Many Questions about Moving...

[UKbound]

I apologize in advance if this has been covered in other topics, but I have a bunch of questions to ask about relocating to the UK. First, the situation is this: I have been accepted to study at Oxford for a PhD, which will last 3-4 years (depending on how fast I can write). Now, my wife, currently holding dual Canadian-British citizenship would obviously come with me. My questions are as follows:

1. Would she need a visa to live and work in the UK? She's already a citizen.
2. I imagine that I would need a student visa, but would this change because I'm married to a UK citizen?
3. Would the address of the residence at the university (where we would have to stay) count for official purposes, bank accounts, etc?
4. Is it possible to progress from a student visa to gaining citizenship? We're going to be there for three years, after all - or do I have to have indefinite leave to remain status first?
5. Assuming that the Oxford tab is picked up by either the university or help from my family or both, would it be possible to make a reasonable living on a single salary? I assume no cars, utilities, etc - mainly food and whatnot.
6. Would my wife have to have a job lined up before we moved (in September) or not? How would this affect my own visa status?

I know that I'm asking a lot, but it would ease my mind considerably if someone could help me out, and you all seem so knowledgeable about the subject. For me, living and studying in the UK is as close to a dream come true as I can imagine, and I would hate to be caught up by something I didn't plan for or foresee.

[mari-mac]

Hi! Congratulations! I will try and answer your questions!

1. No, she doesn't need any visa - she can just move here and start working. She will need to get a National Insurance number when she gets here (if she doesn't already).

2. Not sure on this one - you could either get a student visa or a marriage visa. You would still be eligible for a student visa. You can't work on a student visa (well, you can only earn a very small amount), and also the marriage visa will allow you to gain Indefinite Leave to Remain. So it might be better to go for the marriage visa as it will save you money in the long run.

3. Yes, your university residence is fine to get bank accounts, etc.

4. If you are married to a UK citizen, you have to live here 3 years before gaining citizen - the last year you must have no time restrictions on your visa (i.e. you need Indefinite Leave to Remain) and to pass the citizenship test (which is very easy)

5. If your accommodation is paid for, and no cars, then yes, I would think so. Oxford is an expensive city, for pubs and things, but if you mostly eat at home and treat yourself, then I think so.

6. You will find it tricky to find a job in advance - it's much easier to find a job when you are over here (depending on what she does of course). For the marriage visa, it says that you must have sufficient funds to be able to live without claiming benefits - I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I think if you have a couple months salary in the bank, that's probably good.

Hope that helps!

[UKbound]

Thanks for your help, it's good to have some straight answers for once. I'm still unsure about the visa process, however. Is it possible for me to attend school/work on a marriage visa instead of a student visa? How long is the marriage visa good for - and it's possible to apply from that to indefinite leave to remain and then citizenship?

Sorry for all the questions, by the way.

[Joanne]

There are information on the spouse visa here:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front ... 8721067257

I agree with mari-mac that the spouse visa would be better than the student visa because you can work and can lead for you to stay here permanently. The student visa is only for staying here temporarily and you can only work part-time.

You can be a student on the marriage/spouse visa, in fact you can do what you want (work, study or have a business !). The spouse visa is good for 2 years and after that you will have to have the indefinite leave to remain. You can apply for the British citizenship once you have been here for 3 years, you will have to pass a test and attend a ceremony.
More info here:
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/britis ... ofcitizen/

It's quite expensive so try to save some money before !
You will have to pay first for the marriage visa , after 2 year for the indefinite leave to remain and for the citizenship (at the moment it is £655)and the test.

Also you will have to paid international student fees (they are usually really high) so make sure you can afford those too.

Your wife will only need to enter the UK with her British passport and she can work (and ask for National Insurance Number).

Also "you must have sufficient funds to be able to live without claiming benefits" means that you will need to show that you can support yourself without asking for things like:
* income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
* Income Support
* Child Tax Credit
* Working Tax Credit
* a Social Fund payment
* Child Benefit
* Housing Benefit
* Council Tax Benefit
* State Pension Credit
* Attendance Allowance
* Severe Disablement Allowance
* Carer's Allowance
* Disability Living Allowance
* local authority housing, and
* local authority homelessness assistance.

It means that if you are in trouble financially you will not have any help from the government.

Hope this helps

Joanne

[UKbound]

That's exactly what I wanted to know, thank you. So I would apply for a marriage visa, which is under the VAF4 category of settlement visas?

[Joanne]

Yes that is correct, that is the form (VAF4) that you need to send (along with all the other documents that are required) and your wife will be your sponsor.

Also don't wait at the last minute (don't book anything before getting your visa)to apply because it can take a few months for it to be processed.

Good Luck !

Joanne

[UKbound]

Perfect - one less thing to worry about (for now). Thanks for your help, Mari-Mac and Joanne, I appreciate it.

[Etobicoke31]

UKbound,

I have a suggestion as well. If your wife is a British citizen, check the information for the EEA family permit which would have 6 months validity and then you must apply for residence permit with the Home Office (good for 5 years). The EEA family permit is free of charge.

Good luck