Hello reader,
We have heard very conflicting statements over the last few weeks and as we seek clarification we have got the exact opposite. We reached out to our local MP or more accurately her Senior Caseworker regarding our situation. She emailed the UKBA and below is the response that she received.
We have heard very conflicting statements over the last few weeks and as we seek clarification we have got the exact opposite. We reached out to our local MP or more accurately her Senior Caseworker regarding our situation. She emailed the UKBA and below is the response that she received.
--
Dear Joanna,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes – Mr Tait is correct that there is now a minimum income threshold of £18,600.
The
requirement was set after considering advice from the Independent
Migration Advisory Committee. They were asked to advise on what the
threshold should be to ensure that
the sponsor can support the spouse or partner and any dependents
independently without them becoming a burden on the taxpayer. Their
report, which was published on 16 November 2011, recommended that the
threshold should be set in a range between £18,600 (the
level at which a couple generally ceases to be able to access
income-related benefits) and £25,700 (the level at which the sponsor
becomes a net contributor to the public funds).
The finance requirement can be met by:
· The income from the applicant’s employment or self employment if they are applying from inside the UK (and have permission to work);
· Certain income from sources other than employment, such as rent from property;
· State or private pensions for the applicant or sponsor;
· Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits received in the UK; or
· Cash savings over a certain level (the amount will depend on the level of income).
The couple can find full details of the finance requirement on the UKBA website using the following link:
Kind regards,
HEO MP Account Manager Team
--
This completely contradicts the information forwarded to us by the likes of Transpondia and new Facebook friends who are in a similar situation as ours.
We have been promised further correspondence from our local MP's office tomorrow which we will share as and when it becomes available.
Thank you for reading.
John
What they are saying is correct for NEW APPLICANTS, but this does not apply to those who already applied for fiancee visas before 9th July. Per the links I sent you. Respond to her, ask for clarification and state that you obtained your fiancee visa before 9th July, therefore you should be covered under the old rules. Then update! Thanks. - steve
ReplyDeleteYou need to make it clear that, in your situation, you have a fiancee visa obtained before 9th July. This changes the rules of the game completely.
ReplyDeleteSteve. I have replied to her quoting the same text that you passed onto us so hopefully she can clarify. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood man. It is clear and in fact I also had this clarified verbally from the UKBA helpline in August. What you need to push is that you applied/got the visa before 9th July rule changes. :)
ReplyDeleteHere you go my friend. To quote :-
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/guidance/ecg/set/set1/
'For guidance on applications made on or after 9 July 2012 please refer to Appendix FM which can be found at page 19 of the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.
All applications submitted before 9 July 2012 should be considered under the old Rules.'
There's also a good thread here which I think is relevant to you : http://www.expatforum.com/expats/britain-expat-forum-expats-living-uk/117199-fianc-spouse-question-helppppp.html Quote is -
ReplyDelete'You're fine.
Because you were granted your first visa prior to 9th July, the current rules will also be applied both to your FLR and ILR applications too (with exception of the new English language requirement which applies to everyone not already on ILR). If you want to reassure yourself from the official guidance, here's a link to the Statement Of Changes: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...oi-fam-mig.pdf. There's a section headed Transitional Arrangements starting on page 34...'
By the way, expatforum.com is a fantastic site. You can sign up - some very knowledgeable people there - I hope they can put your mind at rest too.
Bottom line, I suspect the person you are dealing with at UKBA isn't quite 'getting' that you applied pre 9th July. You need to hammer this home. ;)
I await updates with interest.