₦airaland Forum

Mrsbebe:
Hi Guys,

Thank You for all the good work you guys are doing here. I was lost but now am found. Please my Hubby is a UK citizen and would like to apply for a spouse visa and need your advise on the following;

1) Is it absolutely necessary for me to take the English Test as I am a graduate from a federal University in Nigeria.If Yes,where do I take the test and how much.

2)Can Hubby pay for the Visa Fee from The UK.

3) Is the health surcharge a must pay to get the visa

4) hubby is changing jobs and moving house next month will that affect our visa application in anyway?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Keep up the good work.

1) There are exemptions to taking the English test which include being taught at university in English but there are some restrictions to this so it's much easier to just take the test. You can search online to find your local IELTS test centre, costs will be listed. Make sure you log on to the gov.uk website to make sure any test you take is from the approved list.

2) Hubby can pay for the visa from the UK but I believe there are additional charges applied by the bank when u do this

3) The NHS charge is mandatory

4) As long as your husband currently earns the 18600 threshold and will still do so in his new job that's fine. The new accommodation just needs to have room/permission for you to stay.

fazo14:
To the glory of God!!! Praise be the name of the Lord!!! Ever Faithful God!!! Thanks be to God!!!

A very wonderful thanks to every1 here, You all keep the hope alive. God bless you all Amen!!! I have come to share my good news .

In a very special way I thank Justwise n Girlio for there encouragement when we were faced with disappointment and unsure of how to move forward. We were directed in the right part and to the Glory of God, I heartily say I have been granted Visa

Finally the long wait is over , Thanks To God!!!

Woohooo!! Praise God!!! I'm so happy for you guys, this is the best news!!

It's been a looooonnnngggg journey but God is faithful.

Portsmouth86:
I've booked his flight now couldn't sleep until I had done it with royal air maroc direct on their site £340 for 2 hrs stop in Casablanca x he's coming Saturday x

And yea needed to find out about them haha I know my hubby cousin flew with royal air Maroc not the best but want him here haha x

No worries, as the great song by Oleta Adams says "I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can..."!

He will arrive safely, happy in the assurance that the future he has with you will be worth the journey.

Jeljay:
Hello Guys.
Please I need you advice. It's been 3/4 weeks since my wife applied for her spouse visa and I have been recently offered a new job in the last few days. It's an opportunity I feel I can't turn down because of the financial package which is £6,000 more than I'm currently earning.
My current role is above the financial threshold the HO requires. We are yet to receive an acknowledgment letter from Sheffield about receiving our supporting documents which was sent on the 12th and delivered on the 13th of this month. I will need to hand it a one month notice to my current employers.
I'm scared if I take the job it will someway affect my wife's application, but it's very hard to turn down this offer.
Please house, I need advice on this situation, had anyone been in my situation before, if so, please advice. Thanks

You do not need to turn down the job at all, especially since it will put you even further above the threshold. All you have to do, once you submit your resignation, is send an email to Sheffield, noting that you have a change in employment circumstances. You will only have to do this however if you have not received the outcome before you have to hand in your resignation.

Just make sure you have a copy of your new employment contract signed and scanned so that you can attach it to the email along with a copy of your resignation letter. You will need to include the applicants full details and any application references.

This all needs to be done if you haven't received an outcome at this stage just in case the Home Office choose to validate your employment status with the company by directly getting in touch with them.

Have a wonderful Christmas with your husband Phardey, the first of many to come.

Bisiniji:
Pls i need help asap,my wife earns 16thousand pounds but after some overtime she earns up to 20thousand five hundred per annum. Her p60 shows 21k,i want to know if we meet d financial requiremen
ts or not?

It is my understanding that you need to prove that in the previous 12 months the sponsor earned a total of the threshold amount, this includes overtime. All you have to do is prove (from the bank statements over12 months) that your wife earned the 21k from the company she is employed with.

yjb85:
@Justwise, @Porthsmouth86, @girlfio

Please i need clarification in the Appendix 2 form question 2.8 where it says DO YOU INTEND TO WORK IN THE UK?

