About brian rogers Expertise I have been a United Kingdom Immigration Officer for many years and am now retired.I am willingto offer advise on all matters of United Kingdom Immigration. Who needs a visa and who does not? Where to apply for work permits. In particular I have found that many people are worried about marriage to UK citizens and the rukes connected with that I can help
Experience Before being an Immigration Officer I was a Captain in the Merchant Marine. I feel that I have a good understanding of many cultures
Expert: brian rogers Date: 2/29/2004 Subject: Settlement visa for parents
Question We have applied for my elderly parents (father over 65yrs mother under 65yrs)from India to settle with me in the UK.The following details our circumstances :
My parents have three children ,I am the only son.
Since my youngest sister married in Aug 2003 ,I have been the sole financial supporter of my parents.Prior to August 2003 my parents were living with my ,then unmarried,younger sister who was working far away from home.As it is considered culturally unacceptable and irresponsible to send a young unmarried girl far away from home to live by herself, my parents stayed with my sister in her rented accommodation.She was responsible for paying the rent and saving for her marriage.My parents took care of all other expenses with the support I was providing.She was however there to help if they needed anything.
Since she married my parents returned to their own home.
They own their own house which they currently live in and have owned this since my father was in work ,about 35 years ago or so.The house is their only "asset".
I have one other sister who is married and settled abroad.However it is not possible for my sisters to provide any financial support to my parents due to their own commitments,also culturally and traditionally it is totally unacceptable to be accepting any assistance from married daughters.
My Father and mother have few relatives living in India ,most of them do not have a close friendly relationship with my parents ,or are not in a financial position to be providing assistance to my parents as they are retired themselves and are at times dependent on others.
Both myself and my wife are UK citizens and have permanent employment in the UK.We own our own house ,and have sufficient room to accommodate my parents.
We have been providing regular financial assistance to my parents by sending cheques ,postal orders and sending money (cash) via other relatives visiting India.My parents also have Power of Attorney to access my bank account in India should they need it.
My parents main reason for wanting to join me in the UK are as follows:
I am their only son .I left India to study in Russia at the age of 18 ,some years later came to UK from Russia and worked in the UK.I later met and married my wife and settled in the UK. Since leaving India at the age of 18 I have only visited my parents occassionlly for periods of short stay.
My parents are now old ,they do have some problems with mobility ,shopping etc , caused due to age. Apart from this they are in good health .They are all on their own really without anyone to turn to in India.They now have no responsibilities back home as my sisters are both married and settled living their own lives.My parents would very much like to spend their remaining time with me .The fact I left them at the age of 18 and never spent any quality time with has always been a constant worry for both myself and my parents.
Can you please advise what sort of "problamatic" questions my parents are likely to be asked ,considering our circumstances ?
Is there any problem with applying for their settlement visa on the grounds we have applied?
Many Thanks
Balan.
Answer Hi Balan,
There is certainly no problem with your applying for your parents to come and setle here.
Some things you will have to prove. Such as the facts about money sent to them. If you have sent cheques that will show on your bank statements. Postal orders , have you kept proof?. Cash with friends is a bit more difficult to prove but the Visa Officer will be well aware that happens. Prove as much as you can.
Relatives in India is a problem as your parents will be considered to have support in India even if it is a married daughter. However again the Visa Officer will be aware of your cultural problems with that.
It is certainly well worth applying however.
Best of luck
Brian
