₦airaland Forum

You are very welcome. Glad I could help. All the best.

carphy:
Thank you so much newbie for your prompt reply, I have been really worried because we have less than a thousand pounds at the moment.
Yes we meet the requirement and will include everything. I am also using your checklist of the documents you submitted, it’s really detailed.
Thank you so much. God bless you.

Hi,

I successfully applied for US visa after living here for 4 months. I am guessing you are a British citizen, he should go for the interview with your passport as that was the only thing they checked when I was interviewed and his BRP of course. That is not to say he should not have any other relevant documents with him. All the best.

MrsDutse:
Good evening everyone, hope you are all doing well.

Please, I need advise/information from anyone who has a UK spouse visa and has travelled to US for holidays.

My husband has a spouse visa which we will be applying for the FLR early next year. We had applied for a Canadian visa for him last year and he was refused visa due to travel history, he had only been in the UK for 8 months.

We would like to visit the US this Christmas and would really appreciate if anyone with a UK Spouse visa and has had any experience of applying for a US visa and could share that with us.

carphy:
Hi everyone,
Please is there a minimum account balance someone must have before renewing visa to get the FLR.
We actually meet the financial requirement but we have on going projects and our account balance is always low. Just wants to know
I will appreciate quick response because am renewing soon.
Thanks

Hi, there is no minimum balance required, just show evidence of meeting the financial requirement: payslips, letter from Employer, bank statements and remember the financial documents should be dated within 28 days of your application. All the best.

carphy:
Congratulations!!!
I am renewing mine in November. I haven’t decided if I will use the same decision appointment.
Gathering all evidence and praying it all work out.

Hi, my advice is if you wish to use in-person appointment in November, start looking for dates as early as end of September so you don't end up like me cos I couldn't find available dates before my visa expiry as the dates go really quickly.

phardey:
Hi Newbie,

Congratulations.
On to the next stage! ���

Thank you. Yes next level in 2020

teejay231:
Thanks a lot. I did my biometrics almost a month ago and still waiting. My BRP was stolen/lost and haven't been able to start in my new role because of it. My employer did contact HO but were informed to wait till I had the new BRP. It supposed to take no longer than 8 weeks but to think that with ILR it takes up to 6 months to get a new BRP. I think HO just wants everyone to pay for premium service.

You are welcome. I hope you haven't lost the role though as a result of the delay. Fingers crossed, you'd get the BRP soon.

I honestly don't even like the BRP only idea, as in no visa, just BRP, this is my first one. My previous visa was stamped in my passport and I prefer that. I have now inserted this BRP in my passport as I am paranoid that I'd lose it or forget it when I travel and I will be held at immigration on my return. I wish they could still stamp your passport and you could have BRP as additional proof.

teejay231:
Thanks for the info. If I may trouble you again, did your documents arrive before the BRP? What courier service is DX?

Documents and BRP arrived same day. Documents arrived first, then I received an email from DX delivery stating my BRP will be delivered that day, a delivery guy came a few hours later to drop it off. DX (Delivered Exactly) courier services handle passport and BRP delivery for HO

teejay231:
Congratulations!! We thank God. If I may ask, did you get any email or letter after your biometric enrolment? Or did you just receive your documents and BRP at the same time? Thanks.

I didn't get any correspondence at all after biometric enrolment. The Biometric Letter stated that the application will be concluded within 8 weeks from submission and that I will be contacted if they can't make the deadline. So after biometrics, I just received my documents sent with my SAE and the BRP came via DX delivery but both arrived same day.

Below are the documents. 
FLR (m) Paper Application form
Print out of IHS payment.
Applicant passport
Applicant 2x Passport pictures 
Sponsors Passport
Sponsor 1x Passport picture 
NARIC certificate for English Language‎

Marriage certificate
Child's birth certificate
Child's passport‎

Proof of Co-habitation
Gas ‎and Electricity bills (the only document in joint name)‎
HRMC Letter
Bank Statement 
Council Tax Bills 
NHS appointment Letters 
EE phone bill‎
Bank Letters 

Proof of Income
I used hubby's income only.‎
His 6 months bank statements (last one within 28 days)
His 6 months pay slips stamped and signed by HR as they are internet print outs(last one within 28 days)
His Letter of Employment
Letter from Employer (within 28 days) confirming date of employment, salary and authenticity of pay slips

Accommodation 
Mortgage Statement‎
Bank statement showing mortgage direct debits‎

Hubby's passport was returned within a week.‎

An update on my FLR (M). It was granted. I am really thankful to God. Thanks phardey for answering all my queries. See my timeline below:

