[sgaldo]

first of all, THANK YOU! to the people who have answered my posts in the past. I have come a long way since since my first post on this forum.
I have since gotten married to my british wife (who is now back in the UK awaiting my arrival). I am an American living in the USA. I have applied online for the settlement visa.
Now I have some questions about the documents they require with my biometric data and mailed application:

1- Tuberculosis Test: This may be a stupid question, but do I need it? I have seen some inconsistent informtation stating that I do need the test. I have also seen a list of countries whose residents need the TB test and the USA is not on that list. I assume I don't need it, but I want to be sure.

2- Evidence of permission to be in the country where I am applying: I am applying from the USA and I have a USA passport. This should satisfy this requirement, right?

3- Evidence of English Language requirement: I speak English (obviously) and am a National of a majority English speaking country. I believe that exempts me from the test. Do I need any further proof? Should I include a copy of my degrees (undergraduate and post-grad) taught in English from USA universities?

4- Copies: this is a direct copy/paste form the supporting documents page from ukvisas: Originals or photocopies?
You must include the original documents and a photocopy of each document you choose to submit. Please ensure that the photocopies are good quality and can be easily read.
Do they really want EVERYTHING twice?

I think thats all for now. I apologize because I know this information is on the UKvisas website, but it is very inconsistent and scattered (as government stuff usually is). I just want to be sure I have it all down before I lose 13 hundred dollar application fee and the right to live with my wife, who I love like crazy. (Honestly, I am wishing I'd hired a lawyer to get this all together for me)
Another HUGE THANK YOU to whoever takes the time to read this and answer my lengthy questions. You will surely have a place in heaven if I have anything to say about it.

Gratefully Yours,
Sean Galdo

 

[Joppa]

first of all, THANK YOU! to the people who have answered my posts in the past. I have come a long way since since my first post on this forum.
I have since gotten married to my british wife (who is now back in the UK awaiting my arrival). I am an American living in the USA. I have applied online for the settlement visa.
Now I have some questions about the documents they require with my biometric data and mailed application:

1- Tuberculosis Test: This may be a stupid question, but do I need it? I have seen some inconsistent informtation stating that I do need the test. I have also seen a list of countries whose residents need the TB test and the USA is not on that list. I assume I don't need it, but I want to be sure.

Never heard of that of a US resident.

2- Evidence of permission to be in the country where I am applying: I am applying from the USA and I have a USA passport. This should satisfy this requirement, right?

Your US passport will be proof enough.

3- Evidence of English Language requirement: I speak English (obviously) and am a National of a majority English speaking country. I believe that exempts me from the test. Do I need any further proof? Should I include a copy of my degrees (undergraduate and post-grad) taught in English from USA universities?

No evidence needed, as you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

4- Copies: this is a direct copy/paste form the supporting documents page from ukvisas: Originals or photocopies?
You must include the original documents and a photocopy of each document you choose to submit. Please ensure that the photocopies are good quality and can be easily read.
Do they really want EVERYTHING twice?

If you submit an original, you must enclose a photocopy as well. What they do is keep the copies and send back all the originals after processing your visa.

I think thats all for now. I apologize because I know this information is on the UKvisas website, but it is very inconsistent and scattered (as government stuff usually is). I just want to be sure I have it all down before I lose 13 hundred dollar application fee and the right to live with my wife, who I love like crazy. (Honestly, I am wishing I'd hired a lawyer to get this all together for me)
Another HUGE THANK YOU to whoever takes the time to read this and answer my lengthy questions. You will surely have a place in heaven if I have anything to say about it.

Don't mention it. Pleased to help.

 

[sgaldo]

Joppa, you are awesome.

Another question that occurred to me after I posted:

I need to provide evidence of my flight into the UK. But it also says I should not book a non-refundable ticket until after my visa has been granted... so where does that leave me? Can i just print off the itinerary of a flight that I intend to book? lane:

 

[Joppa]

Joppa, you are awesome.

