TIME LINE
-----------
ONLINE ÀPPLICATION ; MAY 15 : (PRIORITY )
USED SAVINGS ROUTE FOR APPLICATION

BIOMETRIC DATE ( VI lagos ) MAY 17TH

DOCUMENTS SENT TO SHEFFIELD 21TH MAY
( NO EMAIL OF RECEVING DOCUMENTS)

DECISION MADE ON ukviWEBSITE - AUGUST 1ST
( UNKNOWN TO ME )

TLS SENT EMAIL - AUGUST 5TH

ANOTHER EMAIL from TLS :
PASSPORT READY FOR COLLECTION

PASSPORT PICKED - AUGUST 7TH

VISA GRANTED DATE ON PASSPORT. : AUGUST 2ND

[b]BIOMETRIC TO DECISION MADE - 54 WORKING DAYS



Backed up with prayers cos I made an error ,
God granted me favour



.

Lexusgs430:


NB : Take Note - Handouts now only payable in £

Ah! No o, let's still pay I'm naira o. New students from 2018 will start paying in £ lol

ronvlaar:


Ah! No o, let's still pay I'm naira o. New students from 2018 will start paying in £ lol

This change of law is retrospective.......... We do some things here like Saraki & his gang........

[quote author=Ekera27 post=59257157]Hi All,

I have been a silent follower of this thread and I must say that indeed you guys are doing a great job!..

I have a situation that I will appreciate some advice on: Please see below:
Settlement visa-Husband (Priority)
Date of biometrics:10th May 2017
After various futile inquiries, I get a mail on the 31st of July saying my application needs additional documents and that I should scan these documents and send them via email within 5 working days.

Thereafter, I got another email saying my application was not straightforward (the usual automated email they send to cover their incompetence).

the documents they requested for are:
1. Certificate confirming award of Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from my institution or this is not available then an academic reference from the institution awarding the academic qualification confirming the award or an academic transcript of the award (see Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE Paragraph 31 for full details of requirements).

2. A document from UK NARIC which confirms that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK

3. As evidence of your sponsor’s salaried employment you have submitted a single payslip dated 30 April 2017 and a P60 for 2016/17. Please provide the following additional documents :
(a) Payslips for November 2016 to March 2017 inclusive (5 months)
(b) A letter from the employer(s) who issued these payslips confirming
(i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary;
(ii) the length of their employment;
(iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and
(iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency).

By the way in our initial application we submitted a
-UK NARIC letter that certified my English proficiency.
UK NARIC wouldn't provide you that letter unless you submit all your academic credentials to them so was surprised when UKVI requested for my certificate/transcript
- We submitted proof of employment and bank statements from Dec2016-May 2016, P60, April payslips.

Was a bit surprised when they asked for more documents.
Anyways I scanned all requested documents and sent to them on Tuesday, 1st of August. The emails kept on bouncing because of the heavy attachments so I decided to send them in 3 batches and it went through. My wife then got an extra document on Friday, 4th August that we decided to add to the previous documents we had emailed earlier on Monday. So as not to confuse them we decided to respond to our previous mail so the correspondence will be intact; only to get a response from the decision making team that they didn't get the other documents that we sent on 1st and we should resend the attachments asap. I got the email an hr later and responded immediately.

Now my worries are that they are yet to respond that they have gotten all the attachments I resent. I sent an email twice yday for them to confirm the receipt of my mail and attachments but still no response. I also attached a letter explaining to them that my wife undergoes an operation on the 8th of August which happens to be today and I hd expected a response from them way long before now, but still no response.

Please my people, what else can I do? These guys have cost me two job appointments in the UK and now I am absent during my wife's surgery. Its heart breaking!
How long does it usually take for a response after you get the 'not straight forward email'?





Good morning, please can you share the email address that you used to contact them. Thank you

[quote author=live4tk post=59295051][/quote]

complaints@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Ekera27:


complaints@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Thank you so much.

chaiii Lexus, must you always ask these your High BP questions.....everytime i read them my heart beats faster....

that's how i missed out filling vaf4a appendix 2 form...i really don't know how i missed that ...thank God hubby hadnt sent supporting documents as fast as i told him to. HE IS FILLING IT NOW.

I WILL NEVER EVER AGREE TO LIVING AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND, NEVER!!!

Lexusgs430:


Did you attend all lectures?
Handouts purchased?
No gossiping during lectures?

We should start celebrating in anticipation.....

subomi2:
chaiii Lexus, must you always ask these your High BP questions.....everytime i read them my heart beats faster....

that's how i missed out filling vaf4a appendix 2 form...i really don't know how i missed that ...thank God hubby hadnt sent supporting documents as fast as i told him to. HE IS FILLING IT NOW.

I WILL NEVER EVER AGREE TO LIVING AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND, NEVER!!!

You agree that this high BP questions, made you cross check over and over again ? We would rather ask our students high BP questions, than the eventual stroke or heart attack/cardiac arrests.........