Application Type : FLR(M) - 2nd extension 
Application Posted on: 14 April 18
Documents received by HO: 17 April 18
Documents signed for: 17 April 18
Payment taken: 18 April 18 
Acknowledgement Received on: 20 April 18 dated 18 April 18 ‎
Employer sent request to Home Office to confirm application: 20 April 18
Home Office confirmed to Employer: 27 April 18‎
Biometric Request Letter Received: 04 May 18 dated 02 May 18 
Biometrics Enrolled on: 05 May 18
Decision of Application: Granted
Date of Decision: 05 June 18
Documents Received on: 07 June 18
BRP Card Received: 07 June 18

joygirl2017:
Pls i got the application form please do i have to send my international passport or just the BRP
Or do i send the two? Please kindly help thanks

When I did it, I submitted my passport because I did not have BRP. My visa was stamped in my passport but I believe the BRP should be fine. It is issued by the govt but double check the list of ID required to be on the safe side.

Hi,

With your spouse visa, you can get drivers licence, it's a settlement visa. You can apply for provisional licence online on the gov.uk site or with a paper form that you can pick up at the post office. Bear in mind that you will send in a proof of ID with it. When you have the provisional licence, you can sit the theory test and/or book driving lessons and go on to get your main licence. All the best!!!

joygirl2017:
Congratulations to successfully applicants pls with a spouse visa can one get a drivers licence
Pls how do i go about it cos its saying for those who have leave to remain

I finally sent off my application today. My current visa expires 30-04. So pretty soon, I will have no status while I await their decision. I will come back to update my timeline as it progresses.

Thank you very much. I really appreciate

phardey:
Hi Newbie,

Your own income should be N/A if you don't want to use your income.

Also combined income (sponsors and yours) will be just your hubbys income if you are using just hubby's.

Yes if you intend using both incomes, you will be required to provide both of your 6 months payslips, bank statements, employment confirmation letters, and offer of employment.

If you or your hubby meets the requirements, you can use either one. I used just mine.

Hi phardey,

Thanks for your comments. I finally decided to use NARIC so I applied a week ago, just waiting for them to send the letter.

I have a question though, I didn't plan to include details of my employment since my hubby's employment alone meets the financial requirement but somewhere on the form, it asks 'you and your sponsors total combined income from salaried employment'
If I state our combined income, will I be required to include all my employment details? Payslips, employment letter and all the rest? Or should I state only his as that's what we are using for the application.

phardey:
Post it asap. Don't wait till time runs out.
I ended sending mine 14 days before my visa expired.

Yes you must send your hubbys passport. It will be returned within a week.
You can send coloured copies of every page of passport and explain why you can't send the passport in a cover letter but I don't think it's worth it.

Yes, the acknowledgement letter is enough.
Some companies might say they want to check with HO. Mine did but they didn't get any response from them.


I don't know about using that same letter. Can you try to get another letter from the university and courier it down here.

You don't want to give them any reason or whatsoever

Good luck

For the English language, I did not use NARIC for my first spouse visa application, I submitted my Nigerian University certificate and a letter from the school stating the course was taught in English. This was 2015. Now I am about to apply for FLR (M) this month, I can't seem to decide if I should do same or jejely get the NARIC letter.

I am not sure about your second question.

justwise:
I want to ask this question regarding two aspect of requirements:

Prove of English language and court marriage certificate

1.Has anybody gotten a spouse visa with just Nigerian degree certificate without UK NARIC valuation letter? I know we debated this some yrs ago but i can't find current update on this.

2.Local registry marriage certificate..any successful application with local registry certificate? I know the Fed govt won the case but i don't know if the British embassy has implemented the policy.

Thank you

Hi phardey,

Funnily enough, there are no dates available in Croydon for me as well even though my visa expires 30-04. The earliest I am seeing is May 1st in Liverpool so it looks like I'd go the postal route.

Some questions please:

- when you submit, is the acknowledgement good enough for work, i.e to submit to HR pending outcome?

-must I submit hubby's passport or will the data page work as he will need to travel soon.

-i am curious to hear your thoughts on this, I never submitted English language test initially, I used my Nigerian University MBA Cert backed with a letter from the registrar stating course was taught in English. Do you reckon I can still use same letter, it's more than 2 years old now but it's still certifying same thing I imagine

phardey:
Its best you apply in person.
Also start looking for appointment 45 days before you want to apply. I Couldn't find any dates available in Croydon and Solihull and time was running out. I had to send it via post.

