1. When using the new Beta website (https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk), I selected a "settlement" type of visa and then "wife." This seemed like the only option that made sense. When selecting the Sponsor details, it doesn't have an option for "husband" or "wife." It has a list of aunt, brother, cousin, daughter,father, friend, grandparent, mother, nephew, niece, sister, son, uncle, work colleague, and other relative. I chose the last one, "other relative." Did I select the wrong type of visa?
No, it's an error on the online form. You selected the correct visa.
Just select Other and if it lets you give details, put Spouse... otherwise you can correct it by hand after you have submitted the application and printed it.
2. The application asks: "Is there any other information you wish to be considered as part of your application?" What kinds of things are helpful here?
Nothing, unless you have anything specific about your application you need to clarify. It's just the standard 'any other information' section... you can use it if you run out of space on other parts of the application.
3. The application asks: "Please Enter Details of what permission you have to stay in this country." Is this where I'd say, "My husband lives here"?
Which country are they talking about? You don't have permission to stay in the UK, so you can't talk about the UK here.
If they mean the US, you say you are a US citizen.
4. How long does it typically take to process US applications? Just curious.
It depends on how busy they are at the consulate.
Lately it's been taking 2-3 months, but you can pay $510 for priority processing and that's taking about 3 weeks.
5. Is this list of documents correct? Am I missing anything?
-2 passport photos
-current and old passports
-marriage license
-financial requirements documentation
-this form: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/261405/sponsorship-form.pdf[/url
You don't need that sponsorship form at all (it is not required for a spousal visa), but you are missing several documents.
You need to send:
Applicant- Printed Online application
- Completed
Appendix 2 form- Biometrics appointment sheet which will be stamped when you attend biometrics
- Your passport
- Your previous passports
- 2 passport photos
- Sample itinerary for flight to UK
- Optional cover letter
Sponsor ID- Passport or certified copy of passport photo page
- Letter of confirmation for the visa (sample here:
http://www.londonelegance.com/transpondia/sites/default/files/spousal.pdf)
FinancesYou need to work out which Category you can apply under as the required documents will depend on that:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/337420/Annex_FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement.pdfAssuming Category A (your sponsor earns £18,600 or more in the UK and has been earning it, with the same company for 6 months):
- last 6 months of sponsor's original payslips and bank statements
- letter from sponsor's employer stating salary, length of employment, length of time earning current salary, type of employment
- sponsor's original P60
- sponsor's original job contract
UK accommodationIf sponsor owns:
- land registry document
- mortgage statement if he has a mortgage
If sponsor rents:
- tenancy agreement
- letter of permission from landlord for applicant to live there if they are not on the tenancy agreement
If you will be living with sponsor's family:
- land registry document
- letter from homeowner giving permission for you to live there and stating it won't be overcrowded
- mortgage statement if they have a mortgage
Relationship evidence:- marriage certificate
- 1 or 2 photos of you together
- boarding passes from trips to see each other
- letters/cards sent to each other during your relationship
- screenshot of email inbox/Skype call log etc. showing regular correspondence for the length of your relationship