Good afternoon everyone, I just came across this site last week! Just want to share my experience and to encourage everyone waiting for their visa to hang on the faith! I went to UK in 2010 on student visa and due to some issues from home office. I couldn't renew my visa and overstayed! I met my husband 2014 thinking to get married and applied for spouse visa but was not possible instead home office sent me a letter to come and be signing, I complied and was signing till our solicitor ask us to go home and apply I came to naija last December to get married and applied in May. To God be the glory my visa came out today. God favoured me despite overstaying but God proved himself worthy. Pls to everyone still waiting don't loose hope if God can do mine he will sure do for everyone. I received the not straight forward email on 1st of August and my visa was approved on that same 1st of August. What a might God we serve.

Kemory12:
Good afternoon everyone, I just came across this site last week! Just want to share my experience and to encourage everyone waiting for their visa to hang on the faith! I went to UK in 2010 on student visa and due to some issues from home office. I couldn't renew my visa and overstayed! I met my husband 2014 thinking to get married and applied for spouse visa but was not possible instead home office sent me a letter to come and be signing, I complied and was signing till our solicitor ask us to go home and apply I came to naija last December to get married and applied in May. To God be the glory my visa came out today. God favoured me despite overstaying but God proved himself worthy. Pls to everyone still waiting don't loose hope if God can do mine he will sure do for everyone. I received the not straight forward email on 1st of August and my visa was approved on that same 1st of August. What a might God we serve.

Indeed there is nothing God can not do. Just believe!!!. However silent following is not so nice cause there are people who might benefit from your experience and contributions. Congratulations!!!

Kemory12:
Good afternoon everyone, I just came across this site last week! Just want to share my experience and to encourage everyone waiting for their visa to hang on the faith! I went to UK in 2010 on student visa and due to some issues from home office. I couldn't renew my visa and overstayed! I met my husband 2014 thinking to get married and applied for spouse visa but was not possible instead home office sent me a letter to come and be signing, I complied and was signing till our solicitor ask us to go home and apply I came to naija last December to get married and applied in May. To God be the glory my visa came out today. God favoured me despite overstaying but God proved himself worthy. Pls to everyone still waiting don't loose hope if God can do mine he will sure do for everyone. I received the not straight forward email on 1st of August and my visa was approved on that same 1st of August. What a might God we serve.

What a might God we serve indeed. You are not lucky, YOU ARE BLESS.

My timeline
24th April, 2017 - application started
22 May, 2017 - submitted application form online ( Priority )
26th March, 2017 - Biometric date ( Victoria island, lagos)
1 June, 2017 - sent supporting documents to Sheffield
4 August, 2017 - status of application changed to decided on the UKVI website
8 August, 2017 - received email from TLS that a decision had been made and also to pick up passport ( I hurried there and picked up my passport)
3 August,2017 - date visa was granted

It took 48 working days for them to make a decision (approximately 10 weeks)

Here's a copy of my appendix for my support documents

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Application form and Appendix 2
I. Visa application form
II. Appendix 2

Appendix B: English language evidence
I. IELTS Result

Appendix C: Applicant and sponsor’s personal documents
I. Sponsor’s British passport
II. Sponsor’s birth certificate
III. Applicant’s Birth certificate
IIII. Applicant’s Bachelor’s degree certificate
V. Applicant’s ACCA completion certificates
VI. Introduction letter from applicant’s employer
VII. Applicants’ payslips for 7 months
VIII. Applicant’s salary account bank statement

Appendix D: Relationship documents
I. Letter from sponsor detailing relationship with Applicant
II. Copies of my flight ticket to UK and a photocopy of the airport stamp
III. Picture of sponsor and applicant at the barbeque party where we met
IIII. Receipt for tickets to Thorpe park and Man U game purchased by sponsor
V. Pictures taken in Thorpe park
VI. Pictures taken at Old Trafford
VII. Hotel booking confirmation for night spent in North England after watching the game at Old Trafford
VIII. Azimo receipts and western union receipts
IX. Rebtel call logs, screenshots of watsapp messages, screenshots of video calls, screenshots of messages on words with friends, Screenshots of watsapp call logs from both the applicant and sponsor's phones
X. Copy of Sponsor’s itenary and travel documents to Nigeria for the wedding
XI. Certificates of spinsterhood
XII. Traditional wedding invitation card
XIII. Marriage certificate
XIIII. Random pictures of sponsor and applicant together
XV. Pre wedding photos
XVI. Traditional and court wedding pictures
XVII. Screenshots of friends and family’s social media posts about our wedding


Appendix E: Maintenance documents
I. Sponsor’s employment contract
II. Letter from Sponsor’s office confirming the duration of his employment and his payroll details
III. Sponsor’s payslips from September 2016 to May2017
IIII. Sponsor’s bank account statement signed and stamped by the bank
V. Sponsor’s last two P 60s
VI. Signed sponsorship undertaking from Sponsor

Appendix F: Accommodation documents
I. Sponsor’s current tenancy agreement
II. Letter from Sponsor’s landlord or letting agency stating that the Applicant can stay in the apartment
III. Sponsor’s Council tax
IIII. Sponsor’s Utility bills

