Proof of Accommodation Requirements

[Circadia]

Hi there,

My wife is in the process of applying for a spousal visa in Russia. I'm employed at a University in the UK and part of the arrangement is that I act as a residential tutor, which means I am provided with a flat in student halls. There is no rent payable for this accommodation, just a small charge to cover the utility bills.

Initially we thought it would suffice to submit a copy of my volunteer contract that details the circumstances of this arrangement, along with a personal letter from the co-ordinator of the residential system confirming my residence in the flat and its suitability for two people to reside in.

However, I just read the Sponsorship Undertaking form which stipulates the kind of evidence they require for proof of accommodation:

• Certified copy of deeds of sponsor's house
  Letter from building society/bank confirming they hold a mortgage for the sponsor
  Housing association/council rent book or other council letter confirming address of sponsor
  Bill from a utility company (gas, water etc.)
  Local authority letter (council tax)
  Letter from any government department

I have none of these, or at least I'm not named on any paperwork associated with them, because it's all arranged through the university.

Is the contract and letter sufficient evidence for proof of accommodation, and if not what could I do?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[vinny]

See also 3rd Party Support & Accommodation. The SU07 form is not normally required for a spouse application.

[Circadia]

Thanks, I've had a read of that. It seems that we meet those requirements given that the owner of the accommodation (the university) has confirmed my residence in the accommodation.

However, one thing that worries me is the stipulation regarding security. My licence to reside in the flat is renewed at the end of every academic year, on the condition that I'm still employed by the university. There's a possibility that I might be appointed to a different student hall, which would mean a change of address. Do you think the ECO would take this to mean my accommodation is "insecure"?