Spouse visa success! Switched from 10yr to 5yr route using S

I'm not new to this forum but I've been following various topics and posts concerning spouse visa requirements.

I got my visa at the premium centre yesterday. I would recommend the premium service to anyone to avoid hassles and unnecessary worries over applications sent by post.

My application was based on two cases

Case 1..i was switching from 10yr to 5yr route
Case 2..i used the self employed route combined with non employment income.

I got my 10 year partner visa last month and that was because i didn't meet financial requirements for the 5yr route at that time. My partner is self employed and it wasn't the end of the tax year yet when i first applied. My point actually is to confirm to you guys asking whether switching it's possible... It is very possible and you don't need to wait at all once you meet requirements for the 5yr route. I only waited just one month in my own case.

As for the self employed part, all i provided were the documents specified. These are tax calculation print out, sa302, self assessment tax return, bank statement, proof of registration, proof of ni payments, unaudited accounts and letter from accountant. All documents are for the last financial year. Then i backed them up with letter from my sponsor explaining her self employed work and where to find payments in the bank statement provided.

the income from self employment wasn't sufficient to meet the requirement so i used her income from her non salaried employment to bolster it up. I provided payslips fRom April 2014 to March 2015 just so that all evidences should fall within the last financial year. Then i added her April payslip to show evidence of ongoing employment. I work 10 hours weekly as well so i added my payslips from October2014 to March 2015. Then i added my April payslip also to show that theemployment is still ongoing.

One more thing..i made everything clear on each supporting document by explaining how each evidence correlates to the application..i used sticky papers on each supporting document to pass my messages across.

When the lady that treated my case came outside to meet me she said she was very glad i made her job easier for her by using those sticky papers to give proper brief explanations.

Ps... If your application is pretty straightforward then try and not bother using a solicitor cos it's just a waste of money
I never used any solicitor for mine and it went all easy. I only spent 30 mins at the premium service centre. If there are any questions just let me know here

Hi

Congrats on your success. I applied for hubbys 10 yr partner route through solicitors in nov 2014. He was granted visa in feb 2015. I want to switch his visa to 5 yr partner route and want to know if he does meet all requirements..can they refuse his application on basis that he previously overstayed by 4 months ( originally was under 2 months but solicitor took 2 months sending off the paperwork so the extra months added). He does not meet the financial requirement at the moment but the company has said that if he wishes to work more then 30 hours a week then he can do so..but i wanted to know how much monthly income should he be showing..also if he works 48hrs in his company and gets a 2nd job at the local newspaprr shop for about 6-10 hrs a week ( without cutting tax) both jobs NMW ..is that sufficient to show?

I just need guidance as dont want to waste money

Thank you