How long between applying and sending documents?

Hi all,

I'm sure I've read it mentioned on this forum, but can't seem to find it now.

Once we submit our Settlement (fiance) application online, how many days do we have to mail in the evidence to Sheffield?

We are planning to submit our application around August 22nd while I am in the Philippines. I return to the UK on 26th August, so I guess I really need to wait until Sept 1st to get all my bank statements etc together, so I'll have 6 months (March-August). I think I read that documents such as these can be no longer than 28 days old, so sending Feb-July would be no good at this point. Is this right?

Cheers

As far as I am aware, you have 20 days from submission of the online application until your documents must reach Sheffield. I couldn't find any mention of whether that is working days (4 weeks) or not, so erred on the side of caution.
Hopefully someone else can clarify the 28-day rule...

Wait for your fiance's biometric appointment before sending the docs. For bank statements, you can request your bank to give you your updated ones (that means til date) few days before you send the docs to Sheffield.

You have 15 days to post your supporting documents from the date of your application submission. 15

If you are planning to submit on the 26th of August then statements should be no older than 30th July

Just ring your bank up and ask them to send a full set of statements. Mine did. I was told not to use downloaded statements. They can be there waiting for you

August 21st or 22nd will (hopefully) be the date we apply (and pay) online. We'll be doing it straight after her TB test (if it's okay!).

Is there any possibility her bio-metric and passport hand-in appointment will happen before August 26th, as I'd like to go with her? Or is it always over a week later?

August 26th is the date I'll be landing back in the UK, which is a Sunday. I'll need a night or three to add our latest photos, get my passport copied (and endorsed) with the new stamps. Realistically, I think it's going to be Saturday 1st September by the time my docs are posted.

I heard that I should get my bank statements printed in the branch so they can stamp and date them.... and I'll need bank statements for my salary account, as well as my mortgage account... so much to do in those final days

It all depends on the appointments available I would guess. in the Cayman we had a choice of two days a month which is why we are late, we missed the 6th June so had to wait three weeks for the next one

So, I guess the deadline for documents to be sent to Sheffield begins from the date you do biometrics?

no from the application date

e mail your bank ask them to post your statements and provide you with a covering letter stating that they are true records, no need to visit the bank then and they will be waiting for you on your return.

you can use downloaded statements as long as they are headed by the bank and a cover headed letter from the bank.

@Mattecube can you clarify what you mean by "you can use downloaded statements as long as they are headed by the bank"?
Do you mean, as long as the bank logo etc are on the statements? The statements I download via internet banking look like typical ones I'd receive through the post. And if I print them on a laser printer I reckon anyone would be hard pushed to identify them as online copies.

I think I will pop into my local branch tomorrow morning and see what they'd be prepared to do.

Cheers

Exactly as you have put it and get a signed Headed letter ie with the company logo on and registered address stating that the statements are true and factual

My current account is with HSBC.

I downloaded and printed 6 months of statements through online banking. I cringed at the enormity of my financial ineptitude.

Went to the bank the next day (city centre branch in Manchester) and asked if they would either (a) certify/stamp my print outs or (b) give me proper bank provided statements.

They told me that they don't put their official stamp on anything and that the statements they would provide are identical to what I had already printed. They only had a different process for documents being provided to the Russian Embassy.

Shrugged my shoulders and walked out. Application submitted in February and approved in March this year with my home made print outs.

Its from the Biometrics appointment for a fiancee visa.

Took a trip to my local bank (Halifax).

They said they also no longer stamp/sign statements.

They offered to print the statements in branch, which would show their intranet URL and also states "This copy statement was printed in branch" (or words to that effect). But they also said that if I order copies (via online banking) they will have different letter heads on them, so would be discernible as official. So it looks like I will wait until the last moment and order them.

If you apply for standard application you have 20 days after biometrics to submit your docs.
If it's priority processing you have to submit all your supporting docs 10 days after your partner's biometrics.

Like what we did. I did my biometrics first then after five days my fiancè submit our docs to Sheffield now we got an email saying that it is being processed.

Also regarding your bank statements the 28 day rule is for when you submit your ONLINE APPLICATION not biometrics.

So if your online application was submited on 22nd August go back 28 days and your Last bank statement should be dated anytime from that date (22 July to any day in August). Not more than 28 days prior to your online application.

I'm no expert but this is purely based on what I've read too and from my friends'experiences who explained it to me and now in the UK.

The main thread for Fiancè visa is so helpful I suggest you post any of your questions there too if you're applying for fiancè visa.

Good luck.

That's great info @shie1989 , thank you very much

Im in the process of gathering info/detail to make our spouse visa application, i have had to come out of retirement to meet the financial requirement so still have a few months before we can actually apply just a few questions which i need clarifying.

My wife has taken her english test, and passed its the B1 test that she took, her TB test wont be taken until nearer the application date, as it has a limited time for which it can be used.
We are aware that she needs to go to Cebu for her application, what will she need to take to Cebu with her, and Iv just read on here that we are responsible for sending documents to Sheffield which documents will that be ?.

We have to get this application right, as prior to our marriage she was refused a visit visa.