Please what do i tick (YES OR NO)

Please if YES what should i write and if NO what should I write

I dont have a job yet and there is no way i will not work when i get there i cant be a liability.


PLEASE HELP O.

Put Yes. The spouse visa allows you to work with no restrictions. If there is a space to make a comment, just write "I plan to make job applications on arrival to the Uk"

[quote author=carphy post=40012258][/quote]Yes you can submit an appeal and a new application at the same time. It's worth baring in mind though that if you submit a new application they are likely to scrutinise your visa request due to the refusal and so it could end up taking longer. You may find therefore that a new application takes roughly the same time as it takes for them to overturn the refusal.

carphy:
After waiting for 12 weeks, I got refused. So sad! I guess it's not my time yet. Can someone kindly guide me on appeal process.am thinking of reapplying and appealing at the same time. And if I will be using original document for the appeal.
Thanks

Sorry to hear that, it's not the end though. What we're the reasons for your refusal?

justwise:
Yes its better to submit more than less but those 3 are completely unnecessary, to start with the council will not hand over to any individual apart from govt agencies the list of previous occupant of an address because that will be against data protection act.

You only get permission from landlord if you are living in a multi occupant accommodation where bills and other services are shared, so bringing your spouse will increase the cost of utility bills hence the need to inform the landlord.

Again Home Office don't request for one year bank statement and payslip rather they ask for 6months of those documents at least.

Ok, that's not a problem, if you can't get that list it's worth simply noting in your statement when you make reference to your accommodation that since this is a rented place that any other names registered against the address on the electoral should be disregarded.

With the rental agreement, i was advised that only those named on the contract can stay there. Maybe that was just my contract. The letter was submitted purely to reiterate that the place was suitable for an additional person.

Yes 6 months is sufficient but if you have varying incomes per month it's best to submit 12 months to show that you have earned the annual financial threshold.

Again, I'm not claiming to be an expert, only offering advice based on my experience. If you can provide more evidence then why not. We went in to the application process with not enough evidence and got refused. It's only when we covered all bases that we were able to get it overturned. That could just be our case but if this helps someone then I'm happy.

justwise:
Girlfio I haven't seen this list before and was just going through it now...there are a lot of unnecessary things included on it like...letter from employer detailing yearly wages, post and length of employment. This is just unnecessary because your employment letter and pay slip has all that details already.

Letter from landlord stating that the sponsor and the spouses are permitted in live there, again this is just unnecessary, if you are renting a studio, one bedroom or more flat then you don't need a letter from anybody permitting you to live with your spouse, all you need is your tenancy agreement.

Print out from the council of list of people who are reported to be living there? This is insane to say the least, council will not even give an individual that list and there is absolutely no need to request for such list.

If you are educated to a degree level then you don't need to write an English test.

That's fine, out of the list provided, these 3 items may be deemed unnecessary. I included them because our spouse application was initially refused and these documents were requested by the ECO in their response. I have worked for the Home Office and know that if it is at all possible it is better to supply more than less. It may not be official but from my experience their mandate is that you are refusable unless proved otherwise. But it's only advice, this is your application. Supply information that you deem is sufficient to support your suitability for the visa.

JideVince:
Wow! Than you so much for taking your time to make this detailed list! You're a legend!! I will start from here!

Regarding the call log details, I can't seem to find history beyond a month. Is there an easy way I can retrieve and export the info.? I use an iPhone 5s.


Thank you thank you. God bless!

It depends on how you are communicating. For voice calls, you can obtain an itemised bill from your network provider, your spouse can do the same. There is a way of exporting historical WhatsApp conversations, just Google for instructions.

JideVince:
Hello house,

I commend the good work being done here on a daily basis.

