My last visa

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:06 am

I'm mailing the app for my last visa today. It's the big one. The one that gives me 'indefinite leave to remain' in the UK. It costs alot of money. They doubled the price for it since the july bombings. Dont blame them really. It's Ã‚£335 by post. And Ã‚£500 in person.

I'm anxious. I shouldnt be. I have everything they asked for. But I am. My whole entire life here depends on the British Home Office's good grace. I obey their laws, (got proof) I pay my taxes, (got proof) and I have supported myself the whole time I've been allowed to work, without needing public funds. (also have proof)

Living in another country is certainly an eyeopening experience. Maybe thats what is so wierd. I dont feel like I'm IN another country. Not one person has made me feel like I'm a foreigner, here.

So why am I so anxious? Maybe it's just because I love my husband so much. I want to be able to live with him for the rest of my life. We have hopes and dreams. Like buying our own bungalow with a garden. I start uni in september. We have two kittens. Would they take all that away from me? Probably not. Most likely not. But they could. How are they feeling about americans these days?

So pardon me if I appear to be a nervous wreck for the next few weeks. I KNOW it will be okay. But there is always that 'what if' isnt there?

Post by **Betty Boop** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:09 am

I hope everything goes well for you and try not to worry too much! :-6

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:13 am

Thanks Betty! I think it's just the whole process. They have already given me two visa's. No reason whatsoever not to give me this one. But still...Thank goodness it's the last!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:08 am

If you plan to stay forever, why not apply for citizenship?

MzInterpret · Post by **MzInterpret** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:21 am

Accountable wrote: If you plan to stay forever, why not apply for citizenship?
You have to get ILR first before you can get citizenship.

Raven, let us know how it goes. We are eligible to apply in March!

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:23 am

Because I'm american. That means alot to me too. If I could hold duel citizenship, then I would think about it. But our country has funny views about things like that. Giving up ones citizenship should never be taken lightly.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:25 am

MzInterpret wrote: You have to get ILR first before you can get citizenship.

Raven, let us know how it goes. We are eligible to apply in March!
Will do! Have you downloaded the app? Its TREMENDOUS!!

MzInterpret · Post by **MzInterpret** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:27 am

Raven wrote: Will do! Have you downloaded the app? Its TREMENDOUS!!
Yes, downloaded. Fortunately I am being allowed dual citizenship. Just need to do that paperwork first.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:27 am

SnoozeControl wrote: Why would it be that much more expensive to apply in person? Because they'd have to process the paperwork while you're there? Jeez, what a racket.

Good luck.
Because you get it the same day. You pay more for 'premium' service. They increased the rates right after the july 7th bombings of London. I guess you really have to want to stay.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:30 am

I have everything crossed.....we need great people like you to become part of the UK population....I'm all nervous for you now....:-4

Good luck !!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:32 am

SnoozeControl wrote: Your wife wasn't born in the US, was she? Did you have to go through the same crap with a visa, etc? It seems if you marry someone, then the spouse's home country would allow you to stay.

She gets a new Green Card every 10 years. Her sister opted for citizenship. Our sentiment is just like Raven. Citizenship is a large part of identity. I'm amazed at the calousness of some Americans when talking to foreign spouses. They actually say things like "Why wouldn't you want to be a citizen?" like they're discussing quality shoes.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:34 am

Thanks Bez! Our countries are not so different. Even though I know things will go okay, it's still nerve racking! So much depends on one little stamp in your passport!

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:37 am

Accountable wrote: She gets a new Green Card every 10 years. Her sister opted for citizenship. Our sentiment is just like Raven. Citizenship is a large part of identity. I'm amazed at the calousness of some Americans when talking to foreign spouses. They actually say things like "Why wouldn't you want to be a citizen?" like they're discussing quality shoes.
Exactly. I dont think I will have to reapply for anything, but I know I will be able to apply for british citizenship after having been here for four years. Like I said, if I can do that and still retain my american citizenship, then I will think about it.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:44 am

MzInterpret wrote: Yes, downloaded. Fortunately I am being allowed dual citizenship. Just need to do that paperwork first.
Dont know yet if I am or not. But I still have 2 years to go before I have to address that question. Good luck to you too!

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:24 am

Good luck Raven, i'm sure everything will be fine x :-6

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:46 am

Good luck with everything!:)

My DH is from Ireland, he's been here for 13 years. He has a green card but has decided to get naturalized.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:49 am

sunny104 wrote: Good luck with everything!:)

My DH is from Ireland, he's been here for 13 years. He has a green card but has decided to get naturalized.

OOooooo. Are they going to use a local or general anesthetic? :p

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:51 am

I'm sure it will all turn out okay. But it's just that I love being here so much, with my husband. It's such a magical place to be! I would just HATE being told I had to go...:-1

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:53 am

Accountable wrote: OOooooo. Are they going to use a local or general anesthetic? :p

:D

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 8:03 am

Good Luck Raven. :-6

OpenMind · Post by **OpenMind** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 2:29 pm

I don't think you have anything to worry about, Raven. If it helps ease your mind, I'll always put in a good word for ya.:-6

Good luck, anyway.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 2:10 am

I think it's just the enormity of it all. My voice of reason says "The British are not in the habit of seperating married people, thats why they have these things." Plus they have already granted me 2 visa's for this very purpose. I've shown them everything they required to prove I have not abused their good faith in me.

I just wonder if it's like this for everyone who goes through this process?

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 4:33 am

Thank you Clancy. You dont know good that makes me feel. I have had to have a cbc done because I work in a hospital. I even sent my copy of it to them, to prove I have no criminal offence. It's all down to the waiting now. The line in the post office was horrendous! I think queing is a national sport!:wah:

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:32 am

OpenMind wrote: I don't think you have anything to worry about, Raven. If it helps ease your mind, I'll always put in a good word for ya.:-6

Good luck, anyway.

Yeh...we'll do anything...sign a petition, lobby parliament, mass demo on the M25.....we're rooting for you gal....:-4

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:33 am

My journey here began with a fiancee visa. YOU have to apply for it in the states. My voodoo had to send me his passport and proof he could support me here without recourse to public funds. For six months my husband, who is a british citizen, couldnt claim anything he might otherwise be entitled to, because his intended was coming from another country. After we were married, I had to get a resident permit. That one was easy. Just had to show proof of marriage with intent to stay that way. That gave me the right to work without a permit. Still no recourse to public funds. No problem. Dont need them. That was good for two years. (probationary period) This one is my 'indefinite leave to remain'. We have had to show proof of income, marriage subsistence, and good character. LOADS of paperwork! This one is good for as long as I choose to remain in the UK. You cant do a whole lot here without this one. You cant get a mortgage or go to college without it. I'm just terribly glad we have been at the same address this whole time! The applications are long winded and hard to understand in spots. And even though the Brits are known for their sense of humor, the British Home Office ISNT! You have to provide EXACTLY what they ask for and in the ORIGINAL! So far we havent had a problem with this. It's just that this one is so big and involved, that I hope we havent missed anything. We went back over it several times, and we were pretty happy with it. Just hope THEY are! My current visa expires the 26th and THEY have my passport!:-3

OpenMind · Post by **OpenMind** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 11:36 am

Everything's crossed.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 2:21 am

LOL! Everything is so crossed I'm in knots!:yh_laugh