Appendix G: TB certificate

I was a bit worried that they might have an issue with the fact that all the pictures of hubby and I together except 1 were taken when he came to Nigeria for our wedding.
Oga no like pictures so when I went to U.K. Last year, we didn't take any pictures together so most of my pictures in the places we went to in U.K. were of only me or me and his nephew.
The only picture of both of us together in U.K. was one random picture that someone took at a party we went to.
I was also worried because I said we met last year when I went to U.K. Since then, the only time we've seen was when he came for the wedding. I didn't say the truth ( which was that we'd been dating since 2015) because in my visit visa application, I had said I didn't know anyone in U.K....that year Oga been vex me so I wasn't really sure I was going to be continuing the relationship.
I was so scared they'd say there was no substantial relationship because of the apparently short relationship time.
I'm sure God got tired of hearing my prayers about this visa. Na on top this matter my hallelujah challenge finish.
In faith, I resigned my job in June and went to chill with my parents while waiting and praying.
You don't even want to know all the sleepless nights I had .
To anyone applying now or waiting for a response just pray and watch God do his wonders....
Next step - planning marriage blessing in U.K...

Realgeo:


Indeed there is nothing God can not do. Just believe!!!. However silent following is not so nice cause there are people who might benefit from your experience and contributions. Congratulations!!!

Congrats Bro!!

@Realgeo we await your testimony.

obiw24:

My timeline
24th April, 2017 - application started
22 May, 2017 - submitted application form online ( Priority )
26th March, 2017 - Biometric date ( Victoria island, lagos)
1 June, 2017 - sent supporting documents to Sheffield
4 August, 2017 - status of application changed to decided on the UKVI website
8 August, 2017 - received email from TLS that a decision had been made and also to pick up passport ( I hurried there and picked up my passport)
3 August,2017 - date visa was granted

It took 48 working days for them to make a decision (approximately 10 weeks)

Here's a copy of my appendix for my support documents

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Application form and Appendix 2
I. Visa application form
II. Appendix 2

Appendix B: English language evidence
I. IELTS Result

Appendix C: Applicant and sponsor’s personal documents
I. Sponsor’s British passport
II. Sponsor’s birth certificate
III. Applicant’s Birth certificate
IIII. Applicant’s Bachelor’s degree certificate
V. Applicant’s ACCA completion certificates
VI. Introduction letter from applicant’s employer
VII. Applicants’ payslips for 7 months
VIII. Applicant’s salary account bank statement

Appendix D: Relationship documents
I. Letter from sponsor detailing relationship with Applicant
II. Copies of my flight ticket to UK and a photocopy of the airport stamp
III. Picture of sponsor and applicant at the barbeque party where we met
IIII. Receipt for tickets to Thorpe park and Man U game purchased by sponsor
V. Pictures taken in Thorpe park
VI. Pictures taken at Old Trafford
VII. Hotel booking confirmation for night spent in North England after watching the game at Old Trafford
VIII. Azimo receipts and western union receipts
IX. Rebtel call logs, screenshots of watsapp messages, screenshots of video calls, screenshots of messages on words with friends, Screenshots of watsapp call logs from both the applicant and sponsor's phones
X. Copy of Sponsor’s itenary and travel documents to Nigeria for the wedding
XI. Certificates of spinsterhood
XII. Traditional wedding invitation card
XIII. Marriage certificate
XIIII. Random pictures of sponsor and applicant together
XV. Pre wedding photos
XVI. Traditional and court wedding pictures
XVII. Screenshots of friends and family’s social media posts about our wedding


Appendix E: Maintenance documents
I. Sponsor’s employment contract
II. Letter from Sponsor’s office confirming the duration of his employment and his payroll details
III. Sponsor’s payslips from September 2016 to May2017
IIII. Sponsor’s bank account statement signed and stamped by the bank
V. Sponsor’s last two P 60s
VI. Signed sponsorship undertaking from Sponsor

Appendix F: Accommodation documents
I. Sponsor’s current tenancy agreement
II. Letter from Sponsor’s landlord or letting agency stating that the Applicant can stay in the apartment
III. Sponsor’s Council tax
IIII. Sponsor’s Utility bills

Appendix G: TB certificate

I was a bit worried that they might have an issue with the fact that all the pictures of hubby and I together except 1 were taken when he came to Nigeria for our wedding.
Oga no like pictures so when I went to U.K. Last year, we didn't take any pictures together so most of my pictures in the places we went to in U.K. were of only me or me and his nephew.
The only picture of both of us together in U.K. was one random picture that someone took at a party we went to.
I was also worried because I said we met last year when I went to U.K. Since then, the only time we've seen was when he came for the wedding. I didn't say the truth ( which was that we'd been dating since 2015) because in my visit visa application, I had said I didn't know anyone in U.K....that year Oga been vex me so I wasn't really sure I was going to be continuing the relationship.
I was so scared they'd say there was no substantial relationship because of the apparently short relationship time.
I'm sure God got tired of hearing my prayers about this visa. Na on top this matter my hallelujah challenge finish.
In faith, I resigned my job in June and went to chill with my parents while waiting and praying.
You don't even want to know all the sleepless nights I had .
To anyone applying now or waiting for a response just pray and watch God do his wonders....
Next step - planning marriage blessing in U.K...

