Knowing what evidence to submit with a Family Member visa application is of vital importance, especially when considering financial evidence, which must show that an applicant’s income is legal and comes from regular employment over a certain period of time. Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules sets out what financial evidence is permissible when making such Family Member visa applications – but it is not easily digested.
Meeting the Evidential Requirements for Salaried Employment Under Appendix FM-SE
Appendix Family Member-Specified Evidence – as Appendix FM-SE is otherwise known – explains the evidence that can be submitted to demonstrate that applicants or their family members are in certain forms of employment. The most common form of employment likely to be encountered is salaried employment, meaning that an applicant is employed by a company.
Appendix FM-SE sets out that the evidence required to demonstrate that an applicant is in salaried employment will need to cover a certain time frame, usually a period of 6 months prior to the date of application if that applicant has been employed by their current employer for at least 6 months. If the applicant has been employed by their current employer for a period of less than 6 months, they will need to submit evidence for the previous 12 months. Appendix FM-SE states that the applicant will need to submit both payslips and bank statements covering the relevant period, as well as a letter from the employer who issued the payslips confirming their employment and salary, and the type of employment and how long they have been employed.
Meeting the Evidential Requirements for Self-Employment Under Appendix FM-SE
The evidence required to demonstrate that an applicant is in self-employment is more detailed than for those in salaried employment, but it follows the same principle of covering a certain period of time, and providing monthly evidence in the form of bank statements and payslips. In this instance, however, Appendix FM-SE states that that period of time is the last financial year.
In most cases, a self-employed person will be someone who is the director of a limited company based in the UK, and receives income from employment and/or shares in that company. When making an application as a self-employed person, Appendix FM-SE states that it is necessary to provide evidence of the registration of that company with Companies House, as well as a copy or print-out of the CT600 for the last full financial year. Further, Appendix FM-SE states that the applicant must submit annual audited or unaudited accounts as required, as well as VAT and PAYE registration, and business bank account statements from the 12 month period covered by the CT600, which will show salary leaving the account. This salary will also be evidenced by the applicant’s personal bank statements and payslips.
If the applicant received dividends from their company, Appendix FM-SE states that they must also submit dividend vouchers for the period covered by the CT600, which will again need to be shown on the applicant’s personal bank statements.
Using Legal Representation to Comply with the Evidential Requirements Under Appendix FM-SE
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an application that complies with Appendix FM-SE.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Applications that Successfully Comply with the Evidential Requirements Under Appendix FM-SE
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.