UK Spouse Visas, supporting documents, originals etc?

[Rob180]

Could someone advise on this please? I know there are a lot of documents and paperwork required for a UK Spouse Visa application....but will the UKBA accept printed online copies of bank statements, phone bills, Skype calls, money transfer receipts? What about documents such as divorce and marriage certificates, passport, salary slips, P60s etc etc? If there are certain items required in original paper format I would like to know, so that I can bring them with me when I come back over in 3 or 4 months, as I don't want to arrive then find I'm missing the original of something that's needed!

Thanks for any advice.

[TCA]

Original copies are advisable as this is what is requested by UKBA. Certainly docs fulfilling major criteria like the financial requirement are best to be originals. Your wife's passport is submitted with her application but copies of yours are fine. I had my copies certified. No idea about previous marriage/divorce stuff. I used a mixture of original and online prints of phone bills (BT website prints exact copies of the real thing) but we were cohabiting so not a big part of my application.

Remember you need to include a copy of everything for retention by UKBA.

[Rob180]

Thanks TCA, but if originals, what's the best way to get them there if I'm still in the UK? Also I read somwhere that with an Amphur wedding if both people don't speak Thai, an interpreter needs to be present, is that correct?

cheers

[TCA]

If you're travelling to Thailand then take them with you. Otherwise it's Royal Mail or an equivalent and someone posting them to you in Thailand.

I read about the interpreter at amphur situation you mentioned. Maybe depends on the specific amphur but sounds like a tea money spinner to me but it might depend on location. I used the farang-friendly Bang Rak amphur in Bangkok. No such problems.

[tim1uk]

have used print out of bank statments and phone bills before for 6 month holiday visa never had a problem..also got married in bangkok no issue with needing an interpreter

[TCA]

have used print out of bank statments and phone bills before for 6 month holiday visa never had a problem

A friend of mine has done likewise for successive tourist visas for his girlfriend. Everything emailed. No problems. But I didn't chance it for the spouse visa. Edited July 24, 2013 by theoldgit
Quote fixed

[theoldgit]

The level of proof is a requirement rather than a request, the UKBA instructions are quite specific, and whilst ECO's used to have a certain amount of descretion when examining evidence most of that was taken away, though I'm sure to an extent they still do.

Whilst I might might take a chance with a visit visa, if I'm paying getting on for GBP900 for an application for a settlement visa, I'm not sure I would be cutting corners.

The Royal Mail signed for service is pretty reliable.

Bank statements must be on official bank stationery, or be electronic bank statements from an on-line account (defined as one that operates solely over the internet and sends bank statements to its customers electronically) which are either accompanied by a letter from the bank on its headed stationery confirming that the documents are authentic or which bear the official stamp of the issuing bank on every page.

[Rob180]

Thanks folks........... OldGit, do you mean if the statements already have the bank's official name etc on it, I will physically still have to get them individually stamped in a branch? What about payslips and P60s etc? Do they need to be originals also?

Edited July 24, 2013 by Rob180

[theoldgit]

Thanks folks........... OldGit, do you mean if the statements already have the bank's official name etc on it, I will physically still have to get them individually stamped in a branch? What about payslips and P60s etc? Do they need to be originals also?

I think the requirement to have statements authenticated by the bank refers to those printed at home, not original statements sent by post.

Regarding payslips and P60's, all documents must be originals and this is certainly the case in respect of these.

Have a read of the instructions to their staff: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/IDIs/chp8-annex/section-FM-1.7.pdf?view=Binary

[SSSlongtime]

best get a good agent ,the UKBA are there to stop people getting into the UK not to help you ,done the trip twice once for the wife ,used a agent easy ,once for her children ,did that my self ,thought it was easy ,they got no ,got yes year later after court case ,quite bad ,then all my documents originals where lost good luck ,think what your wife will do once she gets to the UK ,what you will find Thais overseas will always help your wife ,they are very good like that

[theoldgit]

best get a good agent ,the UKBA are there to stop people getting into the UK not to help you ,done the trip twice once for the wife ,used a agent easy ,once for her children ,did that my self ,thought it was easy ,they got no ,got yes year later after court case ,quite bad ,then all my documents originals where lost good luck ,think what your wife will do once she gets to the UK ,what you will find Thais overseas will always help your wife ,they are very good like that

The UKV&I are not there to stop people getting into the UK, so please don't scaremonger. Their role is to assess applications on the evidence provided, quite simply if the applicant can demonstrate they meet the criteria then a visa will be issued, as indeed the majority are.