Another question that occurred to me after I posted:

I need to provide evidence of my flight into the UK. But it also says I should not book a non-refundable ticket until after my visa has been granted... so where does that leave me? Can i just print off the itinerary of a flight that I intend to book? lane:

Yes that will do.

 

[sgaldo]

Yes that will do.

forgive my potentially intrusive question, but how do you know all this stuff?
youre so helpful.
a million thank yous!

 

[Joppa]

forgive my potentially intrusive question, but how do you know all this stuff?
youre so helpful.
a million thank yous!

Just experience - mine and other people's - and reading up the Border Agency website every day (sad I know!)

 

[sgaldo]

car loan question

In my bank statements, it is documented that I have a car loan of about 8,000 dollars. Do you know if this will be a problem?
I do plan on selling the car before I leave. It is worth more than the amount I owe. I can prove this by providing an offer from a company that buys cars here in the US. Will this be okay? I am a bit worried....

 

[Joppa]

In my bank statements, it is documented that I have a car loan of about 8,000 dollars. Do you know if this will be a problem?
I do plan on selling the car before I leave. It is worth more than the amount I owe. I can prove this by providing an offer from a company that buys cars here in the US. Will this be okay? I am a bit worried....

I don't think it will be an issue, as you are presumably managing ok with your car loan and not being over-committed (i.e. not having enough left each month to live on). What the Border Agency is interested in is the amount of savings/capital you can bring over to UK to support you initially until you are able to start work.

 

[sgaldo]

I don't think it will be an issue, as you are presumably managing ok with your car loan and not being over-committed (i.e. not having enough left each month to live on). What the Border Agency is interested in is the amount of savings/capital you can bring over to UK to support you initially until you are able to start work.

oh my gosh thank you for getting back to me! i have been wrestling with this in my head for quite a few days now. losing sleep, even. i know it's not a definitive answer, but it's good to know that it won't be an automatic red flag.
PHEW! now to get an offer on the car to send with my paperwork...

Joppa, I feel like I owe you big-time for all of this info. thank you a million times over.

 

[Joppa]

oh my gosh thank you for getting back to me! i have been wrestling with this in my head for quite a few days now. losing sleep, even. i know it's not a definitive answer, but it's good to know that it won't be an automatic red flag.
PHEW! now to get an offer on the car to send with my paperwork...

Joppa, I feel like I owe you big-time for all of this info. thank you a million times over.

The best compliment you can give me is to be settled in UK and be happy!

 

[Lauren_999]

Follow up Q

Excellent question, Sean (and as usual helpful answer Joppa). This is very helpful to me as I just married my Brit, and he is back home also waiting for me as we get all our documents together for the application. I haven’t looked into much about what are required for the biometrics, so this is all good to know.

I have a couple follow up questions about the “copies of everything” requirement/suggestion I keep seeing. One, in the OP’s question, are these copies required for the Visa application (how I understood it) or are they required for the Biometrics appointment – in other words, do I need copies because the biometrics company needs them and will keep them, or can I just bring my Visa application supporting documents folder to show them all of my documents?

As for the originals + copies rule for the actual app, I have been treating it as if I want my original back, I’ll send a copy as well. So I have included a certified copy of the marriage license and birth certificates, and copy of the bio page of my passport. Things like photos, bank statements, employment letters and tax forms I don’t need back because I can always request/print them again if needed. Letters and postcards are copies already (I don’t see a need to send the original hand-written letter). If anyone can advise on this, that would be much appreciated.

Married and almost there,
Lauren

 

[sgaldo]

Excellent question, Sean (and as usual helpful answer Joppa). This is very helpful to me as I just married my Brit, and he is back home also waiting for me as we get all our documents together for the application. I haven’t looked into much about what are required for the biometrics, so this is all good to know.

I have a couple follow up questions about the “copies of everything” requirement/suggestion I keep seeing. One, in the OP’s question, are these copies required for the Visa application (how I understood it) or are they required for the Biometrics appointment – in other words, do I need copies because the biometrics company needs them and will keep them, or can I just bring my Visa application supporting documents folder to show them all of my documents?

