Photos for Visa

I had all my documents completed and the last thing was to get my 2 recent, specific photos to include with my application. I thought that I could go to the same place(s) that I could get my US passport photos, but found out I was wrong. I called CVS, Target, Walgreens, and a few other photo centers that do US passport photos and asked if they could do the specific size for my UK photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm). They all told me they were not able to do it – some weren’t able to change the size at all and others couldn’t get it to that specification because of the way their printing machines are set up. My options were growing smaller.

I considered going to a specialty photography place, but I didn’t have the time nor did I want to spend any more money, so I found a great solution:

http://www.epassportphoto.com/ !!

I highly recommend it for anyone who has a good camera to take high-quality photos and is short on time/money.

1. You select the country (UK – size 4.5 x 3.5 cm) and click “get my passport photos”
2. Take a picture following their guidelines and those of the UKBA (see below)
3. Upload the photo from your computer/camera
4. Ensure compliance by moving the preview box over the face/specified areas
5. Choose where you want the pictures to be printed (you can pick up in store or ship them)
6. Pay (about $8) and get your photos!

The process was quick, easy, and inexpensive. I hope this is a good solution for some of you who were in the same situation. Just be sure to follow all the UKBA rules – you don’t want your application rejected/held up because you couldn’t get the pictures right. Remember: NO SMILING! 🙂

The UKBA photo guidelines can be found at the following sites:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/documents/photo-passport/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/visa-photo-guidance.pdf

 

Sample Applicant/Sponsor Introduction Letters

We were reading around the internet and on forums that it’s a good idea to write a sort of “cover letter” from both the applicant and sponsor (the UKBA does say that having the Sponsor’s invitation to join them in the UK is important, SEE: Sample Visa Table of Contents). However, we had no clue what to write! So, here are the letters we wrote to perhaps help guide you in writing your own.

SPONSOR’S LETTER:

17^th June 2012

Dear Sir/Madame:

Please find enclosed here an application and supporting forms for a spousal visa for XXX, who I am sponsoring.

I married XXX on 16^th June 2012 in her hometown of XXX, XX, USA. We are now applying for a visa so that she can join me living in the United Kingdom in my London flat.

We met in August 2009 in XXX, XX, where I was an exchange student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for a year. Our friendship developed over the following months and we started dating. I returned to the UK in June 2010 and we maintained our relationship through skype, electronic correspondence, mailed letters, and visits. I visited the US again for Christmas 2010 and 2011 and XXX came to England to see me in July 2011 (we got engaged at this time).

I am a British citizen, I was born in XXX and grew up in XXX. I now live in London. I studied at King’s College London and the University of North Carolina. I now work in XXX, for XXX as a  Manager.

We have read through the application guidelines and put together the necessary documents herein. We thank you for your consideration.

Yours Faithfully, XXX

APPLICANT’S LETTER:

17^th June 2012

Dear Sir/Madame:

I am the hopeful applicant of a spousal visa, which I completed in order to join my husband, XXX, in the UK.

XXX and I met in August 2009 and began our friendship, which turned into a romantic relationship just a few months later. We were engaged two years after meeting and have now fulfilled our intentions of marriage. We were married on 16^th June 2012 and are optimistic that I will be able to move to England within the next few weeks, so we thank you for your prompt service and careful consideration.

Enclosed you will find documents supporting our relationship, financial independence from government funds, and our accommodation.  Please find all necessary documents to your specifications and we look forward to hearing from you.

Gratefully Yours, XXX

Sample Visa Table of Contents

The website on UKBA lays out the documents you need but leaves a lot to your interpretation. It was tough to decide what to include, what was important, or how to prove certain requirements (like having met before). We looked around the internet at blogs, forums, etc. and came across a table of contents that really helped us plan out our visa application**. Below is our table of contents:

Table of Contents

I. Sponsor Information

A. Sponsor’s Letter of Introduction

B. SU07-01 Form

C. Copy of Passport Bio Page

D. Originals of Birth Certificate (with copy)

E. Financial Information

1. Bank statement
2. P60
3. Payslips (3)

F. Evidence of Accommodations

1. Letter from XXX verifying accommodations agreement
2. Council tax
3. Utility bill (electricity)

G. Employment Information

1. Letter of Employment from XXX
2. Employment Contract from XXX (front page)

II. Applicant Information

1. Applicant’s Letter of Introduction
2. Online application

C. Passport and two color passport-sized photos

D. Biometrics Confirmation

E. Work History/Evidence of Employability

1. Resume
2. Copy of UNC-CH diploma

F. Financial History

1. Bank statements

G. Proposed flight itinerary to settle in England in July 2012

III. Applicant-Sponsor Relationship

A. Marriage

1. Certified Copy of Marriage License (with copy)
2. Wedding photo
3. Wedding program

B. Evidence of Ongoing Relationship

1. Relationship timeline
2.  E-mail log (screen shots)
3. Student IDs from University (OneCards)
4. Applicant’s railcard obtained on visit to UK
5. Photos from visits spent together
6. Sponsor’s student visa for study abroad in USA

Documents required

This section describes the documents that you should send us to support your application to enter or remain in the UK as the husband, wife or civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled here.