Below are the documents.
FLR (m) Paper Application form
Print out of IHS payment.
Applicant passport
Applicant 2x Passport pictures
Sponsors Passport
Sponsor 1x Passport picture
BSC Degree from London South Uni

Marriage certificate
Two Children's birth certificates
Two Children's full passport
Letter from our GP and school confirming I attend GP appointments with the kids

Proof of Co-habitation
Gas Statement
Electricity bills
HRMC Letter
Bank Statement
Council Tax Bills
NHS Letters
Talk Talk Bill
Bank Letters

Proof of Income
We used my income only. I earn above the required funds
6 months bank statements (last one within 28 days)
6 months wage slips (last one within 28 days)
Letter Employment
Letter from Employer (within 28 days) confirming I still work there, my salary, My NI, Address and etc

Accommodation
Tenancy Agreement in hubby's name
Letter from Housing association addressed to hubby
Recent Council tax bill in both names

My hubby's and kids passports were returned within a week.

Congratulations Phardey

Very happy for you.

phardey:
I thought to update everyone
My BRP came today

Here's my timeline
Application Type : FLR(M) - 2nd extension
Application Posted on: 10 Feb 18
Postal or In Person Application: Postal
Documents received by HO: 12 Feb 18
Documents signed for: 12 Feb 18
Payment taken: 13 Feb 18
Application deferred for further checks (in person app): N/A
Acknowledgement Received on: Received 15 Feb 18 dated 13 Feb 18
Biometric Letter Received: Received 20 Feb 18 dated 16 Feb 18
Biometrics Enrolled on: 21 Feb 18
Decision of Application: Approved
Date of Decision: 26th March - This is the date on my BRP
Documents Received on: Pending - I included a Special Delivery SAE. I've been tracking the number since last week but nothing yet.
BRP Card Received: 28th March

Time to seat for Life in UK Test
Good Luck to Everyone

Thanks a lot for the detailed post of your submitted document list and procedure. All the best with your application.

phardey:
Oh I forgot.
I made copies of everything too.

Hi phardey,

Time really flies. How have you been?

I plan to apply for my FLR soon but it will be in-person application.

Could you please share the documentation you submitted.

Many thanks

phardey:
I can't believe how much time has gone since I moved back here in July 2015
So, I applied for FLR M last month and I'm still waiting for their decision.
Feels weird not to have a status and I have to keep waiting.
The wait should be over this week/next week I pray! (Amen) Can I hear a resounding AMEN!

Thought I should share my time, I will come back to update.

Application Type : FLR(M) - 2nd extension
Application Posted on: 10 Feb 18
Postal or In Person Application: Postal
Documents received by HO: 12 Feb 18
Documents signed for: 12 Feb 18
Payment taken: 13 Feb 18
Application deferred for further checks (in person app): N/A
Acknowledgement Received on: Received 15 Feb 18 dated 13 Feb 18
Biometric Letter Received: Received 20 Feb 18 dated 16 Feb 18
Biometrics Enrolled on: 21 Feb 18
Decision of Application: Pending
Date of Decision: Pending
Documents Received on: Pending
BRP Card Received: Pending

MG2801:
Thanks a geat deal. This information is very useful. I think I'll go with the second option as well since it was accepted as sufficient evidence for English language proficiency. Again, it will be extra expense going down the NARIC route.

You are welcome

MG2801:
Hi, thanks for your response. So he'll need to request for his degree certificate, confirmatory statement and a transcript. I know from previous experiences that Educational institutions do not always hand over transcripts to the students but can send directly to the institutions requiring them. Was this the same in your case or different?
Thank you

I used the English taught degree to prove my knowledge of English last year. I didn't get transcript, I submitted my certificate and a letter from my school stating my degree was taught in English and all course work and research were all in English as well. I guess I read the extract below from the gov.uk site and decided to go with the second option.

If your degree isn’t from a UK university, you’ll need your original degree certificate and one of the following:

-an original letter or certificate from UK NARIC confirming the equivalent level of your degree, plus an official letter from your university with your name and degree confirming that your degree was taught in English

-an original and official certificate from your university confirming the degree was taught or researched in a majority English-speaking country (except Canada)‎‎

But I guess you should do what makes you comfortable. All the best

Mrsbebe:
Hi Everyone,

I need urgent help please,I missed my TLS appointment and I would like to reschedule. I combed everything on the TLS website and I cant find where to rebook the appointment. I would really appreciate it if I can get pointers as to how to rebook it.

If any one knows how to please help.

Awaiting a feedback.

Thanks

Hi Mrsbebe,

I had to reschedule my TLS appointment twice and I did it via my application page, where you originally selected the appointment dates, there is an option there for reschedule but that option will not be available for you anymore because your scheduled date has passed. You can only reschedule up until one minute before your scheduled appointment (as I was told by TLS last year April) once you miss the appointment without rescheduling you have to make a new payment (or was it new application? Can't quite remember) and ask for a refund of the previous fees which they said normally takes a while.

