Hang on a minute, I've just found the form you printed off - it's the Suggested List of Supporting Documents for a Settlement visa and is in the second link you posted above (I'm not sure what the version number is about though):
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/270197/sup-docs-settlement.pdfIt is a current document, but it's not exhaustive and is very general - some parts will apply to you, some won't and some won't be in enough detail (i.e. the financial requirements where it directs you to Appendix FM-SE).
So, if I've filled out my online portion and hubby does VAF4a Appndix 2 form and we include the list of required documents are we on the right track?
As you are the applicant, you are supposed to fill out both forms - as they make up the two halves of your application form. Obviously though, many of the financial and accommodation details will need to come from him, so it's best to fill it out together.
And don't shoot me, but, you know being anal and a type A Virgo, it occurred to me that even though it doesn't ask for it specifically. I was married and divorced before I married my current husband. Do I need proof of that or since I am legally married to my husband is that good enough?
Yes, it is mandatory that you include your original divorce decree, because you have to prove that your marriage is legal and that you were both free to marry when you took your vows.
And does ask for it specifically:
The requirements say (
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/eligibility):
Joining your partner
You must prove that you and your partner are 18 or over and in a genuine relationship.
You must be one of the following:
- married or civil partners
- living together in a relationship for 2 years
- engaged to be married or to become civil partners
You must prove that any previous relationships you or your partner had are permanently broken down.
And the list of suggested supporting documents mentions including divorce certificates in your relationship evidence.
_________________________________________________
_________________
An example of the documents you need to include:
Applicant (US citizen)- Printed online application form
- Completed Appendix 2 form
- Stamped Biometrics Confirmation Sheet (when you have attended the biometrics appointment)
- 1 or 2 passport photos (they can be US size (2 inches by 2 inches) or UK size (45 mm by 35 mm, which is 1.77 inches by 1.38 inches))
- Your passport
- All of your previous passports
- Optional cover letter (listing which visa you are applying for, a list of documents you are including, any important information about your documents - for example unusual activity on bank statements - and to explain any refused visas in the past or criminal convictions)
- Proposed flight itinerary
- Receipt for priority processing (if paying for priority)
- Return shipping packaging
- international waybill for return shipping (you just set up an online account with DHL or UPS and either include a waybill or just your account details, so that your account will be charged when your documents are returned, or you can use prepaid shipping from VFS Global website)
Sponsor (UK citizen)- His passport or a certified copy of his UK passport photo page
- Letter of support for the visa
AccommodationIf you're renting, assuming he gets there first and rents:
- Your husband's original tenancy agreement
- Letter from the landlord giving you permission to live in the house with your husband when you arrive
Finances - Category B
- Letter from his UK employer stating when he started, his current salary, how long he has been earning his current salary, and type of employment
- Any UK payslips he as received at the time of applying
- UK bank statements corresponding to his UK payslips at time of applying
- 12 months of original payslips from the US and UK showing he was paid at least £18,600 in the 12 months
- 12 months of original bank statements from the US and UK showing the deposit of all the payslips
- New UK job contract
Relationship evidence- marriage certificate
- divorce decree
- 1 or 2 photos of you together
- evidence that you lived together in the US (i.e. homeownership, tax returns etc.)
- evidence of regular ongoing contact between you while you are apart, such as a screenshot of your email inbox with a list of email subject lines and dates (1-2 sheets max), a screenshot of your Skype call log, phone bills, etc.
