Can you still open a bank account if your visa is under process?
Sep 23rd 2007, 8:20 am
#1
Soupy twist
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,271
Can you still open a bank account if your visa is under process?
A new colleague who's just arrived from the UK and whose visa is being processed has been told by our HR department that it's impossible to open a bank account until she's got her residence visa *and* she's received her first month's salary.
Is this true?
When I arrived two-and-a-half years ago, I went straight from my medical test to the HSBC and opened an account, telling them that my visa was under process - no problem at all. I couldn't get an ATM card or credit card until my visa had come through, but they gave me a chequebook and cheque card straight away.
Obviously rules can change here overnight, so are things different now?
Is this true?
When I arrived two-and-a-half years ago, I went straight from my medical test to the HSBC and opened an account, telling them that my visa was under process - no problem at all. I couldn't get an ATM card or credit card until my visa had come through, but they gave me a chequebook and cheque card straight away.
Obviously rules can change here overnight, so are things different now?
Sep 23rd 2007, 9:25 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 158
Re: Can you still open a bank account if your visa is under process?
Gareth,
Yes, you can open a bank account before visa is complete, but not one that will allow for credit cards and cheque book.
However, you do need a letter from Co. stating that your visa is being processed.
However as you have "ignored" me some time ago, you probably won't see any of this - pity!!
Yes, you can open a bank account before visa is complete, but not one that will allow for credit cards and cheque book.
However, you do need a letter from Co. stating that your visa is being processed.
However as you have "ignored" me some time ago, you probably won't see any of this - pity!!
Sep 23rd 2007, 9:45 am
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Location: UK... for now...
Posts: 355
Re: Can you still open a bank account if your visa is under process?
As above, a letter from employer confirming that they are sponsoring you, and that the visa application process is underway will (or should) be enough...
Sep 23rd 2007, 10:21 am
#4
Soupy twist
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,271
Re: Can you still open a bank account if your visa is under process?
Cheers Robbies, I thought so 
Sep 24th 2007, 11:30 am
#5
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Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,553
Re: Can you still open a bank account if your visa is under process?
