I am currently in the process of gathering evidence to send to my wife (living abroad) who is applying for a spouse visa (joining a family member in the UK). I'm a British citizen.
There are two areas that I would greatly appreciate clarification on if anyone is able to provide it.
Firstly, I'm concerned regarding the accommodation evidence since I rent an apartment rather than own it. I have lived in it for the last 14 months and the tenancy agreement was for 12 months, thus I am now paying on a month-by-month basis where I must give one month's notice before moving. Will that be an issue?
Below is the list of accommodation evidence I have.
Accommodation
Copy of tenancy agreement - in my name, detailing monthly amount, landlord's name, contract length, start date
Council Tax bill - my name, for 2014/15
Utility bills - my name, quarterly water bill
Photos - rooms in apartment (one double bedroom, one bathroom, one living room & k1tchen, hallway)
Bank statements - monthly payments to landlord highlighted
Letter from letting agency with landlord's details in
I have asked my landlord for a letter confirming that he accepts my wife will live here and that the apartment is of a suitable size for two occupants (plus my details).
Should I also pay for an inspection by my local council in order to obtain an accommodation certificate? I'd like to get the evidence sent to my wife as soon as possible but also don't want to unnecessarily risk the application by having a lack of appropriate evidence.
Secondly, I would very much appreciate if anyone can comment on whether the below is sufficient for evidencing a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Relationship
Flight booking - Nov 2012, my name, two week return trip to another city in wife's country
Hotel booking - Nov 2012, my name, two adults, hotel in wife's city
Flight booking - Feb 2013, my name, two week return trip to wife's city
Flight booking - Jun 2013, my name, two week return trip to another city in wife's country
Flight booking - Oct 2013, wife's name, five month return trip to my city in UK (returning March 2014)
Flight booking - Jan 2014, my name and wife's name, two week return trip to wife's city
Flight booking - Jul 2014, my name, two week return trip to another country where we got married
Flight booking - Dec 2014, my name, two week return trip to wife's city
UK mobile phone invoices - wife's name, from when she was in the UK for five months on a visit visa
Marriage certificate - Jul 2014, with apostille
Photos - wedding abroad (including other family members from both sides), us together in the UK, us together in wife's country
Engagement ring receipt - Mar 2014
Mobile phone bills - my name, just a few calls / texts to wife's international number between May 2014 and Sep 2014
Skype logs - two years of frequent call history (typically at least one hour per day)
Note: all of the above were paid by me and I have highlighted the transactions on my bank statements.
Below is the rest of my evidence, for completeness.
Sponsorship form - my wife is currently not working so I will be supporting her
Payslips - last twelve monthly payslips from Oct 2013 to Oct 2014. Last six for a gross annual salary of £25,000, prior to that for £22,000.
Pay review letter - May 2014, letter from employer outlining pay rise from gross annual salary of 22,000 to 25,000.
P60 - financial year 2013/2014
Bank statements - last two years, relevant transactions highlighted. Includes transfer of money to wife.
Employment letter - Nov 2014, letter from employer confirming length of service (over two years), permanent employment, current gross and net annual salary
Passport copy - copy of my passport data page, certified by a solicitor
Letter from me outlining all of the provided evidence, confirming that we will live together when my wife arrives and detailing specifics on accommodation and council tax costs.
We do not have any children and are not claiming any benefits.
Obviously my wife will also be submitting her passport and application form, along with a tuberculosis certificate.
Thanks very much
