UK rule compared to US

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Both immigration paths are expensive. Over the long term the UK one is the most expensive as it has more (and much more expensive) renewals over a ten year period before the foreign spouse is entitled to citizenship/permanent residence, plus the NHS fee for non citizens. Over ten years you should expect to spend roughly 10,000 pounds before it's over. 

 

On the plus side for the UK, the NHS is an amazing resource and the social welfare options are more comprehensive.

 

For the US side - the immigration fees are lower - but still significant for those on a low income and the big elephant in the room is healthcare. Coming from the UK you can't underestimate how terrible it is for those who don't have job based insurance. And even with job based insurance depending on the policy it can be pretty bad. 

 

If you can save up, and if you can make the income requirements work for the UK system,  aim to save up about 4,000 pounds before you begin the process to cover fees and other expenses needed. 

 

If you go the American route I'd recommend both you and your boyfriend commit to finding full-time employment with good benefits packages. You'll also need to save up at least a few thousand pounds/dollars (at least 2-3000) to cover the application fees, medical fees, flights etc. 

 

Have you both already met face to face? Have either of you experienced the other country? That might help you decide which path to plan for.

[beloved_dingo 1,974]

For U.S. immigration, you could get a qualified joint sponsor to overcome the income requirement (most typically this is a relative of the U.S. petitioner who is willing to do this), but it does not overcome the issue that you both would need enough funds to live on and pay the various fees involved regardless of a joint sponsor. How expensive life in the U.S. is varies A LOT from place to place, but you still have to have money coming in to live on.

 

I understand you want to have children, but please consider that having a child to "solve" the immigration problem is not a good idea at all. You're talking about taking on a huge physical and financial burden to get through an immigration loophole. Considering the financial constraints and physical/mental health issues involved, rushing into starting a family is not the answer. 

 

A few questions to clarify the situation:

 

1) how much time have you both spent together face to face?

2) has your boyfriend worked before? how long has it been since he's had a job?

3) does your boyfriend have insurance?

4) is he being treated for his bpd?

5) how old are you both?

6) if you moved to the U.S. where would you be living (what state)?