previous overstayer any advice please

[Lira]

I have been living in the uk for 12 years. The first 2-3 years I had legal visa and there after I overstayed my visa. In 2012 I met by boyfriend who is a British citizen. In February 2014 we went on holiday on our return I was detained although they gave me a few days to go home pack and finalise my things in which I did. On the 20 February I returned to south Africa adding to that I purchased my return ticket.

My boyfriend has visited me in south Africa. We will be getting married in the next few months. My questions are:
1. Financial requirements: do we need to show the 6months bank statements of saving?
2. Will I have difficulty in acquiring a spousal visa with my previous immigration history?

[Casa]

Your fiance needs to submit the last 6 months of payslips showing annual earnings of at least £18,600. If you meet this minimum level of earned income you don't need to show savings.
Your time spent illegally shouldn't cause a refusal for a spouse visa application as long as you didn't 'frustrate immigration rules' i.e work with false documents, use NHS facilities, claim Public Funds to which you weren't entitled etc.

[Obie]

You should not. The overstay will not result in a ban, but you will need to disclose it.

Yes you need to show earning over a 6 months period.

[Lira]

Thank you for the response. I did work during that period should I declare this on my application?

[Amber]

You were working illegally?

[Lira]

Yes. Also went to university and completed a degree.

[Casa]

How did you manage to submit the relevant documents for employment and university?

[Amber]

Breaching immigration rules could be considered frustrating the rules under 320(11).

[Lira]

Does that mean the visa could be refused. Is the anyway I could show that for having a degree I will contribute to my the community as we economically?

[Wanderer]

Yes. Also went to university and completed a degree.

Did you use false documents/identity?

[Casa]

Read through the Immigration Rules on reasons for entry officers to issue a refusal.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... raph-32011

[Frontier Mole]

Given the information supplied so far there is every reason to suspect you will be refused a spouse visa.
It is clear by your lack of comment you have accessed public funds, no doubt used the HHS, worked illegally and more than likely used deception along the way if not out and out false documents.
Perhaps your husband to be might be better off considering.South Africa as his new aboad or some other EEA state.