VAF4A - English Test requirement

[Artur111]

Hi forum members and respected Gurus!
I received my Permanent Resident status last week and now I'm planning to bring my wife in to the UK.
I meet the financial requirement , as I earn more than £28600.
We married just a year ago after meeting in August 2013 in London. Then she flew back to Russia.
1) Considering we've been married only a year and we've been together from 2013, will these facts create difficulties in order to get positive result and be granted spouse visa?
2) Should we use form VAF4A for that purpose?
3) As we both from Russia, I understand she will need to pass A1 language test prior submiting the application. Can anyone please shed some light what sort of test is that? Is it standard IELTS test or is it something completely different? Are there any sources available to practice?

Any of your responces will be much appreciated!
Kind regards
A

[Casa]

Hi forum members and respected Gurus!
I received my Permanent Resident status last week and now I'm planning to bring my wife in to the UK.
I meet the financial requirement , as I earn more than £28600.
We married just a year ago after meeting in August 2013 in London. Then she flew back to Russia.
1) Considering we've been married only a year and we've been together from 2013, will these facts create difficulties in order to get positive result and be granted spouse visa? No problem
2) Should we use form VAF4A for that purpose? Yes
3) As we both from Russia, I understand she will need to pass A1 language test prior submiting the application. Can anyone please shed some light what sort of test is that? Is it standard IELTS test or is it something completely different? Are there any sources available to practice?
Here's an up-to-date list of approved test - see 'rest of the world' for a test centre in Russia

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... entres.pdf

Any of your responces will be much appreciated!
Kind regards
A

Your wife will also have to pay the new NHS Surcharge of £600 online before submitting her spouse visa application.
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigrati ... n/overview

[Artur111]

Thank you very much Casa for you reply!

£600 - that three years spouse visa multiplied by £200 for each year I suppose?

[Casa]

Thank you very much Casa for you reply!

£600 - that three years spouse visa multiplied by £200 for each year I suppose?

Yes, that's correct. Sorry for the over-bold text in my previous post...I didn't want you to miss it!

[Artur111]

that's absolutely fine

if you don't mind me asking, do you know anything about accommdation requirement?

I'm in the process of saving for the deposit (planning to take mortgage in 5-6 months) and therefore I had to move from the rented flat to the shared house to optimise my expenses. I can see in some of the threads forum members are mentioning about house inspection.
Do you know anything about it?

Thank you very much!

[Casa]

Here's a link to the official guidance on adequate accommodation - see points 11 & 12.
You should be able to show that you have a bedroom for your exclusive use and that the accommodation won't be overcrowded. You will also need a letter from the landlord agreeing to your wife joining the household.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... ion-maa--2

[Artur111]

Thank you Casa!
Much appreaciated!

[Artur111]

Good morning dear forum members and respected gurus,

Just by accident I found out yesterday about new immigration rules that will in effect from April this year - £35K threshold for non-EU citizens to remain here in the UK. I've signed the petition. I couldn't find any further details on government website.

Has anyone heard more details about it? Is it new threshold for spouses to come to the UK for Non-EU citizens?

Your responses will be much appreciated.

[Casa]

You've misunderstood. This doesn't apply to you and your wife's settlement application. The income level remains @ £18,600 p.a.

"The changes will be introduced for indefinite leave to remain applications under the Tier 2 (General) visa category, and the Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) and Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa categories."

http://www.workpermit.com/news/2015-07- ... april-2016

[Artur111]

oh, I see,

So it's only for Tier 2 applicants then.

Thank you Casa for clarification and the link.

May I ask one question if you don't mind?
We're completing the application at the moment "Personal Details Form (VAF4 December 2013) Family Settlement Application Form", do we need to complete separately "Appendix 2 (VAF 4A December 2013) Financial Requirement Form"? As I believe we have to, but the local consultant said "it is not necessary".

Many thanks!

[Casa]

oh, I see,

So it's only for Tier 2 applicants then.

Thank you Casa for clarification and the link.

May I ask one question if you don't mind?
We're completing the application at the moment "Personal Details Form (VAF4 December 2013) Family Settlement Application Form", do we need to complete separately "Appendix 2 (VAF 4A December 2013) Financial Requirement Form"? As I believe we have to, but the local consultant said "it is not necessary".