Congratulations again........ Invite us to this marriage blessing in the UK (we might also be lucky to meet our own special British Wife/Husband).......

Hello guys, you all are doing a wonderful job here. God bless everyone expectant.

Pls for all those who have collected their passport, pls where did the mail from TLS direct you to collect your passport.

Obiw24 and joygirl, kemory12 please i need answers. Thank You

9kpo:
Hello guys, you all are doing a wonderful job here. God bless everyone expectant.

Pls for all those who have collected their passport, pls where did the mail from TLS direct you to collect your passport.

Obiw24 and joygirl, kemory12 please i need answers. Thank You

from where you did your biometrics, I did mine at ikeja and I went there to collect it today.

Lexusgs430:


Part time students are also allowed in the University. We do not discriminate.......

All celebrating with you in anticipation......

Amen this month is my month

obiw24:
@Realgeo we await your testimony.

My testimony is loading big time.......

Dear all,

I wanted to give you all an update regarding my husband’s situation (for reference, my story is detailed below). Going forward, I would also like to advise and support people who go through the Visa/Appeal ordeal as I have learnt so much.

When I first came across this site, I was pleased to read people’s experiences and the support and advice people gave each other, so I decided to share my story and seek advice.

Unfortunately after posting my story, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the support I received. In fact only two people responded to me and in some respects negatively. This put me off the site, I felt embarrassed and for a period of time I stop coming on Nairaland which is a shame as I believe the site is invaluable and a lot of people have been successful due to the advice and support received.

@Lexusgs430- I appreciated the fact that you took time to respond, however I felt you jumped into conclusions and was critical of our situation, stating we were economical with the truth, not open and sincere etc. The fact remains we told the truth and the decision should be based on facts and not assumptions. You even made reference to the fact that the ECO may have thought the marriage was to circumvent. However at no point did the ECO suspect that the marriage was fake. The refusal was due to the fact that he overstayed. You did however advise that it was not the end of the road. You also said that an illegal entrant was also known as an overstayer. I am afraid that was incorrect as they are two different types of people. You also stated that an aggravating circumstance could be being economical with the truth. Again that is incorrect because the aggravating circumstances is related to his time and actions prior to the application. Overall though, you were still encouraging and advised that in the end the visa would be granted.

@stillwaiting- I appreciated that you took the time to respond, however, I found your response was very negative, you focused on my husband’s past as a student, how he should have applied for the student visa earlier than the time he applied and how he should have left the country when they told him to and not overstayed etc. The purpose of this forum is to give advice and help people move forward not criticise what has been done in the past especially when you cannot change the past. I was very upset at these insinuations. You even tried to put me off going down the appeal route.

I am happy to advise that we proceeded with the appeal, we did it all by ourselves, with no lawyer, we argued that 320 (11) was not applicable as there were no aggravating circumstances and today we received confirmation that the decision was overturned and that they will issue the visa. The reason the decision was overturned was due to the fact that the refusal decision flawed and they were not satisfied that 320 (11) was applicable to our case. We give all the glory to God, we had to share this news because God has seen us through, it has been tough, but we have learnt so much and now we want to help people with their own situations.

Please as general advice to all, when you give advice to people, please focus on facts, there is so much information and guidelines on the home office website, so please use those to support your advice. Please don’t jump into conclusions and let us always remember everybody’s situation is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Whilst one person’s appeal takes 4 Months, another may take 12 Months, it always all depends on who is handling the case and other matters come into play. We do recognise that in some circumstances, reapplying is more appropriate than appealing, but it is down to personal choice.

I will post the timeline once we have received the passport back.

Please feel free to ask me for advice as we believe we are very well versed with the process. Thanks for reading.

Alexlady:
Good afternoon everyone,

Thank you so much for this forum and thank you everyone who reads and contributes to supporting people with their application, questions and experiences. I have only joined today but have been reading people's responses for the past two weeks. I would sincerely appreciate your help and advice.

Me(The Sponsor) and my husband just received a refusal decision for Spouse Visa today, although the date of refusal is 8 February 2017 and to say the least we are devastated. I know many may say that we have not been through a lengthy process but here is our story and I will keep it short.

Reason for refusal is based on 320 (11) due to his overstaying as follows:


I note your immigration record in the UK. You initially arrived on a Student Visa valid from 2008 to 2011. You applied to extend this Visa in November 2011, December 2011 and March 2012, I note all these applications were refused. I note you overstayed your Visa next coming to light on 25th December 2016 when you left the Country. I have taken note of your immigration history in the UK, I am satisfied that the length of your overstay and the fact you did not comply with the directions you have previously contrived in a significant way to frustrate the intention of the rules by:

Overstaying a considerable period of time from 2012 to December 2016
Breaching conditions attached to your leave by overstaying
Being an illegal entrant between 2012 and 2016
For not complying with the re-documentation process

I therefore refuse you 320 (11) I am not satisfied that you meet the suitability requirements of the FM rules.