As for the originals + copies rule for the actual app, I have been treating it as if I want my original back, I’ll send a copy as well. So I have included a certified copy of the marriage license and birth certificates, and copy of the bio page of my passport. Things like photos, bank statements, employment letters and tax forms I don’t need back because I can always request/print them again if needed. Letters and postcards are copies already (I don’t see a need to send the original hand-written letter). If anyone can advise on this, that would be much appreciated.

Married and almost there,
Lauren

Hi Lauren... first of all, good luck to you as it seems you and i are in the same boat. i think i am a step or 2 ahead of where you are, so this info might help.
here is my experience:
my biometrics appointment took a whopping 5 minutes. i only had to bring my current passport and the appointment booking confirmation. they did not keep the passport and did not need a copy of it... i think it's just to verify that you are who you say you are when they take your fingerprints.
if you have already submitted your application and gotten your biometrics appointment confirmation, it should say on it that you only need those 2 documents. they don't want/need anything else.
as for submitting all my documents and copies to the british consulate, i just copied EVERYTHING. from my cover letter and application to cards and pictures of my wife and i. it took me 3 hours at fedex office and about 20 bucks worth of copying, but at least i know i was thorough. and i sent it all together. the originals were organized into an accordion-style folder with all the copies in the back pocket in the same order as the originals. for bonus points, i included a cover letter and a guide to the contents behind each tab. and for extra security, i made an extra set of copies of all the documents for myself just in case.
Be sure you read the list they send you in the email when you complete your online application AND the supporting documents guide for a settlement visa (there should be a link to that in the first list) in order to decide what you will send in. neither list is complete (for example, the email list mentions that they need flight info for your intended flight, the supporting docs page doesnt) but together they make a complete list.
also, remember you have 30 days from when you submit your online application to send in your supporting documents. BUT you only have 2 weeks from your biometrics appointment. that almost threw me off the visa track.
finally, if you do your application online, make sure you sign the printed copy you send in!
i hope this wasnt too much info or more confusing for you. i know this process is an involved one!
i'm on the other side now waiting for a yes or no. fingers are crossed for you and myself.

 

[Lauren_999]

Yes! This is of course so helpful, thank you!! You're right, the info is scattered and convoluted and it's frustrating and scary when so much is riding on getting it just right. Thanks for the well wishes and the same to you -- though it sounds like you've got it all organized and don't need luck or wishes

I have not started the online application process, my husband still needs to send me a few documents and secure a flat for us. So until we have everything in order and ready to mail I don't want to get the deadline clock ticking. Also, if these questions are made clear once you fill out the app, sorry!

So it sounds like all they do at the biometrics office is verify you're you and then take your prints. Is there a charge for this? Or is it included in the application fee?

Also, another quick question, I have been organizing all my documents in a 1/2-inch three ring binder. But I keep seeing that people are using an accordion folder. Again, they might note their preference once you fill out the app (I am having flashbacks to college term papers, and how some instructors were quite picky about what types of folder you submitted in due to their cumbersome nature), but do you recall seeing anything?

I hope these don't seem like silly questions, thanks again for any insight.

 

[sgaldo]

Yes! This is of course so helpful, thank you!! You're right, the info is scattered and convoluted and it's frustrating and scary when so much is riding on getting it just right. Thanks for the well wishes and the same to you -- though it sounds like you've got it all organized and don't need luck or wishes

I have not started the online application process, my husband still needs to send me a few documents and secure a flat for us. So until we have everything in order and ready to mail I don't want to get the deadline clock ticking. Also, if these questions are made clear once you fill out the app, sorry!

So it sounds like all they do at the biometrics office is verify you're you and then take your prints. Is there a charge for this? Or is it included in the application fee?

