Settlement Visa Questions

[DC1066]

Hi all.

I'm just going through the settlement visa application and noticed that it says, "internet bank statements are not acceptable".

If this is how my main bank account is set up, is there anything I can do about it?

I've also just started as self employed - great timing I guess, but as always, real life doesn't stop just for a visa application process.

Whilst I'm sure that the income from this will be secure, I have no way of proving it. What is the best way to deal with this on the application form?

Thanks in advance.

[stevebow]

Not sure about the self employed question but i included printouts of my bank statements in my visa application along with printouts of elec/gas bills and telephone bills. Think the embassy must surely understand that times have changed and a lot of bills etc are all done online these days. Anyway they never questioned any of the printouts and the visa was granted.

Good luck.

Steve

[DC1066]

Thanks Steve,

I'll put them in and hope for the best.

Now I've sat down and thought about it, I did this for the last visa and put with them other postal correspondance from my bank. I'll make sure I do the same again.

[the scouser]

You can either simply submit internet print-outs or, alternatively, order hard copies from your bank. With regard to your self-emplyed status, enclose evidence of your registration as such with the Inland Revenue and perhaps a letter from your accountant which confirms that your accounts are not due until a certain time.

Scouse.

[DC1066]

Thanks Scouse,

I've ordered hard copies of the statements - £5 per statement - blinking rip off bankers

Regarding the self employed status - it is literally this week that I'm starting out and the visa application is due next month.

I'm concerned that this could cause problems. Am I right to worry on the grounds of not having a confirmed income? Is there anything else I can do to help our chances?

Thanks,

DC

[DC1066]

Hi,

Back to the self employed question.

I'm going to be doing a lot of work for one company. There is no formal guaranteed contract, but they are prepared to write a supporting letter stating what they expect to be paying me over the next 12 months.

Is it a good idea to include this and a covering letter explaining the self employed situation, or will this just highlight my lack of a guaranteed income and give them a reason to turn down the visa?

Thanks,

[Mossfinn]

I'm going to be doing a lot of work for one company. There is no formal guaranteed contract, but they are prepared to write a supporting letter stating what they expect to be paying me over the next 12 months.

Is it a good idea to include this and a covering letter explaining the self employed situation, or will this just highlight my lack of a guaranteed income and give them a reason to turn down the visa?

You have no other guaranteed income, so a 'letter of intent', is better than nothing, as you have no guaranteed income, how can it be worse?

Good Luck

Moss

[DC1066]

Thanks Moss,

From a 'real life' point of view I'm not worried, I wouldn't have gone self employed without knowing the income is there. As mentioned before the world doesn't stop turning just because of a visa application

BUT

actually having proof that I will get money for visa purposes is the tricky bit. This is why I was asking.

There is nowhere on the form that asks for employment status, so I could just put down what I 'honestly and realistically' expect to earn every month and leave it at that, or I can fully disclose everything and tell them that I am just starting out as self employed.

I want to be open about things and none of the above is false so I just want to present the application in the best possible light. My oher worry is that if I explain about the self employed situation they opt to give me another FLR for 2 years as an easy option to see a history of income coming in and this is not what we want.

[the scouser]

Explain the situation in a covering letter as you have done here and provide the evidence as you suggest from your contractor that you are likely to earn X amount.

Scouse.