All supporting documents must be originals, not copies.

If you do not send us all the documents we need when you make your application, we may refuse your application because of insufficient evidence, and your fee will not be refunded.

You must send:

• 2 recent passport photographs and your passport – see the Photographs and passport page
• evidence of your age and your partner’s age
• your marriage or civil partnership certificate
• evidence that you were both free to marry or enter your civil partnership, if either of you was previously married or in a civil partnership
• evidence that you have met
• evidence of your English language ability – see the English language page
• evidence that you can can maintain yourselves and any dependants adequately without needing public funds – see the Maintenance (funds) page
• evidence of your accomodation

To find out how we will return your documents, see the Applying from outside the UK and Applying from inside the UK pages.

Pasted from <http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/documents/>

This is a more comprehensive list of documents required. This is the list I received via email after submitting my online Visa in June 2012:

The following supporting documents are required:

• IMPORTANT:  Please ensure that you submit a full printed copy of your online application.  Your printed application form should be signed and dated where applicable. The printed copy can only be used ONCE to support a visa application and should not be photocopied or submitted to support any other visa application
• SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: You should read the ‘Guide to Supporting Documents’ to help you decide which documents will be useful in supporting the statements that you have made on your visa application form (VAF).  The guide for your application type can be found here:  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/customs-travel/beforetravel/documents/
•  your current passport
• your old passport or a copy of it
• your original marriage or civil partnership certificate
• One recent colour passport photograph (not more than six months old) Please note: scanned or copies of photos are not acceptable
•  a written invitation from your sponsor in the UK (if applicable) and a copy of their British passport/EU passport or UK residence permit
• After you have attended your appointment please send your documents to: British Consulate General, New York, 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022
• completed online application form
• evidence of contact between you and your sponsor for example letters, email, telephone bills, etc.
• evidence of funds available to you, in the form of detailed bank statements covering at least the last three months
• evidence of your sponsors accommodation in the UK, for example mortgage or tenancy documents, etc.
• evidence of your sponsors employment or intended employment in the UK, for example a contract or offer of employment, salary slips, etc.
• Flight reservation/itinerary showing your intended dates into and out of the United Kingdom.  Do not purchase your ticket before the visa is issued
• If you are in the US – Valid US Immigration Status (originals not copies) e.g. Permanent Resident Card, Advance Parole Document, H1B visa, F1 with I-20 etc
• If you are resident in another country dealt with by the British Consulate-General in New York and are not a citizen of that country please submit evidence of your legal immigration status
• Immigration status (Original not copy):e.g. Permanent residence card, Valid I-94 H1-B – L-1 – B-1 I-20 (Signed on reverse side) IAP-66 Employment authorisation card with advance parole document

**I also want to give credit where credit is due, so for our original “guide” please see: http://www.expatforum.com/expats/britain-expat-forum-expats-living-uk/81781-list-my-uk-spouse-visa-supporting-documents.html.

Hard to Find Form: SU07/01

I thought I had all the forms filled out before I went to submit the online visa application, but I was wrong! A small screen had popped up to give me a link to another form we needed to complete for our mail-in application. Just in case you can’t find this form or you miss this step in the process, don’t forget to include the SU07-01 form. This form is filled out by the Sponsor; though you must look carefully because the first information it asks for is the Applicant’s (USA), not the Sponsor’s (UK)!

Here is the link to the SU07-01 Form: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/visas/sponsorship-form.pdf

Order of Operations and Timeline

Part of what made the process for me and my husband so difficult was figuring out the order everything happened in and how long it would all take. We got married June 16th, 2012 in the USA (North Carolina) and we knew we couldn’t submit the forms before then but there was much research to be done to find what came next. This was our order of operations and the expected and actual processing times. From day of marriage to day of decision (July 2) it was 16 days.

