Postgraduate student with wife and kids

[Ardija]

I would be most grateful if anyone can give me some advice on the following situation:

Here goes:

I am a British National married to a Japanese woman with 3 kids. I will be a postgraduate student in October and would dearly like my family to join me. I am planning on getting my kids British passports in the next few weeks although I have a feeling there could be some complications regarding the application of my wife to come to the U.K.

My queries are:

1. As I will be a student with no income to speak of, how much in the way of savings is necessary? I should have about 20,000 pounds in the bank in July/August although part of this is for my course fees.
Would it be better not to say anything about being a student?
I will be living in my family home and my outgoings will be fairly minimal.

2. Do I need to apply for a Spouse Visa first?


Thanks for any advice!

[paulp]

How long have you been married? Use form VAF2.

[Ardija]

How long have you been married? Use form VAF2.

Thanks for the reply Paul.

8 long years!

Does it make any difference?