Spouse / Settlement visa for entry to the UK

[Mindanao Mal]

Hi, I was married in Davao City on 18th September to my beautiful Lanie (http://www.mmcsl.com/wedding). Lanie is staying on at home to attend her sister's wedding in March 2011. However, we will be applying for the visa early in 2011.

I have my own house here in London and a steady job and additional private income. I believe I can show that I am well able to continue to support Melanie financially so that there would be no burden on society here.

May I please ask your help and advice here for a 'newbie' in these matters. First, may I assume that a 'spouse' visa and a 'settlement' visa are one and the same?

Melanie twice before applied for tourist visas, first to Spain and then to UK which were both refused on grounds that she could not provide adequate evidence of her own financial history ie bank statements, business receipts etc. Would anyone know if this will prejudice our new application?

I am most grateful for any advice to help us to be together as we know it is our destiny!

Thank you and thanks to all contributors in the forum.

[joebloggs]

yes same thing,

nope it should not make any difference, but provide as much evidence as possible to demonstrate your relationship is genuine.

also have a £2000+ in savings should help

[Terpe]

Hi Mindanao Mal,
Spouse visa means you intend to live in UK together on a permanent basis. So settlement.
Spouse visa normally issued for 2 year period.
Aftert the 2 years period your wife can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
After living in UK for 3 years as a spouse your wife will be eligible to apply for British naturalisation.
One step at a time.
The whole process will become quite expensive
Better start saving now! Good luck

The previous independent visa refusals based solely upon financials will not impact the spouse visa application.

[rani]

welcome to the forum