ILR under pre July12 rules...

[Chelk]

My husband was granted his first spousal visa in 2008 when we got married in uk. We then lived abroad together until 2012. Applied for another spousal visa pre July 12 (just) which was granted. We then had that visa extended in 2015. Visa is due to expire so we are planning to apply for ILR. Here's where it gets tricky. We have businesses abroad and whilst I've stayed here with the kids, he's come and gone between. I can't travel easily and can't leave uk for medical reasons and the kids are both settled at school. My husband has spent the majority of the last 4 years outside the uk although he's always had a home here. We don't have any bills etc in his name as its all in my name. Is this going to be a problem?
Any advice for us please? Is there a different application form/supporting document checklist as we will be under the pre July 12 change?
Thank you in advance for any help.

[vinny]

Expect problems.

[Chelk]

What problems specifically please? We're planning to book our same day service application appointment for 2 weeks time. Are these problems we can fix? I'd really appreciate any advice.

[vinny]

As outlined in the previous link, you must satisfy them that you have a subsisting marriage and intentions to live together in the UK, etc. From your husband's 4-year history, there appears to be no intentions to live together permanently in the UK.

[Chelk]

We absolutely intend to live in the uk together, we always have done! My husbands mother had a series of strokes and he cares for her completely. She lives with him and he does everything for her. He is back in the uk every 6-8 weeks for 2/3 weeks at a time so we can be together. These 4 years have been ridiculously tough for us both.

[vinny]

That's what you have to convince them of. How are you going to show that without documents to support these assertions?

We don't have any bills etc in his name as its all in my name. Is this going to be a problem?

[vinny]

He may use alternative supporting documents, if he has any.

[vinny]

Bank and credit card statements? Council Tax? Letters from doctors? Telephone bills? Driving licence? Anything?

[KVP]

I heard someone tried as below for Utility bills. Not sure if it works out for you.

- Request your utility bill provider to update names
- Wait for few days or a week; then ring and request them that you need all old bills for 1 year or so. they do it for free or with small fee.
- Hope you see the "updated names" in old bills too. Some service provider's IT system are not so clever, as far as I understand.