Spouse visa- Do I need a home surveyor?
I am legally married to my wife from the states- we will be doing the spouse visa in April.
I was wondering if I need a home surveyors report or can I just write down the location I am living, the bedrooms, the dimensions of the room, information about all the people that living there with a signature from a lawyer confirming everything about the house situation? I would also include a letter from the landlord giving permission to live there with a copy of the deed of the house.
I know a lawyer who is happy to sign for us at a cheaper price whereas a home surveyor is charging much more.
Would this work?
Edit: as indicated in OP earlier questions, he is a British citizen, his wife is a US citizen and they have been married for 1 1/2 years, if not more, as they were at the time of his October 2016 query.
My apologies- to clarify, I am a british citizen- I was born here.We have been married religiously since nov 2015 but only legalised the marriage in april 2017- we are wishing to carry out a spouse visa.
Best Answer
It is not a requirement, but is among the options, according to the UKVI* guide to supporting documents
Accommodation details
You may wish to submit any of the following documents to provide us with evidence of your accommodation. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel and so on until you have received your visa.
Details of the accommodation that you and your sponsor intend to live in and permission for you to stay there along with evidence of any other occupants
This could include:
- Land Registry documents
- mortgage statements
- rent book or tenancy agreement
- council tax statements
- property inspection report
- utilities bills
- accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant/ landlord confirming that you are able to stay there
The Housing Act 1985 Part II covers provision of housing accommodation. It gives overcrowding rules and defines what exactly is a bedroom and how many people can occupy it. The overcrowding analysis can be done by a licensed surveyor. In most instances, ECO's take the applicant's word for it.
And while the question is not applicable, this response by @GayotFow has quite a bit of valuable feedback that can help guide you..
*While the linked pdf bears UK Border Agency logo, now UK Visa & Immigration, the content originally published in 2013 has been maintained and updated, most recently in October 2017.
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Which things are required for spouse visa?
You'll need to provide:- all your names.
- your date of birth.
- your current passport or other valid travel ID.
- copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports.
- a copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one.
- details of any previous immigration applications you've made.
Which test is required for UK spouse visa?
For spouse or partner visa applicants, the relevant test is known as an 'English language test in speaking and listening'. For a test to be accepted, it must be taken with an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider at an approved test centre.What is an accommodation report?
The letter (called an Accommodation Report), is to confirm that the property you intend to occupy is: Fit to live in; complies with housing legislation; and will not become overcrowded when you move in.Does my wife need a visa to enter UK?
Spouse visa entry clearanceIf you are seeking to enter the UK on the basis of your relationship with a UK national you must apply for entry clearance before coming to the UK. If you are applying from inside the UK you must have leave to remain in the UK on a visa that is valid for six months at the time you apply.How to apply for Spouse / Partner visa
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