Spouse/Returning Residents Visa

[makelifehappen]

Hello!

So pleased to have found this site, as it is very early on in our planning. Just last week, I decided to look into relocating to England and then broached the topic with my husband. His interest is not in where we live, but that we can do it together. My interest in relocation is for various reasons including the fact that his father is in a care home and well, every bit of family support counts.

My husband and I met several years ago online. We have spent some time travelling around Europe, USA and Canada over the past few years and really loved our time spent in the UK. He has "permanent resident" status in Canada and we are thinking that it would be wise to stay here in Canada at least until he is eligable for Citizenship so that we have the freedom to return (should things change over the years) without having to go through the entire immigration process all over again. The immigration process is not fun. We did the visitor visa'a and extensions, the "living together" nonsense, lived without a second income and I have sponsored him here in Canada.

All of these things said, I am seeking information on moving abroad as a family.

So far, what I have read, seems very similar to immigrating to Canada. However, there are some things that are still unclear. I have gone through a dozen or more threads here and wondered if anyone could tell me if I am understadning this ok!

So, as a spouse I can apply at least 3 months in advance for a spousal visa and should not book a flight until this has been approved?

This process could take up to 4 weeks to approve and during that time I should expect to go to a Toronto office where I need to give fingerprints?

In this application they are going to need to see that we have enough savings to support ourselves for a minimum of 6 months time?

What does that mean for a family of 4 (we have 2 children!)?

We have contacted the British Embassy here and have the forms for dual citizenship forms for the children, but are unclear whether or not my bio-daughter (from previous relationship)will be included in this without a full adoption process. And if that is not "allowed" then what are we supposed to do about her?

Anyone know about this?

We are about to do a legal name change (for my daughter)to my husband last name and will then have a new passport with a new name.

And finally, my husband will have to apply as a returning resident, but can be coming over with us to relocate, instead of living there "receiving us", right?

All of these things said, what happens when you do not want to burden family by staying with them for an unknown extended period whilst you seek out a house to rent/jobs? Are you able to use their address on the forms and opt for another avenue.such as holiday letting, etc?

Anyone that has suggestions or thoughts about any of this, please feel free! Like I said, we are just starting this process and would be completely appreciative!

[Joanne]

I will try to answer some of your questions. But first I agree that it would be a good idea for your husband to get his Canadian citizenship before moving back to the UK.
Do I understand correctly that your husband is British (born in the UK?)

So, as a spouse I can apply at least 3 months in advance for a spousal visa and should not book a flight until this has been approved?

Yes I would think in average it would take 3 months for a wife visa but it also depends how busy they are and if you send all the required information (will take longer if they need to contact you for more info). And yes, never book your flight before you receive your visa.

This process could take up to 4 weeks to approve and during that time I should expect to go to a Toronto office where I need to give fingerprints?

Cannot help with this one, I did not have to do that but I applied for it 8 years ago.

In this application they are going to need to see that we have enough savings to support ourselves for a minimum of 6 months time? What does that mean for a family of 4 (we have 2 children!)?

Yes you will have to show that you can support yourself (and your family) without recourse to public funds.
I do not think it is a set amount , it depends of your circumstances. For example if you would live with a relative (that doesn't charge you a rent) you would need less than if you rent a house yourself.
I would imagine that you will need at least 10 000 pounds for a family of four if your husband is moving with you at the same time.

We have contacted the British Embassy here and have the forms for dual citizenship forms for the children, but are unclear whether or not my bio-daughter (from previous relationship)will be included in this without a full adoption process. And if that is not "allowed" then what are we supposed to do about her?

You are correct in saying that you daughter from a previous relationship will have to be legally adopted to be able to apply for the British citizenship.
She will be put as a dependent on your wife visa (and your husband will sponsor you and her).
It will not make a difference if she changes her name, she needs to be legally adopted by your husband.

All of these things said, what happens when you do not want to burden family by staying with them for an unknown extended period whilst you seek out a house to rent/jobs? Are you able to use their address on the forms and opt for another avenue.such as holiday letting, etc?

Yes you can put their name/address on the form to say where you are going to stay on arrival but the person will have to write a letter stating that they agree that you can stay will them and will have to show that they have enough space for your family. They will probably have to show their mortgage agreement (to show that they own the house). Once you have your visa you can live where you want ,you do not have to live with relatives.

