Just been re-reading the local website for the immigration hurdles and noticed this again.........

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has laid down procedures whereby applications for visits to Jersey, except if a person only intends a short visit, must be referred to the Island authorities. As a result the Casework Section of the Service is actively involved in authorising the issue or refusal of entry clearances. Referrals from Diplomatic posts are made by fax or email and usually include a recommendation as to whether or not the applicant qualifies for entry. In considering applications locally, prospective sponsors are often interviewed at the Service, and may also be asked to produce evidence that they are able to maintain and accommodate the applicant. This would include a written undertaking, recent bank statements, a letter from their employer and proof of accommodation. Immigration officers may also visit the accommodation to ensure it is acceptable.

From what I have read, this does seem not usual practice in the UK. I think it might be a good thing...........

Anyway, I have had a look at the TV gumpf and it all seems logical enough.......but am I right in saying this undertaking is a Jersey "quirk"? (I am happy enough to give it)

Jersey Sponsorship undertaking

An IO in the UK can ask for such an undertaking, but it's not worth the paper it's written on.

Scouse.

In considering applications locally, prospective sponsors are often interviewed at the Service, and may also be asked to produce evidence that they are able to maintain and accommodate the applicant. This would include a written undertaking, recent bank statements, a letter from their employer and proof of accommodation. Immigration officers may also visit the accommodation to ensure it is acceptable.

Jersey uk,

The Jersey immigration do require 6 months bank statements or proof that you have a source of income to cover the initial two year sv.

They will also require proof that you have suitable accommodation for you both and that you are not claiming public funds, ( I.e rent rebate ).

They do ask you to come in for an informal chat where they will open a file, you do not have to make an appointment just pop in to the office on the waterfront.

B.

Cheers for the response. Much appreciated.

They do ask you to come in for an informal chat where they will open a file, you do not have to make an appointment just pop in to the office on the waterfront.

I am actually very happy about this "Jersey specific part", whilst I would not be happy if she got refused - I will find it a lot easier to accept knowing that I had at least been able to put my case in English in person to someone who knows Jersey (and our little "quirks"), rather than relying on some ECO in Bangkok who thinks Jersey is just a suburb of Milton Keynes ............and that nothing had been "lost in translation", including the more perhaps "unbelievable" bits about life and earning money in Jersey.

Jersey whilst the Jersey immigration are very helpful they will only take the verdict of the Embassy in Bkk regarding Gf.

In other words if Bkk deem the girl is unsuitable they will not reverse the decision.

A friend of mine had a negative decision and he got married in Thailand.

He returned to Jersey whilst his then wife remained in Thailand.

He informed Jersey immigration that he was now married and that he wished for his wife to join him and 7 days later a 2 year settlement visa was issued.

This is when our unique Island status is beneficial to us.

Regards,

B

Cheers Bergerac, a bit of good news / hope now and again is always appreciated! Will be a bit later in the year though before we go down the SV route.

One other positive thing that occurs to me is that I have never seen any letters in the JEP (local rag) from folk complaining about their missus not getting a SV or someone getting a Politician to raise any questions in the States...........I figure if this happened a lot then at least a few folk would not take things lying down.

I am speculating that the European angle of "right to a family" MAY be a good thing over here, and that the attitude with the local authorities is that as long as the bloke is married (and they can meet the entry requirements on paper - and she is not also Osama's g/f!), then with the options for them being either letting in some former / possible BG as a wife or risking some disgruntled hubby start going down the "European road" shouting "human rights", then they make a pragmatic choice.........BG or finance industry? Over here the choice is ALWAYS to avoid anything that risks negative attention to the finance industry, principally by keeping away from anything involving "europe".

As I said, I will post up the outcome, in due course.................