1. Get marriage license (can be done in NC 30 days before) and get married

Ahead of time things that could/should be done: Get 2 passport photos; Fill out required forms; Gather supporting documents

2. Submit online visa application

3. Book appointment for biometrics

Expected time: 1-2 days

Actual time: Appointment was 3 days out or later

4. Get certified marriage license

Expected time: 7-10 days

Actual time: 5 days

5. Send out mail/paper application

Expected time: 15 working days (See their processing times page for up-to-date guides for times and/or like the UKBA in the USA on facebook)

Actual time: 2 working days (arrived Friday, decision made by Monday) with optional priority service (extra $300 fee)

6. Get answer from UKBA and book flight

Biometrics

Biometrics are required for a complete application and is included in the price. You can only make an appointment to have your biometrics taken AFTER you submit the online visa application. You MUST HAVE YOUR PASSPORT with you and the receipt you get when you finish the online application. They stamp the receipt/confirmation page at the biometrics center and you send that in with your paper/printed application (along with your passport). One of the biggest mistakes people make is sending in the documents and passport without doing the biometrics FIRST!

The appointment takes less than 10 minutes. The staff at one of the US Immigration centers takes your digital fingerprints and digital photograph. They stamp/sign your biometrics confirmation/receipt and then you leave! The official information is below (from http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/usa/applying/biometric/?langname=UK%20English):

Enrolling your biometric information in the USA

This page explains how you can enrol your fingerprints and facial photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) as part of your application for a UK visa in the USA.

You must enrol your biometric information as part of the visa application process, unless you are exempt from this requirement. You can find a list of exemptions under ‘More information’ below.

We will not process your visa application unless you have provided your biometric information or you are exempt.

To enrol your biometric information, you must book an appointment at one of the Application Support Centers run by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They are not involved in the decision-making process and cannot influence the decision on your visa application. The Application Support Center will not retain any of your documents, passport or travel document, they will only enroll your biometric information. Once you have given your biometric information at one of these centers you will need to submit your completed application to the UK Border Agency in New York via mail or a registered travel agent.

You must attend the Application Support Center with your printed biometric appointment receipt, a printed copy of your online application form and your valid original passport or travel document.

Applicants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult when enrolling their biometric information. This adult cannot be a member of staff.

There is no extra fee for enrolling your biometric information. The enrolment procedure is quick and simple.

Fingerprints

To scan your fingerprints, we use a machine which complies with all relevant UK and international safety standards. It does not use ink, liquids or chemicals.

You cannot enrol your fingerprints if your fingertips are cut or damaged, or if you have put any form of temporary decoration (such as henna) on them. You will not be able to enrol your biometric information until the injury has healed or the decoration has faded.

If any of your fingertips are missing, you must enrol your remaining fingerprints.

Facial photograph

We will photograph your full face. You must not be wearing sunglasses, tinted spectacles, hair across the eyes or anything that obscures your face, but you can wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons.

We will explain our requirements to you in more detail when we take your photograph.

Choose a heading below to show more information.

UK Settlement Visa Questions

I’m one of those people that likes to know the questions ahead of time. And, anyone can go to fill out the visa page and see the questions by typing in things and going page by page, but if you’re like me, this post will help. Below is the list of questions for the UK Settlement Visa Online Application. You’ll fill this out on the UKBA website to start the process (before biometrics and before sending your application/documents via mail).

Some of the questions have multiple choices and/or build on themselves (you’ll see what questions came up with my answers); all have a little questions mark that you can click on that will tell you what they are looking for. You can begin the application and save it, though they only keep it in their system for a certain period of time before you need to being again (I think it’s a few weeks). When you submit it, it will ask you to pay for it and then you will have a chance to make your biometrics appointment. I hope these questions help you plan and have your answers ready:

Official page with links & submission info: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/usa/applying/?langname=UK%20English

Where you actually submit the visa: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Part 1 > About You

1	Given name(s) (as shown in your passport)

2	Family name (as shown in your passport)

3	Other names (including any names you are known by and/or any other names that you have been known by)

4

Sex

5	What is your marital status?

6	Date of birth

7	Place of birth

8	Country of birth

9	Nationality

10	Do you hold, or have you ever held, any other nationality or nationalities?

Part 1 > Travel Dates and Purpose of Travel

11	What is the main purpose of your visit to the UK?

12	On which date do you intend to travel to the UK?

Part 2 > Passport Information

13	Please enter details of the passport or travel document that you will use to travel to the UK. Current Passport or travel document number