My husband submitted his application and did Biometrics on 26/1/17. UKVI acknowledged receipt of Sponsor documents on 31/01/17. We received an email on 16/02/17 that a decision has been made.

The background to his overstaying is this. My husband was issued a student visa from 2008 to 30 November 2011.
On 21 November 2011, he made an initial application for a Tier 4 General Visa, but this was returned as invalid because he didn’t include a photo.

On 21 December 2011, he re-applied for Tier 4 General Student Visa, which was refused on 22 February 2012 because he did not satisfy the requirements. Subsequently, he applied again on 06 March 2012, which was refused on 24 April 2012 because again he did not satisfy the requirements and was asked to leave the Country. He did not leave and overstayed for 4 years and returned to Nigeria on 25 December 2016 and we got married on 28/12/16.

In regards to the other requirements, e.g. financial, English language and relationship, they put N/A. I presume this means we met those requirements because I know I submitted all the required documents and evidence?

Although on the application form we listed the two refusals, we didn’t provide any further details or an explanation for overstaying. We assumed this would be established through an interview.

On 10 February we decided to write to the ECO to explain his immigration history, his overstaying and apologising for this. We did not realise that this letter was too late as the ECO had already made their decision on 8/02/17.

Please everybody, give us advice on what to do. We are so devastated. My husband is so sad and I am already agitated, but I know I have to calm down. If it was a case that we failed to provide the required documents then we would consider submitting a new application, but the sole reason given is overstaying.

I would appreciate all your advice on what to do and examples of people who have been refused on the basis of overstaying.

I look forward to your replies and thank you again for all your help with others.
Thank you.

Alexlady:
Dear all,

I wanted to give you all an update regarding my husband’s situation (for reference, my story is detailed below). Going forward, I would also like to advise and support people who go through the Visa/Appeal ordeal as I have learnt so much.

When I first came across this site, I was pleased to read people’s experiences and the support and advice people gave each other, so I decided to share my story and seek advice.

Unfortunately after posting my story, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the support I received. In fact only two people responded to me and in some respects negatively. This put me off the site, I felt embarrassed and for a period of time I stop coming on Nairaland which is a shame as I believe the site is invaluable and a lot of people have been successful due to the advice and support received.

@Lexusgs430- I appreciated the fact that you took time to respond, however I felt you jumped into conclusions and was critical of our situation, stating we were economical with the truth, not open and sincere etc. The fact remains we told the truth and the decision should be based on facts and not assumptions. You even made reference to the fact that the ECO may have thought the marriage was to circumvent. However at no point did the ECO suspect that the marriage was fake. The refusal was due to the fact that he overstayed. You did however advise that it was not the end of the road. You also said that an illegal entrant was also known as an overstayer. I am afraid that was incorrect as they are two different types of people. You also stated that an aggravating circumstance could be being economical with the truth. Again that is incorrect because the aggravating circumstances is related to his time and actions prior to the application. Overall though, you were still encouraging and advised that in the end the visa would be granted.

@stillwaiting- I appreciated that you took the time to respond, however, I found your response was very negative, you focused on my husband’s past as a student, how he should have applied for the student visa earlier than the time he applied and how he should have left the country when they told him to and not overstayed etc. The purpose of this forum is to give advice and help people move forward not criticise what has been done in the past especially when you cannot change the past. I was very upset at these insinuations. You even tried to put me off going down the appeal route.

I am happy to advise that we proceeded with the appeal, we did it all by ourselves, with no lawyer, we argued that 320 (11) was not applicable as there were no aggravating circumstances and today we received confirmation that the decision was overturned and that they will issue the visa. The reason the decision was overturned was due to the fact that the refusal decision flawed and they were not satisfied that 320 (11) was applicable to our case. We give all the glory to God, we had to share this news because God has seen us through, it has been tough, but we have learnt so much and now we want to help people with their own situations.

Please as general advice to all, when you give advice to people, please focus on facts, there is so much information and guidelines on the home office website, so please use those to support your advice. Please don’t jump into conclusions and let us always remember everybody’s situation is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Whilst one person’s appeal takes 4 Months, another may take 12 Months, it always all depends on who is handling the case and other matters come into play. We do recognise that in some circumstances, reapplying is more appropriate than appealing, but it is down to personal choice.

I will post the timeline once we have received the passport back.

Please feel free to ask me for advice as we believe we are very well versed with the process. Thanks for reading.

My advice(s) justifiable you felt was harsh, but you thankfully remembered my final point.
I said the visa would still be granted, I stated your time would be wasted, but eventually you guys would come out trumps........

One point you have to understand is, when people seek advice, clarifications or directions. And people sugar-coat the advice they give, the requester might not have a clear direction.

But telling you what you might not like to hear, but that aspect been the truth is the best approach......

The level of advice you might have received, albeit been a combination of negative and positive, spurred you in a positive direction and the desired outcome was achieved......

