No visa required but supporting documents advised

[KarmaKate]

Hi all,

I have a few concerns regarding my partner's proposed visit next year.

I am a British citizen living and working in the UK. He is a New Zealand national and we are currently planning his visit in Feb 2015. As NZ is a visa waiver country, he can visit for up to 6 months if he comes "for a holiday". Now this is where the confusion starts as, yes, we will be taking a short holiday for part of his 16 day visit, but he will also be here to meet my family. Having checked the UKVI site he doesn't qualify for either the General Visitor visa or the Family Visit visa (thinking to maybe err on the side of caution, there is no previous immigration history/criminal record.)

So, also from the UKVI site,while he doesn't need a visa..

"However, you should bring the same documents you’d need to apply for a visa, to show to officers at the UK border."

We can provide things like his passport, wage slips, evidence of holiday booking, return travel ticket but my main concern is, would I have to provide a letter of sponsorship and my financial information as technically I am not his sponsor, but he will be staying at my home for part of his stay? As a part-time worker I fall short of the minimum income threshold but he will have enough money to support himself for the visit and wouldn't be "dependent" on me anyway. My home is mortgaged and I receive no Council Tax benefit but do get WTC and CTC.

Thanks in advance.

[t123456789]

I'd say you're overcomplicating things by trying to get visa, just rely on the visa waiver. He'll get some questions from the ECO which is standard. I'd suggest he just says he's coming as a tourist and visiting friends. The common proof for ECOs is normally a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds, so a couple of recent bank statements. The ECO may ask for proof of accommodation, in which case he should just state he is staying with you for the first few days and he hasn't booked anything else yet. It's very unlikely they'll refuse him entry. Also be wary of bringing too much documentation, otherwise they may think he's coming to look for work. So no references from work, CVs, professional qualifications etc.