Moving Back To UK With A Foreign Spouse part 2 – Great benefits

Moving Back To UK With A Foreign Spouse part 2 – Part one is here.

Types of Visas Available To Move with a Foreign Spouse

So you’ve met someone and fallen in love, now you want to make things more permanent and move back to the UK together. Moving back with a foreign spouse can offer challenges, but there are many paths to take. There are five types of visas available for couples moving back to the U.K together. If both parties have citizenship in different countries, this will impact which route you can take.

1.    Marriage Visa – Spouse Visa (M)

This visa is open to people who are married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or an EEA national. The spouse must be over 18 years old, and the couple should have been together for at least two years. The visa is initially for 30 months, and after this expires, the spouse can apply to remain in the UK with a further settlement visa to continue living together.

2.    Spouse Visa

This visa is open to people who are not married or in a civil partnership but is in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or an EEA national. The relationship must be over two years, and both parties should have evidence to show this. This visa allows the applicant to come to the U.K for 30 months, after which they can apply to settle in the country permanently.

3.    Long Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

This is an option for people who have lived in the UK with their partner or parent before and want to return after living abroad for three years. They must be able to show they were ‘ordinarily resident in the UK for 10 of the last 15 years. If they can demonstrate this, then they may be able to return to the U.K with their partner without having to make a separate application for a spouse visa.

4.    Unmarried Partner Visa

This visa is open to people in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or an EEA national and would like to move back to the U.K together but aren’t married or in a civil partnership. The couple must have lived together for at least two years and should prove this.

This visa allows the applicant to come to the U.K and stay for 30 months, after which they can apply to settle in the country permanently.

5.    Settlement Visa

This visa is open to people who have been in a relationship with a U.K citizen or an EEA national for five years or more and can provide evidence that they’ve lived together over the last two years. This visa allows the applicant to come into the UK without any time restrictions, but they will need to apply for settlement once they are in the country.

Before moving back to the U.K with a foreign spouse, it’s important to consult an immigration lawyer like Lawford Wilmot, who can help you decide which route is best for your situation. To speak directly to one of our professional advisers, call 020 3137 1500 or fill in our enquiry form, and we’ll call you back.

Benefits of Moving to the U.K

Moving to the United Kingdom can be a scary prospect. With all of the unknowns and potential barriers, it’s no wonder that people are reluctant to make such a large life change. Fortunately, plenty of evidence suggests that moving to the U.K has many benefits for expats and their families living elsewhere in the world. The following are five major benefits of moving to the United Kingdom.

1.    Education

Living abroad is a wonderful way to allow children to experience different cultures, but it also has drawbacks. When families move between countries, their children’s education becomes more difficult because it lacks continuity.

Allowing children to live in the United Kingdom allows them uninterrupted access to the British education system. Many schools in the U.K. are also world-renowned for providing top-quality education to expat children, so parents can rest easy knowing their children will receive high-quality instruction.

2.    Employment Opportunities

Moving to the United Kingdom often means that an individual will have access to much more job opportunities than when living elsewhere in the world. The U.K.’s economy is amongst the strongest in the entire world, so expats will often find that they have much more career opportunities than before they left their country of origin.

3.    Currency Exchange Rates

Because currency exchange rates between one currency and another currency fluctuate constantly, it can be difficult to keep track of how much a product costs if the individual lives in a different country. Fortunately, many companies make regular reports regarding currency exchange rates.

These regular updates allow individuals who are planning to move abroad to have a good idea of what they can expect their money will be worth when they arrive at their destination.

4.    Community and Culture

Moving to a new country can be difficult, especially if the new environment is vastly different from what an individual has experienced before. Fortunately, the United Kingdom provides expats with a wide variety of community and cultural events that help new arrivals feel as though they belong.

There are many clubs and associations available for those who wish to connect with others, so expats don’t have to go it alone if they don’t want to.

5.    The Number of Opportunities

Those who move to the United Kingdom are often pleasantly surprised by just how many opportunities there are in the new country. Businesses that were once considered small-scale enterprises can quickly become huge successes, so anyone who is interested in working for themselves should consider moving to the U.K.

Moving abroad is not easy, but there are plenty of reasons to consider doing so. Expats who are looking for a new beginning would be smart to move overseas and experience all that the United Kingdom has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving Back to the U.K

Is it cheaper to live in the UK?

The cost of living is generally higher than in other parts of Europe; however, you should be prepared for large wage differences. The average salary in London is £35k (compared to £22k outside of the capital), and expats who move with their family could potentially see an increase of 50% or more in their children’s standard of living.

Is healthcare expensive in the UK?

Public healthcare in the UK is generally viewed as one of the best services in Europe, if not the world. The NHS offers free treatment at the point of need to anyone who can prove that they have normally been residents in the United Kingdom for at least the previous five years.

Is it difficult to find work in the UK?

In comparison with other European countries, unemployment is relatively low, and there are currently millions of unfilled vacancies across a range of industries. In order to secure employment, an individual must have a National Insurance number and be able to prove their right to work in the UK. The job market is particularly competitive for employers in the finance, hospitality, and technology sectors.

Is it difficult to get a job in the UK?

The best way to find work is through networking, sending your CV, and going to interviews. One of the main attractions for foreigners moving back to the UK is that their qualifications should be viewed favorably. The relocation costs are high, but many British companies will give a return plane ticket, accommodation, and a small allowance to assist with the process.

Conclusion

You and your spouse have lived in the United States for a few years. The time has come to move back to the UK, but you’re not sure whether to take them with you or let them stay behind. Moving back to the UK with a foreign spouse isn’t as easy as it might seem at first glance. This way, refer to this guide for more information.