Visitor Visa question

I've been browsing (again) the numerous sites concerning visa's and whatnot, and I've found most everything I can. Except I have one or two questions still...

Some of you know that I was denied entry to the UK in mid-December, and since then, we've been corresponding back and forth with the Home Office about my situation. An investigation was conducted (and 'concluded'), but nothing has been resolved. They did, however, send an apology letter stating that I did NOT need a Visa to return to the UK. Yet, when my boyfriend spoke with Immigration earlier today, the official he spoke with said that should I return to the UK for another attempted holiday, the chances that I'd be turned around are unfavorably high.

Makes no sense to us.

So we've begun the process of looking into a Visitor Visa, and we're confident we can provide everything they want. Only I'm a little frightened that the crossed out Heathrow stamp in my passport could cause problems. In addition to that, I've no job, though my boyfriend is going to sponsor me and is more than willing to assume full financial responsibility for me during my intended two week stay.

So, my questions -

Since he's going to be sponsoring me, is it necessary that I provide bank statements? I have almost no money in my account (as I'm unemployed and have no income). My lack of money makes it painfully apparent that I would not be able to support myself (despite the fact that I wouldn't have to).

Will the fact that I have no employment cause problems with my application? I know employment can help to prove that I have one more tie to compel me to return to the States... So should I rush out, find a job, and hope that my new employer will be forgiving and allow me two weeks off and supply me with a letter?

I don't know what to do.

Thanks in advance to anyone and everyone who replies. I really appreciate the help. You all are great!!

Since he's going to be sponsoring me, is it necessary that I provide bank statements? I have almost no money in my account (as I'm unemployed and have no income). My lack of money makes it painfully apparent that I would not be able to support myself (despite the fact that I wouldn't have to).

Will the fact that I have no employment cause problems with my application? I know employment can help to prove that I have one more tie to compel me to return to the States... So should I rush out, find a job, and hope that my new employer will be forgiving and allow me two weeks off and supply me with a letter?

Because you are being sponsored, it is up to your sponsor to clear the financial hurdles.  You submit whatever bank statements you have as evidence not for financial capacity, but rather to show you are anchored there and have intent to return.   My Russian women have abysmal bank accounts, $50 - $60 - if they have a bank account at all  , and they are getting in because they are being sponsored.

Employment, on the other hand, is an issue because it bears directly upon credibility and intent. 

Because you are being sponsored, it is up to your sponsor to clear the financial hurdles.  You submit whatever bank statements you have as evidence not for financial capacity, but rather to show you are anchored there and have intent to return.   My Russian women have abysmal bank accounts, $50 - $60 - if they have a bank account at all  , and they are getting in because they are being sponsored.

Excellent! Thank you for that advice. It put to rest a huge concern!

Employment, on the other hand, is an issue because it bears directly upon credibility and intent. 

So it probably would be best for me to find some sort of employment, or at least make an attempt by submitting some C.V.'s to some agencies / companies.

I really appreciate your advice, garry. And I also found the link in your signature extremely helpful (as did my boyfriend)! Again - thank you!

You're kind.   Just bear in mind that the most of that info is for visa-nationals, who have to struggle just to visit their boyfriends…

Well, at the moment, I'm not exactly finding all of this a walk in the park.

If you think you are in over your head, send me a pm.  I'm non-profit.

Thanks garry!

Okay - I'm looking at the visa application (VAF1), and it seems everything will be, for the most part, straight forward. Except for that bloody refusal for leave to enter. And a question springs to mind concerning that...

Question 4.5 asks if I've ever been refused entry. Answer: Yes
Question 4.6 asks if I've been deported, removed, or otherwise required to leave the UK. Answer: Yes?

I'll obviously have to list all forms that I was given while at the port of entry, but I'm afraid the little space they give you to provide details isn't enough!

Also, about the employment thing (again). Should I be overly concerned about this? I have no employment simply because I don't have a running a vehicle. Though I do occasionally babysit my God daughter. But could the vehicle that I own be considered 'property' and listed as such on the application?

One more question... I'm currently going through a divorce. It's not finalized, but my husband and I are separated. Should I still list him on the application where it asks for my spouses information? Would the fact that I have a spouse, but I'm wanting to go to England to see my boyfriend make the ECO frown a bit?

So many questions! I feel like such a dolt.

Anyone?

Thanks garry!

Okay - I'm looking at the visa application (VAF1), and it seems everything will be, for the most part, straight forward. Except for that bloody refusal for leave to enter. And a question springs to mind concerning that...

Question 4.5 asks if I've ever been refused entry. Answer: Yes
Question 4.6 asks if I've been deported, removed, or otherwise required to leave the UK. Answer: Yes?

I'll obviously have to list all forms that I was given while at the port of entry, but I'm afraid the little space they give you to provide details isn't enough!

Also, about the employment thing (again). Should I be overly concerned about this? I have no employment simply because I don't have a running a vehicle. Though I do occasionally babysit my God daughter. But could the vehicle that I own be considered 'property' and listed as such on the application?

One more question... I'm currently going through a divorce. It's not finalized, but my husband and I are separated. Should I still list him on the application where it asks for my spouses information? Would the fact that I have a spouse, but I'm wanting to go to England to see my boyfriend make the ECO frown a bit?

So many questions! I feel like such a dolt.

send Garry a PM I'm sure he'll be able to help you

One more question... I'm currently going through a divorce. It's not finalized, but my husband and I are separated. Should I still list him on the application where it asks for my spouses information? Would the fact that I have a spouse, but I'm wanting to go to England to see my boyfriend make the ECO frown a bit?

Sorry.  I didn't see this till now.

If you are still legally married, you should put it down on the form. 

It does not make the ECO frown, but omitting it would be a major mistake. 

I always make a very big point about it for my Eastern European clients because having a divorce in the pipeline plays to your favour in the entry clearance process.  You have to return to resolve it.

Thank you! I was hoping that would be the case.

What about my vehicle? Can I consider that owned property and state as much on the application?

Yes, no, maybe so?

Does anybody know?

Also, I know letters of intent are normally used for Fiance visa's and whatnot, but would it be in my best interest to write one anyway?

My sponsor's documents were shipped today, so they'll be here about this time next week. Once they get here, I'll be shipping everything off to the Consulate, so I'm trying to get everything and anything in order.

Again - thank you!