Hello,

I am a UK citizen engaged to a US citizen. We are currently starting out on this visa process and find we need some additional information and advice. I am a single parent, estranged from my child's father since shortly after her birth - she is now eight, however, when he discovered that I was in a new relationship he discovered that he was interested in being a father after all, and instigated legal proceedings against me in an attempt to gain contact with my daughter. The outcome has yet to be determined, however I am advised that he is unlikely to be successful in this. My child has stated categorically that she has no wish to have contact with him.

My question is this - will I require his consent to take my daughter to live in the US? It is unlikely to be forthcomming. As we were never married, he is not named on her birth certificate, although she currently has his surname (I intend to change her name to mine as soon as the contact hearings are over). He has no legal custody or parental responsibility.

Can you shed any light on US Immigrations requirements in such a situation?

Thanks for anything you can tell us.

If you have legal custody of your daughter, there should be no problem in obtaining her visa.

At last, a straight answer. I have a residence order and sole parental responsibility, which, as I understand it, together constitute custody in the united kingdom.

Thank you so much ofr your response.