Co-sponsor or third party sponsor for fiance visa

Hi!! I have some doubts about my fiancé visa (settlement) application. Me and my fiancé are applying for the settlement visa and then we're getting married after I arrive, to meet the financial requirement we're applying with his savings account, we almost have the amount required (15,000) but since we're both scared we might be refused we want to use his dad as an extra support As a co-sponsor or third party support. I read recently that, that was not eligible to do anymore but it could be used or considered if it's a family member or a very close relative, since it's his dad I wanted to know if it will be successful if we apply for it like that. If anyone has had the same situation I want to know how it was and what to do, if both of them need to fill out the sponsorship undertaking form and a sponsor letter. Thank you very much to everyone that replies and help me! 

Hi!! I have some doubts about my fiancé visa (settlement) application. Me and my fiancé are applying for the settlement visa and then we're getting married after I arrive, to meet the financial requirement we're applying with his savings account, we almost have the amount required (15,000) but since we're both scared we might be refused we want to use his dad as an extra support As a co-sponsor or third party support. I read recently that, that was not eligible to do anymore but it could be used or considered if it's a family member or a very close relative, since it's his dad I wanted to know if it will be successful if we apply for it like that. If anyone has had the same situation I want to know how it was and what to do, if both of them need to fill out the sponsorship undertaking form and a sponsor letter. Thank you very much to everyone that replies and help me! 

Hi coral, unfortunately you have misunderstood the financial requirements. The amount of cash savings required is actually £62,500. The first £16,000 cannot be counted.

The family can’t co-sponsor but if they are in a position to financially, they could gift you the remaining money but you wouldn’t be able to pay them back as it can’t be a loan.

You would then have to hold the whole amount for 6 months before you would be eligible to apply.

Does he work at all, that might be the better option for you?
He can work more than one job if he needs to but your savings as they stand are not any use because they are below £16,000 so can’t even be combined with other income.

Or is he unable to work/work much, because-

- he is disabled and claims the benefit called DLA or it's replacement benefit called PIP?

Or
- claims the benefit called Carer's Allowance as he cares for a disabled relative?

Those who are unable to work/work much, don't have to meet the financial requirement to sponsor and can use a lower calculation.

Hi coral, unfortunately you have misunderstood the financial requirements. The amount of cash savings required is actually £62,500. The first £16,000 cannot be counted.

The family can’t co-sponsor but if they are in a position to financially, they could gift you the remaining money but you wouldn’t be able to pay them back as it can’t be a loan.

You would then have to hold the whole amount for 6 months before you would be eligible to apply.

I was explained that since I'm still not his spouse just his fiancé I will need 16,000 and after 2.5 years I will need 62,000 something. Of course that's what I had explained and had search many posts and it's still what it says.

I was explained that since I'm still not his spouse just his fiancé I will need 16,000 and after 2.5 years I will need 62,000 something. Of course that's what I had explained and had search many posts and it's still what it says.

No, unfortunately, it’s the same requirement for fiancé or spouse.
What you could do would be to marry in the US then apply directly for the spouse visa, the requirements are the same (£62,500) but you would have one less visa to pay for.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/636618/Appendix_FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement_Final.pdf

It’s a bit of a read, but all the information is in this document if you want to give it a go.

Another option to consider would be for him to move to the US to be with you instead.
The  financial requirements are less and you can use third party support too.

I was explained that since I'm still not his spouse just his fiancé I will need 16,000 and after 2.5 years I will need 62,000 something. Of course that's what I had explained and had search many posts and it's still what it says.

Nope - it's the same for both fiance and spousal visas, plus the FLR(M) visas once you are in the UK.

The only visa which has a lower savings amount is ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years on FLR(M) visas.

The thing is that even if it was lower for the fiance visa, you still need £62,500 for the next visa after the wedding... which will be within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

Otherwise you would find yourself in the position of getting the 6-month fiance visa with only £15,000 in savings and then not being able to qualify for the FLR(M) visa after the wedding, because you need to have held £62,500 for at least 6 months that one. So, because of this, you have to show you have the £62,500 from the start so that you can make sure you qualify for a visa to stay after the wedding.

The visa path is:
- Initial 6-month fiance visa (£62,500 savings needed)
- FLR(M) visa after the wedding, applied for within the 6-month validity of the fiance visa (£62,500 savings needed)
- FLR(M) visa 2.5 years after the first FLR(M) has been granted (£62,500 savings needed)
- ILR after 5 years on FLR(M) (£34,600 savings needed)

OR
- Marry in the US
- 33-month spousal visa (£62,500 savings needed)
- FLR(M) visa 2.5 years after entering the UK (£62,500 savings needed)
- ILR after 5 years on FLR(M) (£34,600 savings needed)