[Merged]: Assorted ilak Questions

Hi Garry,

Thanks you have been great helping me out.
Are you saying those 3 things you listed should be mentioned in my Apology Letter? They are all 3 true. I didn't realize til now!  Guess it would help pointing those things out.

Thanks for the reply and feedback.

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.

I'm sorry you had a lawyer who didn't actually help you, and you should report it as previously suggested.  Honestly though, the only thing we (the forum members) can do for you is offer advice based on our own situations or ones we have heard of.  To get help that won't be full of "this worked for me" or "I think you...", you really should probably contact a lawyer for help with the letter.

One concern I have with the lack of a bank account is that I've *assumed* that they also use the statements to verify some of the expenses you are claiming on your budget.  Without a checking account statement, one could say that they have very minimal expenses or not include certain expenses at all and the ECO would have no way of verifying that the budget is accurate.  But, if the NY office told you you didnt need one, then perhaps the importance of them is over-estimated.

Thanks and don't worry about the lawyer. I don't wanna waste anymore time with him! I think I am good. the advice given on here is great advice and really points things in the right direction. Although I know no one is completely proffessional. But I think its great to have a website where people have been there, done that, and help one another out.

Thanks again. 

Maybe so Mirrajay. I understand your thought. That was my thought/concern and that's why I called Consulate to confirm if bank account was essential.

Income is more important. And without the account, its still possible to show bills/rent being payed. I.e statements from after bills have been payed, rent reciepts, ect.

Thank you for the thought 

Thanks you have been great helping me out.
Are you saying those 3 things you listed should be mentioned in my Apology Letter? They are all 3 true. I didn't realize til now!  Guess it would help pointing those things out.

I am saying an "apology letter" for a 4 year overstayer is basically an insult to those on the policy side, like an ECO.  Everybody in the whole world is sorry about their previous infractions when they apply for entry clearance.  What else would they be?  And when they read such a letter, they are thinking, "...she's sorry alright.  Sorry she got caught..." 

Not even the most compassionate circumstances can warrant a 4 year overstay, lawyer notwithsanding, because an in-country switch has been against the rules since 2003.  So all the expostulations you can make, however ardently, will fall on deaf ears.  Most of the ECO's posted in the US have been around the block and have heard it all a zillion times before in places where people did MORE than just quietly overstay.

And when they get bored reading a naive contrivance, they are likely to miss the imporant stuff, like the points I mentioned.  So I suggest keeping it brief and focusing on the stuff they will be interested in.  Like did you work, how did you support yourself, and blah blah blah.........

I will keep it short, brief and simple. To the point. Although others are saying explain everything and whats happened. Even a lawyer advised me to make a 2-3 page letter! different answers everywhere...

I understand what you are saying. That was my initial thought. Just to keep it simple. If they need to ask more they will do so. Maybe in the interview if needed?

I will keep it brief but make sure all points are covered as well. Like you said so, I did not work, no housing benefits, and no public funds. It was simply a mistake and I was misled from my previous "lawyer".

Thanks for the tips and help.

hi,

my husband does recieve payslips. I just wanted to know if the accountant letter/employer letter/and 2 payslips since its a new job would be sufficient enough?

Or will they need more proof?

Any guidance will be appreciated~!

Unfortunately none of us can tell you for sure if something will "be enough" for the ECO who recieves your documents.  What you have *should* prove his employment and his salary, which is what they are looking for, but there are no guarantees for any of us.

You've also not mentioned specifically if your husband is being taxed and/or why he is paid cash in hand.  Its none of our business, of course, but make sure it is explained in detail in your application.

There is no interview.  If the ECO wants, they can call you to ask for clarification and/or missing documents, but you will more than likely not be given a chance for an interview or other way to verbally plead your case.

Mirrajay,

Of course there's interviews. If they want to make an interview before deciding on the case, they can do so. Alot of people have to go thru a interview.

I don't know where you get your facts from but I'm sorry they are wrong! 

Mirrajay,

Of course there's interviews. If they want to make an interview before deciding on the case, they can do so. Alot of people have to go thru a interview.

I don't know where you get your facts from but I'm sorry they are wrong! 

They don't do interviews in the US--like mirrajay said, if they have questions they'll phone you up, but otherwise they make decisions based on your paperwork.

Mirrajay,

Of course there's interviews. If they want to make an interview before deciding on the case, they can do so. Alot of people have to go thru a interview.

I don't know where you get your facts from but I'm sorry they are wrong! 

Er, I'm pretty sure mirrajay is right.  You might be thinking about the in-country applicants who can go in person to Croydon to apply for their spousal visa after they get married (and are over on a fiancee visa beforehand).  There isn't an in-person option for applicants applying from the US. It's all done via mail/online, and like mirrajay said, you could get a phone call ("interview" if you'd like to call it that) if they need clarification on something.

Oh ok. I'm sorry Mirrajay. My mistake.

Does anyone know what my overstay letter should contain... detailed or brief?

Just need some good opinions. Such a headache getting things done right.

Thanks

I don't think any of us can really give you an answer, since it's a fairly complicated position you're in, and fairly rare as well. This is where an immigration official or solicitor of your own would come in, where they can give you personalized, expert advice since I know that I at least can't say for certain what you should do.