Spouse visa from Tunisia

[stalemate112358]

I have read through the UKVI website pages and some forum posts here but still have some questions regarding the spouse visa and thought it'll be good to confirm my doubts here. I have listed the questions below and would appreciate any response or guidance.

I'm currently on an ILR visa (got the visa approved today and am waiting for my BRP). Once, I receive the BRP, I'll apply for my wife's visa. She's based in Tunisia.

1. We are following the family visas requirements in the following link: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse. Is this the correct visa type since I'm on ILR now and she currently does not have any UK visa (we got married recently).

2. I'm filling out the form online. The online system also has the form, payment platform and appointment booking. My previous experience with this online system wasn't good. I applied for my mom's visit visa and the payment didn't go through twice. No issues with my card. Eventually we had to apply via a printed form. Has any one had a good experience with this payment platform?

3. I called UKVI and asked them if I need to send my supporting documents to Tunisia or to Sheffield directly? Their response was that the UK consulate website doesn't state anything specific for this issue so I need to send all documents to Tunisia. This sounds a bit flimsy as they were checking the consulate website and making an assumption. Any one has experience about where to send supporting documents?

4. Do I need to show any maintenance funds? The link in point 1 doesn't talk about maintenance funds but someone I know mentioned that there might be a need.

5. My bank statement has been negative in the last few months. I travel for business and get the costs reimbursed. Unfortunately, my reimbursements came a few months late. Now the account balance is positive. Will this negatively impact my application? I'm thinking of writing a support letter to explain the negative balance.

6. How much is the health surcharge? One the UKVI website, if I choose 'applying to join someone in UK', it says £1000 which is too much for a 2.5 year visa. I noticed on the forum that people recommended choosing 'applying alone'. Is that correct? If I choose this option then it says £600.

6. I'm planning to submit the following supporting documents for her visa from my side. These will be in addition to documents from my side. Is anything else required?

a. Supplementary income form.
b. My support letter inviting her.
c. 05 years P60s.
d. 6 months payslip
e. 6 months bank statements
f. Proof of relation (Photos, meetups, etc. we talk on facebook messenger call mainly. Still not sure how to show call records on that. Does anyone know?)
g. Letter from employer confirming my employment and salary.
h. My passport and BRP photocopies (do I need to get them notarized?)
i. Photocopies of my own house papers.

Thank you.

[CR001]

1. Yes correct link.

2. You can only apply online for VAF4A. Appendix FM is the paper form, this is the financial requirement form.

3. The online process will tell you what to do.

4. No. ONLY meeting the minimum £18,600pa financial requirement.

5. HO is only interested in your INCOME/SALARY. You will however likely need to write a note explaining your travel reimbursement as HO might questions the account credits.

6. £600 for an entry clearance spouse visa. Not sure what category you are selecting that is giving you £1000. There is only one option : settlement >> settlement >>> wife.

7. What is the 'supplementary income form'? What about council tax and utility bills?