I'm a dual US/UK citizen (born in the UK to British parents), now living in Florida. My wife has applied for a zoo-keeping job in the UK, but the employer says she'll need a work permit before they even consider her. Is it possible for her to get a work permit without a job offer or sponsorship? Is she at any kind of advantage being married to a UK citizen for three+ years?
Immigration - 2 Answers
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1 :
If she has a Masters or PhD she can apply for the Tier 1 visa which does not require company sponsorship. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/general/eligibility/
2 :
If you are a UK citizen (i.e. hold a British Passport), she can apply for the Fiance Visa, which is much easier to obtain than the Tier 1 Visa. The Fiance Visa will allow her the unrestricted right to work and live in the UK (as long as she is married to you), but has to be renewed periodically. After 2 years of staying in the UK under the Fiance Visa, she can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which will give her the permanent right to stay and work in the UK, and from there, citizenship. With both the Fiance Visa and Tier 1, she can get it before finding a job. However, applying for it while overseas might be a bit complicated.