14	Place of issue

15	Issuing authority

16	Date of issue

17	Date of expiry

18	Is this your first passport?

Part 3 > Contact Details

19	Please provide details of your full address and postal code. This must be the address at which you live rather than your family home. Apt/Floor/Suite/Room/Street

20	City/Town/Village/Suburb/State/Province(where applicable)

21	Select the country in which you live

22	Postal Code/Zip Code

23	How long have you lived at this address?

24	Home (landline) telephone number

25	Your mobile/cellular number

26	Will these be your contact details during the application process?

Part 4 > Your Family > Mother and Father

27	If known, please enter the details of your mother and father, even if deceased. If you do not know the answers to any of the questions please state ‘Not Known’. If the date of birth is not known, please enter a date of ’01 Jan 1900′. Mother’s given name(s)

28	Mother’s family name

29	Mother’s date of birth

30	Mother’s place and country of birth

31	Mother’s nationality/nationalities

32	Father’s given name(s)

33	Father’s family name

34	Father’s date of birth

35	Father’s place and country of birth

36	Father’s nationality/nationalities

Part 4 > Your Family > Spouse/Partner

37	Full name of spouse/partner

38	Spouse/partner’s nationality/nationalities

39	Spouse/partner’s date of birth

40	Does your spouse/partner currently live with you?

41	Will your spouse/partner be travelling with you?

42	You answered ‘No’ to the question ‘Does your spouse/partner currently live with you?’ Please provide full details of where your spouse/partner currently resides. Apt/Floor/Suite/Room/Street

43	City/Town/Village/Suburb/State/Province (where applicable)

44	Select the country in which they live

45	Postal Code/Zip Code

46	Home (landline) telephone number

47	Mobile cellular number

Part 4 > Your Family > Children

48	Do you have any dependant children?

49	Please note: If a child is travelling without their parents, you should present written notification from the child’s parent or legal guardian that they consent to the child’s visit. Will any other children be travelling with you?

Part 5 > Employment and Finances

50	Please note: Children under the age of 18 should enter their parents details. What are your current personal circumstances?

Part 5 > Employment and Finances > Employment

51	Have you ever worked for any organisation of a type (state or non-state) listed below?Armed forces (including national service)

52	Government (central or local)

53

Judiciary

54

Media

55	Public or civil administration

56	Security (including police and private security companies)

Part 5 > Employment and Finances > Income and Expenditure

57	What is you total monthly income from all sources of employment or occupation, after tax?

58	Do you receive income from any other sources, including friends or family?

59	Do you have savings, property or other income (for example, stocks and shares)

60	How much of your monthly income is used to support your family member’s and other dependants?

61	How much do you spend each month on living costs?

62	You stated that you have savings, property or other income. Please give details and state which currency e.g. US Dollars or UK Pounds Sterling.

Part 6 > Previous Applications and Travel History

63	Have you travelled to the UK in the last 10 years?

64	Have you ever travelled outside your country or residence, excluding the UK, in the last 10 years?

65	Have you ever been refused a visa for any country, including the UK?

66	Have you been granted any UK visa in the last 10 years?

67	Have you been refused entry on arrival to the UK in the last 10 years?

68	Have you ever been deported‚ removed or otherwise required to leave any country‚ including the UK in the last 10 years?

69	Have you made an application to the Home Office to remain in the UK in the last 10 years?

70	Do you have a UK National Insurance Number?

71	Do you have any criminal convictions in any country (including traffic offences)?

72	Have you ever been charged in any country with a criminal offence for which you have not yet been tried in the court (including traffic offences)?

73	In times of either peace or war have you‚ ever been involved in‚ or suspected of involvement in‚ war crimes‚ crimes against humanity or genocide?

74	Have you ever been involved in‚ supported‚ or encouraged terrorist activities in any country? Have you‚ ever been a member of‚ or given support to an organisation that has been concerned in terrorism?

75	Have you ever‚ by any means or medium‚ expressed views that justify or glorify terrorist violence or that may encourage others to terrorist acts or other serious criminal acts?

76	Have you engaged in any other activities that might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character?

Part 6 > Previous Applications and Travel History > Additional Information

77	You stated that you had travelled to the UK in the last 10 years. Please provide details of all your trips to the UK over the last 10 years.

Part 7> Settlement Type

78

Applications from parents, grandparents and other dependant relatives under Rule 317 of the Immigration Rules must be accompanied by a signed undertaking from the sponsor. The sponsorship undertaking is available online in the Family Members guidance (INF 6) on the UK Border Agency’s website or from your Visa Application Centre.On what basis are you going to the UK?

