Hi, I am wondering if this is even possible and how I would actually do it.

First, I am a US national.

I am working for a large UK company on a Work Visa (issued and sponsored by them). I did this because my partner (civil unioned) could not come until he finished a project in Germany. I am working in London and would like to switch over to a family permit when he arrives. The job is fine, but, with the financial problems in the banking industry, I may need to switch soon.

My partner is a German national and I have a German residency/work permit in my passport. I am considered his spouse in the UK's eyes. Is it possible for me to switch while working? My visa was issued for 5 years.

thx!

John

 

Thank you for your response. I think I understand now. Well, one thing, since we are civilly partnered in Germany, I already have free movement rights under the German Residence Visa.

The only reason I'm doing this is in case the company downsizes. I just want to be prepared. But it does not seem to be much of an issue if he is already in the UK and I need to switch to a new job. What understand is that I will have the right to work while my application is pending approval.

I honestly have no idea what the benefit of a work visa is. It's pretty much the same benefits as a family permit (no recourse to public funds); however, I cannot switch jobs on a work permit unless the new company will apply. I am beholden to that one company.

Yes of couse, but I'm American. Civil unions are only recognised in a few states... and not at the federal level. We're barely a blip on the screen in the US. It's all very new to me!

Thanks for your response!

John