Before I begin...just wanted to say hello again to everyone..
I posted a message earlier this year about applying for my spousal visa.( My situation was complicated, to say the least.)
Just to sum it up: I was here in the UK, awaiting to hear the outcome of my appeal. I had applied for FLR in-country in 2002.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know..I got my spousal visa last month!!
I had contacted my local MP, who had contacted the Home Office to check on the status of my appeal. Not long after, I received notice from the HO and AIT that they had set a date for me to hear my case for appeal at a tribunal hearing.(late September). My MP advised me to return to NYC to apply for my spousal visa if at all possible. I was worried, mainly, about our finances affecting our chances. Pretty dire as far as our bank accounts were concerned.My DH had been off sick for fourteen months and was then made redundant because his company went into administration.( We did have payment protection insurance for our mortgage and other bills, so I hoped that would help.)
Luckily, I'm a good bookkeeper and have kept up with all the necessary paperwork. I got everything together, withdrew my appeal with the AIT, and went to NYC last month.
My appointment didn't take long. The ECO said it would be at least a few days before my visa could be issued as they would need to contact the HO to get a copy of my paperwork and since the only stamp I had for the UK was my visitor's stamp from 2002.
He said another officer had a few questions for me regarding my appeal and to take a seat. Which I did, (worrying to myself, that I had blown it and that was it.) In reality, it went really well. Both officers that I dealt with, could not have been nicer. The second officer asked about my appeal and asked to see my HO paperwork. I have kept absolutely everything and so she made a few copies and thanked me for being so well prepared.
She asked about our finances.(the BIG worry). She noted that we didn't have alot in our accounts and how were things going? I showed her that DH was looking for work-(I brought his paperwork from the jobcentre) and that I had interviews lined up for when I returned. We had his parents as co-sponsors and I had all our paperwork from the insurance companies(for payment protection insurance, etc.) She said she was quite happy with what she saw and thanked me again for being so well organised. Then she told me she was quite happy to issue me the settlement visa and that she didn't need to contact the HO as she had the documentation she needed. So I could have it the same day! Wow! I got it later that day at 1pm!
Fantastic! I wanted to personally thank you all here on the forum for your help. I don't know if I can name names but I think you know who you are!
Thanks so very much!
To anyone who is going to apply: I wish you the best of luck! Be well prepared and be honest and you should be fine!
Nice to be on the board again and see you soon!
Angela x
