I'm preparing for an application based on long residency of 10 years. My visa situation runs as follows (please say if anything seems incorrect for this visa) :
-September 2003 - Student visa (stamped in passport) until end October 2004)
-end September 2004 - end September 2005: Working Holiday Maker visa
-October 2005 - end Jan 2013: Tier 4 Student with renewals
-(processing time for new visa: Jan - March 2013)
-current FLR(M) Spouse visa until September 2015
I have been here legally for 10 years and only out of the country for short breaks which I can account for on SET(LR) form. Shortly I'll take the Life in the UK Test and then can apply from 28 days before 10 years. I am certain I will pass and I am from a country exempted from the language test.
But, here are my questions:
1. Is there a financial income requirement for SET(LR) visas? I can't see a set amount the way that other visas require this. I can send along my bank statements for the entire time, but I do not personally have a large income. I am currently finishing a doctoral degree and supported by my husband (as proven in FLR(M) visa application). I hoped we didn't have to send all his documentation of income along again, but it that's what's necessary...
2. Some of the required documentation I do not have (although I guess I could get it or a letter confirming this sort of thing). For instance, council tax bills as I have been a student for a lengthy time and was included on my now-husband's council tax bills (we've spoken to our council and they acknowledge me but don't want to list me as a 'payer' due to student exemption). The same applies to utilities bills, doctor's bills, etc: I have some spread across the years, but not for all years. Again, my husband has paid for utilities while we lived together as the utilities companies don't want to legal hassle of 2 people responsible for payment (their words, not mine).
3. The landlord's letter: We are both named on our letting agreement. Would that be enough proof? (It was for FLR(M) - why don't they standardise these requirements...)
4. Letter from an employer. Although I am employed or have correspondence about part-time employment, I am not in full time employment due to study.
Thank you very much for any help you may offer. I'm keen to apply in the event that the government removes this category in the future. The applications are such a palava...
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