[Merged]: Assorted ilak Questions

Hi, I spoke to my Lawyer who says it will not have any affect on the application, even with the refusal. Who knows!

Just gotta hope for the best I guess...

Thx for everything 

Ironically, if you had done all this in 2002, it would have cost you about $100 or so. 

Done what in 2002?

I expect she was referring to your spouse visa.  If you'd gone back to the US in 2002 and applied, it would have cost very little.

Yes, the spouse visa, was it still free in 2002 even?

Oh okay 

I was still in school in 2002 and not nearly ready to get married and settle! The fee for the Spouse Visa has really flown up since then. Took me weeks just have the money for it!!

Has anyone written a Cover letter or explanation for an Overstay? I know I need to be honest and explain story from start to finish, although I was thinking about jsut writing a simple sorry letter, but seems I might be better off explaining it all before they come to me asking!

How do I write this letter? Format? Does it matter how long it is? Short and to the point or should I detail it with everything that happened?

Any examples would be great!

Thanks 

Seriously, get some advice from an OISC registered immigration advisor. 

I'd be happy to help if you like, but did you say you already have a lawyer?  I can't see this being a problem in the long run, but explaination is definitely needed.


Vicky

Before selecting an adviser or solicitor, I highly recommend reading this article about touting and its ethicality:

http://www.londonelegance.com/transpondia/usuk/tout.html

I'm not planning on paying loads of money for something I can do on my own. I just wanted some help regarding writing this apology/explanation letter about my overstay. Just wanted to know people who have done it, any tips on writing it.

I had a lawyer who took money out my pocket and did nothing for me in the end. This was all during my overstay. I would have gone home ALOT sooner if I knew I had scamming, money eating lawyer. I don't really trust them anymore. I think most of them are all out there for the money. I can handle things myself.

I'm sure my case isn't as complicated as it sounds. Honesty is the best policy.

Thx.

The main tip - tell the truth, and you can't go wrong.  Remember that you won't be refused for an overstay, as long as you are honest.

Vicky

Thank you Vicky.

 

While telling the truth is a generic principle in all applications, tips that belong specifically to your case are.........

[1] you did not work
[2] you did not use the NHS or otherwise rely upon public funds
[3] you lived with your husband the whole time in a non-council residence.

Hi guys, would love some opinions or stories of how your cases went relating to myn...

Me - American
Him - British
Married nearly 5 years
Married in Birmingham, UK

Here's my list of documents so far:

Application
Cover Letter (with index)
Sponsor & Applicant ID - Passports & Birth Certificates
Sponsor Letter of Intent/Applicant Personal Letter
Accomodation:
 - Tenancy Agreements (one for past 6 months and recent one)
 - All other apartment related papers
 - Rent Reciepts
 - Landlord Letter giving permission for Applicant to live there.
Relationship/Marriage:
 - Marriage Certificate
 - Pictures from Before, During and After Marriage
 - Wedding Menu
 - Wedding Rings Reciepts
 - Relationship letter (from Sponsor explaining how we met, ect.)
 - Emails, online chats, letters, cards, ect.
Employment/Finances:
Husband has just started new job. Been there less then 2 months so far. So we're providing what we have so far...
 - Letter from Manager stating salary, position, start date, & jobs permanent.
 - Letter from Accountant stating salary again, and all other tax information.
 - Previous long term employment info (which dates back to when we first got married) but I thought I would include it anyways since he's been on short term jobs since?
 - Previous documents would be...
 - P45 from leaving there
 - Letter from that Employer at the time
 - Budget Sheet (105.95 left over)
 - Utility bills/statements showing paid.

I hope these things are sufficient enough. My husband does not have a bank account, instead I do, and its on my name. There's no savings in it as of yet. Therefore, I was told by NY Consulate having no bank account is ok as long as we can still show valid income proof. So I hope what we are providing will suffice.

Other, these things...

 - Overstay apology letter
 - My CV/Resume
 - Job printouts I have taken interest in and could possibly take once in UK.
 - Printout of Hairdressing Training Academy where I plan to enrol.
 - Life in the UK Test Certificate
 - My UK Driving License Counterpart/Theory Test Certificate
 - My Medical Card/Doctor
 - Support Letter from Mom & Sister

I've included some of these things to also show proof of address and that I have lived there with my husband at times after marriage. And maybe they will help 

Also, does anyone know if my husband needs to explain why he doesn't have a bank account? He closed his up long ago and I opened one which will be a Joint Account. If this isn't an essential requirement, do they still need a explanation? I don't know if its really necessary... especially cus there's an account on my name anyways....?

I would love any opinions. Strong or weak case? Add anything else?