Many thanks!

Yes, you do. Your 'local consultant' seems to be unsure of the Regulations. Best come back with anything else you're unsure about before you submit your wife's application.

[Artur111]

I think I wasted money paying him for his "consultancy" with the application form...

I'll stick to your advice Casa and rather ask here on the forum than be refused based on his "advices".

Thank you!

[noajthan]

I think I wasted money paying him for his "consultancy" with the application form...

I'll stick to your advice Casa and rather ask here on the forum than be refused based on his "advices".

Thank you!

APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4A DECEMBER 2013) FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM
This form is for use outside the UK only.
This form is provided free of charge.

[Artur111]

I think I wasted money paying him for his "consultancy" with the application form...

I'll stick to your advice Casa and rather ask here on the forum than be refused based on his "advices".

Thank you!

APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4A DECEMBER 2013) FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM
This form is for use outside the UK only.
This form is provided free of charge.

Thanks Noajthan, I'm aware that the form is free and to be used outside the UK.

[Artur111]

Dear forum members,
I would really appreciate if you could help with the below questions.

I'm putting all the paperwork together before applying for a spouse visa for my wife.
I'm a Permanent Residence holder and below is the list of documents I've prepared:
- Bank statements for the account where my salary is paid into (three months, with quite a healthy balance"
- Payslips for the last 12 months and also the latest P60 (Financial year 2015-2016)
- Letter from my employer stating my permanent position and salary per year.
- IELTS Life Skills A1 result certificate for my wife
- Certificate of Marriage (in English and Russian) no need to translate
- Tons of pictures - pre-wedding, wedding, different family occasions, holidays etc.
- Print-outs of my electronic flight tickets as I travel about 4-5 times a year to see my wife and parents (proof of my frequent visits).
- Last three months from WhatsApp application showing my and her phone-calls every day. I couldn't show any earlier as we were using IMO before that, and IMO doesn't keep the history of your calls.
- Tenancy agreement (I'm renting a good-sized double room with all bills inclusive). There's only another couple in the house with a baby (they're owners of the house). I should say that it is quite a big 3-bedroom house.
Questions:
1) Am I missing anything on our list of docs that we're going to submit?
2) Now I know I will need to put a letter from my landlord that my wife will be joining me and they're agreeing to that. I've spoken to them and they're happy to have my wife under the same roof. The letter will be given from them stating their approval. I'm just not sure how to put the evidence of "the household is not overcrowded and there's enough space".
3) Friend of mine, who is going to submit the papers for his spouse soon too, is claiming that it is obligatory to provide financial support for my spouse - showing money transfer etc. But I've never done it via official transfers. I normally do it via friends of mine who travel to Moscow on regular basis. Should I be worried about it?
4) I don't have any utility bills or council tax bills for the place I rent as my rent is all bills inclusive. So I can not show any bills for the current household, except my bank statements, credit card bills and my payslips. Given that I'm already submitting those bank statements and payslips as supporting documentation, is it necessary to present utility bills?

all your inputs will be much appreciated!
Thank you very much for your time.
A

[Artur111]

Your experienced advices will be much appreciated

[matt14]

Dear forum members,
I would really appreciate if you could help with the below questions.

