Spouse visa for British Citizen getting married in India

[Abhishek_P]

Hi

I am originally from India and now a naturalised British citizen (5 years Tier-1 + 1 year ILR = Naturalization) for 1 year. ImmigrationBoards has truly been very helpful in my journey to get British Passport. It would have been impossible to have such a smooth process without the help of veterans here. Now I am planning to get married in first week of March-2017 to an Indian citizen. I have following questions regarding Spouse Visa for my would be partner:

1) Is it possible to first apply for "Standard 6 months visitor visa" to get her in UK and then "Apply to remain in the UK with family" from within the UK. Does it have any implications/complications as compared to directly "Apply to join family living permanently in the UK" from India. The main reasons for doing so are as follows:
(a) I will be in India for 2 weeks to conduct the wedding ceremony and it seems that "applying to join family living permanently in UK" can take upto 12 weeks.
(b) Fees for "Apply to remain ... in the UK with family" is £811 as compared to £1,195 for "applying to join family living permanently in UK". Plus ~£100 for "Standard 6 months visitor visa".
(c) "Apply to remain ... in the UK with family" requires Tuberculosis test results. I am not sure how to get this done?
(d) She can apply for "Standard 6 months visitor visa" before wedding. I think this should be alright and she need not worry about applying for "Special visitors - Marriage or Civil Partnership visa" because she will not be married at the date of applying for "Standard 6 months visitor visa". I hope this is fine and will not raise any complications/questions later? https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/india/inr

2) Does she need to do Knowledge of English test for any of these visa. She studied in English medium school and completed her Masters education in English. If this can be waived, then how to find out if her University is in the eligible list?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Regards
Abhi

[Casa]

Hi

I am originally from India and now a naturalised British citizen (5 years Tier-1 + 1 year ILR = Naturalization) for 1 year. ImmigrationBoards has truly been very helpful in my journey to get British Passport. It would have been impossible to have such a smooth process without the help of veterans here. Now I am planning to get married in first week of March-2017 to an Indian citizen. I have following questions regarding Spouse Visa for my would be partner:

1) Is it possible to first apply for "Standard 6 months visitor visa" to get her in UK and then "Apply to remain in the UK with family" from within the UK. Does it have any implications/complications as compared to directly "Apply to join family living permanently in the UK" from India. The main reasons for doing so are as follows:
(a) I will be in India for 2 weeks to conduct the wedding ceremony and it seems that "applying to join family living permanently in UK" can take upto 12 weeks.
(b) Fees for "Apply to remain ... in the UK with family" is £811 as compared to £1,195 for "applying to join family living permanently in UK". Plus ~£100 for "Standard 6 months visitor visa".
(c) "Apply to remain ... in the UK with family" requires Tuberculosis test results. I am not sure how to get this done?
(d) She can apply for "Standard 6 months visitor visa" before wedding. I think this should be alright and she need not worry about applying for "Special visitors - Marriage or Civil Partnership visa" because she will not be married at the date of applying for "Standard 6 months visitor visa". I hope this is fine and will not raise any complications/questions later? https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/india/inr

2) Does she need to do Knowledge of English test for any of these visa. She studied in English medium school and completed her Masters education in English. If this can be waived, then how to find out if her University is in the eligible list?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Regards
Abhi

1. It is NOT permitted to switch from visitor to spouse from within the UK.
a. Correct. It can take 12 weeks to process a Spouse visa application

b. £1195 + £600 NHS surcharge. No other option available.

c. Tuberculosis testing in India:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... g-in-india

2. Yes, A1 level English required from an UKVI approved test provider. Unless she has a degree taught in English. which will require a NARIC ELA
(fee £150).

Forget the 'standard visitor visa'.

[noajthan]

There is no bargain basement migration route into UK.

Prepare to spend thousands (£) over next 5-6 years and budget accordingly.

Similarly research all relevant visa requirements ahead of time to plan accordingly and in order to generate necessary papertrails.

[Abhishek_P]

Thanks for your quick response.

1. It is NOT permitted to switch from visitor to spouse from within the UK.
a. Correct. It can take 12 weeks to process a Spouse visa application

I believe 12 weeks is the maximum time. But what is the average time (realistic expectation)?

b. £1195 + £600 NHS surcharge. No other option available.

The following link does not mention about any NHS fee so I am wondering when is this fee paid (after visa application is accepted or after coming to UK). https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/i ... led-person

c. Tuberculosis testing in India:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... g-in-india

How soon can this be done. I mean for how long this test is valid once done in advance.

2. Yes, A1 level English required from an UKVI approved test provider. Unless she has a degree taught in English. which will require a NARIC ELA
(fee £150).

