I would say that two out of every three people that ask me about the immigration process are shocked at how difficult and lengthly it is for the spouse of an American citizen to come over. Those two out of the three think that we're married, so he's able to be here. And that's that. I wish.
Royal and I started the process last September. We had a bit of news, funnily enough, on our anniversary in January but since then nothing. We're looking at 6-10 months minimum before we hear anything else.
The best part is, they don't have to let him in the country for a visit! They can reject him at the gate if they want to. You can't find out before you buy the ticket or before you get on the plane. You find out at the gate to America whether or not you just wasted hundreds of dollars flying or, more importantly, wasted all that hope that you would see your sweetheart after months apart.
Actually, that's not the best part. This is. Royal leaves the Marines soon (you want to know what schedule hell is like, try planning for immigration and leaving the Royal Marine Commandos, deciding when to go back to school, moving in with family, finding a new job, etc.)
I can't go visit Britain because soon I'll be making the only money. So if he doesn't make it through...
It's already less than easy not seeing him for set amounts of time (this past time is 3-ish months, we're about halfway through) but to not even know when the next time might be....
This whole thing is on my mind daily.
Then I see this at Rogue Gunner. A Canadian national that's been married to a British soldier for at least four years and is legally living in Britain with their two sons is being told she must go back to Canada. [article here] In Britain on a temp visa, she applied for citizenship and was turned down because, wait for it... she was there on a temp visa. They say she has to go home to apply which will take at least a year. You can just imagine how difficult that will be.
I definitely feel for them because it's pretty easy to be blindsided by things like this. I know Royal and I have had a couple of surprises we weren't expecting and it's just devastating. All I can say to anyone looking to do any immigration anywhere is RESEARCH! Research, research, research. And then do more research. There is so much information and there are different avenues to take, so check them all out. You will not regret it.
Past immigration post: Still Alive
