Family Visas Questions

What if my husband, wife or spouse cannot attend the visa appointment with me?

If your spouse cannot/does not attend your visa appointment with you, they must write a letter in support of your application. The spouse support letter should be clear and concise, stating all of the necessary information for the visa, without lengthy or confusing rambling. It would also be wise to include a list of the evidence and documents you're sending. There is a good example of a spousal visa support letter in the internet archive (past copies of websites which may no longer exist) of...

What is the minimum income requirement for the UK family visa?

In July of 2012, the new family migration rules were changed to set the minimum income requirement for one applicant's sponsor (usually the spouse/partner) to be an annual gross earning of £18,600. For the first child applicant, an additional £3800 is required. For any additional children, an additional £2400 is required for each. If the visa status of the partner or spouse does not permit them to work, they would have no income. If the applicant's Sponsor is in receipt of Disability benefits (...

What are the old/new family migration rules, what's the difference?

In July of 2012, the Home Office brought in new family visa rules to try to reduce immigration numbers. Under the old rules, there was no official minimum income requirement, but you needed to show approximately £112 left per week after rent and council tax. This money could come from anywhere and you only needed to provide 3-6 months of payslips and bank statements. Under the new rules, the minimum income requirement for one applicant is £18,600. For the first visa, only the UK citizen's...

What documents do I need to be able to prove that I or my partner meets the earning requirement?

If the sponsors income on it own meets the financial requirements the you need only the sponsors financial evidence. If you need to combine your income to meet the financial requirements then both of you need to include your financial documents.
  • 6 months of payslips
  • 6 months of corresponding bank statements showing the pay deposits in your account
  • a letter from the employer stating the length of employment, position, current salary, if you're full time, etc
  • ...

What are the steps for a UK Fiancé Visa?

A fiance visa must be applied for from outside the UK and the fee as of April 2015 is £956. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you wish to travel to the UK. You can ask for the visa to be post-dated by up to 3 months (the application will ask for your travel date and the date you put will be when the visa is made valid from - this date cannot be more than 3 months ahead of the date you apply online).
  • Gather up all your documents - financial requirement documents, accommodation...
  • Do I need a passport photo of my spouse for my Fiance/Spousal Visa application?

    You don't actually need a passport photo of your spouse for the initial fiance or spousal visa application, but you do need one for FLR (M) and ILR , so it's something to be aware of for future applications.

    What documents do I need as evidence or proof of relationship?

    ​Due to the number of fake relationships and marriages that the Home Office has dealt with, they do require evidence that you are truthfully in a relationship. Along with a fiancé or spouse application for a visa, you will need to provide as much of the following evidence as you can:
    • Photos
    • Air Fares
    • Emails
    • Skype/Facetime or other similar app’s chat history
    • Phone Bills
    • Or other types of billing or receipts that can prove that you are
    • ...

    Can I study in the UK while on a spousal visa?

    You can study in the UK while on a spousal visa, but until you have lived in the UK for three years, you must pay the international student tuition fees. When you do have ILR , you are eligible for the UK student loans to cover your tuition, for full and part-time studies. http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Fees--finance/Home-or-Ov...

    What documentation is required to show adequate spousal accomodation?

    In addition to proving that you have adequate income to support a family, a family visa application must also include proof that the accomodation is adequate. You will need to provide details of the place you will live and any proof necessary to show they have permission to live there (from a landlord etc.)
    • Land registry (deed) documents to show ownership
    • Mortgage statements
    • Rent book or tenancy agreement
    • Council tax statements
    • Property
    • ...

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