Whilst I wouldn't advise against using an agent if you were unsure as to the strength of an application, in the majority of cases it isn't necessary, which is the advice a good agent would give.

[diyer]

This not a list of documents you must supply, it's a guide only. The onus is on you to supply documents of proof.

I only suggest you should consider this list.

1. Completed and signed VAF.
2. Correct fee.
3. Appropriate photo.
4. Copy of sponsor’s passport pages with UK immigration status and all pages with travel stamps and previous visas.
5. Evidence of relationship (marriage/ birth certificates).
6. Divorce/death certificates/custody documents (if appropriate).
7. Evidence of sponsor's employment in UK.
8. Sponsor's pay slips. (6 months)
9. Sponsor's bank statements (6 months, itemised).
10. Sponsor's P60.
11. Evidence of sponsor's savings.
12. Evidence of sponsor's mortgage or rental payments.
13. Property inspection report.
14. Utility bills.
15. Evidence of contact between applicant and sponsor (e.g. letters with postmarked envelopes if appropriate /telephone bills/call records from internet photographs/money transfers).
16. For dependant relatives. Sponsorship undertaking form completed.
17. For children. Details of non sponsoring parent and supporting documentation.

If your utility bills and banking statements are supplied online, then ask the providers for the original paper statements, or ask for a letter to confirm the authenticity of your print outs.

Other documentation should all be originals.

Of course your going to have to meet the minimum financial requirements.

She will need an approved language certificate to level B1 of the European framework.

Proof of a genuine relationship is a must.

[diyer]

Should be 'certified' copies of passport pages if your not applying in person.

[Kevin1908]

"13. Property inspection report."

?????

[diyer]

"13. Property inspection report."

?????

You must provide evidence that your accommodation in the UK is suitable. Not a valuation.

You can get a report from a Property agent detailing number of rooms, sate of repair, decoration etc.

Alternatively you can make your own report and support it with photographs.

Last year I know of 2 applications refused on the grounds the housing wasn't suitable for the spouse.

One because of the number of occupants sharing rooms.

One because of the state of repair, no heating or hot water.

The mind boggles!

[Kevin1908]

"13. Property inspection report."

?????

You must provide evidence that your accommodation in the UK is suitable. Not a valuation.

You can get a report from a Property agent detailing number of rooms, sate of repair, decoration etc.

Alternatively you can make your own report and support it with photographs.

Last year I know of 2 applications refused on the grounds the housing wasn't suitable for the spouse.

One because of the number of occupants sharing rooms.

One because of the state of repair, no heating or hot water.

The mind boggles!

Is this not over the top. I was unware of this requirement and certainly didn't send anything. They had the mortgage details. It is very considerate I suppose that they want to ensure the spouse has suitable accomodation, especially when they take into account the state of the accomodation that they will probably be leaving in Thailand which will be vastly inferior. How many homes in Thailand have hot water?

I think the visa form does ask for number of rooms

[Tony M]

This not a list of documents you must supply, it's a guide only. The onus is on you to supply documents of proof.

I only suggest you should consider this list.

1. Completed and signed VAF.

2. Correct fee.

3. Appropriate photo.

4. Copy of sponsor’s passport pages with UK immigration status and all pages with travel stamps and previous visas.

5. Evidence of relationship (marriage/ birth certificates).

6. Divorce/death certificates/custody documents (if appropriate).

7. Evidence of sponsor's employment in UK.

8. Sponsor's pay slips. (6 months)

9. Sponsor's bank statements (6 months, itemised).

10. Sponsor's P60.

11. Evidence of sponsor's savings.

12. Evidence of sponsor's mortgage or rental payments.

13. Property inspection report.

14. Utility bills.

15. Evidence of contact between applicant and sponsor (e.g. letters with postmarked envelopes if appropriate /telephone bills/call records from internet photographs/money transfers).

