Fiancee Visa Application

Hi Everyone,
My Visa application pack is ready except for Halifax bank notarizing my personal bank statements (for the same 12 month period as the tax return showing that the income from self-employment has been paid into an account in the name of the person), as they say that it's not bank policy.
I know that other applicants have had the same problem, so how do I get round this issue and still satisfy UKVI?
Please help me over this final hurdle.

If they are original bank statements then they do not need stamping/signing by the bank.

Hi Timmers,
The bank statements are printouts from online banking as it was the only way to get a full set in my name only, as some of the monthly statements showed a joint account with Mom.

Ah okay, I had the same problem with NatWest, I ordered copy originals from the bank, in our case it set the application back by two weeks.

I thought that the Halifax stamped statements, I'm sure I've heard from people here on the forum that they have had their statements stamped there, maybe its a branch by branch thing or the Halifax have joined banks like the NatWest in not providing the service, either way I know its a pain in the backside from my own experience.

One thing to remember, your financial information cannot be any older than 28 days at time of your online submission, you are probably aware of that but I thought I would mention it.

Timmers,
Some monthly individual statements will show a joint account with Mom which will not qualify.
I did change the account into my name only, but some of the statements during the 12 month period will show joint.

Tricky one that, I know what I'd be tempted to do in that case but I wont say as it is not my application.

Lets see what @Micawber says, he might know of a similar case.

Timmers,
You may be right about a branch to branch policy so I've made an appointment at another branch, but if they refuse what do I do?

Timmers,
Another option would be for me to do another printout from online banking which would be a continuous statement throughout the particular tax year, and which would be dated within the 28 day time frame.
Would that eliminate the need for notarization?

You are doing right, when my local bank declined stamping my statements I went to a larger main branch, a girl there was about to stamp them then the Manager stepped in and told me and the tiller that it was not NatWest policy to stamp bank statements. The manager also told me that the UKVI would except online statements that are not stamped, I said "I will believe you when I see UKVI over the bank sign."

I'd be tempted to submit the online statements without stamps using the extra pages of the VAF4a2 form to explain that the Halifax would not stamp them. From a personal perspective only I see that better than submitting bank statements that have someone else's name on thus maybe creating an issue for the case worker and possibly leading to the visa being declined.

Personal opinions only Terence, bear that in mind.

It does say in the guidance notes for the VAF4a2 application form that online statements have to be stamped. I would have thought by now that the UKVI know full well that a lot of UK banks will not do this for their customers this is the reason I'd be tempted to submit them, with an explanation of course. Its a bit of a catch 22 as you can see.

See what @Micawber says, maybe he will stick his neck out, but he tends to stick to the book just like me.

Timmers,
Thank you for your advice.
Perhaps other forum members will comment as well.
I'll wait and see.

This bank statement fiasco really needs sorting out by the UKVI, other options need to be offered on the application form, the accountant signing the statements for example, they are professionals whether they are in your employment or not.

Good idea, I would also look at some other sites as well if I was you, cant do any harm, you may be lucky and find a conclusive answer.

You may also find something in the attached document;

Timmers,
Thank you again.

I would say to anyone who even has just a girlfriend from outside the EU - leave your bank account settings so that you receive Paper Statements.

Even if just at the start of a relationship, you never know when you might need them in the future.

Can you not order some paper statements? I have a savings account with Halifax that doesn't do paper statements, but I don't need to use them so it doesn't matter.

If a bank is awkward with paper statements, then I'd suggest changing banks. They re a key part of a visa application.

Same thing happened to me with Barclays at first the lady that I spoke to refused to stamp my printed bank statement even after explaining that it'll be used for wife's visa application but after 2 days I went back to Barclays and spoke to other staff and luckily he put a stamp on every page after checking my printed online bank statement.

give it a try again pal. Try to speak to other member of staff.

Hi Terence,

I may have missed this point but is it possible for you to order the required statements from the bank ?
Provided the bank statements are on official bank stationery UKVI will accept them.

The refusal of banks to stamp statements or even to supply a letter supporting the authenticity has been an ongoing issue for a few years.

Despite researching I have not so far found any cases of refusal and appeal on this issue so can't offer any caselaw based solution.

Terence, in connection with personal bank statements, to be eligible for consideration as evidence these can only be in the name of the sponsor, the applicant or both.

Caseworkers have no discretion on this.

Hi timmers sorry if i bother u here i would like to ask if the papers from the accountant is the same as accountant letter i have my husband financial certified today is it the one i need to include on my financial file. Sorry again xxx