1. Please, I am planning to start my spouse visa application soon, could anyone help me with the detailed list of supporting documents? I know it must have been updated on a part of the thread before now, but I couldn't find. Kindly direct me accordingly

2. Getting call history and messages printed is another big deal for me. How do I get this done? Help please.

Thanks for your time.

I know there is a list somewhere on this thread but I can't remember where it is either! General list is as follows:

Finance
- Sponsor bank statements - 12 months [highlight at each point in the month when wages are paid in and make sure you don't print from internet banking, arrange for the bank to send them to you in the post on headed paper]
- Sponsor pay slips - 12 months [make sure payslips are printed on company headed paper]
- Sponsor statements of savings or investments
- Sponsor letter from employers on company headed paper detailing your yearly wage, post and length of employment

Accomodation
Renting?
- Letter from landlord stating both sponsor and spouse are permitted to reside at premises
- Get a print out from the council from the electorol to get a list of people who are reported to be living at the address. Sometimes people don't take their name off the list but the boarder force will use this information to determine who lives there. On the print out state who is currently living at the address
- Rental Agreement/Contract
- Floor Planer of the property
- Council Tax Statement
- x2 home bills [gas, electric etc] addressed to the sponsor at the address for previous 3 months

Mortgage?
All the above except landlord/rent contract instead submit copy of mortgage papers clearly showing ownership

Relationship
- Print out of telephone communication since start of relationship
- As many photos as you have of the both of you throughout your relationship
- Wedding photos - try to include a few that include your family and close friends as well
- Copies of Wedding stationery - invites, wedding favours etc
- Optional extra if your light on the previous items is to also include a statement from a family member who has been aware of your relationship from the start.
- Marriage Certificate - Original

Other
- Certified copy of sponsors passport
-Applicants passport - submitted by applicant
- TB Test Results - submitted by applicant
- English test certificate - submitted by applicant
- UK Boarder Agency sponsorship undertaking form

Theres a chance that I've missed something, so I would advise that you check the UKBA website before submission. What particular issues are you having with printing off your phone communication information?

Aishajane:
Pls I need help I submitted my spousal application January dis year and I was refused becos we didnt have enof photos and they said my husband finacial statement wasnt clear,he had to revisit in august and we took lots of photos,so I will be applying again bfor the end of october,he already has all d documents with him in uk,i want to know should I ask him to send them back or what documents will I be submiting here in nigeria? Will I need those documents with him here?

I believe all paperwork has to be submitted by your sponsor in the uk along with a self addressed envelope. You will fill in the application online and will send off your passport, biometrics, Tb test results And English test certificate (those that have recently submitted will verify if I'm wrong)

Good to hear you have more photos but what you will also need to include is evidence of consistent communication and any financial support if applicable.

No, you don't need a lawyer, you just need to make sure you meet all requirements, have evidence to prove that and write a good statement that will clearly define your suitability for the visa. Since they have previously refused, it's likely they will scrutinise your application so just make sure everything is in order.,

Portsmouth86:
& @Lexusgs430
Got here haha jeez it's hot lol, my passport came the day before departure

Awww, good to hear you made it. If you can bring back some of that Sunshine, it would be much appreciated!

Portsmouth86:
thank you, im on my final nightshift before i go, only 2 days to sort out my cases, still my passport hasn't arrived with my visa though gotta chase it up in the morning

All the best, enjoy your holiday and your husband! Make sure you take loads of pictures for the application. Hope your passport arrives soon. If they haven't posted it out to you yet it might be worth travelling down to the embassy to pick it up instead if it's possible.

smilk1986:
Hi guys,

Maybe not the best place for this question, but here I go.

A month ago I received a notice that my visa (Tier 2 - General) was refused because the ECO did not accept my English Language certificate.
I have a Certificate in Advanced English, dated 16/05/2006, which according to ECO expired in 2008.

