Actually we were just looking at this little challenge this morning. I received my leave to remain just before the changes to immigration laws came into effect. I have a letter from two years ago which gives me the website for the form I need to fill out. Check this out ...

The page no longer exists. Okay fine. Two years have nearly passed and there are new laws since then. Much searching for the required form, which they didn't name in the letter, so we have no idea of the exact search terms we need.

The one we think is the right form states that we have to pay £750 for the application. It also states that I have to take an English test (um, I'm thinking I can handle that part) and also a "Life in the UK" test which, by the way, my England-born-and-bred, and extremely literate and well-read, husband totally failed when he tried the online sample. (nail-biting ensues)

Both of these tests also require paying more money, although I think I have quid overload, so I've forgotten those fees already.

When I received my leave to remain we paid £750 for the application. We were told (and the letter backs this up) that all I have to do is fill out the form which basically states that my husband and I are still married and living together as man and wife, and that I haven't received any benefits. That's it. No further fees, no big whoop, just da facts, man.

Wow. Yes, we're going to call in the morning and make sure we're understanding all this correctly, but yeah, wow.

I understand England (or America and all other countries too, for that matter) wanting to tighten up immigration. But what an unbelievable hassle and financial drain just for my huband and I to be able to live together within driving distance of his daughters!

Sorry for the mega-download here. We've been going around and around on this topic all day together here. I went online to take a break from the headache/confusion, started looking at my various forums, and hey - you reminded me.