Congratulations in advance.... In life, we learn everyday. No one person is an island of information. That is the simple reason people find this thread a positive approach to their individual spousal visa application process.....

Glad you came back to issue a feedback on our dealings.

Wow, congrats Alexlady! Your story is so inspiring. I've also been refused under 320 (11). Please read a summary of my case below. I sent my appeal about a month ago. I'll be really grateful if you can advice me on what to expect.


I applied for an entry clearance as a partner of a British citizen. My application was refused on 320 (11). The two main points made by the ECO are: overstaying the 6months stay limit on my multiple entry visit visa and breaching the conditions attached to my leave by undertaking studies (University degrees). Both of these conditions result in 'contriving in a significant way to frustrate immigration laws', BUT there was no mention of 'aggravating circumstances' in my refusal letter.

I moved to britain as a child, with my family, and stayed there for 12 years (I was granted a 10 year visit visa). The decision to settle down in the country was taken by my parent. I met my wife in 2014, a year before the 10 year visit visa expired. The the 10 year visa expired the year after (2015), and I moved out of UK in February 2017, at my own expense, without the home office having any knowledge of me overstaying, detaining me or forcefully sending me out. I married my wife in Nigeria, then we filed the app in April. My wife has lived in Britain all her life.

During the 10 year period, I undertook studies and gained two university degrees at a time when my visa didn't allow me to do so. However, I paid for the degrees with my money, and never used student loan or any sort of benefit. I was able to enrol with utility cards and bank card, as I didn't have any other form of ID (driver's licence, residence card etc). Although I've met all the other requirements for the spouse visa, my application has been refused for 'contriving in a significant way to frustrate the immigration rules', without any mention of the aggravating circumstances attached to 320 (11), and I've been told that studying is not an aggravating circumstance. Also, the phrase 'aggravating circumstances' was not used in the refusal letter, although 320 (11) was used.


It may be important to state here that I have neither been involved in any criminal activity, nor benefitted from public benefits, during my stay in Britain. I also did not sought or partake in any form of employment during my stay in Britain.

I sent an appeal about a month ago, with the help of a lawyer, and also got my MP involved, who has sent a letter to UKVI. What are my chances in this case? Can the decision be overturned before hearing? I'll really like to hear from you.

Congrats again.

Alexlady:
Dear all,

I wanted to give you all an update regarding my husband’s situation (for reference, my story is detailed below). Going forward, I would also like to advise and support people who go through the Visa/Appeal ordeal as I have learnt so much.

When I first came across this site, I was pleased to read people’s experiences and the support and advice people gave each other, so I decided to share my story and seek advice.

Unfortunately after posting my story, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the support I received. In fact only two people responded to me and in some respects negatively. This put me off the site, I felt embarrassed and for a period of time I stop coming on Nairaland which is a shame as I believe the site is invaluable and a lot of people have been successful due to the advice and support received.

@Lexusgs430- I appreciated the fact that you took time to respond, however I felt you jumped into conclusions and was critical of our situation, stating we were economical with the truth, not open and sincere etc. The fact remains we told the truth and the decision should be based on facts and not assumptions. You even made reference to the fact that the ECO may have thought the marriage was to circumvent. However at no point did the ECO suspect that the marriage was fake. The refusal was due to the fact that he overstayed. You did however advise that it was not the end of the road. You also said that an illegal entrant was also known as an overstayer. I am afraid that was incorrect as they are two different types of people. You also stated that an aggravating circumstance could be being economical with the truth. Again that is incorrect because the aggravating circumstances is related to his time and actions prior to the application. Overall though, you were still encouraging and advised that in the end the visa would be granted.

@stillwaiting- I appreciated that you took the time to respond, however, I found your response was very negative, you focused on my husband’s past as a student, how he should have applied for the student visa earlier than the time he applied and how he should have left the country when they told him to and not overstayed etc. The purpose of this forum is to give advice and help people move forward not criticise what has been done in the past especially when you cannot change the past. I was very upset at these insinuations. You even tried to put me off going down the appeal route.

I am happy to advise that we proceeded with the appeal, we did it all by ourselves, with no lawyer, we argued that 320 (11) was not applicable as there were no aggravating circumstances and today we received confirmation that the decision was overturned and that they will issue the visa. The reason the decision was overturned was due to the fact that the refusal decision flawed and they were not satisfied that 320 (11) was applicable to our case. We give all the glory to God, we had to share this news because God has seen us through, it has been tough, but we have learnt so much and now we want to help people with their own situations.

Please as general advice to all, when you give advice to people, please focus on facts, there is so much information and guidelines on the home office website, so please use those to support your advice. Please don’t jump into conclusions and let us always remember everybody’s situation is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Whilst one person’s appeal takes 4 Months, another may take 12 Months, it always all depends on who is handling the case and other matters come into play. We do recognise that in some circumstances, reapplying is more appropriate than appealing, but it is down to personal choice.

I will post the timeline once we have received the passport back.

