Schengen visa requirements while resident in the UK

[brucelowe]

I'm a South African who lives in the UK. I've planned a 1 week trip to Italy (flying into Switzerland), and noticed this requirement:

"your residence permit in the UK must be valid for at least three months beyond the returning date of your trip."

I'm in the UK on an ancestry visa (5 year) but it expires 2 months and 4 days after I get back from that trip. I am applying for indefinite leave to remain (a more permanent visa) since I'll have been in the UK for 5 years - but won't have it before that trip.

So..my question is
a) Why is that requirement there - Is it because they think people will not return to the UK after the trip?
b) Is that requirement at the discretion of the person issuing the visa? (And therefore flexible)

c) If yes to the above two - Could I instead provide alternative proof that I am not going to stay beyond that one week? (work contracts/rental contracts/applications to nurseries for the little one, my family are staying in london while I'm on that trip etc)

Obviously I'd rather not cancel the trip but I dont want to waste time/money on a schengen visa application if there is no chance I can get it.

If anyone has any knowledge on this I'd appreciate the info. Thanks in advance

[just jak]

Hi, I see you didn't get any replies to your question. However, I was wondering if you submitted your application and what has happened?

My husband and I want to visit Italy and maybe Greece or Switzerland too for a few weeks but he will be on a spouse visa to the UK (we find out next week) whereas I have a British passport. I was wondering if he can apply for the schengen visa from the UK or if it is better for him to apply from Bangladesh before he arrives in the UK.

Thanks for your help.

[ca.funke]

...My husband and I want to visit Italy and maybe Greece or Switzerland...whereas I have a British passport...

Hi just jak,

as long as you don´t need to go to Switzerland, you don´t need a visa at all!

See Part 2) of the description >>here<<.

Rgds, Christian