UK Standard Visitor Visa - documents required

What documents for the standard visitor visa are required by UKVI?  By the applicant and also the UK sponsor.  I don't think it matters if she applies for a 6 months visa or a 2 years visa.

I looked at the gov.uk website, but it wasn't that informative.  There is a list of documents that they don't need to see but not much in the way of those they do need to see.

For example, I am married to the lady in question.  So I need to show through certified bank statements how I will fund her visits to the UK.  Also, I need to prove the house she is staying in is mine, through for example presenting them with a copy of the official land registry.  I don't think that document has to be certified.

For her part, she needs to present a certified copy of our marriage certificate, for example.  Maybe a copy of her first flight ticket in 3 months' time?  There are one or two more, I think.

I thought you were using a solicitor?

For a visitor visa we recommend:

1.  Proof of a return flight (just an itinerary that she desires to travel on, as she should not book tickets until the visa is approved)
2.  A letter from her employer stating what date she is required back at work
3.  Proof of a home she will be maintaining while in the UK (mortgage documents or copy of a lease)
4.  Bank statements showing she has plenty of funds to pay for the trip without working
Recommended:  proof of travel insurance

I got some free advice from an immigration lawyer.  But not on this aspect of the topic.

1.  Proof of a return flight (just an itinerary that she desires to travel on, as she should not book tickets until the visa is approved). OK

2.  A letter from her employer stating what date she is required back at work I PAY HER SALARY. MY BANK STATEMENTS AND WITHDRAWALS SHOULD SUGGEST THIS

3.  Proof of a home she will be maintaining while in the UK (mortgage documents or copy of a lease). I OWN THE HOUSE SO I CAN SHOW THEM THAT

4.  Bank statements showing she has plenty of funds to pay for the trip without working.  THAT'S THE BANK STATEMENTS AGAIN.

Recommended:  proof of travel insurance.  SHE CAN DO THAT

Wondering whether to also include, as proof a) we are in a genuine relationship b) she will return home on time

a) our marriage certificate
b) Our joint ownership in an apartment where she lives
c) dates of flights she made to the UK and flights I took to her home (not the flight booking papers - they don't want those)

3. Is proof of HER residence in the USA that she will be maintaining (continuing to pay for) while in the UK - not proof of your residence in the UK.

You don't need A or C.

All you are doing is proving she is a genuine tourist to the UK and not trying to live in the UK without a visa to do so.  It's a very simple application.  No need to make it any harder.   

Bascially, you need to show all her ties to the US that she is maintaining, to prove she will return to the US and not try to stay in the UK illegally.

So, you show:

- evidence of HER job in the US that she must return to... so you provide a letter from HER employer stating that she has been given time off for her visit to the UK, and stating what date she will be returning to work, and possibly also her job contract and payslips

- evidence of HER home in the US, that she will continue to maintain and pay for while in the UK... so you provide HER current lease or mortgage statement

- evidence of HER money to show that she has enough to support herself while in the UK... alternatively, if she doesn't have much, you can provide YOUR payslips and bank statements to show you can support her while she is in the UK

- evidence of any other ties she has in the US, that she MUST return for, such as immediate family members, appointments, interviews, weddings, events she has scheduled for when she returns. Even things like pets or a car owns if she doesn't have much else to show

- evidence that you have invited her to stay with you and that you can accommodate her and support her if needed, so you provide a letter from you detailing all of this, along with a copy of your passport and evidence of payslips/bank statements if you will be supporting her financially.

Clear and concise answers as always.  Thanks once more.  Dave.