UK Visas & Immigration

The UK Immigration process is reasonably straighforward, you may not need a lawyer, many people don’t need one. You can do the paperwork yourself if it is an uncomplicated situation (such as for fiancé and spousal visas).

There are several different visa types for emigrating to the UK, and finding the right one for you can get complex, so make sure you do all your research before you buy your tickets and start packing.

The US/UK Special Relationship Limitations

Being American or speaking English does not in itself entitle anyone to live in the UK or to just visit the UK . That special relationship isn’t a free pass, the rules are there to reduce immigration. In our community forums, there are instances of Americans denied entry at the airport due to various reasons, including lack of proper documentation or misrepresentation of their intent (lying). 

Our best advice is to do it by the book, follow the process, don’t try shortcuts, and never lie to officials or else you risk being banned from entry or complicating your visa process unnecessarily.

That said, there are some options. The main ways that Americans come to the UK are as visitors, as fiancee’s/spouses/civil partners of UK or European Economic Area consists of the Member States of the European Union (EU) and three countries of the European Free... More nationals, or tied to studies, employment or investment.

With all of these categories, it is essential to prove that you will not need to be supported by state funds/benefits (welfare) once you get here, and that you have somewhere appropriate to live.

Common UK Visa Types

• You can move to the UK to wor k if your UK employer gets you a work permit before you arrive.
• You can move to the UK if you have family that reside in the UK, relatives, spouse, partners, fiance(e), as long as you can prove you meet income requirements for this.
• Others who qualify to move may be the financially comfortable, college students, asylum seekers, and refugees.

It is important to note that not just *any* job can get you a work permit, and a casual relationship (ie one where you have not been living together and do not yet intend to marry) will not give you enough ties to emigrate. Take care to understand the process completely before starting your application.

If you are the spouse or Civil Partner of a British Citizen, previously you could achieve British Citizenship for yourself in a little as 3 years, but as of 9th July, 2012, the latest rules changed, the family migration path is more difficult, the financial requirements increase, and the probationary period is now 5-10 years. Fees increase most years.

You may find our Family Migration Income Calculator and Financial Evidence Checklist useful.

You’re learning about this difficult process, overstays and misrepresentations to Border Control are common issues faced by immigration authorities. To be frank, American women are beginning to get a reputation for overstaying their visa and lying to Border Control, and as a woman myself, I am saying this to stress the seriousness, not stereotype. Anyone can face searches or deportation, and being prohibited from taking up residence or even visiting the UK ever again. No one reputable will advise you to try shortcuts.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws frequently change, and individuals are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or the relevant government authorities (United Kingdom Visas & Immigration Agency, current name. Previous names: UKBA, IND More website) to ensure they have the most current information. 

You can read others experiences and questions on our  UK Visa & Immigration discussion forum.