It's something I know of a friend having issues with back in 2009 as he was officially bankrupt in the UK. But I haven't heard much about it in relation to immigration directly. Also this is before the £18,500 income, but was thinking about this today as most people in the UK have debts of some description. Yet is any of it taken into account or just see the obligation to state? E.g. you earn X per week, pay the rent, pay the food, pay your car costs and above that they are not interested as your basic obligations are reached.
Matt. It used to be that the focus was on residual income but now it is on gross income. So as long as you earn more than the £18500 pa and satisfy the other requirements then thats it. They dont ask you about the size of your mortgage or what your rent is etc. Kuya applied under the new rules so he will know for sure.
The UKBA only care about the income, it has to be £18,600.00 and it doesn't matter about outgoings. They don't perform credit checks so won't know of bankruptcy or CCJs on a sponsors credit file.
I do find that a little strange as they could literally be borderline bust, family arrives then declare bankrupt. But not going to complain either as its one less thing to worry about. I remember a mate having a mortgage refused over a bill with Orange from years earlier (automatic renewal of contract, cancelled and a dispute occurred with refusal to pay leaving it on his financial history as it never went to court).
Ironically, there are a few people who passed with flying colours under the new rules who would have failed on getting a visa in 2011. Back when you had to draw up an income, outgoings plan along with the application.
The fact that the government only looks at gross income, rather then residual income rather proves the point that the gross income rule is there to control immigration numbers rather than the potential burden on the state. It is a completely flawed system. but the easiest one to implement. Most people looking to bring their Filipina into the UK will either be repaying a mortgage or paying rent. I own my house outright but that counts for nought in the government's eyes.
Agree with both points above but does make my application a lot easier to put together. Odd thing is its not how I look at my own finances which is why it doesn't make any sense to me as I had assumed declaration of income/expenses and existing debt would give a full picture of a persons finance. Just income means nothing as the person could be a compulsive gambler or has less than £100 spare a month due to huge debt commitments. Once into the UK they could literally go down the route of bankruptcy as they have everything and everyone where they need them. Strange.. but not complaining as income proof and money in the bank looks like it will help. Did I read somewhere that £13,000 is the figure stated as "savings" for a spouse if income is below the threshold? As I am thinking to just bank my money for 6 months which will put the £13k+ in the bank + my salary is well above the £24,800 I need (as i have 2 children who are also in the Philippines).
Not a straight forward answer to that. It depends. I wrote a bit on that some months ago. Actually UKBA make it quite clear on this in their document linked below. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/s...8-annex/section-FM-1.7.pdf?view=Binary#page41 7.2.4. The following table sets out some examples where £18,600 is the level of financial requirement and cash savings are being used to meet this level. Have a look at that table. Looking at it closely, £13000 wouldnt be enough to be of help as cash savings in lieu of salary. £16000 is where it starts. Example for savings of £16500 Total Savings Held £16,500 (16500 – 16000) ÷ 2.5 = £200 Income Required £18600-£200 = £18,400