Please feel free to ask me for advice as we believe we are very well versed with the process. Thanks for reading.

Good morning good people this question is for those that have submitted WhatsApp calls did you use the actual name of you spouse when submitting the WhatsApp call or name like sweetheart .I stored my wife name with sweetheart and all my calls to her reflect in WhatsApp as sweetheart.should I change it back to her real name or it does not matter.please advice

readynow:
Good morning good people this question is for those that have submitted WhatsApp calls did you use the actual name of you spouse when submitting the WhatsApp call or name like sweetheart .I stored my wife name with sweetheart and all my calls to her reflect in WhatsApp as sweetheart.should I change it back to her real name or it does not matter.please advice

Gud morning, just leave it like that no need changing it to her real name.

Lexusgs430:


My advice(s) justifiable you felt was harsh, but you thankfully remembered my final point.
I said the visa would still be granted, I stated your time would be wasted, but eventually you guys would come out trumps........

One point you have to understand is, when people seek advice, clarifications or directions. And people sugar-coat the advice they give, the requester might not have a clear direction.

But telling you what you might not like to hear, but that aspect been the truth is the best approach......

The level of advice you might have received, albeit been a combination of negative and positive, spurred you in a positive direction and the desired outcome was achieved......

Congratulations in advance.... In life, we learn everyday. No one person is an island of information. That is the simple reason people find this thread a positive approach to their individual spousal visa application process.....

Glad you came back to issue a feedback on our dealings.

@Lexusgs430, well spoken. The truth told that hurts but spours one to positive action is better than lies that will sweet the ear and lead to destruction. We should try not to in any means breach immigration rules. These rules has been made and we must keep them if we want to enjoy the benefits. Mistakes is for us to learn not our destruction.

Realgeo:


@Lexusgs430, well spoken. The truth told that hurts but spours one to positive action is better than lies that will sweet the ear and lead to destruction. We should try not to in any means breach immigration rules. These rules has been made and we must keep them if we want to enjoy the benefits. Mistakes is for us to learn not our destruction.

Only 2 threads exists on nairaland that I put on my professional hat on, when I respond to enquiries....

This Spousal visa thread is one of them..... The truth might bruise, but we rather the truth than false responses.

In life, we cannot please everyone we speak to and come across. But we hope to make some sort of impact. Either positive or negative, both parties would take something away......

I hope Alexlady would invite us to a BBQ party in the future..........

congratulations!!!!

Alexlady:
Dear all,

I wanted to give you all an update regarding my husband’s situation (for reference, my story is detailed below). Going forward, I would also like to advise and support people who go through the Visa/Appeal ordeal as I have learnt so much.

When I first came across this site, I was pleased to read people’s experiences and the support and advice people gave each other, so I decided to share my story and seek advice.

Unfortunately after posting my story, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the support I received. In fact only two people responded to me and in some respects negatively. This put me off the site, I felt embarrassed and for a period of time I stop coming on Nairaland which is a shame as I believe the site is invaluable and a lot of people have been successful due to the advice and support received.

@Lexusgs430- I appreciated the fact that you took time to respond, however I felt you jumped into conclusions and was critical of our situation, stating we were economical with the truth, not open and sincere etc. The fact remains we told the truth and the decision should be based on facts and not assumptions. You even made reference to the fact that the ECO may have thought the marriage was to circumvent. However at no point did the ECO suspect that the marriage was fake. The refusal was due to the fact that he overstayed. You did however advise that it was not the end of the road. You also said that an illegal entrant was also known as an overstayer. I am afraid that was incorrect as they are two different types of people. You also stated that an aggravating circumstance could be being economical with the truth. Again that is incorrect because the aggravating circumstances is related to his time and actions prior to the application. Overall though, you were still encouraging and advised that in the end the visa would be granted.

@stillwaiting- I appreciated that you took the time to respond, however, I found your response was very negative, you focused on my husband’s past as a student, how he should have applied for the student visa earlier than the time he applied and how he should have left the country when they told him to and not overstayed etc. The purpose of this forum is to give advice and help people move forward not criticise what has been done in the past especially when you cannot change the past. I was very upset at these insinuations. You even tried to put me off going down the appeal route.

I am happy to advise that we proceeded with the appeal, we did it all by ourselves, with no lawyer, we argued that 320 (11) was not applicable as there were no aggravating circumstances and today we received confirmation that the decision was overturned and that they will issue the visa. The reason the decision was overturned was due to the fact that the refusal decision flawed and they were not satisfied that 320 (11) was applicable to our case. We give all the glory to God, we had to share this news because God has seen us through, it has been tough, but we have learnt so much and now we want to help people with their own situations.

Please as general advice to all, when you give advice to people, please focus on facts, there is so much information and guidelines on the home office website, so please use those to support your advice. Please don’t jump into conclusions and let us always remember everybody’s situation is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Whilst one person’s appeal takes 4 Months, another may take 12 Months, it always all depends on who is handling the case and other matters come into play. We do recognise that in some circumstances, reapplying is more appropriate than appealing, but it is down to personal choice.

