International > English (UK)

Moving to the UK as a US citizen

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Devlyn:
As you may know, I have been in the process of moving to the UK. I'm happy to say I have completed the initial stage of that process, and I arrived in Biggleswade last week. Yesterday I picked up my BRP, a biometric residence permit. To my delight, the card is pink, white, and blue.  :)

I came here on a spousal visa, it is a three step process: First you are granted Leave to remain (33 months), then further leave to remain (30 months), and finally indefinite leave to remain. When I reach indefinite leave to remain at approximately the 5 year mark, I'm eligible to apply for citizenship.

The requirements for the initial visa are a sponsor, proof of suitable accommodation, and proof of financial eligibility. You are also required to pay an IHS fee  to the NHS. The current criteria for finances are that the UK partner must make at least £18,600 per annum, or alternatively, the US partner must have £68,500 in savings, held for a minimum of six months.

The current application fees ( they are adjusted annually) for the first visa are:

£1500  Visa application
£1200  IHS fee
£650    Priority (30 day) processing fee, this is optional.
This totalled up to $4,321 for us.

The fees for the second visa are currently:

£1,000  Visa application
£1,000  IHS fee
£650    Priority processing fee, this is optional.

The fees for the indefinite leave to remain (settlement) visa are currently:

£2389
£650 Priority processing fee, this is optional.

For all of the steps above, you have to prove the relationship, accommodation, and financial eligibility requirements.

Mills:
Wow that's expensive, also it's cold & wet here and you need an unusually high tolerance to tea, you WILL be offered it everywhere and ALL the time, the current time lapse between finishing your current cup and being given a second or possibly a third one is measured in nanoseconds, and NO it isn't polite to refuse, people will stare, start shaking and discretely leave the room to phone the Police, you have been warned.
Otherwise welcome to Britain were a friendly lot, just don't mention the War, the "B" word and expect to be asked about your current President between sips of tea.
Bigleswade! that sound's very English, you may have to show an interest in "Cricket", don't worry too much about that just go with the flow.

Em2:
Wow Devlyn,

Welcome to the UK. Biggleswade sounds very English and I am sure you will find that the UK is made up of more than just England. However, park that. I hope you have managed to settle in and don't mind the weather too much.

Em x

Devlyn:
Thanks, Aemily &Em! I'm in northern Scotland right now on our honeymoon. We're on the shore of Loch Eriboll. By all accounts, and my direct observation, this is the least densely populated part of the UK. The last hundred miles in was one lane road with passing pulloffs. We're loving it!

Hugs, Devlyn

ChrissyRyan:

--- Quote from: Devlyn on November 25, 2019, 09:34:28 am ---Thanks, Aemily &Em! I'm in northern Scotland right now on our honeymoon. We're on the shore of Loch Eriboll. By all accounts, and my direct observation, this is the least densely populated part of the UK. The last hundred miles in was one lane road with passing pulloffs. We're loving it!

Hugs, Devlyn

--- End quote ---

Have a wonderful time!

Chrissy

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