Released on: September 5, 2007, 5:31 pm

Press Release Author: Marriagevisahelp.com

Industry: Law

Press Release Summary: In a recent ruling, the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, also
known as the AIT, have decided that third party support will no longer be enough to
meet the financial requirements for immigration approval on settlement applications
made under the spouse and dependent children visa categories.

Press Release Body: In the past, UK sponsors and those applying for a spouse,
partner, fiancee or relative visa had to demonstrate that they were capable of
meeting their financial needs independently, without relying on public funds.
However, if did not meet these requirements, but had a relative or close friend who
was willing to help the immigrant, that was often enough to meet the criteria and
allow the immigration process to proceed smoothly.

It remains to be seen whether the Court of Appeal will overturn this decision. If
this decision is upheld, however, there are serious implications for sponsors and
immigrants. For example, if you acting as a sponsor for an immigrant attempting to
obtain a UK spouse, partner or dependent child visa, this ruling means that you and
your wife, husband or de facto partner must prove you are capable of fully
supporting yourselves, without relying on either public funds or someone else's
financial support.

At this point, it is unclear whether the restrictions on third party support will
also apply to those attempting to obtain a fiancee visa to gain entry into the UK.
Although the AIT's decision applies specifically to spouse and dependent child
visas, the rules for entry into the UK are quite similar for fiancee applicants.
Because of this, it is quite likely that the new requirements and restrictions will
affect individuals seeking fiancee visas as well.

It could also affect immigrant parents currently residing in the UK who are
attempting to bring their children over to join them in the UK. Even if another
relative or friend has offered to help you meet the financial requirements for an
immigrant visa, this may no longer be enough under UK immigration law.

Finally, there are those who rely on financial support from family members who have
settled in the UK. Previously, this reliance on loved ones who had immigrated to the
UK was often enough to meet the financial requirements for visa approval. However,
under the new rules, the applicant will have to prove that their only possible means
of support is that received from their loved ones currently residing in the UK.

UK immigration law, particularly fiancee, spouse, partner and relative visas, just
got a whole lot tougher. To learn more about these new restrictions for UK sponsors
and intending immigrants as well as fiancee, partner and marriage visas, visit
http://www.marriagevisahelp.com or contact


Web Site: http://www.marriagevisahelp.com

Contact Details: Andrew Webber
adm@marriagevisahelp.com
UK: +44 (020) 8144-2544
Australia: +61 (02) 8005-0644
USA: +1 (212) 461-4811
http://www.marriagevisahelp.com