Spouse Visa

[raudones]

Hi,

My family is about to relocate to London from Manhattan due to my job. My spouse currently works, as well, and would like to continue to work once we get to London. I am told I should get my company to sponsor him for a spouse visa. I was wondering if anyone could tell us what this process involves, how long it takes, what costs may be incurred, how long it lasts and what this actually allows your spouse to do. Any helpful links would also be appreciated.

Thank you!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by raudones

Hi,

My family is about to relocate to London from Manhattan due to my job. My spouse currently works, as well, and would like to continue to work once we get to London. I am told I should get my company to sponsor him for a spouse visa. I was wondering if anyone could tell us what this process involves, how long it takes, what costs may be incurred, how long it lasts and what this actually allows your spouse to do. Any helpful links would also be appreciated.

Thank you!

I dont know the answer, but having been a visitor in Britain for the last week, I would imagine there will be a fair few really annoyed out of work Brits who wouldnt be to pleased that someone from another country could get a job "that easily". Theres over 2 milion unemployed over here and "the natives are restless" I cant wait to get back to Spain!! Eventho theres unemployment there too!!

I dont mean any offence and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn

Jo xxx

[raudones]

No offense taken. It is very difficult to get work here in the US, too, and don't believe he will have an easy time getting a job there either, but we do want to be prepared to do what it takes to avoid being a drain on the UK system. Of course taking care of our family while still being able to help out my company with this move is key, too.

Originally Posted by jojo

I dont know the answer, but having been a visitor in Britain for the last week, I would imagine there will be a fair few really annoyed out of work Brits who wouldnt be to pleased that someone from another country could get a job "that easily". Theres over 2 milion unemployed over here and "the natives are restless" I cant wait to get back to Spain!! Eventho theres unemployment there too!!

I dont mean any offence and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn

Jo xxx

[Minuvweyna]

I'm pretty sure that when you apply for your work visa (or your company applies for you) he would be included as a dependent (same for children if you have any that are under 18). He would be allowed to work while in the UK as a Tier 2 Sponsored Skilled Worker's Dependent. He must show he has enough to support himself without recourse to public funds (you don't get the option to be a drain on the UK economy; if you can't support yourself you are not eligible to register for assistance). UK Border Agency | Eligibility discusses maintenance requirements, but as I'm reading it you will need £800 and he will need an additional £533 available when you arrive. That really is very low compared to most other visa's entry requirements.

Here is information regarding the Tier 2 (General) Sponsored Skilled Worker category UK Border Agency | Tier 2 (General)

There is lots of info if you browse all the subcategories on the side, but specific information about dependents is in this section (again lots of subsections to check out) UK Border Agency | Applications by dependants

I also recommend looking at the application forms on the right hand side, they give you a lot of useful data, and are the best place to find the fees involved with each application. I think you will have to pay £265 for your application (your company may pay this for you). Each dependent who applies with you is an additional £265 it says (if you are applying from outside the UK.) UK Border Agency | Fees

Hope that's some help, but check out the UK Border Agency site for a LOT more info than I was able to find.

I've not gone though exactly what you are doing, so I'm sure there are others on here who can give you more personal experience (but I do seem to have figured out how to read all their visa mumbo jumbo, so I thought I'd see if I could be of some assistance.)

Cheers,
Elizabeth

[raudones]

Thank you, Elizabeth. This is very helpful! I did manage to find a few other sites, too.