Maintenance

[spoggers]

Hi all,

Apologies if this is repeating posts already covered but I am in the final stage of getting paperwork together and want to be 100% sure.

I was looking at maintenance requirements last week and I came across a document that said you needed to provide evidence about the applicants skills and job prospects in the area. I didn't think that was the case as you only needed the £18,600, accommodation and English requirement, but the document was dated earlier this year. I've looked again and I can't find it, so I'm thinking I possible strayed into another category (I'm applying for the spousal visa). It maybe wouldn't be a bad thing to include because I am on a temporary contract that expires in December (I am applying in September) and my former boss has offered me a years employment for once this placement ends and also maintenance work around the house that my husband could do to tide him over until he found full time employment.

Also, do I (the British person) need to send my passport and passport photos? I was looking at the page and it looks like I don't. Its no problem but I would rather not send it if I don't need to, although it is full of stamps that demonstrate our living in the same countries.

Also, the links to the document Immigration Directorate Instructions, Chapter 8, Section FM 1.7A - Maintenance. on this page http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... ader4don't seem to go to the right page anymore. Does anyone have a copy of the document they could send me?

Thanks everyone,

Rachel

[geriatrix]

Chapter 8 - Appendix FM (family members)

[spoggers]

Thanks, I couldn't find that before.

This is the bit that tripped me up before - taken from annexf
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/siteco ... iew=Binary

5. General
The earnings of either party should be taken into equal account. To be satisfied that the couple will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds we will need to see evidence of:
- sufficient independent means; or
- employment for one or both of the parties; or
- sufficient prospects of employment for one or both the parties.
It would be appropriate to question the couple about the following areas during any interview:
- the applicant's present employment;
- the applicant's educational achievement;
- other skills or qualifications the applicant may have acquired that would assist in getting established in the United Kingdom;
- similar information about the sponsor;
- what plans the applicant may have for obtaining employment in the United Kingdom;
- what arrangements have been or could be made to obtain employment by the applicant, sponsor or friend or relatives in the United Kingdom;
- what other support is available to the couple from friends or relatives in the United Kingdom.
Verbal and documentary evidence should be assessed in the context of the employment situation where the couple intend to make their home. A judgement should be based on whether we are satisfied that the couple have a reasonable prospect of being able to maintain themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds. Points to be borne in mind are:
- has the applicant and/or sponsor demonstrated relevant skills/qualifications or a reasonable prospect of employment?
- has the applicant and/or sponsor provided evidence that he has a job waiting for him in the United Kingdom?
- where the applicant has made no arrangements for employment, what are his prospects for employment in the light of his background. Some applicants will have skills or qualifications that will be of direct value to gaining employment in the United Kingdom and a decision can be made on the balance of probabilities. Others will have few skills or qualifications and may never have done anything but unskilled labour work. In such cases evidence of prospects will be necessary; for example that the applicant can show that there is a credible job open to him in the United Kingdom or that relatives or friends can realistically offer an opening. Jobs that are unrealistic in the light of the applicant's skills or jobs that appear to have been manufactured and lack any prospect of continuing will not suffice.
- care must be taken not to make assumptions. The fact that unemployment in a certain area is above average is not in itself enough for refusal. However, where there are already doubts, the employment situation is a factor which should be taken into account.

Should we just ignore this because my income is enough? Everyone else seems to. Is it worth him printing off some jobs he could do, getting the letter from my former employer saying he can give me a years work because my contract runs out in December. Help!

[Amber]

See Can I apply? (click) and resist confusing yourself with other guidance.

[Amber]

Hi all,



I am totally at my wits end and wondering if anyone can help.



I've had all the documents together for over 2 weeks now except for one bank statement that has gone missing. It was sent out originally to my mums address (I had gone to the bank twice to get my address changes, but unsuccessfully). She lost the statement, and didn't realise until I went to visit her just before I would be sending off the application.



Since then I have put in 2 internet requests for the duplicate statement, and 2 phone requests. I should have at least 2 in my hand by now, but nothing is arriving. I have been talking to the bank in tears (bank of scotland) and they say that they were dispatched and there is nothing they can do except reorder them. I am worried that there is a glitch in their system and despite all of my attempts I will never get the statement in question.



In the branch they say there is nothing they can do except print out the transactions on normal paper and stamp it. This is not on the letter headed paper required by the visa rules so I'm worried that it won't be accepted but I can't wait much longer. Do you think that this statement that is stamped by the bank and accompanied by a letter from the branch on letter headed paper (provided I can get it) would be sufficient?



Any advice would be much appreciated,



Rachel

[Amber]

Printed in the branch, signed stamped and dated should be fine.