Has your spouse visa ever been denied?

But it was a good point, historyenne!

Yeah, I was wondering about travel.  I had read about Surinder Singh yonks ago, but that's about settlement right? What about people who haven't been exercising their treaty rights for 6 months and want to travel to their home country for a brief visit with their spouses?  

If you are talking abou the UK, then yes I would imagine you would have to prove that you were going to be returning to the EU country. It might be different in other EU states, as some might not have as strict immigration laws as the UK.

Yes, my husband was denied his spouse visa to come to the UK (he's American) based on the financial requirements. Initially, I was under the assumption that as a couple you have to make 18,600 GBP to meet the minimal financial requirements--which is true only IF the sponsor (the UK citizen) makes that amount of money. They will not considered joint income even if y'all are married. Hopefully I can help some people save some money, seeing how we just threw away 2,000 USD (Application+ World bridge costs). As it stands now, he is coming to the UK on a visitors visa--Bank Statements, letter from employer showing intent to return and a very expensive letter (285 GBP/hour) written by a UK immigration lawyer-all to help convince UKBA that he will be returning back home within the legal time limits. Depressed.

Sorry to hear of the refusal, and sorry you didn't find this forum earlier as you might have gotten some advice on how to avoid your refusal.  The new regulations have proved to be difficult for many.