Also, another quick question, I have been organizing all my documents in a 1/2-inch three ring binder. But I keep seeing that people are using an accordion folder. Again, they might note their preference once you fill out the app (I am having flashbacks to college term papers, and how some instructors were quite picky about what types of folder you submitted in due to their cumbersome nature), but do you recall seeing anything?

I hope these don't seem like silly questions, thanks again for any insight.

good move not starting the application til you get the docs and flat in order. my wife and i got the docs together after i submitted the application, and although it was doable, it was stressful to say the least. she had to pay for extra fast shipping.
and not to worry about your questions. the people on this forum seem very helpful, even if your questions are answered elsewhere.
I don't know if your biometrics experience will differ from mine, but the charges were all included in the application fee. the staff was courteous and it moved really quick... i was in and out in less than 10 minutes. i went in the middle of the day on a wednesday, that may have had something to do with the quickness....
as far as the type of binder, the accordion style just seemed to fit the purpose. i didnt see any preference from the consulate or notes in the instructions. but if you have a 3-ring binder and dividers, you should be fine. the only advantage for the accordion that i can think of is it will hold all sizes of documents (passports, cards, photos). also you dont need to punch holes in anything. i dont think all the stuff i included would have fit in the 1/2" binder, either... but i might have overdone it.

 

[Lauren_999]

good move not starting the application til you get the docs and flat in order. my wife and i got the docs together after i submitted the application, and although it was doable, it was stressful to say the least. she had to pay for extra fast shipping.
and not to worry about your questions. the people on this forum seem very helpful, even if your questions are answered elsewhere.
I don't know if your biometrics experience will differ from mine, but the charges were all included in the application fee. the staff was courteous and it moved really quick... i was in and out in less than 10 minutes. i went in the middle of the day on a wednesday, that may have had something to do with the quickness....
as far as the type of binder, the accordion style just seemed to fit the purpose. i didnt see any preference from the consulate or notes in the instructions. but if you have a 3-ring binder and dividers, you should be fine. the only advantage for the accordion that i can think of is it will hold all sizes of documents (passports, cards, photos). also you dont need to punch holes in anything. i dont think all the stuff i included would have fit in the 1/2" binder, either... but i might have overdone it.

Awesome, thanks again for the info. And yes, our little 1/2-inch binder is filling up quickly! We're using clear pocket sheets/films to slide each paper/item into.

As a side note, he brought over some printed docs last time he was here, and we realized UK standard paper size is almost an inch taller than US standard letter, so his sheets all poke out the top of the folder... haha, ah, all the little differences

 

[louise1987]

Hi Lauren... first of all, good luck to you as it seems you and i are in the same boat. i think i am a step or 2 ahead of where you are, so this info might help.
here is my experience:
my biometrics appointment took a whopping 5 minutes. i only had to bring my current passport and the appointment booking confirmation. they did not keep the passport and did not need a copy of it... i think it's just to verify that you are who you say you are when they take your fingerprints.
if you have already submitted your application and gotten your biometrics appointment confirmation, it should say on it that you only need those 2 documents. they don't want/need anything else.
as for submitting all my documents and copies to the british consulate, i just copied EVERYTHING. from my cover letter and application to cards and pictures of my wife and i. it took me 3 hours at fedex office and about 20 bucks worth of copying, but at least i know i was thorough. and i sent it all together. the originals were organized into an accordion-style folder with all the copies in the back pocket in the same order as the originals. for bonus points, i included a cover letter and a guide to the contents behind each tab. and for extra security, i made an extra set of copies of all the documents for myself just in case.
Be sure you read the list they send you in the email when you complete your online application AND the supporting documents guide for a settlement visa (there should be a link to that in the first list) in order to decide what you will send in. neither list is complete (for example, the email list mentions that they need flight info for your intended flight, the supporting docs page doesnt) but together they make a complete list.
also, remember you have 30 days from when you submit your online application to send in your supporting documents. BUT you only have 2 weeks from your biometrics appointment. that almost threw me off the visa track.
finally, if you do your application online, make sure you sign the printed copy you send in!
i hope this wasnt too much info or more confusing for you. i know this process is an involved one!
i'm on the other side now waiting for a yes or no. fingers are crossed for you and myself.