This fee is for A1 level English test I believe. But how to find out if the degree is recognized by NARIC ELA for approval.


Thanks a lot!
Abhi

[Casa]

1. Where are you submitting the application in India?

2. The NHS surcharge is payable on line before submitting the application. You will need to include the IHS reference number with the application.

3. Tuberculosis tests expire after 6 months

4. Apply for a NARIC ELA. The fee for an approved A1 English test and a NARIC ELA are the same @ £150

[Abhishek_P]

Thanks again casa for your quick response.

1. Where are you submitting the application in India?

Delhi

2. The NHS surcharge is payable on line before submitting the application. You will need to include the IHS reference number with the application.

Thanks.

3. Tuberculosis tests expire after 6 months

Thanks.

4. Apply for a NARIC ELA. The fee for an approved A1 English test and a NARIC ELA are the same @ £150

I was comparing it to English requirement that I were to fulfil when I filed my applications for Tier-2, Tier-1, ILR and subsequently naturalization application. I did not appear for any English test and it was exempted because my Under grad education was taught in English. However I did not pay any fees (£150) for claiming this exemption. Am I missing something here.

Thanks
Abhi

[Casa]

Official statistics currently show that most settlement visas submitted in New Delhi are processed in 30 working days. This is excluding Saturdays, Sundays & Bank holidays. 100% of applications are decided in 60 working days.
https://visa-processingtimes.homeoffice ... settlement

NARIC ELA is a fairly recent requirement to verify a degree taught in English outside of the UK.

[CR001]

I was comparing it to English requirement that I were to fulfil when I filed my applications for Tier-2, Tier-1, ILR and subsequently naturalization application. I did not appear for any English test and it was exempted because my Under grad education was taught in English. However I did not pay any fees (£150) for claiming this exemption. Am I missing something here.

Don't compare the Spouse Settlement visa to Tier 1 or Tier 2 visas, they are completely different immigration rules.

[Abhishek_P]

Thanks Casa

[vivid_guy_007]

Hi

Thanks everyone for helping me with my visa applications. This is immensely useful. My wedding date is moved to first week of May and I have already started the visa application process for my would be wife. I have a few questions regarding the application and your expert guidance would be greatly appreciated:

1) The application form asks multiple times - if she is travelling alone/or with me?
Since visa can take upto 30 days so I am leaving India before her and she plan to travel alone once she gets visa. Does that have any bearing or implications in terms of visa acceptance decision.

2) It also asks "How long do I intend to stay?".
Shall we say 3 years?

3) "Does your spouse / partner currently live with you?"
Since we will be just married then, what should be the most appropriate answer for this. Please advise

4) In the sponsor section, there is a question: "Where is your sponsor now?"
At that time I will be in India with her. So is it asking my current location or in general asking about where I live. Please advise.

5) Also, I don't know why it says following message:
"If your application is successful, your passport/travel document will contain a 30 day visa to allow travel to the UK. You will also be sent a BRP Decision Letter with instructions on collecting your BRP after your arrival in the UK."
I thought visa is granted for 3 years and not 30 days?

6) I am making application at New Delhi. It asks me to pay IHS and visa fees in INR. Is it possible to pay in GBP.

Please advise.

Thanks a lot!
Abhi

[CR001]

Hi

Thanks everyone for helping me with my visa applications. This is immensely useful. My wedding date is moved to first week of May and I have already started the visa application process for my would be wife. I have a few questions regarding the application and your expert guidance would be greatly appreciated:

1) The application form asks multiple times - if she is travelling alone/or with me?
Since visa can take upto 30 days so I am leaving India before her and she plan to travel alone once she gets visa. Does that have any bearing or implications in terms of visa acceptance decision.

2) It also asks "How long do I intend to stay?".
Shall we say 3 years?

3) "Does your spouse / partner currently live with you?"
Since we will be just married then, what should be the most appropriate answer for this. Please advise

4) In the sponsor section, there is a question: "Where is your sponsor now?"
At that time I will be in India with her. So is it asking my current location or in general asking about where I live. Please advise.

5) Also, I don't know why it says following message:
"If your application is successful, your passport/travel document will contain a 30 day visa to allow travel to the UK. You will also be sent a BRP Decision Letter with instructions on collecting your BRP after your arrival in the UK."
I thought visa is granted for 3 years and not 30 days?

6) I am making application at New Delhi. It asks me to pay IHS and visa fees in INR. Is it possible to pay in GBP.

Please advise.

Thanks a lot!
Abhi

Are you user 'Abhishek_P'??? If yes, why have you registered a new username??

