Help please

If you're not apply for a visa for a while, keep your eye on the UKBA website to make sure they don't move the goal posts again before you apply.

Thats a good point. They haven't raised the £18600 since its inception.

Remember the 23k would need to be in your bank for the 6 months prior to application - without dipping below at any point.

Good luck - hope you find a way.

I appreciate all the replies.. It's been a real wake up call and not as straight forward as I thought.

I'm currently earning £16,380 so I'm a little short.. But I could manage to get the savings with some help (roughly 23k).. We were planning on getting married over there in December, but I guess we'll have to reschedule for March/April now with the savings in my bank for at least 6 months

Unfortunately yes. But there is still a way forward which is good.

You can still marry in December. You just would need to wait a bit longer till you can apply for the visa.

Is your 16,380 net or gross?

Remember though guys. That's just the requirement for his wife. As you know, that increases assuming she was bringing a child. Of course this may have no relevance for Gaz

That's gross pay

We're both currently single with no kids

sorry to be a pain--but the savings cannot be borrowed. but if you re-mortgaged your house to release equity--and have the lump in your bank for 6 months prior to the visa app--i think thats ok.

i sold my place last november--and have been renting since.

You're right, it cannot be borrowed from the bank but I think you're alright if its a gift from a family member.

Technically, releasing equity in ones property is borrowing. But I feel sure that it would be acceptable.

that implies an equity release mortgage---not so in my case--i sold up.

i'm pretty sure youre wrong there mate

So do you believe Gaz will be OK cashing in on a small slice of his equity?

In the financial guidance notes it asks for the contact details of any third party who has given them money, whether that means money from your family will be okay I don't know. Maybe they will check that the money has been given and not loaned.

Do you think the UKBA would know the source if they wernt told by the applicant? They only ask to see a fixed number of bank statements.

the money must be legally obtained--the onus of proof is on the applicant---but i take your point about 6 months statements. i just think it depends on the case worker---if he has refusal goals to meet---?

but then--if it is refused--they have to state the reason--which gives the opportunity to appeal---doesnt it ?

is it a case of just one grounds for refusal----or does each application get all or any grounds shown at the same time ?