Spouse Visa Questions(s)- Sponsor Lived Abroad for Five Years Just Returned

So what do you guys think? Does that seem doable? Did I understand everything correctly?

The big thing to note is that while non-priority is experience a quick turnaround of 8 weeks or so at the moment, that's the fastest we've seen for a couple of years.  It could easily stretch back to a 12 week standard, and potentially a bit longer...  so there is a risk in relying on that to be done in 2 months.

But yeah, no problem in applying for a second passport and using that to travel to Australia.  Just make sure you don't connect through the UK or Ireland and you are good to go.

Hi,

I worked on AND completed the online application today but did not hit "confirm application." Once I hit that, will I be able to go in and make changes to it later, or is that the same thing as submitting the application?

Hi,

I worked on AND completed the online application today but did not hit "confirm application." Once I hit that, will I be able to go in and make changes to it later, or is that the same thing as submitting the application?

I would not hit confirm until you are completely ready to mail all your documents to New York for processing.

The day you submit the online application (which I assume is the same as confirming it), and pay for the visa is your official application date. You will also book your biometrics appointment at the same time and you only have 5 days from biometrics to mail everything to New York.

So, I would make sure you have all your documents in order in the US and ready to go before you confirm the application, as you cannot go back and change anything once you have done it.

Agree with ksand.

You can be working on Appendix 2 now though.  You print that off and complete it by hand.

ok. great. That is what I was needing to know. Thank you.

Is there anything specific that I should put in the "additional information" portion of the application? It reads as if it addressed to couples with children.  Should I leave this portion blank or is it wise to put something in there? If so, any suggestions as to what I should put in here?

Also, The online application seemed easy enough so I am assuming the forms and information I have to gather is what the hard part will be. I have been searching the UK govt website for an official list of how to submit the application, and what forms are needed, but I can't seem to find one. I do see numerous blogs for guidance, but is there not an official list on the website of what is needed/wanted?

The website makes it seem like you only need the application and appendix 2, but I know that is not the case because of the blogs I have read. Unless I missed those guidelines. 

Is there anything specific that I should put in the "additional information" portion of the application? It reads as if it addressed to couples with children.  Should I leave this portion blank or is it wise to put something in there? If so, any suggestions as to what I should put in here?

Nope, just leave it blank.

Or you can use it to finish off any questions you didn't have room for elsewhere in the application.

Also, The online application seemed easy enough so I am assuming the forms and information I have to gather is what the hard part will be. I have been searching the UK govt website for an official list of how to submit the application, and what forms are needed, but I can't seem to find one. I do see numerous blogs for guidance, but is there not an official list on the website of what is needed/wanted?

The online application is just a generic form asking simple questions about the applicant - it's pretty much the same for all visa types.

The Appendix 2 form is where you answer all the questions about how you meet the requirements for the spousal visa. Specifically:
- financial requirement category
- accommodation requirement
- relationship history

There isn't really an official list, as everyone's application is different and requires documents relevant to their situation.

However, we are happy to help here, so if you want to list what documents you have, we can check you aren't missing anything.

There is a generic suggested supporting documents list here, but it's a bit vague and not everything will apply to you:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/270197/sup-docs-settlement.pdf

The website makes it seem like you only need the application and appendix 2, but I know that is not the case because of the blogs I have read. Unless I missed those guidelines. 

Also see here (though the documents listed there contradict the documents in the link above!):
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/provide-information

The financial documents required for each category are listed in Appendix FM 1.7, with the evidence requirements in Appendix FM-SE.

General accommodation requirements are here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maintenance-and-accommodation-maa/maintenance-and-accommodation-maa--2

Hey guys,
so looking at appendix 2, it looks like when it comes to the financial portion I will be filling out section 3A. My husband will have been employed in the UK for less than 6 months(non salaried) so we will combine that income with however many months we need from his Australian income to complete 12 months.

So when question 3.20 says "What was your sponsor’s total income (before tax) from salaried employment in the 12
months prior to the application?" it is asking for both the UK and Australian income combined? And I am to list the employment details for Australia into Part 5? is that correct? 

You'll be applying under Category B as he has not yet been with his employer for six months.