79	If we need to interview you, what language would you like to use in the interview?

Part 7> Settlement> English Language Requirement

80	Are you exempt from the English Language Requirement?

Part 7> Settlement> English Language Requirement> Additional Information

81	You answered ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Are you exempt from the English language requirement’. Please select one of the statements below that best suit your circumstances:

82	Please provide details that can support the statement you have selected above:

Part 7> Settlement> Your Sponsor

83	Sponsor’s given name(s)

84	Sponsor’s family name

85	Sponsor’s sex

86	Sponsor’s date of birth

87	Sponsor’s place of birth

88	Sponsor’s country of birth

89	Sponsor’s nationality

90	Sponsor’s normal country of residence

91	Where is your sponsor now?

92	You stated that your sponsor is in the UK. Please provide the following details. When did they first arrive?

93	Sponsor’s permission to live in the UK

94	When did they get this permission?

Part 7> Your Sponsor> Passport Details

95	Sponsor’s current passport or travel document number

96	Place of issue

97	Issuing authority

98	Date of issue

99	Date of expiry

100	Does your sponsor hold any other valid passports?

Part 7> Your Sponsors Contact Details

101	Please provide details of your Sponsors full address and postal code. This must be the address at which they live rather than their family home. Apt/ Floor/ Suite/ Room/ Street

102	City/ Town/ Village/ Suburb/ State/ Province (where applicable)

103	Select the country in which they live

104	Postal/ Zip Code

105	How long have they lived at this address?

106	Home (landline) telephone number

107	Their mobile/ cellular number

108	Email Address

109	Will this be their main contact/ correspondence address during your application process?

Part 7> Your Relationship to Sponsor

110	Have you met your sponsor?

111	When did you first meet your sponsor?

112	Where did you first meet?

113	When did your relationship begin?

114	How often do you meet?

115	When did you last see your sponsor?

116	How do you keep in touch with your sponsor?

117	When and where did you marry/enter into a civil partnership? If you are not married or in a civil partnership please state this.

118	Is/was this an arranged marriage?

119	Are you and your sponsor related outside marriage?

120	Do you intend to live with your sponsor permanently?

121	Have you lived with your sponsor in a relationship like a marriage or civil partnership at any time (including since a wedding or civil partnership ceremony)?

122	Have you or your sponsor ever been married or in a long-term marriage like relationship before?

123	Does your sponsor have any children?

124	Is your sponsor responsible for supporting anyone financially including any children listed above?

Part 7> Settlement> Your Life In The UK

125	Where do you and your sponsor plan to live in the UK? Apt/ Floor/ Suite/ Room/ Street

126	City/ Town/ Village/ Suburb/ State/ Province (where applicable)

127

Country

128	Postal/ Zip Code

129	Does your sponsor own this property?

130	How many bedrooms are there in the property?

131	How many other rooms are there in the property (NOT including kitchens, bathrooms and toilets)?

132	Does anyone, other than your sponsor, live in the property?

133	Do you intend to work in the UK?

134

You answered ‘No’ to the question ‘Does your sponsor own this property?’ Please provide details on what basis does your sponsor occupy this property e.g. rented, owned by a parent. Please Note: you will be required to provide documentary evidence to support this e.g. rent book, parents’ mortgage statement.

135	You answered ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Do you intend to work in the UK?’ Please provide full details of what you intend to do and give details of any employment you have already set up.

Part 7> Sponsor’s Current Finances and Employment

136	Does your sponsor have a National Insurance number?

137	What are your Sponsor’s current personal circumstances?

138	What is your sponsor’s National Insurance number?

139	What is your sponsor’s present work or job or occupation?

140	What is the name of the company they work for?

141	When did they start this job?

142	What is their work address?

143	What is their employer’s telephone number?

144	What is their employer’s email address?

145	Do they have any additional job(s) or occupation(s)?

146	What is their total monthly income from all sources of employment or occupation after tax?

147	Does your sponsor receive income from any other sources, including friends or family?

148	Does your sponsor have any savings, property or other income, for example, from stocks and shares?

149	Does your sponsor receive any money from public funds and/or benefits?

150	How much of your sponsor’s total monthly income is given to their family members and other dependants?

151	How much does your sponsor spend each month on living costs?

152	You answered ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Does your sponsor have any savings, property or other income, for example, from stocks and shares?’ Please give details and state which currency e.g. US Dollars or UK Pounds Sterling.

Part 8> Additional Information

153

Is there any other information you wish to be considered as part of your application?

154	Have you used an agent or representative to complete this application?