Unsure of the best way to go about meeting my friend from the Philippines

Hi, over the last few months, I've been talking to a girl from the Philippines, and we get on great and we both want to meet in the uk for a few months. She is 21 and I'm 26. Basically, we both want to be in a relationship, but obviously we want to meet each other first. And she really wants to meet in the uk, because we see each other for much longer. I can only take two weeks off work, whereas she can visit for a few months.

However, I've been lurking the forums, and other websites and it seems that it isn't quite as easy as that.

Initially we wanted to try for a visitor visa, but having read the forums it seems that is really hard to obtain. Especially considering she had to give up college last year, and has been working various jobs since, doesn't own any property etc. And also the job she is working now is only for one month.

I can support her once she's over here, and she actually wants to pay for her own flights.

Would it be better (and easier) for me to visit her first in the Philippines? And then apply for a different visa?

Is it a real long shot to try the visitor visor? Even if I'm financially sound?

Thanks for any advice

That is what happened to me and my fiance a year and 4 months ago. But because I already graduated and didn't have a job by that time, I don't have strong economic ties to the Philippines. So he decided to come here for 2 weeks. But you can always apply for the Philippine tourist visa like what Stephen did when he came back August 2014, he stayed for nearly 3 months back then and applying the visa wasn't much of a hassle for him as well.

You've done your homework Best to visit her. I know 2 weeks isn't much but that's the easiest solution all round really.

And I think with the British passport, he can stay more than 2 weeks. A month at most I think.

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately, I can't get any time off work longer than 2 weeks, so I wouldn't be able to visit her for any longer than that.

What after 2 weeks though? Assuming everything goes well and we decide we want to be together?

I'm confused with the marriage/fiancé visa options. After I visit her, what would be the best option/visa for her to visit the uk?

Yes but he said he is limited to time away from employment.

If I were you, I will give more time for us because both visa will need proof of relationship like you visiting her back here after that two weeks, I suggest work more on building the relationship first because that's what I think they will look into other than the financial requirement.

And the visa will also be up to you but since you said she wants to go to the UK, why don't you go for the fiancee visa.


Just suggesting though..

Your choice but the 2 routes you've mentioned are the most common.

British passport won't need anything to come to the Philippines other than your flight tickets it's a holiday visa as what me and my fiance would like to call it.

Print out your flight details, make sure it's return and exchange it in the airport. The one that has UK to Manila

What I meant was, I can't actually be away from my job for longer than 2 weeks.

I'd love to be able to visit for longer, but it isn't possible

Thank you for the replies, I'll look into the fiancé visa option a bit more, and certainly be looking to book to visit her at some point this year

As long as you have proof of relationship then you can push through with the fiancee visa goodluck!

you have to have met at least once in order to go fiance visa route--so it looks like a trip over there is the best bet.

but she could try for a visit visa--nothing ventured etc--only about £90--which it a drop in the bucket compared to the rest.

She can try the visitor visa because like what you said she has a job right now, she can ask for a letter from her boss that they are allowing her to go on holiday.. All she basically needs, it a proof of her strong economic ties to the country and maybe a letter from her family regarding that as well.. you'll see other requirements on the UKBA website as well

Wow, I thought he was the one who replied. My apologies. The timezone is making my head crazy. Sorry again.

Thanks bigmac, yeh maybe it's worth a shot. She doesn't have strong economic ties which is the thing that makes me think it will be unsuccessful.
She has only just started her new job last week actually.

Plenty of time to think things through anyways

And thanks Hannah also

Yes. Better, if possible, for him to visit you.

Visit visas are not impossible. And as they are more affordable than some other visas then its worth a pop.

If she has no assets in the Philippines then forget the visit to the UK on a tourist visa it would be declined as they would see no reason for her to return to the Philippines. Just wasting gas your money concentrate going to see her then see how it goes. Good luck

I agree with others - best for you to travel to Phils to see your girlfriend.

If you really think the relationship could be serious, I suggest that you keep a log of all your conversations on Skype or whatever, phone calls, email etc. And, if you do go to The Philippines, be sure to get plenty of photos of you with her family and friends, keeps travel documents, receipts etc. as they can all be used as evidence that your relationship is genuine should she apply for a fiancée or spouse visa in the future. If you ever send her money, keep a record of that too.