Some spouse visa questions....

[gambiajoe]

We plan to apply for visas for my wife and my stepdaughter in the next few months.

I have just a few questions whilst compiling the paperwork:

1. Accommodation: I will be exchanging contracts on a brand new house later this month which is due for completion in August. This will be where we will live and is a 4 bedroom house.
Does anyone know if I will be able to use the exchange contract as proof of accommodation?, bearing in mind completion isn't until August. We plan to apply for the visas around June, in the hope they will be issued by September. So that my wife and stepdaughter can come here in September/October after I have moved in. Would any other documents help?

2. With regards to dates on documents: I have a full time permanent job, my salary is well in excess of the financial requirements. I have worked with the same employer for 25 years. I will need to get a letter from my employer to prove contract, salary, length of service etc. This will be no problem, but does the date on this document need to be as close to the visa application submission date in June? Or could I get this produced now? The only advice I have been given, is that it should be as recent as possible.