Got Spouse VISA - What Now?

[vinny048]

My wife has received her entry clearance visa and has been in the country for 4 weeks.

She has registered with the GP and has a NI number enabling her to work.

The issue I have is I cannot open bank account due to ID requirements. They require a photo ID (Passport) & and ID with her address.

As we live rent free with my parents it is impossible to provide this form of ID. I thought of applying for a provisional driving licence but I've read that she has to be in the country for at least 185 days before she can apply.

Have any other board members faced a similar issue and does anyone know of a solution?

Many thanks
Vinny

[peppekalle]

Have you tried taking her passport together with the letter from DWP giving her Ni number as proof of address.

[vinny048]

Yes, they won't accept that. I really don't know what to do about it.

[Just Wondering]

It's possibly one of the most frustrating things for a foreigner because the ID that most banks accept is ID that most people won't have for awhile after arrival.

Does your wife have a bank account in her previous country? Can she change the correspondence address of that account? If so, that can be used as a document.

Also, Santander accepts the biometric residence permit as a second form of identification according to their website.

Alternatively, can you open a joint bank account?

[vinny048]

We cannot even open a joint account as they need my wife's ID. This is so frustrating.

How do I go about getting a biometric residence permit?

Many thanks
Vinny

[Just Wondering]

I thought Biometric Residence Permits were being issued by UKBA instead of the sticker in the passport. Is your wife's visa in her passport or a separate card?

Alternatively, perhaps your wife and you can enter into a lease with your parents? With the rent being a peppercorn.

[Greenie]

have your wife put as an addressee for a utility bill or get a mobile phone contract in her name registered to that address.

[CR001]

I thought Biometric Residence Permits were being issued by UKBA instead of the sticker in the passport. Is your wife's visa in her passport or a separate card?

Alternatively, perhaps your wife and you can enter into a lease with your parents? With the rent being a peppercorn.

Entry clearance visas are always a sticker in the passport. BRPs only issued for applications within the UK.

[vinny048]

Her visa is inside her passport. I'm going to have to look at another way of doing this.

Thank
Vinny

[MPH80]

Regardless of living rent free - she should be added to the council tax bill. That'll provide you the necessary id.

Alternatively you could just add her a second name to the gas or electric bills.