Tone, thanks for your kind words, but i'm no expert. I've been out of the loop for a long time now, although I try to keep in the loop with some who remain in the 'business'. I'm also fortunate enough to have time to research. That was my major task when I was in that 'business'.Originally Posted by tone
Terpe
I was able to send all my statements via email scanned and not certified (July 2011) - but I understand your point of view that you have to stack all the odds in the applicants favour because who knows what stats they are running by!
I also sent 6 months of everything to show a good level of income (including last P60) but all were copies not originals.
I dont know for fact - but surely the Fiance route is harder to prove than a spouse as they are already married?
I am just thinking aloud here but bow to your expert knowledge mate because you have been helping many peeps for a long time
Cheers
Tone
Electronic images are OK these days. Here is what UKBA now say about that:-
"Bank statements you send must be on official bank stationery, and must show each of the payments that you are claiming. If you wish to send electronic bank statements from an online account you should also send a supporting letter from the bank on company headed paper confirming that the documents are authentic. Alternatively, electronic bank statements with the official stamp of the bank that issued the statements will be accepted. The stamp must appear on every page of the statement."
Any application for settlement visa is all about minimisation of risk, whatever that takes. Short cuts and half measures just don't do it first time these days.
Tone, technically both spouse and fiance(e) are pretty much the same, and both require almost the same supporting documented evidence, especially concerning maintenance and accomodation.
Of course the ECO is looking to feel comforted that the relationship is genuine. Not all ECO's are only 'box-tickers'. Applicants need to both comply technically with Immigration Rules and also convince the ECO with their love story. (that's what I believe anyway, and that's also what I'm still told).
In itself marriage is not proof of genuine relationship. Plenty of people try to use marriage as the route to a visa, and the UKBA are very well aware of that.
On a positive note, all applicants can take strength from knowing that most applicants actually do get their settlement visa approved first time (regardless of which of the 2 visa's are applied for. )
