From the UK spouse in pk.
So what I’ve heard is that it’s really hard to get the spouse visa now could take years,and that its more likely to be rejected if the person sponsoring has only worked 6.months prior to applying ( like I’ve come back from pk and working and will apply asap 6 months done) they usually can see this person working only 6 months as opposed to someone whose been working for years.
Any advice or does anyone know how true this is
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Loads of friends - some very recent.
Processing time for applications depends on if you have work permit or are settled (ILR/citizenship).
For work permit holders - applying for a dependent visa is simple and quick takes 2-3 weeks processing time.
For settled people - it take 2-3 months.
Working more than 6 months doesn't matter - you need to be able to show earned income of more than c.£18k in the UK in the last year - if you don't then your app will be put on hold until the courts decide whether this earnings cap is legal or not.
If the scenario is such that you married someone (nikah etc) some time ago like a 6 months a year and then you apply for spouse visa after a gap - they now want evidence that it is a genuine relationship and has continued during the gap for e.g. whatsapp call / msg log, pics of trips, tickets etc etc.
There is no truth that applciations take years or it is very hard except if you don't meet the income criteria. If you don't meet the income criteria then you have to wait until the test case runs through the courts.
Of course there have been some other changes - for e.g. now a spouse can only get settlement after 5 years instead of 2 before.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Is it not 6 months pay slips?
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Basically just like other countries such as Canada, etc.
Proof of income needed. No more dependent of welfare/social services.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Pay slips are for last six months however they can check further back if they need to. It takes ages, year(s) if the spouse is a Pakistani national unfortunately in your case. If he/she are US or Canadian or any Western country's citizens it'll be very easy and very quick.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Years. Why? I know they can look further backbut don't they require 6 months at least?
Confused.
Also I do hear people usually pretend to work for 6 months and pay someone tosend them legitimate pay slips and all and they pax tax just like they would if they were really working . How normal and safe is this. I personally wouldn't do this, but wanted to know who does it.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Years. Why? I know they can look further backbut don't they require 6 months at least?
Confused.
Also I do hear people usually pretend to work for 6 months and pay someone tosend them legitimate pay slips and all and they pax tax just like they would if they were really working . How normal and safe is this. I personally wouldn't do this, but wanted to know who does it.
Please do NOT even think about doing this! The reason why so many legit couples are facing extreme difficulties in their application process and why the system has become so frustratingly rigid and suspicious is because of such pathetically corrupt and immoral practices. And there has been a crackdown on this.
In regards to your actual question, yes you will either get caught or they will simply delay or reject your application if your payslips seems like they are from vague, small family or ghost businesses. It is not just earning a certain amount, the type of employment also plays a huge role. An application of an established accountant with years of history working in a top city financial firm is more likely to be favoured, then say an application of a retail worker with no proper job history or an administrator working in a small local business, even of he/she meets the earning requirement.
The system has become so strict and sceptical, and it is now beyond just the mere ticking of the tick list. A close attention to detail is being paid, and Home Office is using a lot of other judgements to assess applications.
But each application is different, and some people do get lucky and their application processed a lot faster, everything is possible. But I would strongly advise you against using any unlawful short cuts! They have very much stopped working.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
You misunderstood me.
Your pay slips needs to be atleast for six months.
When I said years I was referring to the maximum time it can take a Pakistani national to get a spouse visa into the UK and it can take long maybe half a year to a year so you have to be ready for that. And please don’t try anything shady, they only make it harder for everyone 
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Not to worry I will never do such a thing anyway. But I hear people do
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Have the rejections increased? I hear all sorts. I know from PakistanI it's a whole different ball game.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
It only gets rejected where people don't submit the right documents.
Like I said over the last year around 10 of my friends did this. For work permit holders it took 2-3 weeks in pakistan for the spouse visa. For people on ILR or citizenship it took 2-3 months. Those are standard processing times. There can be exceptions but more than 90% will be like this. Sometimes people give fake stuff which takes time.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
My husband is in pakistan he has no visa . I am British. No work permit or ilr @taffer87
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
i did say ILR or citizenship above. Its the same for settled people whether ILR or citizenship.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
It's not 'really hard' you just need to fulfil every requirement as listed on http//www.gov.uk/marriage-visa/overview
The UK government has stepped up the requirement, anyone applying for a spouse visa must have their UK partner earn at least £18,600 per year (proven by PAYE tax contributions, figure may me changed, please check yourself how much you should earn to qualify.) As well as this you or our partner will no rely on any public funds (job seeker) and have suitable accommodation to live in.
If you pass all these requirements (there may be more requirements, please check yourself a the gov.uk website), then no it is not difficult.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
If you've been working for six months and have six months worth of payslips to support your spouse visa application then why do you need to know whether anyone has submitted fraudulent payslips for a similar application and why do you think anyone would even admit to it publicly.
Concentrate on your own application, submit all the evidence required as set out in guidelines and make sure the paperwork is all completed accurately and correctly. They don't refuse just for the sake of refusing an application, there is always a reason behind it so don't give them any reason to reject your application and the visa will be granted.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
They are making it harder for you to import spouses from countries like pakistan.From november onwards i have heard the spouses coming into the UK from outside the EU have to pass a "life in the UK" test before they can apply for spouse visa.Its all because some of our people are using trans-national marriages to facilitate someones immigration to britain.Why do many such marriages end in divources.Why do we hear about forced marriages in britain.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
They are making it harder for you to import spouses from countries like pakistan.From november onwards i have heard the spouses coming into the UK from outside the EU have to pass a "life in the UK" test before they can apply for spouse visa.Its all because some of our people are using trans-national marriages to facilitate someones immigration to britain.Why do many such marriages end in divources.Why do we hear about forced marriages in britain.
I haven't heard that but - even if true - it would hardly be a burden for someone who knows basic English. I spent 5/6 hours doing online sample questions on a website in total. In the actual test I think I was done in 2 or 3 minutes and out of the test center soon after that with the certificate. The test is so basic and stupid - beyond belief.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
I haven't heard that but - even if true - it would hardly be a burden for someone who knows basic English. I spent 5/6 hours doing online sample questions on a website in total. In the actual test I think I was done in 2 or 3 minutes and out of the test center soon after that with the certificate. The test is so basic and stupid - beyond belief.
When did you do the test.I have heard they are trying to make the test harder because some people were getting forged certificates.I know some people who married a few years ago but are still waiting for their spouses to get visas.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
When did you do the test.I have heard they are trying to make the test harder because some people were getting forged certificates.I know some people who married a few years ago but are still waiting for their spouses to get visas.
A year ago.
My brother gave it last week - same story.
Re: so any recent applications for spouse visa?
Why are they waiting still @asif86