Preparing for Spouse Visa to Move to Edinburgh

My spouse (UK citizen) and I (USA citizen) have lived together for 20+ years in the USA.  We are now planning to move to Scotland in 18 months - 2 years.  I've learned so much from reading the posts and the wise responses in this forum, and would be grateful for some answers as we look ahead to the process.

1.  I know the spouse application is done on-line, but is there a screen shot or download of the application form somewhere so I can read it before I begin the on-line process?

2.  We've been legally married for ten years.  What kind of evidence of relationship (in addition to a marriage license) will we need to submit?

3.  My UK spouse is already retired and drawing a private pension (from USA employer) that is more than the required annual income.  In addition, when I move, I will also have a pension in excess of the minimum.  We are also blessed with substantial savings and investments, in excess of what is needed.  Any advice on which way would be best to prove the required finances?

4.  Concerning finances: it seems to me that proving we've had more than £64,000 in a savings account for the required 6 months would be the easiest, but if we go that route, will we have to provide information on ALL our savings (we can prove this from one account that is jointly held, but we also have a lot of other accounts, retirement savings accounts etc -- providing info on that could be a lot of paperwork).

5.  Should my UK spouse move to our flat (which we own outright) in Edinburgh before I get the visa?  Is there any advantage of his being already over there when I come in on a spouse visa?

6.  Next year, my UK spouse is planning on spending several months in the UK, supervising some renovations on the flat, visiting family etc.  I assume we will need to document that we are in regular contact during those months (which we will be: daily FaceTime, I'm sure!).  How should we plan to document that we are in contact? 

7.  Is there anything else you would advise for us to do now?

Thank you so much for all your help.  This is exciting, but nervous-making -- so I'm glad I'm not alone!

Hi 

1 There is a paper copy kicking around somewhere, will try to find it later.

2 Anything in joint names basically, (bills, mortgage papers, insurance documents, memberships) a couple of photos and evidence of communication for any time you’ve been apart. A couple of cards if you have any wouldn’t hurt either.

3/4 Use savings, you only have to prove the required amount which is 62.5k gbp

5 She could move ahead but no need. If not ahead she must travel with you.

6 Yes, you’ll need to do that.

7 Prepare well, read everything carefully. Keep up with any changes. You’re making a really great start!

http://bingham.butterworths.co.uk/PDF/level1/hovaf4a.pdf

I think they took the form VAF4A down from the .gov site but I found it still on this lawyers site.  It is not exactly the same as the online form but it’ll give you a fair idea.

Thank you so much.  Exactly the info I needed right now.

What kind of documentation would you suggest for the time later this year when my UK spouse and I are apart for a few months?

Thanks again!

You will need to show records of how you kept in contact when you were not together so your chat/skype/email histories.  They don’t want any content, just lists of the contact you made with each other.

Thank you!