Got my settlement visa!

Hi all,

First, I'd like to thank others for posting their experiences and advice for settlement visa applications. I'll just run down what happened to me hoping that it helps others.

i'm a US citizen and my wife is UK. We applied in Riga, Latvia and applications are processed in Warsaw. I applied online and made an appointment at the embassy in Riga two days later to drop off the documents, pay fee, etc. The guy there was very helpful and I had actually been there a few weeks back to ask some questions, which he answered. Anyway, after taking all the documents he said it could be up to 3 months for it to be processed, though indicated it might not be that long. In fact, I got the call exactly a week later that it had been approved! I don't know if it actually went to Poland, but I'm going tomorrow to pick up my passport and visa so will ask.

here's a list of documents that I submitted, hope it helps others:
- Printed application (made a few mistakes on it initially, but was able to amend them in the office with no problems)
- passport photo
- photos documenting relationship including wedding and previous dated photos of us together
- copy of marriage certificate (he checked the original as well)
- documents showing ownership of a flat in the UK
- documents showing ownership of a flat in Latvia. (translated into English)
- Utility bills from 2006 from flat in Latvia in each of our names.
- My bank account details in Latvia and USA (about $8,000 in total)
- Her bank details in Latvia and UK (about 24,000 pounds in total)
- proof of liquidation of our company in Latvia (in lieu of current work contracts)
- personal statements by each of us describing plans to work in UK and our relationship.
- job offer for her from UK (teaching position of 18,500 pounds/year)
- my CV and copies of degrees and teaching qualifications
- Copies of her current and previous passports.
- Copy of her residence permit for Latvia.

Can't tell you what they looked at exactly. If I can be of any help to anyone, let me know.

davros wrote:Hi all,

First, I'd like to thank others for posting their experiences and advice for settlement visa applications. I'll just run down what happened to me hoping that it helps others.

i'm a US citizen and my wife is UK. We applied in Riga, Latvia and applications are processed in Warsaw. I applied online and made an appointment at the embassy in Riga two days later to drop off the documents, pay fee, etc. The guy there was very helpful and I had actually been there a few weeks back to ask some questions, which he answered. Anyway, after taking all the documents he said it could be up to 3 months for it to be processed, though indicated it might not be that long. In fact, I got the call exactly a week later that it had been approved! I don't know if it actually went to Poland, but I'm going tomorrow to pick up my passport and visa so will ask.

here's a list of documents that I submitted, hope it helps others:
- Printed application (made a few mistakes on it initially, but was able to amend them in the office with no problems)
- passport photo
- photos documenting relationship including wedding and previous dated photos of us together
- copy of marriage certificate (he checked the original as well)
- documents showing ownership of a flat in the UK
- documents showing ownership of a flat in Latvia. (translated into English)
- Utility bills from 2006 from flat in Latvia in each of our names.
- My bank account details in Latvia and USA (about $8,000 in total)
- Her bank details in Latvia and UK (about 24,000 pounds in total)
- proof of liquidation of our company in Latvia (in lieu of current work contracts)
- personal statements by each of us describing plans to work in UK and our relationship.
- job offer for her from UK (teaching position of 18,500 pounds/year)
- my CV and copies of degrees and teaching qualifications
- Copies of her current and previous passports.
- Copy of her residence permit for Latvia.

Can't tell you what they looked at exactly. If I can be of any help to anyone, let me know.

Congratulations!!!