insurance and paying out of pocket for the NHS.

What you could always do is marry in the US on a quick visit (you could even do it during a long weekend), apply for a spousal visa, move to the UK, and then have a blessing ceremony in the UK for family and friends - you can make it a big wedding celebration, you just won't be doing the legal bit.

Very tempting, going to put those points to the OH and see how responsive she is to this. I just got back yesterday from visiting her but I'm always happy to go see her. Although going back so quickly might cause the officer at the border to raise an eyebrow. I always expect a hard time getting into the country for some reason but mostly surprised at how relaxed they are, seems to be more hassle to get out of the country than in.

It's 'apply for yourself'.

'Applying for someone else' usually means you are either a lawyer or an immigration representative, and you are applying on behalf of your client, or that you are completing the application on behalf of a child who is too young to fill it out themselves.

Aah thanks for clarifying this, I hadn't considered those reasons. I just somewhat assumed it was for those that maybe English wasn't there first language or just giving couples the option to who applies.

Very tempting, going to put those points to the OH and see how responsive she is to this. I just got back yesterday from visiting her but I'm always happy to go see her. Although going back so quickly might cause the officer at the border to raise an eyebrow. I always expect a hard time getting into the country for some reason but mostly surprised at how relaxed they are, seems to be more hassle to get out of the country than in.

Well, you don't necessarily want to rush anything - you'll want to take your time and make sure you meet all the visa requirements and have all the documents ready, in the exact format that UKVI require, before you submit the visa application.

So, you might find it's better to plan things out a bit first, before rushing back to the US to marry - things like working out what the procedure is for marrying in the particular US county where she lives, how and when you will receive the marriage certificate, making sure that all your supporting documents will be in date for when you submit the online application etc.

Aah thanks for clarifying this, I hadn't considered those reasons. I just somewhat assumed it was for those that maybe English wasn't there first language or just giving couples the option to who applies.

The applicant is the one who applies - it's her application, so she fills it out as herself .

You don't apply for her, but you can help her fill it out... just filling it out as if you're her (as a hint, when it asks for parents' details on the online application, it means her parents, not yours, even though it implies the sponsor's parents!).

Also, are you aware that the online form is only half of the application form? You also need to print and complete VAF4a Appendix 2: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/270484/VAF4A-Appendix2.pdf

If you'd like to start a new topic for your application circumstances, we can help with any questions you have, without clogging up the Gold Service thread .

Good afternoon everyone! Hope you've arrived safely in Scotland @Dani1983! I've just successfully collected my BRP card and thought I was finally done with all this paperwork... Apparently not!

Questions for the pros:
I seem to recall reading that my NIN would be printed on the back of my BRP? The accompanying letter from the Home Office indicates they're working on aligning these processes but have only done so for Tier 2 points based visas to-date. It says either I or my employer will have to apply for one. I'm told it will take 6 weeks to have one allocated? I had told my company it would be on the back of my BRP. Should I ask them to apply on my behalf or should I do so directly since they didn't sponsor me? Am I required to have a valid NIN before starting work (for tax purposes)? If so I may have to delay my start date again . Sorry for the inane questions but I'm not sure what to do!!

Good afternoon everyone! Hope you've arrived safely in Scotland @Dani1983! I've just successfully collected my BRP card and thought I was finally done with all this paperwork... Apparently not!

Questions for the pros:
I seem to recall reading that my NIN would be printed on the back of my BRP? The accompanying letter from the Home Office indicates they're working on aligning these processes but have only done so for Tier 2 points based visas to-date. It says either I or my employer will have to apply for one. I'm told it will take 6 weeks to have one allocated? I had told my company it would be on the back of my BRP. Should I ask them to apply on my behalf or should I do so directly since they didn't sponsor me? Am I required to have a valid NIN before starting work (for tax purposes)? If so I may have to delay my start date again . Sorry for the inane questions but I'm not sure what to do!!

Woo hoo!

No, they do NOT assign National Insurance numbers for anyone other than Tier 2's.

You will need to apply for your own NI.  I have not heard of employer's being able to do that for you.

You can begin work without it, but will pay a high rate of tax until the NI number comes in.  After that, you'll get a credit back in your paycheck for the overpayment of tax.

You *should* be able to apply for the NI number over the phone and then fill out some paperwork and send it back.  They may require an interview.

Nothing is easy in the UK.   

Yes, just give them a call and make sure they get it that your spouse visa was granted outside of the UK. For some reason, that’s what seems to make the difference between having to attend for interview or not.
That way you should be able to apply by post, once they send you the forms.

@KFdancer @larrabee thanks for the quick replies! I emailed HR about this and they said someone from payroll would get back to me?