On gov.uk website I found a table (Secure English Language Tests - Transitional) according to which the Certificate in Advanced English has no expiry and can be used in all applications until 5th November (if the test has been taken on or before 5th April 2015). I also submitted all the supporting documents (certificate, statement of results, candidate ID number and candidate's secret number), so I am positive that I am on the right side here.

Two weeks ago I submitted the Administrative Review request and now I am waiting for a response.

What you guys think my chances are to have the decision overturned and do they really respond within 28 days?

Thanks.

Looks like an oversight of the ECO on this occasion. Since this is the only reason and you submitted evidence stating that the new ruling does not apply to your case, I don't see why they would not overturn the decision.

In terms of how long it takes really depends on their workload. If you haven't heard anything after 28 working days then just get in touch with the office where you submitted the administration request.

willwin2:
Finally o, sent me email yesterday to send my passport with tb test.

Praise God! This is amazing news willwin, you've had to wait so long for this. I'm so happy for you, the finish line is now in view.

beenut:
what are my chances of getting uk visa after 10yrs of criminal conviction?

Well, it's not impossible but it's highly unlikely. It really depends on a number of variances, such as the type of visa, your current situation etc. But with the position of the current government, criminal convictions are an easy way out for the visa officials to refuse the application. It might be worth seeking some credible legal advice before you proceed.

Nathan15:
Hello every one this is my first time here my husband appeal was allowed in May 2015, my husband was ask to send his passport and his Tb certificate to UK visa and immigration in Sheffield and it was delivered and signed for on 31/07/2015, pls do any know how long it takes to get the passport and Tb certificate back.

TelePerformance have been known to take their time to notify people of received passports. It might be worth first sending an email to Sheffield, give them a few days to respond. If you don't hear anything, if it's not too far away from you, just go to the teleperformance and check if it's arrived.

Great news Greenlion, so happy for you guys, God is good.

Congratulations Freshest04, great news. According to Lexusgs430 looks like we're all meeting up at Nandos, woohooo!!

tp2:
Good day. Got married last month and we're applying for my visa this month. Please do I need the English language test for my spouse visa? I'm a Nigerian and a graduate. Thanks

Freshest04 is right. It's a lot more difficult to prove your knowledge of English via the degree route. Best to submit your English test pass result along with your degree certificate, don't give them any room to refuse you on that point.

Congratulations Benuromi, this is great news. Even though it's nearly two years ago now I still remember the elation of my husband getting his visa. It may be short for some or a little longer for others but we pray that God will continue to favour this group and reunite families.

paparazzom:
Thank you girlfio.

My wife actually went there today and, lo and behold her passport was given to her with shiny visa on it.
I'm so grateful to God and this wonderful forum without you it wouldn't have been possible.
A big thank you to everyone that have contributed on this forum. I will share the timeline later on.

Awww, congratulations, this is great news.

paparazzom:
Hello Everyone!

It's been 2 weeks since my wife got a decision email from UKVI and it says the passport would be dispatched within 3-5 days. She has not yet received an email from TelePerformance for collection, is this normal or do you reckon she should go to their office and find out since they have no phone numbers to reach them on.

If it's not too much of a journey, I would advise that your wife goes down there along with a copy of the email stating that the passport will be dispatched. It's not unreasonable to expect that it should be ready for collection at this stage.

willwin2:
Hi everyone, please I need your advice, I won my appeal, and got decision from the judge on 16 of April, I have not heard anything from the embassy, the situation is driving nuts, pls someone advice me what to do. 2 weeks ago I sent an email to the enquiry line, I was told they will escalate it, nothing have been said 2 weeks now.

That's just ridiculous. Unfortunately they are notoriously slow to respond after a successful court appeal. The best advice I could give would be for your uk sponsor to now start calling them every other day for an update (Leicester tribunal office). They should also be sending emails to Sheffield seeking an update on the escalation of your visa award, making sure to include all appropriate ref numbers and past correspondence.