I'm putting all the paperwork together before applying for a spouse visa for my wife.
I'm a Permanent Residence holder and below is the list of documents I've prepared:
- Bank statements for the account where my salary is paid into (three months, with quite a healthy balance" Bank statements have to be for 6 months along with the payslips and must show the salary coming into the account each month, in case you are applying under Category A (non)/salaried employment. If its Category B, then 12 months' bank statements and payslips
- Payslips for the last 12 months and also the latest P60 (Financial year 2015-2016)
- Letter from my employer stating my permanent position and salary per year.
- IELTS Life Skills A1 result certificate for my wife
- Certificate of Marriage (in English and Russian) no need to translate
- Tons of pictures - pre-wedding, wedding, different family occasions, holidays etc.
- Print-outs of my electronic flight tickets as I travel about 4-5 times a year to see my wife and parents (proof of my frequent visits).
- Last three months from WhatsApp application showing my and her phone-calls every day. I couldn't show any earlier as we were using IMO before that, and IMO doesn't keep the history of your calls.
- Tenancy agreement (I'm renting a good-sized double room with all bills inclusive). There's only another couple in the house with a baby (they're owners of the house). I should say that it is quite a big 3-bedroom house.
Questions:
1) Am I missing anything on our list of docs that we're going to submit?ID Documents, Home Inspection Report, TB Test has to be done before applying
2) Now I know I will need to put a letter from my landlord that my wife will be joining me and they're agreeing to that. I've spoken to them and they're happy to have my wife under the same roof. The letter will be given from them stating their approval. I'm just not sure how to put the evidence of "the household is not overcrowded and there's enough space".You need to get a Home Inspection Report from either the local council or an Estate Agent - essentially they will check how many rooms etc and how many people in the house and then confirm that it will not be overcrowded etc
3) Friend of mine, who is going to submit the papers for his spouse soon too, is claiming that it is obligatory to provide financial support for my spouse - showing money transfer etc. But I've never done it via official transfers. I normally do it via friends of mine who travel to Moscow on regular basis. Should I be worried about it? In my opinion, the fact that you visit her 4-5 times each year would be sufficient
4) I don't have any utility bills or council tax bills for the place I rent as my rent is all bills inclusive. So I can not show any bills for the current household, except my bank statements, credit card bills and my payslips. Given that I'm already submitting those bank statements and payslips as supporting documentation, is it necessary to present utility bills? Not absolutely necessary but the more documents you provide, the better

all your inputs will be much appreciated!
Thank you very much for your time.
A

[Artur111]

Thank you Matt for your reply!
Really appreciate that.

My only concern at the moment is the "adequate accommodation".

According to this guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... ion-maa--2
five people are allowed to live in a 3-bedroom house. I currently rent one of the bedrooms in the 3-bedrooms house, there's another couple (landlords) and their 4 years old son. I'm not paying bills, but I can ask for my name to be put on the council tax. Then get estate agent (I have one of my ex-colleagues working as an estate agent in another borough of London) to inspect the house and provide the Inspection Report if the property is suitable.

What your views on that Matt?

@Casa, @CR001 - if it is possible, could you please share your views too?

Thank you very much!

[Casa]

Your plan looks fine.

[Artur111]

Thank you Casa,

I've decided to rent the flat at the end, and make council tax and utility bills on my name, so ECO will not have an excuse to refuse my wife's visa based on "lack of sufficient accommodation".

Do I need to have Home Inspection report if I rent privately 1 or 2-bedroom flat?

A.

[Artur111]

Good morning forum members and respected Gurus!
May I ask for your opinions in regards to my question if I need to organize a House Inspection report if I rent 3-bedroom flat, and the property will be solely for myself and my wife?

I've currently got an offer from the friend of mine to rent 3-bedroom flat for £800.00 excl. bills. He's being relocated by his company for 7 months to Singapore. The flat is located outside London (45 min on the train), but trains are running every 20min to London Bridge. That suits my budget and the length of the rental agreement is good for me.

Can you please advise If I still need to do a House Inspection Report?

Thank you very much

[Artur111]

Dear members/respected Gurus,
Can anyone advise please on above?

Many thanks

[Casa]

Good morning forum members and respected Gurus!
May I ask for your opinions in regards to my question if I need to organize a House Inspection report if I rent 3-bedroom flat, and the property will be solely for myself and my wife?

I've currently got an offer from the friend of mine to rent 3-bedroom flat for £800.00 excl. bills. He's being relocated by his company for 7 months to Singapore. The flat is located outside London (45 min on the train), but trains are running every 20min to London Bridge. That suits my budget and the length of the rental agreement is good for me.

Can you please advise If I still need to do a House Inspection Report?

Thank you very much

How is this relevant to the title of your thread- English test requirement? You don't need a property inspection report if you and your family are the only occupants. You will however need to submit a tenancy agreement.

[Artur111]

Thank you Casa,

I've thought I better stick to my thread rather than creating extra ones.
Apologies if I haven't understood forum rules correctly.

Best wishes.

[Casa]

Thank you Casa,

I've thought I better stick to my thread rather than creating extra ones.
Apologies if I haven't understood forum rules correctly.

Best wishes.

No problem. My fault for missing the first page of the thread.