Americans living in Ireland or Northern Ireland

Question

Could anyone share their real life stories or have known of people of American married to a Irish person with an Irish passport living in Northern Ireland, of how they could live there?

Answer 1

I was in that Situation.  I was born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland but always held an Irish passport.  I met my husband whilst I was working in the USA on a J-1 visa after graduating from Queens University.  To cut a long story short we got married in the USA and then decided to move to Belfast, Northern Ireland.  I did some reading and as long as you have residence in Northern Ireland and held an EU passport you could 'sponser' your spouse to come to the 'UK".  We looked on the British Embassy Website for the USA. Followed all the links to a website all about visas.  Located information on the Spouse Visa. Printed and filled out the forms, gathered supporting documents (bank statements etc) and made an appointment online at the British Embassy in New York.  My husband went for an interview there.  They asked him a few questions and then told him his spouse visa had been granted and he was good to enter the UK to live and work there.

I have to say that he absolutley LOVES belfast and everything about it. It was an easy transition.  If you need more info on the process just contact me.  It can be a daunting experience!

Here is some information I lifed off the www.britainusa.com website (this is the website you will need to start the process)

Settlement: Spouse  

CHANGES TO THE IMMIGRATION RULES FOR SPOUSES

From 21 December 2004, the minimum age for those coming to the UK for settlement as spouses, fiancé/e and unmarried partners was increased from 16 to 18. Applications made on or after this date will be considered under these new rules.

(This change does not affect "visitors-for-marriage". This means that a 17 year old engaged couple who enter on a visit-marriage visa, marry & stay in the UK for less than six months as visitors, before returning to their country, would not be affected.)

You are strongly advised to submit your application in good time. Not all visas are issued the same day.

Please note; the applicant’s valid passport and relevant documents must accompany the application. Official documents must be the originals or official copies bearing the seal or stamp of the issuing authority. Birth certificates must show parentage. Marriage certificates must be the civil certificate issued by the registrar and bear the raised seal or stamp of the issuing authority.

A person seeking admission to the United Kingdom in this category MUST be in possession of an Entry clearance granted for this purpose prior to the arrival in the United Kingdom. Failure to obtain clearance will result in refusal of entry.

To qualify for admission as a spouse, you must show that;

The sponsor is present and settled in the United Kingdom, or is to be admitted for settlement at the same time as the applicant arrives in the UK;

The parties to the marriage have met;

The marriage is subsisting and each of the parties intend to live permanently with the other as his/her spouse;

There will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependents without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively;

The parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependents adequately without recourse to public funds

Entry clearance when issued is usually valid for 2 years and good for multiple entry. Applications should therefore be submitted only when you have specific plans to settle in the United Kingdom with your spouse.

ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS

It is your responsibility to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer that you meet all the criteria of the category under which you are applying. Therefore, it is in your interest to ensure that you are fully prepared before submitting an application. An Entry Clearance officer will base their decision to issue or refuse on the documents you submit.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE IRRESPECTIVE OF THE OUTCOME OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Documentary Requirements

1) Online application

2) Passport (note: It should be the original document and have ample validity)

3) One passport size photograph (Click here for example)

4) Spouses Passport

If your spouse is a British citizen by birth but does not hold a British passport then a full (long form) British birth certificate giving parents’ names will suffice. A British Visitor’s Passport is not sufficient.

If your spouse is entitled to right of abode in the United Kingdom but travels on a non-British passport, that passport containing the Certificate or stamp of the Right of Abode must be produced.

If your spouse is a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, produce that passport.

If your spouse holds a British citizen passport, produce that passport.

5) Marriage certificate

This must be a civil marriage certificate issued by the registrar of marriage of the town or city where the marriage took place and bearing the appropriate seal of office.

A Civil marriage certificate issued by the relevant authorities of another country is acceptable, if accompanied by an official translation.

6) Termination of previous marriage

(i) divorce papers showing the date the divorce became final;

(ii) death certificate.

7) Letter Of Support

If you and your spouse do not attend this office in person we will require a letter stating that they are aware and support your application to settle with them in the United Kingdom, and that it is their intention that you will live permanently together as each other’s spouse.

8) Evidence Of Accommodation in the UK

This may come in various forms:

a) Lease or tenancy agreement for private rented property

b) Tenancy agreement with the local authority housing department

c) Mortgage papers for privately owned property

d) Title deeds (OR letter from the organization holding the deeds).

If you plan to stay temporarily with relatives or friends we require a letter from them giving their consent to this arrangement. In addition evidence in the form of (a), (b), (c) or (d) that they have suitable temporary accommodation available for you and your dependants.

NOTE: Under the Rules you must demonstrate that you have the intention and ability to acquire adequate accommodation of your own or which you occupy yourselves (i.e. a separate unit of accommodation. One room in a shared property may not be acceptable other than on a strictly temporary basis).

9) Financial Support

Evidence that you and your spouse can support yourselves and your dependants without recourse to public funds may include one or a combination of the following documents according to your circumstances.

a) Letter from your spouse’s employer in the United Kingdom stating the position in the company, length of service, annual salary and whether the position is permanent.

b) Offers of employment for either/both parties including details of salary.

c) Recent statements of bank and saving accounts showing sufficient means of support while employment is sought in the United Kingdom or for indefinite support if no employment is planned.

d) Educational or vocational certificates and C.V. to demonstrate qualification for potential employment in the area in which you plan to live.

e) References from previous employers.

f) Enquiries made regarding employment in the United Kingdom.

g) Plans for self-employment in the United Kingdom.