Studying in the UK, Visa information for my Wife

[AndyDrew]

Hi all,

So here is my question. I am due to start studying in the (Liverpool)UK in September 2009. The school has informed me that i do not require a Visa as i currently hold a UK passport through my parents. My fiancee and I will be getting married this coming July. She does qualify for the ancestry Visa as her grandmother was a UK citizen. Would this be the best type of visa for her to apply for? I understand that she does not qualify for public funding under this visa (IE. Unemployment etc.), but will she be covered under the NHS? The reason I ask this is that we will be there for at least four years while i am studying. Also, does she have to have a job in the UK prior to coming over to live? Is there anyone over there right now on this visa that could help us out?

Cheers,
Andy

[nicsunshine]

You have two options. She can apply for an ancestry visa or she can apply for a spousal visa with you as her sponsor.

Spousal visa lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) faster 2 years, while Ancestry takes 5 years.*

Really up to you which she chooses, either visa will allow her access to the NHS.

*This is under the current system. Do appreaciate that there are proposed changes to abolish ILR and replace it with probationary citizenship which will lengthen the time required before naturalization.