Some unmarried partner visa questions

As some of you may already know, I am going to be going for my unmarried partner's visa interview in a few weeks time here in New York. I am going 5 days short of the two year mark only because my boyfriend will still be here on holiday with me and I feel that would help our application. We are currently apart as he is a student and had to come here to NY with me 5 weeks later than originally expected.

Anyway, I have some questions and hope some of you can shed some light.

We are going to have a co-sponsor since I haven't been able to work for the last 2 years except for a part time job I had when I was last in NY for 2 months. Our joint bank account in Northern Ireland is basically a waste as we have no savings and my account here in the US is the same except my brother is lending me $2000 to put in to show some kind of funds. My partner's mother is a co-sponsor and is giving her letter showing her acceptance of being a sponsor and she is also including the deed to her home, bank statements for the last year and pay stubs for her nursing job that she has had for the last 30 years.

Does anyone see this as a problem? Is the $2000 from my brother to show funds in my account a bad idea or will it help?

Also, we don't have many things to show our relationship from the first year other than some doctor's letters and medical insurance information I had when I was there. I also have both of our passports which show the stamps given and time spent in the UK and America. We also have my letter from 2003 and 2004 for my visitor visa in the UK (I came into the UK - Northern Ireland from Dublin Ireland originally both times) I also have letters, catalog orders and other similar information that ties me to the UK for the 9 months in 2003 and 9 months in 2004 be enough? Will this information along with letters like banking information, student loan letters and other official documents from my partner be enough? I also have pictures, e-mails, letters from friends etc.

I know most of this is paranoia but because of the finances, I am really worried.

On the fastrack, do you recommend paying online or in person? Others on here have said that sometimes the NY consulate will give you hints about your application not being strong enough and if you already paid, that is obviously a bad way to get a refund. What would the best thing to do be?

I was also divorced last year and got the documentation sent showing the legality of it in 2003. It doesn't have a raised seal or anything. I asked how to get an official copy from my lawyer and he said this is but it seems copied except for the signature. I went online to see how to order one and the company Vital Check said I would get it in 3 weeks and after a month or so after that 3 weeks I asked again and they lost it and instead of a reorder I asked for a refund which they wouldn't give so I disputed the charge and got a refund.

I am concerned that not having a raised seal document will be a problem with the consulate but I can't seem to get a copy any other way. I have the letters from my credit card showing the problem but I don't know if the consulate will understand. Should I worry about this or just bring what I have?

Last but not least for the time being, I have a return ticket for the UK for January 17th. I am planning on going to the consulate on January 5th. Will they have a problem based on what you all know on dating the visa if I am approved for January 8th since I would like to leave with my partner instead of staying the week? It's hard enough to be here when I'd rather be home in Northern Ireland but I don't know if they need to date it for what the ticket says.

Does anyone see this as a problem? Is the $2000 from my brother to show funds in my account a bad idea or will it help?

Based upon the last round, they are supposed to look for at least £406 pounds of disposable income per week (Nov 2004).  That's after tax but before housing costs and other living expenses.  That number can be adjusted up or down based upon the particular region in the UK.  And that number lasts only until they dream up another number next month!

I seriously doubt that they pay attention to it for UK/US couples.  But regardless, they give periodic cash flows more priority than capital if there's any doubt about the couple's solvency.

The co-sponsor you mentioned will strengthen your application!  Try to get them to fill out something like what's shown at http://www.londonelegance.com/transpondia/BlankSponsorDeclaration.pdf

Things should be fine after that.  Refusals based upon finance for US/UK couples are extraordinarily rare.

Thanks for the advice Garry. I am still paranoid as expected because of the finances and lack of the listed documents for our first year but I have so much other evidence that I think we'll be okay. It's hard not to worry when you've waited so long and you've done everything by the book to have it come down to one moment.

My only thing to add is that you make sure there is some sort of offical signature or stamp or something like that on your divorce papers.  I was at the NYC consulate in Sept of this year.  A lady next to me only had a photo copy of her divorce papers and they sent her away, she was bawling.  The woman was so upset that I have not forgotten her face.    I just wanted to share this with you, not to worry you, but you still might have time to make sure you have everything covered.  I would pay in person, as the NYC consulate did not require the lady who was turned away to pay.

Good luck to you and I am sure it will all be well. 

Maddierose is right, I believe. We were told to have originals of our divorce papers. Mine--from New Orleans--was stamped "A True Copy" and signed. The seal is not a raised one.
Bethany

How do I get a copy of them as the one way I knew I could obviously was a complete disaster and is now an x mark as a no? Is there still time to get them since I need them in less than 4 weeks?

Could you check with the state office or county office that handles that type of record? I had 3 "true" signed copies given to me by my attorney when I got divorced so I just used one of those.
Bethany

See. I think that this copy may be authentic but I am not sure how NY does it since I have only had a divorce once and don't know normal procedure. I think maybe mine is the copy and my ex has the original. I will have to call the courts and see what I can do but I was told it is a nightmare. I have to do something and quickly since this worries me.

the original will be kept in the county records office/ archives... nobody gets the original.

they will then give you as many certified copies as you care to pay for!

the certified copies that you get from the county/state/courts will just be a photocopy, with a stamp or seal on it to certify that it is a true and correct copy of the original, and it will be signed by someone from the county/state/court.

what you've got sounds fine!

I think you may be right although it's hard to tell so I called and it only costs $5.00 to get it directly from the county clerk so I sent a check off. I would rather have two than one that is a possible no. Thanks for everyone's help. Now to get the man over here and get to the appointment.

I think you may be right although it's hard to tell so I called and it only costs $5.00 to get it directly from the county clerk so I sent a check off. I would rather have two than one that is a possible no. Thanks for everyone's help. Now to get the man over here and get to the appointment.

I'd do the same thing--I'd rather be safe than sorry in that situation. Good luck with it all,
Bethany