How much is enough for funds for EC?

Hello,

First - thanks to *everyone* on this board. I am preparing to apply for an HSMP visa and the info here has been invaluable! I apologize if this subject has already been discussed, but I couldn't find anything on it in any of the forums here or on the web.

I am working with a solicitor for the HSMP visa and will post my timeline to the forum once I actually submit everything to the Home Office, but I'm trying to be overprepared with the whole process and so am also getting organized for EC.

I cannot find any info on ballparks on what will be considered enough as far as funds go for EC.

Can anyone who successfully obtained EC provide any guidance as far how much you were able to show for available funds?

I am personally confident that I have more than enough in savings, but I have no idea if immigration will agree. I have savings equivalent to about 33% of my current annual salary and am hoping that is sufficient (which to me means that I could support myself for up to 4 months until I found employment in the UK).

Also, 2 more questions on funds:

1) Do I need to show 3 months worth of bank statements in Sterling? Or are statements in my local (US) currency sufficient?

2) Do nonliquid assets count (e.g. real estate, vehicles, etc) or can I only submit the available cash I have? I own a home here and a car, so can I add the value of those to my available funds?

Thank you in advance for any input anyone can provide and if all of this is on the web somewhere and I've just missed it, a link would be very appreciated!

Amy

Of course as soon as I posted this, I finally found a few posts that discussed funds for EC

So now I feel a bit better...to be more specific, I currently have about 8,000 pounds in cash savings, a small retirement fund, the real estate I mentioned, the car and I have a large inheritance on its way, as soon as the inevitable paperwork, etc is sorted out (it would probably be wise to obtain a letter from the estate lawyer stating the amount I am to receive)...so based on the posts I've since found, I think I'll be okay.

Though I intend to show job prospects, I do not anticipate that I'll have a job offer before I go...my field is not known for offering jobs without interviews!

As I'm sure everyone can relate to, I'm so excited at the prospect of moving to the UK (London), I'd be very disappointed if after all this, it's lack of funds that keeps me away!

apeterso925 wrote:Though I intend to show job prospects, I do not anticipate that I'll have a job offer before I go...my field is not known for offering jobs without interviews!

As I'm sure everyone can relate to, I'm so excited at the prospect of moving to the UK (London), I'd be very disappointed if after all this, it's lack of funds that keeps me away!

Hi apeterso925,
I am applying from the Bay Area. I can tolerate my current situation for a few more months and I unfortunately don't have savings to speak of (thanks to living in the Bay Area), so here's my plan:
1) Get HSMP approval (FedExed app. last week so expect to hear within 6 weeks)
2) Apply for jobs in the UK representing myself as an HSMP holder
3/4) Line up several good interviews and fly over for them/start selling things I don't want to ship (furniture, etc.)
5) On receipt of job offer, apply for EC and give notice to landlord, current boss, etc.

My major motivation for not simply raising the funds by quitting my job + taking a payout of unused vacation, getting my apartment deposit back, and selling my stuff is that my parents have offered to help me close out my US consumer debt *if* I go to the UK with a job waiting for me. EC will also be easier if I have an offer letter in-hand that shows a salary aligning with my projected living expenses, of course.

What field are you in?