Hope this helps

Joanne

[makelifehappen]

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond:)

I will try to answer some of your questions. But first I agree that it would be a good idea for your husband to get his Canadian citizenship before moving back to the UK.
Do I understand correctly that your husband is British (born in the UK?)

So, yes. He is British. Born and raised there. But came to Canada to be with us (we met online in a common interest health forum). He is currently living in Canada as a permanent resident and the only thing left in the immigration process here is the waiting period before he can apply to become a canadian citizen.

In this application they are going to need to see that we have enough savings to support ourselves for a minimum of 6 months time? What does that mean for a family of 4 (we have 2 children!)?

Yes you will have to show that you can support yourself (and your family) without recourse to public funds.
I do not think it is a set amount , it depends of your circumstances. For example if you would live with a relative (that doesn't charge you a rent) you would need less than if you rent a house yourself.
I would imagine that you will need at least 10 000 pounds for a family of four if your husband is moving with you at the same time.

Thanks! All good to know!

We have contacted the British Embassy here and have the forms for dual citizenship forms for the children, but are unclear whether or not my bio-daughter (from previous relationship)will be included in this without a full adoption process. And if that is not "allowed" then what are we supposed to do about her?

You are correct in saying that you daughter from a previous relationship will have to be legally adopted to be able to apply for the British citizenship.
She will be put as a dependent on your wife visa (and your husband will sponsor you and her).
It will not make a difference if she changes her name, she needs to be legally adopted by your husband.[/quote]

Thought so! Thank you!

All of these things said, what happens when you do not want to burden family by staying with them for an unknown extended period whilst you seek out a house to rent/jobs? Are you able to use their address on the forms and opt for another avenue.such as holiday letting, etc?

Yes you can put their name/address on the form to say where you are going to stay on arrival but the person will have to write a letter stating that they agree that you can stay will them and will have to show that they have enough space for your family. They will probably have to show their mortgage agreement (to show that they own the house). Once you have your visa you can live where you want ,you do not have to live with relatives.

very good:)

Hope this helps [/quote]

indeed it does! thank you!

Wish me luck with all the other mad details to moving abroad!

[makelifehappen]

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond:)

I will try to answer some of your questions. But first I agree that it would be a good idea for your husband to get his Canadian citizenship before moving back to the UK.
Do I understand correctly that your husband is British (born in the UK?)

So, yes. He is British. Born and raised there. But came to Canada to be with us (we met online in a common interest health forum). He is currently living in Canada as a permanent resident and the only thing left in the immigration process here is the waiting period before he can apply to become a canadian citizen.

In this application they are going to need to see that we have enough savings to support ourselves for a minimum of 6 months time? What does that mean for a family of 4 (we have 2 children!)?

Yes you will have to show that you can support yourself (and your family) without recourse to public funds.
I do not think it is a set amount , it depends of your circumstances. For example if you would live with a relative (that doesn't charge you a rent) you would need less than if you rent a house yourself.
I would imagine that you will need at least 10 000 pounds for a family of four if your husband is moving with you at the same time.

Thanks! All good to know!

We have contacted the British Embassy here and have the forms for dual citizenship forms for the children, but are unclear whether or not my bio-daughter (from previous relationship)will be included in this without a full adoption process. And if that is not "allowed" then what are we supposed to do about her?

You are correct in saying that you daughter from a previous relationship will have to be legally adopted to be able to apply for the British citizenship.
She will be put as a dependent on your wife visa (and your husband will sponsor you and her).
It will not make a difference if she changes her name, she needs to be legally adopted by your husband.

Thought so! Thank you!

All of these things said, what happens when you do not want to burden family by staying with them for an unknown extended period whilst you seek out a house to rent/jobs? Are you able to use their address on the forms and opt for another avenue.such as holiday letting, etc?

Yes you can put their name/address on the form to say where you are going to stay on arrival but the person will have to write a letter stating that they agree that you can stay will them and will have to show that they have enough space for your family. They will probably have to show their mortgage agreement (to show that they own the house). Once you have your visa you can live where you want ,you do not have to live with relatives.

very good:)

Hope this helps

indeed it does! thank you!

Wish me luck with all the other mad details to moving abroad!