I am in the same boat right now, but the information they give you is very contradicting. My husband is applying for the settlement visa to move to the UK with me. I am unclear whether I need to send in a certified copy of my passport and birth certificate, to prove I was born here. Some people say a copy is good enough, but others say it has to be certified. Also you mentioned to not forget to sign the document you send in if completed online?? Don't you just typeyour name on the document online, and then print that one out?? I would be very grateful if you could help! Thank you

 

[Joppa]

I am in the same boat right now, but the information they give you is very contradicting. My husband is applying for the settlement visa to move to the UK with me. I am unclear whether I need to send in a certified copy of my passport and birth certificate, to prove I was born here. Some people say a copy is good enough, but others say it has to be certified. Also you mentioned to not forget to sign the document you send in if completed online?? Don't you just typeyour name on the document online, and then print that one out?? I would be very grateful if you could help! Thank you

Send just the photocopy of bio pages of your passport (they have online access to your passport details if needed). You send the original birth cerrtificate plus a photocopy. All birth certificates are certified.
You just send the completed application online, and then print out a hard copy of it and sign it and put it together with your supporting documents.
If your husband is applying in the US, read carefully the full procedure in
https://www.visainfoservices.com/Pages/Content.aspx?Tag=HowDoIApply_PAGE

 

[Pecosa]

so helpful

This thread is so helpful!!
Just a few questions...
1) What is the best website to apply on-line with?
2) Does my husband need to remain in the US while he waits to get the UK Spouse Visa or can we move back to the UK together this August (and await the visa from the UK if it hasn't arrived before we move?)?
3) Do we need to show proof of a rental in the UK when he applies or can we just say we are staying with family upon our arrival?
4) How much is a good amount to show we have in savings when we apply?
CHEERS:clap2:!!!
~Beth

 

[Bevdeforges]

Can't answer all your questions but:

2) Hubby has to stay in the US while the spouse visa is being processed. Nothing to stop you moving over and getting yourself set up in the meantime. In fact, it might be a good idea for you to move on ahead so you can prove the extent to which you are "established" and able to provide for your non-UK spouse.

3) As I understand it you need to have a place to live when applying for the spouse visa. If it's with family, that's fine, but they need to show that they have adequate space to house you and I think they need to give you a statement giving information about their home, how much space you will have and what the arrangements are for your living there with them (i.e. will you be paying rent, are they letting you live with them for free, etc.?).

4) There is no set amount you need to show. But you (as the UK national) do need to be able to show that you have the resources to support your spouse and keep him off public benefits for the first few years he is in the UK.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[Pecosa]

Can't answer all your questions but:

2) Hubby has to stay in the US while the spouse visa is being processed. Nothing to stop you moving over and getting yourself set up in the meantime. In fact, it might be a good idea for you to move on ahead so you can prove the extent to which you are "established" and able to provide for your non-UK spouse.

3) As I understand it you need to have a place to live when applying for the spouse visa. If it's with family, that's fine, but they need to show that they have adequate space to house you and I think they need to give you a statement giving information about their home, how much space you will have and what the arrangements are for your living there with them (i.e. will you be paying rent, are they letting you live with them for free, etc.?).

4) There is no set amount you need to show. But you (as the UK national) do need to be able to show that you have the resources to support your spouse and keep him off public benefits for the first few years he is in the UK.
Cheers,
Bev

Yikes!
My mum's place is a small 1 bedroom, but my friend is going to let us stay in her 2 bedroom house for our first month...can it be a friend's home vs a family home:spit:?
How can I show ahead of time that I can support my husband for multiple years without yet having a job set up:ranger:? He will have a US based job that allows him/us to live abroad!
So many questions...sorry:juggle:
~Beth
PS My daughter wanted to put lots of faces on this messagelane: