I am applying for a fiancee visa at the UK consulate in New York City. I will then be moving over to England to join my fiancee, and be married within two months. I have two questions:

a. My fiancee is a musician, thus self-employed and does not draw pay stubs or any regular wage. I am a freelance writer and my situation is similar. We are both young and recently(ish) out of school. Thus his father is writing a letter as our "financial sponsor," offering to support us if we are to fall on hard times, and including his bank statements to show his considerable financial strength. Where do I ask him to send these financials and his statement? Do I have them send them to me, then include them with the application, or is there a place where he can fax them so they can be included with my application? (This goes for my fiancee's statement, financial documents, and landlord's letter as well). Also, does this virtually guarantee we are free of worries that we will be denied due to financial considerations?

b. Once we are married in England, I realize I must then apply for my spousal visa, so that I am allowed to take employment. I plan to go to Croydon to make this application. What are the approximate waiting times once I make this application, is this pretty much guaranteed to be approved (since a fiancee visa was already granted), and do I need to pay a SECOND £250 visa fee?

Kind regards for your time and consideration.

 

I'm American, he's British. I don't have a lawyer - we have consulted one and might use one in the end, but money's just far too tight I think.

It's INVALUABLE to learn all copies must be original. Many thanks, you've saved me lots of time. Funny I never saw that in any of the requirements anywhere.

I would really appreciate if anyone could be of any further clarification regarding how successfully having a financial "sponsor" aids the granting of a visa, and the process of switching from fiancee to marriage status.