See the different categories here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/636618/Appendix_FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement_Final.pdf

Hey guys,
so looking at appendix 2, it looks like when it comes to the financial portion I will be filling out section 3A. My husband will have been employed in the UK for less than 6 months(non salaried) so we will combine that income with however many months we need from his Australian income to complete 12 months.

Yes, it will be section 3A, Category B.

So, you answer Part 3 as follows:
3.1 - No
3.2- Tick first box
3.3 - Tick first box, Part 3A and Category B
Go to Part 3A
3.4 - Yes
3.5 to 3.10 - fill out his UK employment details
3.11 - his annual UK salary
3.12 - Tick No
Go to 3.13
3.13 - No
Go to 3.20
3.20 - Total of all UK and Australian payslips from the last 12 months
3.21 - Yes
3.22 - Yes

Go to Part 5

So when question 3.20 says "What was your sponsor’s total income (before tax) from salaried employment in the 12
months prior to the application?" it is asking for both the UK and Australian income combined?

You add up all 12 months of payslips (both UK and Australian) and put the total pre-tax amount in 3.20. UKVI will then add up all the payslips you provide and confirm that the numbers are the same.

And I am to list the employment details for Australia into Part 5? is that correct?

If that's what it tells you to do, then yes.

awesome.

thank you.

Hey guys-
I fly back to Texas on Friday to submit my application. I just want to be sure that I have included everything in my package.  So far this is what it consists of:

Applicant's Documents
-payment receipt (when paid)
-return shipping label
-printed online application (when submitted)
-appendix 2
-bio-metrics (when completed)
-passport
-passport photo

Sponsor's Documents
-certified copy of passport
-sponsor letter

Financial Documents
-spreadsheet showing how much was earned in Australia and what has been earned in the UK up to now (summed up). Also shows the financial requirement will be met while in the UK.
letter of employment/contract
-bank statements and payslips for the past 12 months (has only been employed in UK for 3 months)

Accommodation Evidence
-lease agreement

Relationship Evidence
-marriage certificate
-Whats App communication
-photos
-itineraries for trips taken together and trips to see each other before we lived together in Australia.
-joint bank account statements
-energy bill in both our names from Australia

what am I missing? thank you in advance for your input 

Hey guys-
I fly back to Texas on Friday to submit my application. I just want to be sure that I have included everything in my package.  So far this is what it consists of:

Applicant's Documents
-payment receipt (when paid)
-return shipping label
-printed online application (when submitted)
-appendix 2
-bio-metrics (when completed)
-passport
-passport photo

Sponsor's Documents
-certified copy of passport
-sponsor letter

Financial Documents
-spreadsheet showing how much was earned in Australia and what has been earned in the UK up to now (summed up). Also shows the financial requirement will be met while in the UK.
letter of employment/contract
-bank statements and payslips for the past 12 months (has only been employed in UK for 3 months)

Accommodation Evidence
-lease agreement

Relationship Evidence
-marriage certificate
-Whats App communication
-photos
-itineraries for trips taken together and trips to see each other before we lived together in Australia.
-joint bank account statements
-energy bill in both our names from Australia

what am I missing? thank you in advance for your input 

Is your (the applicant's) name on the lease agreement?  Without a visa yet?  If it is, that's fine for you, but potentially bad for the landlord.  If your (the applicant's) name is not on the lease agreement, you need a letter from the landlord saying you will have permission to live there after your visa is approved.

Also, you need a letter from your husband's current employer outlining the details of his employment.

Hello. No, I am not on the lease. I just emailed and asked for a letter.  I do have a letter of employment for my husband.

Am I missing anything else?

Thank you!!

Do you know what the letter needs to address?

It should be on company letterhead, and give the following details:

- confirm sponsor's (your husband's) job title
- salary (and whether salaried/non-salary)
- when the employment began
- whether permanent or temporary
- whether full time/part time

You can optionally also include a copy of the employment contract in your evidence.  It's not necessary, but it is nice to have.

He gets paid through a Hudson CIS contract. So the company that works for for did type out a letter including everything you stated and I also included the Hudson CIS contract.

He does priced work so they stated that and included the words "non salaried employee" in there as well.

do you think that is good enough?