16. For dependant relatives. Sponsorship undertaking form completed.

17. For children. Details of non sponsoring parent and supporting documentation.

If your utility bills and banking statements are supplied online, then ask the providers for the original paper statements, or ask for a letter to confirm the authenticity of your print outs.

Other documentation should all be originals.

Of course your going to have to meet the minimum financial requirements.

She will need an approved language certificate to level B1 of the European framework.

Proof of a genuine relationship is a must.

With respect, if you are going to give advice then it should be correct. Incorrect advice can cause applicants and sponsors big problems. I know you say it is only a guide, but even a guide should contain correct information.

There is no need for any Property inspection report. The visa officer accepts proof of ownership or renting, and, in addition, photos of the available accommodation is sufficient.

The applicant has to meet A1 level, not B1, of the CEFR, from an approved test centre.

Your point 16 is totally inadequate. Providing just the sponsorship undertaking ( in addition to the other requirements you have stated ) will not get a visa issued. The requirements for dependant relatives are very strict.

Your point 17 is very vague, inadequate, and therefore not particularly helpful.

Edited July 25, 2013 by Tony M

[diyer]

Page 3. UKBA Supporting Documents guide.

Accommodation details

You may wish to submit any of the following documents to provide us with evidence of your accommodation. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel and so on until you have received your visa. Details of the accommodation that you and your sponsor intend to live in and permission for you to stay there along with evidence of any other occupants

This could include:

 Land Registry documents

 mortgage statements

 rent book or tenancy agreement

 council tax statements

 property inspection report

 utilities bills

 accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant/ landlord confirming that you are able to stay there

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/sup-docs-settlement.pdf

A property inspection report is THE ONLY document in the UKBA supporting documents information guide which proves to the Entry Clearance Officer that you have Obtained an independent assessment of the number of rooms and occupants of the proposed accommodation. A report from a suitably qualified body certifying that a personal inspection has been carried out and giving details of accommodation inspected is usually acceptable for this purpose. Above all, the Entry Clearance officer must be satisfied that the accommodation will not become overcrowded within the definition of the Housing Act 1985 or that it will not contravene public health regulations.

http://www.propertyinspectionreport.co.uk/index.php/faq-property-inspection-report

[Tony M]

Page 3. UKBA Supporting Documents guide.

Accommodation details

You may wish to submit any of the following documents to provide us with evidence of your accommodation. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel and so on until you have received your visa. Details of the accommodation that you and your sponsor intend to live in and permission for you to stay there along with evidence of any other occupants

This could include:

 Land Registry documents

 mortgage statements

 rent book or tenancy agreement

 council tax statements

 property inspection report

 utilities bills

 accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant/ landlord confirming that you are able to stay there

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/sup-docs-settlement.pdf

A property inspection report is THE ONLY document in the UKBA supporting documents information guide which proves to the Entry Clearance Officer that you have Obtained an independent assessment of the number of rooms and occupants of the proposed accommodation. A report from a suitably qualified body certifying that a personal inspection has been carried out and giving details of accommodation inspected is usually acceptable for this purpose. Above all, the Entry Clearance officer must be satisfied that the accommodation will not become overcrowded within the definition of the Housing Act 1985 or that it will not contravene public health regulations.

http://www.propertyinspectionreport.co.uk/index.php/faq-property-inspection-report

Despite what you say here, my colleagues and I have been submitting visa applications in Thailand for the past several years. We have never submitted PIRs as evidence of adequate accommodation, and it is unnecessary. As long as sufficient evidence ( as I outlined in my previous post) is supplied the ECO should be happy. If there is a concern, then by all means get a PIR, but it is not a requirement, and in the majority of applications ( in fact, in all that I know of ) it is not needed.

Edited July 25, 2013 by Tony M

[Anon999]

Many bank accounts are paper free, like esaver as they want to keep costs down. Never had a problem with that.

Only provide what they actually ask for otherwise you're likely to get refused as they have very limited time to examine all the docs. The interview is only 20 minutes.

Do not provide loads of photo's, just the minimum.

Presentation is important, for each batch of docs put them in a clear sleeve,,clearly marked with everything in the correct order. Putting them in a ring binder can also be helpful.

It's a good idea to go through everything as though you are the examining officer.

