PBS Tier 2 Dependant Visa application related queries

[rh478]

Hi there,

I (an Indian) am under a Tier 2 PBS visa and my spouse (married recently) plans to apply for a dependant visa, ours have mostly been a long distance relationship.

I have couple of questions.

1) Do all applications have to be done through online application form, or one could also do hard copy application. I came across this form https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... /vaf10.pdf
wondering if its relevant now, and whether this is the latest version of the form?

2) For online application, is the sponsor, (that is me in this case) who has to apply on her behalf in the category 'applying for someone else', or my spouse has to apply herself. If we look at the hard copy it seems my spouse has to apply, so I'm a bit confused.

3) What is the usual experience of members in this forum in terms of the visa processing times, how long does it usually take for dependant spouse visa to arrive. My spouse (an Indian) lives and works in Germany at this moment.

4) In terms of the list of documents that needs submission at the time of visa appointment/ biometric data collection, just wanted to cross check if this is all?

Myself (on PBS Tier 2 visa and sponsor)

a) Photocopy of passport
b) Photocopy of BRP
c) My Bank statements -last 6 months
d) My salary slips - last 6 months (ours is electronic generated, hope it shouldnt be a problem)
e) Rent agreement of my house
f) Printouts of couple of emails received from my spouse in the last couple of years
g) Printouts of our watsapp chat screenshot (from my mobile)
h) Printouts of facebook screenshots (from my account)
i) Printouts of some travel receipts/hotel bookings together
j) Photos as proof of our relationship over the last couple of years (in my city of residence/family members)

My spouse (dependant applicant)

a) original passport
b) original BRP of Germany
c) Police clearance certificate (does it have to be both in Germany and India ?, she has lived more than 12 months in each of these places in the last 10 years)
d) IELTS test report
e) Printouts of couple of emails received from me to her in the last couple of years
f) Printouts of our watsapp chat screenshot (from her mobile)
g) Printouts of facebook screenshots (from her account)
h) Printouts of some travel receipts/hotel bookings together (under her email id)
i) Photos as proof of our relationship over the last couple of years (in her city of residence/family members)
j) IHS surcharge
k) Visa fees
l) 4 passport photos

Another question, will the person sitting at the Visa office will accept all the documents listed here (any additional you think needs to be added) or just the ones listed at the time of online application submission?

I would be most grateful if you provide your key insights on this issue, it would really go a long way in helping us plan properly.

Thanks so much in advance.
Rex