Hello, I've married a UK citizen (I'm from the US) and have a spousal visa good for 2 years (expires November 2008).

I've been in the UK since November last year (so about 9 months).

Now, we want to go to China for one year (a job with a U.K. university).

My question is: when I return, will they let me in on the spousal visa (it will still be valid), and when it runs out, will I be able to apply for ILR?

If I can't apply for ILR, will I have to go through the spousal visa process again (including the British life test?)?

Cheers

 

anyone been in this situation?