Remember everything must be in English.

When your wife makes the appointment the options offered will be within a few days so make sure she is 100% ready. However, you can cancel and reschedule the appointment as it's all done on-line

Despite what some posters say you do not need an agent. All you need to do is put in the time and effort which is free and go over each part many times until fully satisfied the content meets the UKBA requirements.

The British Embassy advised enclosing a short letter with the application to outline your reason for the applying.

Also the UKBA will approve any application that meets their stated requirements and of course your 42,000 baht is not refundable. They are not there to deliberately meet a quota and refuse an application for no valid reason.

In my experience from last year, helping my Thai step-son get a visa for his Thai wife it is essential that you find someone who has the time and is prepared to double check everything for you. Proof reading your own answers is never going to be 100% because you see what you thought you wrote! One error could result in an expensive refusal.

With all the advice here from various posters you should be fine and best of luck.

[diyer]

Could you explain why it is in the UKBA list of Supporting documents guide then?

I have also seen many refusal notices to advise anyone to ignore sending any kind of document which will support their case.

Like I said it's a guide for consideration, the onus is on the applicant what documents they supply.

I also advise on applications, appeals, and tribunals.

Don't allow them any reason to refuse, is my motto.

[Anon999]

Page 3. UKBA Supporting Documents guide.

Accommodation details

You may wish to submit any of the following documents to provide us with evidence of your accommodation. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel and so on until you have received your visa. Details of the accommodation that you and your sponsor intend to live in and permission for you to stay there along with evidence of any other occupants

This could include:

 Land Registry documents

 mortgage statements

 rent book or tenancy agreement

 council tax statements

 property inspection report

 utilities bills

 accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant/ landlord confirming that you are able to stay there

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/sup-docs-settlement.pdf

A property inspection report is THE ONLY document in the UKBA supporting documents information guide which proves to the Entry Clearance Officer that you have Obtained an independent assessment of the number of rooms and occupants of the proposed accommodation. A report from a suitably qualified body certifying that a personal inspection has been carried out and giving details of accommodation inspected is usually acceptable for this purpose. Above all, the Entry Clearance officer must be satisfied that the accommodation will not become overcrowded within the definition of the Housing Act 1985 or that it will not contravene public health regulations.

http://www.propertyinspectionreport.co.uk/index.php/faq-property-inspection-report

Despite what you say here, my colleagues and I have been submitting visa applications in Thailand for the past several years. We have never submitted PIRs as evidence of adequate accommodation, and it is unnecessary. As long as sufficient evidence ( as I outlined in my previous post) is supplied the ECO should be happy. If there is a concern, then by all means get a PIR, but it is not a requirement, and in the majority of applications ( in fact, in all that I know of ) it is not needed.

You can use the Estate Agents or Letting Agents details to confirm the property details and it will usually include a photo, however, the newer the better. Along with the purchase documents or the lease contract whichever is applicable.

[diyer]

Presentation is important, for each batch of docs put them in a clear sleeve,,clearly marked with everything in the correct order. Putting them in a ring binder can also be helpful.

It's a good idea to go through everything as though you are the examining officer.

I have been pulled apart by so called qualified Immigration Advisors for giving that advice.

" It doesn't matter, put it in a bundle, they only pull it apart at the reception"

However I believe presentation shows an organised approach. I totally agree with your comment Anon

[Anon999]

Could you explain why it is in the UKBA list of Supporting documents guide then?

I have also seen many refusal notices to advise anyone to ignore sending any kind of document which will support their case.

Like I said it's a guide for consideration, the onus is on the applicant what documents they supply.

I also advise on applications, appeals, and tribunals.

Don't allow them any reason to refuse, is my motto.

Did not submit a PIR either and no problem with that as it says, quote You may wish to submit any of the following documents. Nowhere does it state that you must.

[Anon999]

Presentation is important, for each batch of docs put them in a clear sleeve,,clearly marked with everything in the correct order. Putting them in a ring binder can also be helpful.

It's a good idea to go through everything as though you are the examining officer.

I have been pulled apart by so called qualified Immigration Advisors for giving that advice.