If I apply for it over the phone tomorrow and just ask my partner to send in forms by post, I might be okay. I can't believe they might require an interview though! I'll definitely tell them I applied from outside the UK. Will they tell me if I have to go to an interview up front? Is it a medical interview - I can't understand the need for this?

I'll be going back to Maryland on Sunday and then not returning until March. Depending on how interviews are scheduled, I might not be here to attend and I'm not flying back just for that! Am I better of waiting until I'm back here permanently to initiate the NIN application?

@KFdancer @larrabee thanks for the quick replies! I emailed HR about this and they said someone from payroll would get back to me?

If I apply for it over the phone tomorrow and just ask my partner to send in forms by post, I might be okay. I can't believe they might require an interview though! I'll definitely tell them I applied from outside the UK. Will they tell me if I have to go to an interview up front? Is it a medical interview - I can't understand the need for this?

I'll be going back to Maryland on Sunday and then not returning until March. Depending on how interviews are scheduled, I might not be here to attend and I'm not flying back just for that! Am I better of waiting until I'm back here permanently to initiate the NIN application?

I think it’s more of an identity interview.

If you need an interview, it’s just an interview at the Job Centre - from what I’ve heard they just check your right to work and that you’re looking for work and they help you fill out the form.

I’d get started on the NIN application ASAP, since it can take a few weeks to come though. The majority of people with visas issued outside the U.K. do not need an interview. If you do, though, I’m not sure how long it takes to schedule one.

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Yup, most don't have to attend and interview...  but it's a bit of a crap shoot!

They will tell you over the phone if you have to apply in person or by post.

I can't remember if you have to send your BRP or not....

@KFdancer @larrabee thanks for the quick replies! I emailed HR about this and they said someone from payroll would get back to me?

If I apply for it over the phone tomorrow and just ask my partner to send in forms by post, I might be okay. I can't believe they might require an interview though! I'll definitely tell them I applied from outside the UK. Will they tell me if I have to go to an interview up front? Is it a medical interview - I can't understand the need for this?

I'll be going back to Maryland on Sunday and then not returning until March. Depending on how interviews are scheduled, I might not be here to attend and I'm not flying back just for that! Am I better of waiting until I'm back here permanently to initiate the NIN application?

I just got mine! So you call, tell them you need to get you NI number and were granted a spouse visa from outside the UK. They'll confirm with you that your address hasn't changed and mail you the forms. You'll have to return a photo copy of multiple pages of your passport and BRP (they give the instructions) and a week or so later you get your #. It's all done by post but I believe you have to be in the country when applying for it. You can work up to 3 months without it.

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I just got mine! So you call, tell them you need to get you NI number and were granted a spouse visa from outside the UK. They'll confirm with you that your address hasn't changed and mail you the forms. You'll have to return a photo copy of multiple pages of your passport and BRP (they give the instructions) and a week or so later you get your #. It's all done by post but I believe you have to be in the country when applying for it. You can work up to 3 months without it.

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@margo thanks so much for sharing that!!! I'll call tomorrow to get the ball rolling 

I just got mine! So you call, tell them you need to get you NI number and were granted a spouse visa from outside the UK. They'll confirm with you that your address hasn't changed and mail you the forms. You'll have to return a photo copy of multiple pages of your passport and BRP (they give the instructions) and a week or so later you get your #. It's all done by post but I believe you have to be in the country when applying for it. You can work up to 3 months without it.

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

You got your number in a WEEK?!?!  Wow, they've improved that!

You got your number in a WEEK?!?!  Wow, they've improved that!

It was just over a week after returning the docs. I was slow about mailing them back, but the whole process took about 3 weeks from initial phone call.

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@KFdancer @larrabee thanks for the quick replies! I emailed HR about this and they said someone from payroll would get back to me?

If I apply for it over the phone tomorrow and just ask my partner to send in forms by post, I might be okay. I can't believe they might require an interview though! I'll definitely tell them I applied from outside the UK. Will they tell me if I have to go to an interview up front? Is it a medical interview - I can't understand the need for this?

I'll be going back to Maryland on Sunday and then not returning until March. Depending on how interviews are scheduled, I might not be here to attend and I'm not flying back just for that! Am I better of waiting until I'm back here permanently to initiate the NIN application?

Hey! Glad you made it over safely, we did as well. It was a trek! I don't know how you keep making the trip! I had my 5 year old and was carrying SO much stuff, Iceland air had some fun stairs to carry it all up and down too! Haha! That's where my complaining ends though, it's absolutely stunning here and I'm so happy to be back with my boys.

Good luck getting your NIN quickly and sorry you ran into more paperwork. I don't think I have one either but I'll have to check. I have a provisional driving license from before, and a NHS number, so I might have sorted that as well. My mother-in-law will know lol.