Awaiting husband's UK citizenship, can I fly ahead to US without him? Also, when the medical cert runs out do you start all over again?

[LondonWelsh 0]

Hi all

Sorry for the convoluted Topic Title!

I've had my medical, submitted the application proper, and I'm awaiting a final few tax bits from my husband and FiL so we can complete the affidavits of support and I can get my interview so we can move to the US.

My husband has ILR in the UK (where he has lived for 10yrs) but is applying for citizenship here so we can come back if need be in the future. However, we didn't realise until quite late on that we would need more then ILR nor did we anticipate how long it would take, and there's a chance it wouldn't come through before the medical aspect of my visa expires.

If he has to stay behind for a short time, could I go on ahead to the US assuming my Visa has come through OK? I'd be travelling with my son who is already a citizen. Or does he literally have to be on the same flight as us?

Worst case scenario, his UK citizenship takes too long and I can't go ahead without him, when the 6mo on my medical runs out, do you have to start the visa process all over again or "just" re-do the medical?

Huge thanks in advance for any help with this, especially with the UK situation being what it is from today (and the fact we are currently homeless and staying with friends here, sigh it's hard not to feel anxious at the moment!

LW x

[Marrienne 112]

You have to fly with your petitioner (husband) at the time of entering the US at POE or AFTER him (i.e. he is already in the US). Your son is not the petitioner ao he doesn't count.

You can discuss it with the Embassy there *may* be an extension granted. Ask them for details.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Your husband has to be domiciled in the USA before or at the same time as you. That doesn't mean he cannot return to the UK to tie up loose ends, but yes, he would need to travel before or with you.

When your medical runs out, you don't have to start over, just do the medical again (assuming you haven;t had the interview yet; it gets more complicated if you do).

[Whimplet 2]

I'd add that your husband doesn't need to be in the UK while his citizenship application is being considered.

Normally the biometrics request comes relatively early, once he's submitted them he is free to do whatever he wants.

But will have to return for the ceremony.

If you haven't already submitted his citizenship application, please do the new JCAP (joint citizenship and passport application?) as I believe that means there is no passport interview and you get the passport shortly after the citizenship ceremony.

Otherwise after the ceremony he might need to remain in the UK for 3 weeks or so until he gets his passport due to the interview requirement.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I can add that your visa will be issued to expire six months from the medical date, but if the medical expires before you set up your interview, you will have to re-do only a portion of the medical. It's the TB clearance that expires. You don't have to do the blood tests or body checking over. Knightsbridge have a price for the re-do less than the full price you already paid.

So best to hold off making the interview appointment until you know you're ready to get the visa issued and travel.

[LondonWelsh 0]

Thank you so much for all the replies! I'll get my head around it all properly in the morning I hope... very much appreciated!

[LondonWelsh 0]

In case it's useful to others, I just spoke to the Knightsbridge Doctors and they said if you don't fly before the 6 months expire, you have to retake every aspect of the medical again. Maybe this is a new thing? But that's what I was informed today

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

In case it's useful to others, I just spoke to the Knightsbridge Doctors and they said if you don't fly before the 6 months expire, you have to retake every aspect of the medical again. Maybe this is a new thing? But that's what I was informed today

Yep. That's right. It changed last year (2015). Forgot that.

Edited August 2, 2016 by Nich-Nick

[LondonWelsh 0]

I'm just glad I can actually provide some information that may be of use for once instead of just asking questions!

By the time I get through this thing I too will be an oracle and can do more answering

Yep. That's right. It changed last year (2015). Forgot that.