The worst part is, with the new rules that come into effect tomorrow, I believe (having done it both ways) that the US system is easier, cheaper, and more fair. A few examples:
- The US bases income on poverty levels. This varies by state, as opposed to the UK's decision to that everyone must make 18,600 pounds, regardless of whether they live in Central London or Wigan.
- The US allows joint sponsorship. If the sponsor doesn't make enough money but knows someone who does who will sign the paperwork, you're all good. As of tomorrow the UK will no longer allow third party support - it doesn't matter if your parents are independently wealthy and happy to help, no visa for you.
- In the US the initial, conditional greencard is for two years. If you divorce in that period but are able to prove that A) It was a good-faith marriage or B) Your spouse was abusive, you can still remove conditions and get permanent residency. As of tomorrow, the UK will have an initial visa good for two years, then you must apply for Further Leave to Remain (for, I'm sure, a good thousand quid), followed by Indefinite Leave to Remain only after five years. If, in the meantime, you get divorced, or something happens to your spouse, I do not believe there is any recourse to stay in the country, although I am only 80% certain of that. That means that in theory, if Gary is hit by a bus in four years, I will be forced to leave the home I shared with my husband of nine years, end of.
- The US citizenship test (which is actually a citizenship test) can be taken in several languages, there are exceptions based on age and disability, the test booklet (including a CD!) is free, and there is no extra fee beyond the naturalization fee to take the test. It's also given orally, and most Americans who have passed high school civics would pass it.
You have to work pretty hard to make the US system seem reasonable. Way to go, UK.
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baggyeyes
(no subject)
Date: 2012-07-08 04:20 pm (UTC)- The US bases income on poverty levels. This varies by state, as opposed to the UK's decision to that everyone must make 18,600 pounds, regardless of whether they live in Central London or Wigan.
- The US allows joint sponsorship. If the sponsor doesn't make enough money but knows someone who does who will sign the paperwork, you're all good. As of tomorrow the UK will no longer allow third party support - it doesn't matter if your parents are independently wealthy and happy to help, no visa for you.
- In the US the initial, conditional greencard is for two years. If you divorce in that period but are able to prove that A) It was a good-faith marriage or B) Your spouse was abusive, you can still remove conditions and get permanent residency. As of tomorrow, the UK will have an initial visa good for two years, then you must apply for Further Leave to Remain (for, I'm sure, a good thousand quid), followed by Indefinite Leave to Remain only after five years. If, in the meantime, you get divorced, or something happens to your spouse, I do not believe there is any recourse to stay in the country, although I am only 80% certain of that. That means that in theory, if Gary is hit by a bus in four years, I will be forced to leave the home I shared with my husband of nine years, end of.
- The US citizenship test (which is actually a citizenship test) can be taken in several languages, there are exceptions based on age and disability, the test booklet (including a CD!) is free, and there is no extra fee beyond the naturalization fee to take the test. It's also given orally, and most Americans who have passed high school civics would pass it.
You have to work pretty hard to make the US system seem reasonable. Way to go, UK.