UK Lawyer and Immigration

[Norvabc]

Hi All,

Some advice from the more knowledgeable,

Wife from Thailand I from the UK, we are married and have been in the UK with our 2-year-old British son for the last year and are in the process of making an application for FLR for the UK.

Having been ripped of by a bad Lawyer helping with the application we have engaged other Immigration Lawyer to help us who has 10 years working in UK Immigration.

I have given her all the details she requested re bank statements; photos house deeds etc. for the application. But she has now requested tax returns and as I work part time as well, she has requested all my tax payments for the last year and copy of self-assessment returns as well as devoice certificate even though she has our stamped translated Thai marriage certificate.

I won’t have too much problem getting the details but is this normal or has she got a bee in her bonnet as I am older than my wife and all the stereo typical garbage that goes with that could have something to do with it, as I have never heard of proof of tax paid requested with a FLR application.

Surly if the Boarder Agency wanted that they would request it.

Why is she asking for these details, has she got my interest at heart?

[Seekingasylum]

Presumably, your spouse obtained her settlement visa under appendix FM? If so, then your lawyer is simply asking for the documents and information specified in the FLR(M) form. Why don't you simply read the form on the UKVI website instead of second guessing 'her on a website. You are paying her, aren't you? Assuming you are self employed then you will have to provide evidence of registration with HMRC and that your tax has been paid.

[7by7]

A said above, under the rules in force since July 2012 the documents you mention, and others, are required by UKVI (Appendix FM-SE).

I don't understand why your wife needs to apply for FLR after being in the UK for just one year.

If she entered as your spouse then her first FLR application would be after she has lived in the UK for 30 months.

If she entered as your fiancé it would have been after your marriage and within 6 months of her entry.

[Jay Sata]

When you suggest you have been let down by a lawyer I assume in Thailand ?

UK lawyers are regulated by the Law Society.

[Jay Sata]

When you suggest you have been let down by a lawyer I assume in Thailand ?

UK lawyers are regulated by the Law Society.

There are many westerners in Thailand who claim to be lawyers but are scam merchants.

[Thongkorn]

I thought in England we had solicitors.

[Norvabc]

Hi thanks for your info,

It's a long story how and why my wife is applying for the FLR at this point and possibly due to the Immigration solicitor engaged in Manchester.

As 7by7 pointed out that the Visa changes in 2012 require that, just strange that they would request to see a Divorce certificate after having done that at the Embassy before we married.

As to the Asian Solicitors in Manchester, late application (they forgot) bad/wrong advice cost a fortune, apathy.

Thanks again

Edited February 24, 2014 by Norvabc

[7by7]

.........just strange that they would request to see a Divorce certificate after having done that at the Embassy before we married.

Different departments.

The consular section at the Bangkok embassy needed to see your divorce certificate so they could notarise your affirmation of freedom to marry for the Thai government. As far as I'm aware, they wouldn't have taken a copy or kept a record.

UKVI now need to see it to show that you and your wife are legally married and so she can apply to remain in the UK on that basis.

[bobrussell]

Sounds as if you are in better hands! I's need to be dotted, T's crossed.