My wife and I married just last week and we are starting to look at visa options for her entry to the UK. I work full time and exceed the minimum amount required but my partner wishes to work full time as well so we can save enough to start a business in the Philippines. The relationship is genuine and we have met twice now with me staying in the Philippines for a month and 3 weeks respectively. We talk daily on Facebook messenger and have conversations dating back several years. Her family support us very much and were witnesses for our wedding which was conducted in a town hall by a judge. We had a Catholic blessing the day after as well. I have supported her financially for 2 years now and have WU receipts to prove this. My wife speaks excellent English and is almost fluent. Which is the best Visa to apply for and how difficult will it be? How long might it take? Am I better to employ a specialist for the assistance they might offer? If so, can you suggest a reliable one? I know this information is answered many times here but I prefer it to be all in one relevant thread where I can offer more information when required. Thank you in advance.
The visa you need is a spouse visa. It’s easy if you meet all the requirements like Financial, Relationship, Accommodation. It would be hard if you don’t know anything about the process. This forum can be of great help so while you ask questions you take your time in reading as well. There’s loads of threads regarding spouse visa that will give you an insight about the process and the required documents.
This thread will help you big time so take time reading this. http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...r-a-partner-spouse-visa-under-new-rules.5740/
Thank you for the help. It answered most of my questions but left me with a few more. When my partner first arrives in the UK we plan on staying in my parents house until we find a house we both like. It is a large 3 bedroom house with plenty of room for the 4 of us, however it only has one bathroom. Is this likely to be a problem? We are literally planning on staying there until we find a house nearby which could take as little as a week. Secondly, does my partner from the Cebu area of the Philippines require a full medical examination before her move here? Her mother informed me yesterday that she hadnt been immunized against TB but the thread suggests she wouldn't be checked for such a thing. I am sensing funds for her to be immunized now because I want peace of mind. Thank you again.
Your wife will need a TB certificate...it can ONLY be issued at IOM Makati manila. It's valid for 6 months..and must be valid at the time of her online visa application. Do NOT waste money on a test anywhere else..it will not be valid. https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...pines/tuberculosis-testing-in-the-philippines
Your house size should be fine, but you may need a letter from the home owner stating they are happy with the arrangements.
Thank you for the help. One last question. My wife's passport still has her maiden name, Will it need to be updated to show her married name before we apply? Passport application slots are limited in Cebu and she is concerned. I'm sure I read here that it wasn't an issue but I cant find the thread.
Its not a problem her passport being in her maiden name, I believe you can't change it till 6 months after the wedding, something about the marriage certificate needs to be certified, and that can only be done after 6 months. (Unless you know someone in the right place). We applied with my wife's passport in her maiden name.
my wife still uses her former name--which is on her philippines passport--which will expire next year. everything in the UK is in the same name.
