English husband – American wife – visa complications?

EBMoore
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Posts: 12

English husband – American wife – visa complications? Oct 22, 2012 9:08:35 GMT

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Post by EBMoore on Oct 22, 2012 9:08:35 GMT

We’ve been reading through this site for the past few weeks now – so glad we have. The information here has been invaluable for us in making decisions even at this very early stage. We are very grateful for all those who take the time to share their experiences, answer questions and give advice.

This is my first post. My husband is at the very early stages of investigating Aramco as a potential for us and are getting more and more excited about the possibilities every day.

I have a few questions I’ve not seen answered on the site yet:

1. We live in the UK, my husband is English and I am American. I have the right to stay in the UK and to work here indefinitely, but I am not a British citizen. Could that create problems when it comes to the visa process? I’ve seen on the site there are families with husband and wife from different places, but I’m just not sure if it complicates things as far as visas, visits, repatriation, travel, etc. go. I know I can apply for British citizenship and it would not affect my American citizenship in any way, so this is something we are considering doing. Just wondering what other people’s experiences have been.
2. If we are successful with our Aramco goals, we would like to relocate to the US afterward. I know Aramco helps with repatriation, but what would happen for a family moving to a different country when leaving?
3. When retiring from Aramco – I’ve read there is a mandatory retirement of 60 – if children are still in school, can they continue through the end of the school year or does the family have to leave immediately?

Thank you for your insights.

vpainter
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English husband – American wife – visa complications? Oct 23, 2012 19:21:12 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Oct 23, 2012 19:21:12 GMT

1) I do not think it will matter that you are U.S. and he is British with regards to visas. But perhaps someone has gone through this who is on the forum?

2) Your repatriation will be paid as though you are going back to the U.K. where you came from, but I believe you can use the benefit to go anywhere you'd want to retire.

3) Extensions are given. Your retirement month will be the month the employee turns 60, prior to that the employee can submit a request for an extension. Although, some find it helpful moving prior to the end of school, so kids can find new playmates prior to summer in their new home.

GroveWanderer
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English husband – American wife – visa complications? Oct 26, 2012 8:14:33 GMT

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Post by GroveWanderer on Oct 26, 2012 8:14:33 GMT

My wife and I are from different countries. It makes no difference to the procedures for issuing exit/re-entry visas or for renewal of the residence permit (iqama) once you are here.

It did add an extra wrinkle when she first came out because some of her documentation was not in English and had to be translated. However, as far as I am aware, if all your documents are in English you don't have to get them translated, so I don't think you should face any issues.

As always, you should check with your recruitment advisor to be on the safe side.

It can be an issue when travelling to other countries of course, because the entry requirements vary based on the nationality of the person travelling. So sometimes my wife needs a visa to travel to a particular country and I don't or vice versa, depending on where we're going.

Twofeets Senior Member Posts: 243	English husband – American wife – visa complications? Oct 26, 2012 11:13:13 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Twofeets on Oct 26, 2012 11:13:13 GMT Is it possible for your husband to get an American passport? Generally the American payroll is higher than the UK payroll and provides more money at repat as well.

EBMoore
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Posts: 12

English husband – American wife – visa complications? Oct 28, 2012 17:37:05 GMT

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Post by EBMoore on Oct 28, 2012 17:37:05 GMT

1) I do not think it will matter that you are U.S. and he is British with regards to visas. But perhaps someone has gone through this who is on the forum?

vpainter wrote
2) Your repatriation will be paid as though you are going back to the U.K. where you came from, but I believe you can use the benefit to go anywhere you'd want to retire.

Thank you for your insights vpainter, this is good to know.

vpainter wrote
3) Extensions are given. Your retirement month will be the month the employee turns 60, prior to that the employee can submit a request for an extension. Although, some find it helpful moving prior to the end of school, so kids can find new playmates prior to summer in their new home.

This makes it easier to plan. Glad to have some options.

Twofeets wrote
Is it possible for your husband to get an American passport? Generally the American payroll is higher than the UK payroll and provides more money at repat as well.

That would be great if it were possible Twofeets, but getting an American passport is not so easy. My husband has never lived in America, and even if he had, it's a long and difficult process to go through to get one.

GroveWanderer wrote
My wife and I are from different countries. It makes no difference to the procedures for issuing exit/re-entry visas or for renewal of the residence permit (iqama) once you are here.

It did add an extra wrinkle when she first came out because some of her documentation was not in English and had to be translated. However, as far as I am aware, if all your documents are in English you don't have to get them translated, so I don't think you should face any issues.

As always, you should check with your recruitment advisor to be on the safe side.

It can be an issue when travelling to other countries of course, because the entry requirements vary based on the nationality of the person travelling. So sometimes my wife needs a visa to travel to a particular country and I don't or vice versa, depending on where we're going.

.

Thank you GroveWanderer, this is good to know. I really appreciate all your insightful replies.

English husband – American wife – visa complications?

Post by EBMoore on Oct 22, 2012 9:08:35 GMT

Post by vpainter on Oct 23, 2012 19:21:12 GMT

Post by GroveWanderer on Oct 26, 2012 8:14:33 GMT

Post by Twofeets on Oct 26, 2012 11:13:13 GMT

Post by EBMoore on Oct 28, 2012 17:37:05 GMT