If you don't keep on at them then they will continue to take their time.

Freshest04:
Hello house, please I have an urgent question, I jave my appt for tomorrow and I just realized my spouse did not sign the sponsorship declaration form and to send via courier. Please does it matter if he signs and sends a scanned copy for me to print

Since your appt is tomorrow, i would advise that you get that signed scanned copy and then let them know that the original will be sent to Sheffield with the rest of your paperwork. They should hopefully accept that.

fazo14:
@Justwise
No we have not done any application since he got his ILR, yes it is the first application we did and he was on Tier 1. What can we do? Thanks alot
@girlio
From the judge rule,I thought same that I am still under the ban. Is it possible that a spouse visa can release me from the ban? I can make application for a spouse visa,but need to know how to go about it and all it entails. What are my chances under a spouse visa? Is there hope for me? Thanks alot

As long as you both meet the requirements for a spouse visa, it should be ok. Since you have been refused under a 320 ruling, they are likely to scrutinise any future applications. You will therefore have to make sure all necessary paperwork is in order. Details of the requirements are on the UKBA website. There's also alot of information on this forum that will help you. There's always hope but you just have to be ready to make it difficult for them to say no. The only way to do that is to first make sure that you meet all of the spouse visa requirements, then do everything you can to evidence it.

fazo14:
Yes it was from UK bank,it wasnt Internet print out,it just wasn't signed, it is original bank statement from the bank in UK. The judge cleared the bank statement as original stating that the ECO ruled wrongly. But the judge upheld the refusal on 320 7a and 7b , and dismissed the case.

It sounds like you are still under a 10 year ban from the initial application. I believe it's only a spouse visa that can release you from any ban. Any other visa application will be rejected whilst u r still within the 10 years. Instead of applying as a dependant, can you make an application for a spouse visa?

betty21:
Dear people.  Please i have been refused a spouse visa based on the following attached reasons. I wish this uk vias people could understand how many heart they break and the stress beyond stress that they cause .
Am very sure we submitted all the documents but we are going to appeal . My questions are as follows :

What is the appeal process  and estimated duration ? as in how long does it take form putting in my appeal to my hearing to judgement to getting an approval to sending my passport for the spouse visa to etc
(Someone told me it takes like 3 years)

2)can we appeal from Nigeria (Although my husband is getting a lawyer from UK )
3) I have been advise to get a good white lawyer as they are taken seriously than nigerian uk lawyers . (What's your thought on this?)

4)can i apply for a visiting visa while the appeal is going on

Please @justwise and Co .I await your kind response

Thank you

1) details of the process for appeal can b found on the UKBA website. You will need to fill in the form and supply additional evidence to prove your relationship status and financial position based on the points raised in the refusal. The appeal process can take between 3-5 months if the decision is overturned based on submitted additional evidence. If they maintain their refusal, it can take up to a year in total from the appeal submission to go through the court.

2) the appeal will need to be submitted to the uk tribunal address.

3) the most important thing is to get a good/competent lawyer, it's not about colour.

4) you can apply for the tourist visa but it's likely to be refused. The whole point of a tourist visa is that u will return, the fact that u have a spouse in the UK and a pending appeal makes it look less likey that you'll adhere to the terms of your visa.

newbie715:
hallo everyone, i need assistance please, i am applying for spouse visa, i have concluded my application on the gov.uk site but i understand i need to fill out an application on teleperformance site, i am unable to find the visa that matches spouse visa on the site, has anyone tried it recently, the settlement visa says:
'If you are a Minister of Religion undertaking preaching and pastoral work, Missionary, or Member of a Religious Order, taking up employment, or a post/role within your faith community in the UK'
and all the other visa types refer to short stay or visit visa or student visa. can someone advice me please. thank you

Have you taken a look at Justwise's screen instructions, found on page 108. Really helpful, should make it all a bit clearer.