All the best

Portsmouth86:
Hi everyone

So I have some news to share,

as I recently advised that my Son was due to be born on 23rd December, well he decided to come early, and was born on 1st September at 5.10am, weighing just 1lb 4oz, he is in NICU and in the best hospital in the UK, doing very well.

I am still in shock and was in hospital for 3 nights, I had a natural labor,with no pain relief, no complications and i have named our son Jamal Abolore, since my MIL traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia on the day I went into labor so the name is perfect for him

May God bless us on this long and rocky road, until my son can come home Amen x

Congratulations Karen, I am so happy for you. Don't you worry, he'd be home soon. Cheers

AdaNewbie1290:
Thanks dear. Did you submit the original or photocopy if the affidavit and newspaper publication? Did you submit it at TLS Nigeria or as it sent to Sheffield.

Both originals and photocopies, just as with other documentation. I didn't submit them at TLS, they were sent straight to Sheffield with other supporting documents and the originals were returned as expected when the visa was issued.

AdaNewbie1290:
Does anyone know if it is necessary for me to submit evidence of my change of name with my application? If yes, what kind of evidence do i need to submit?

Submission of evidence of change of name depends on your documentation, do you have some documents in your maiden name and some in your marital name? If yes, then I strongly advice you do. I had all my documents in my maiden name then my passport in my marital name as I renewed my passport just before the application.

Evidence should be some or all of: marriage certificate, affidavit of name change and newspaper publication of name change. I submitted all 3.

nky2015:
I have jus tired but it's bouncing back.could u help me get that mail address plz.thanks

Hi nky2015,

This is where I was sending my emails everyday. I used this one as I already sent them one email before I relocated

https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-outside-uk

I guess you should use the one for those inside uk but this is the form I filled out daily, quoting my reference number and starting with a bold MISSING ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

babyisUS:
Hey girl... it's been a long while. I came looking for you as soon I got back here. It's been 8 months since my EEA family permit visa was granted... I have been through so much... got pregnant the very month I came to the UK but.lost it in Apr/May... it's been the most traumatic things I've ever had to go through.

Well.. recently I just got sent my BRP certificate at least with it I can work now. As my type of visa is different from that of your hubby's I had to wait for my BRP or the Certificate of Application to be able to work.

I'd be following up on your page ...

Congratulations on the news of your pregnancy... so happy for you... I wish you a healthy 9 months pregnancy... baby dust on me..
Can't wait to get that feeling of being pregnant back.

Hi babyisUS,

Been a while, glad to hear you have settled in, then deeply sorry for your loss. I am always at a loss in such situation as I am never certain if you'd want the consolation or would rather be left alone to grieve. I want to believe the grieving is over though. Hugs

Portsmouth86, well done, nice thread. I'd be checking in to see the updates

MoAbs:
Hello House,

Please in the how long do you intend to stay in the UK for spouse visa, How long do I put?

33 months or Permanently?

Thanks

Permanently

nky2015:
They told me they escalated it to ukvisa.but they haven't recieved any reply yet.

Yeah, they kept saying they had escalated and they will get in touch with me within one day but they never did. Sometimes they'd say they can see my query has been escalated and they will provide feedback later. Stories!!!

It was the 'do not reply' email address from the ukba site I was sending my emails to and I kept adding my contact ID each time I emailed as well as numbering my emails and I put a bold MISSING ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS as my subject then I reminded them in each mail that I urgently needed my documents.

nky2015:
Nna eeh,I have sacrificed my passport and marriage cert and others for my husband vusa.it has being 2 months now no documents returned.i have being tossed from one end to other.so I have decided to get a new passport.any one have any ideas plz.

Hi nky2015,

I had a similar case to yours, my visa was granted 31/07/2015. My passport got to me early August, I relocated in October but my hubby still hadn't received our original documents when I arrived, I started bombarding them with emails everyday. My hubby joined at first then gave up after a while. The annoying thing was each email was treated by a different person so they kept saying they will escalate and nothing ever came of it. I got really frustrated and started copying in their previous responses into my email. My hubby wanted us to give up and start the process of getting our documents back from the various issuers (I guess that was because he didn't put in his original passport). I refused, I couldn't imagine losing all my documents including my University certificates because I used them as proof of English Language. In the end, I got a personalised email from a 'real' human being not the annoying robotic customer services people and I was asked to send in yet another prepaid envelope and I finally got my documents in November 2015.

It's a long winded story and a long winded process, if you don't have the energy to disturb them everyday, you can reapply for a new passport but I refused to give in.

Cheers and goodluck.

Portsmouth86:
Hi all

I have a bun baking in the oven

Hubby is settled in completely and has been here 8 weeks

Congratulations Karen