Visit Visa
Background
IAS was approached by the applicant’s partner in the UK for advice on applying for a visit visa.
The British partner had initially met the applicant overseas and had visited her in her home country before making an application.
What were the challenges with the case?
The couple was concerned that they would be unable to satisfy two key requirements for applying for a visit visa – demonstrating sufficient funds for the trip and planning to return to their home country once their visa expired.
The applicant was based in a country that had a largely cash-based economy, with only 1 in 5 residents having a bank card. Therefore, providing sufficient evidence of funds to the UK Home Office was going to be difficult.
Proving the intention to return home was also a challenging process as she was living in her family home so did not have access to a tenancy agreement or evidence of property ownership.
How did our lawyers help?
Our experienced team was able to advise the clients that to satisfy the financial requirement, it would be advantageous to provide extensive evidence the British partner would be providing funding and accommodation for the entire trip while outlining in the cover letter and application form that her home country is a largely cash-based economy, and even though the applicant has regular income it would not be possible to provide evidence of this.
One benefit of this approach was that it also showed the couple had a genuine relationship that could also be supported by proof, including photos and communication while apart.
In terms of showing ties to the applicant’s home country, we helped the applicant gather documentation showing her substantial business activities in her home country and how this showed her reason for returning at the end of her stay in the UK.
Was the outcome?
The client was approved for a visit visa and having a successful experience with IAS it is likely they will return for advice on future applications.