I will post the timeline once we have received the passport back.

Please feel free to ask me for advice as we believe we are very well versed with the process. Thanks for reading.

obiw24:
@Realgeo we await your testimony.

Our humble bishop in da house I say huge Amen to that .
He who has begun a good work is faithful to complete it .
You will testify

joygirl2017:



Our humble bishop in da house I say huge Amen to that .
He who has begun a good work is faithful to complete it .
You will testify

Amen ooooo!!!. Hope you have already packed your bag and good to go. Celebration continues

obiw24:

My timeline
24th April, 2017 - application started
22 May, 2017 - submitted application form online ( Priority )
26th March, 2017 - Biometric date ( Victoria island, lagos)
1 June, 2017 - sent supporting documents to Sheffield
4 August, 2017 - status of application changed to decided on the UKVI website
8 August, 2017 - received email from TLS that a decision had been made and also to pick up passport ( I hurried there and picked up my passport)
3 August,2017 - date visa was granted

It took 48 working days for them to make a decision (approximately 10 weeks)



Here's a copy of my appendix for my support documents

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Application form and Appendix 2
I. Visa application form
II. Appendix 2

Appendix B: English language evidence
I. IELTS Result

Appendix C: Applicant and sponsor’s personal documents
I. Sponsor’s British passport
II. Sponsor’s birth certificate
III. Applicant’s Birth certificate
IIII. Applicant’s Bachelor’s degree certificate
V. Applicant’s ACCA completion certificates
VI. Introduction letter from applicant’s employer
VII. Applicants’ payslips for 7 months
VIII. Applicant’s salary account bank statement

Appendix D: Relationship documents
I. Letter from sponsor detailing relationship with Applicant
II. Copies of my flight ticket to UK and a photocopy of the airport stamp
III. Picture of sponsor and applicant at the barbeque party where we met
IIII. Receipt for tickets to Thorpe park and Man U game purchased by sponsor
V. Pictures taken in Thorpe park
VI. Pictures taken at Old Trafford
VII. Hotel booking confirmation for night spent in North England after watching the game at Old Trafford
VIII. Azimo receipts and western union receipts
IX. Rebtel call logs, screenshots of watsapp messages, screenshots of video calls, screenshots of messages on words with friends, Screenshots of watsapp call logs from both the applicant and sponsor's phones
X. Copy of Sponsor’s itenary and travel documents to Nigeria for the wedding
XI. Certificates of spinsterhood
XII. Traditional wedding invitation card
XIII. Marriage certificate
XIIII. Random pictures of sponsor and applicant together
XV. Pre wedding photos
XVI. Traditional and court wedding pictures
XVII. Screenshots of friends and family’s social media posts about our wedding


Appendix E: Maintenance documents
I. Sponsor’s employment contract
II. Letter from Sponsor’s office confirming the duration of his employment and his payroll details
III. Sponsor’s payslips from September 2016 to May2017
IIII. Sponsor’s bank account statement signed and stamped by the bank
V. Sponsor’s last two P 60s
VI. Signed sponsorship undertaking from Sponsor

Appendix F: Accommodation documents
I. Sponsor’s current tenancy agreement
II. Letter from Sponsor’s landlord or letting agency stating that the Applicant can stay in the apartment
III. Sponsor’s Council tax
IIII. Sponsor’s Utility bills

Appendix G: TB certificate

I was a bit worried that they might have an issue with the fact that all the pictures of hubby and I together except 1 were taken when he came to Nigeria for our wedding.
Oga no like pictures so when I went to U.K. Last year, we didn't take any pictures together so most of my pictures in the places we went to in U.K. were of only me or me and his nephew.
The only picture of both of us together in U.K. was one random picture that someone took at a party we went to.
I was also worried because I said we met last year when I went to U.K. Since then, the only time we've seen was when he came for the wedding. I didn't say the truth ( which was that we'd been dating since 2015) because in my visit visa application, I had said I didn't know anyone in U.K....that year Oga been vex me so I wasn't really sure I was going to be continuing the relationship.
I was so scared they'd say there was no substantial relationship because of the apparently short relationship time.
I'm sure God got tired of hearing my prayers about this visa. Na on top this matter my hallelujah challenge finish.
In faith, I resigned my job in June and went to chill with my parents while waiting and praying.
You don't even want to know all the sleepless nights I had .
To anyone applying now or waiting for a response just pray and watch God do his wonders....
Next step - planning marriage blessing in U.K...

WOW. Just seeing this. I am so glad for you. now u can rest and look forward to meeting your spouse. Congratulations once again.

Please how much will I pay for IHS. Trying to register for it and calculations read £600. Is it correct?

Guys , Guys I need your help my original TB is with my husband he is scared of losing it through sending it to me or delays getting to me

I went to the Tb centre in lagos to see if I can get a reprint but couldnt .
I was told at the centre my husband should scan and send to me on my device and show them at immigration
Or
My husband meets me at the airport , i call him to gives it to me . ( I need to find my uk line )

Pls what can I do ? What's the best option need to book on time .
Thanks