We are applying for a child settlement visa for my stepson and have a query regarding who should be his sponsor. Our son (my stepson) is applying for a family settlement visa on form VAF4A appendix 1, child of a parent with limited leave to remain before 09/07/2012 and on the form VFA4A part 7 question 7.1 we are unsure who we should put as his sponsor, should it be me, his stepfather or my wife his mother who has a settlement visa dating from before 09/07/2012. We are unsure who to put as his sponsor because I am his mothers sponsor and do not know if I should be his sponsor also, I wrote to VFS to ask and their reply was about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike, so please any help on this much appreciated thanks. Pete.

You are the sponsor in this case, as you are a "parent" of the child applicant. Also, in theory, if your wife has no income or salary, then she couldn't meet the financial requirement to maintain and accommodate the applicant, and the application would have to be refused.

If you are worried, then you can explain in your supporting letter that your wife is the child's sponsor, but you are the financial sponsor as the child's step-father. The ECO already knows this, but no harm in explaining for your own peace of mind.

Tony M