" It doesn't matter, put it in a bundle, they only pull it apart at the reception"

However I believe presentation shows an organised approach. I totally agree with your comment Anon

It is helpful for yourself to make sure that nothing is forgotten and it's easier to check everything is there. I forgot to mention that an index page was also included so that at a glance they can see if anything is missing.

[7by7]

Whilst I agree that it is better to provide something the ECO doesn't need rather than miss out something they do, i.e. too much rather than too little, it is also important not to provide so much that the ECO cannot separate the wheat from the chaff.

It was 13 years ago, but all we provided in my wife' and step daughter's applications was a letter from my father confirming that we could live there and that as it was a three bedroom house with at the time only him and my mother living in it, there was room for us.

I know of many others since who have provided similar with, at most, a mortgage statement or a landlord's letter to confirm ownership and suitability.

Diyer's quote about the need for a property inspection report comes from a company which carries out property inspections!

Tony M, as many here will know, is not just a very experienced visa agent in Thailand with a very high success rate; he is also an ex UKBA employee and has worked as an ECO.

I certainly take his opinion over mine, and will continue to do so over other amateurs like myself.

BTW, Anon999, applicants have not been routinely interviewed for quite a few years; although sometimes, especially if the applicant is a child, there may be a telephone interview.

Edited July 25, 2013 by 7by7

[Tony M]

Could you explain why it is in the UKBA list of Supporting documents guide then?

I have also seen many refusal notices to advise anyone to ignore sending any kind of document which will support their case.

Like I said it's a guide for consideration, the onus is on the applicant what documents they supply.

I also advise on applications, appeals, and tribunals.

Don't allow them any reason to refuse, is my motto.

Your guidance in this, and the other points I made is wrong. If you are advising visa applicants that they require a B1 level pass, then, unfortunately, it says a lot. And it is noted that you haven't mentioned this in your response.

The reason it is in the guide is because it is one of the documents that an applicant can provide if they wish. As I said, I don't know anyone ( except you now) who has submitted a PIR.

[diyer]

Page 3. UKBA Supporting Documents guide.

Accommodation details

You may wish to submit any of the following documents to provide us with evidence of your accommodation. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel and so on until you have received your visa. Details of the accommodation that you and your sponsor intend to live in and permission for you to stay there along with evidence of any other occupants

This could include:

 Land Registry documents

 mortgage statements

 rent book or tenancy agreement

 council tax statements

 property inspection report

 utilities bills

 accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant/ landlord confirming that you are able to stay there

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/sup-docs-settlement.pdf

A property inspection report is THE ONLY document in the UKBA supporting documents information guide which proves to the Entry Clearance Officer that you have Obtained an independent assessment of the number of rooms and occupants of the proposed accommodation. A report from a suitably qualified body certifying that a personal inspection has been carried out and giving details of accommodation inspected is usually acceptable for this purpose. Above all, the Entry Clearance officer must be satisfied that the accommodation will not become overcrowded within the definition of the Housing Act 1985 or that it will not contravene public health regulations.

http://www.propertyinspectionreport.co.uk/index.php/faq-property-inspection-report

Despite what you say here, my colleagues and I have been submitting visa applications in Thailand for the past several years. We have never submitted PIRs as evidence of adequate accommodation, and it is unnecessary. As long as sufficient evidence ( as I outlined in my previous post) is supplied the ECO should be happy. If there is a concern, then by all means get a PIR, but it is not a requirement, and in the majority of applications ( in fact, in all that I know of ) it is not needed.

You can use the Estate Agents or Letting Agents details to confirm the property details and it will usually include a photo, however, the newer the better. Along with the purchase documents or the lease contract whichever is applicable.

Agreed such documents will indicate the number of rooms.

Council tax bill should indicate the number of occupants.

You may live alone, your home could be shared with several other people. The UKBA don't know if your home is already overcrowded.

As long as you can show you have suitable living accommodation for your spouse is all that matters, not the manner in how you prove it.

[7by7]

My council tax bill does not indicate the number of occupants, just that I don't get the single occupancy discount!

[diyer]

My council tax bill does not indicate the number of occupants, just that I don't get the single occupancy discount!

Exactly why you should do a separate property report with detailing number of rooms and occupancy.

I have a draft from an Independent Property Agent if anyone is interested.