[vivid_guy_007]

hello CR,

I am unable to log into my old account and e-mail as it seems it has been compromised so I used this account. This is not a new account but one which I created a few years back.

Regards
Abhi

[vivid_guy_007]

Hi all,

I would be highly grateful if any of the experts in this forum could please help me with above questions.

I appreciate your continued support.

Regards
Abhi

[vivid_guy_007]

Hello,

Any body who can help here please.

Thanks
Abhi

[CR001]

1) The application form asks multiple times - if she is travelling alone/or with me?
Since visa can take upto 30 days so I am leaving India before her and she plan to travel alone once she gets visa. Does that have any bearing or implications in terms of visa acceptance decision.

No issue if she travels alone. She certainly won't be the first or the last spouse to do this.

2) It also asks "How long do I intend to stay?".
Shall we say 3 years?

Write 'indefinitely'

3) "Does your spouse / partner currently live with you?"
Since we will be just married then, what should be the most appropriate answer for this. Please advise

You can write newly married etc. You obviously can only apply once married, so if living together, write yes.

4) In the sponsor section, there is a question: "Where is your sponsor now?"
At that time I will be in India with her. So is it asking my current location or in general asking about where I live. Please advise.

So write 'currently in India but returning to UK on xy date' and provide your address details in the UK.

5) Also, I don't know why it says following message:
"If your application is successful, your passport/travel document will contain a 30 day visa to allow travel to the UK. You will also be sent a BRP Decision Letter with instructions on collecting your BRP after your arrival in the UK."
I thought visa is granted for 3 years and not 30 days?

They used to be for 33 months NOT 3 years. They are no issued for 30 days and your spouse must enter the UK within that time and collect her full visa validity BRP within 10 days from your nominated Post Office.

6) I am making application at New Delhi. It asks me to pay IHS and visa fees in INR. Is it possible to pay in GBP.

Fees are payable in the currency where application is submitted.

[vivid_guy_007]

Thanks a lot CR001 for your help.

[vivid_guy_007]

Dear Moderators

Thanks for your help so far. I have a few more questions regarding FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM (The one to be filled for use outside the UK only). I have doubts on following sections:

1) 1.5 When did your relationship begin?
Will it be date of wedding or the date when I first met my wife (before marriage).

2) 1.6 How often do you meet?
Again is it asking after wedding or before wedding.

3) 1.8 How do you keep in touch with your sponsor?
Again is it asking after wedding or before wedding.

4) 2.4 Is your sponsor in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit?
I get single occupant discount currently. So does this need to be mentioned.

5) 2.8 Do you intend to work in the UK? If yes, please provide full details.
What sort of details are needed as she would come and seek job after coming to UK.

Thanks a lot!
Abhi

[vivid_guy_007]

Another question:

6) In document checklist, they request "a letter from your employer on company headed paper – detailing your salary and the length of your employment, confirming that you have been given time off work, and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid"
I am not clear about "confirming that you have been given time off work". Which time off they are referring to.

Regards
Abhi

[vivid_guy_007]

Hello guys,

Can anyone please help with these questions. Thanks a lot

Regards
Abhi

[Abhishek_P]

Dear Moderators

Your guidance has been a great help for me to get all British visa and immigration queries. I thought that after getting British Citizenship I have left behind these long expensive and draining visa application processes. That was a wishful thinking as I can say now when I have to apply for Spouse visa and that is the most expensive and has the biggest application form.

Kindly help with above questions. I appreciate your help.

Regards
Abhi

[CR001]

Please decide which username you wish to continue using. You have stated previously you cannot log into the Abhisheik_P one and therefore created the other one and yet here you have logged in Abhishek_P today. Please don't waste our time. If you do not respond, both usernames will be banned due to contravening forum rules by having multiple user ID's.

announcements/multiple-member-id-s-t11811.html

[Abhishek_P]

Hi all

Could somebody please help urgently.

Thanks a lot
Abhi

[Abhishek_P]

Please decide which username you wish to continue using. You have stated previously you cannot log into the Abhisheik_P one and therefore created the other one and yet here you have logged in Abhishek_P today. Please don't waste our time. If you do not respond, both usernames will be banned due to contravening forum rules by having multiple user ID's.

announcements/multiple-member-id-s-t11811.html

Hello CR001,

My sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused and if I unknowingly violated forum rules. However it is a genuine case where I could not access my original (this account) so used the other one temporarily. I have restored access to this account so I am back to using it.

Please advise what are the necessary steps for me to ensure that I rectify the issue of two accounts without causing any trouble to forum members. I am fine if it means deleting my other account.

Again my sincere apologies if that caused trouble to you or other forum members.

Thanks & Regards,
Abhi