Advice on re-locating partner from PH to UK

Whilst we're at it, an estimated cost for TB and English Language tests?

TB test info -

https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...pines/tuberculosis-testing-in-the-philippines

English test info -

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/locations/Philippines

Thanks a lot

Folks thanks a lot for this info so far. I'm creating a word document mapping out all steps and costs we are looking at.

Happy to share it here when it's finished.

Maybe it will look good in our application process. I haven't looked up whether or not it's a good idea to include excess documents though.

Attached and compiled a list of costs so far, in a document you can add to, for anyone reading this thread at a later date.

I know I lurked on this forum for some time looking for this king of thread!

Very important to include in financial section: your certificate of employment with your start date, position, status of employment (full time or part time/contractual) and annual salary.

I think you will find the extra £100 is because the spouse visa is for 33 months.

Correct. You can also pay an extra (£500 ? ) For what's called priority service, which means you might not have to wait for quite the same outrageous amount of time

Is it advisable to pay for the priority service?


I read on here someone had been waiting since November - I assume that was not a priority case.

I also read another had been waiting up to 90 days - I assume that was priority, just a little overdue.


I'm asking opinions because it's obviously a lot of money. We could buy a plane ticket for that price.

Also wondering what the purpose of an immigration lawyer would be? And if anyone here used one?

when it first started--priority service--in 2016, ukvi talked of 10 day decisions--and--yes--several were achieved. now it probably knocks 10 days off the lengthy times youve seen. frankly--i wouldnt waste my money. but--its your call.

Wouldn’t waste my money in priority service. It’s not getting a decision much quicker. If your case is straight forward no need for immigration lawyer.
Just make sure you satisfy all the requirements and have all the paperwork required and in good order before you apply.

if its a straightforward simple application..and you feel confident--save your money. a solicitor can charge £1000 and up. you will still have to gather your documents and proofs anyway.

however--in complicated cases ( like my wifes child's visa ) a GOOD solicitor can make the difference between a yes or a no. certainly if an app is refused and the loser decides to appeal . ive read of cases where UKVI simple fold and say yes rather than go to court.

we suggest when you make your application--publish your list of documents on here for all to see--and spot any missing or mistakes., before you hit the go button

Some brilliant answers here!

When it comes I will indeed post my application documents here.

Very grateful for your time folks.

No doubt I will have more questions to follow.

Pretty much agree with everything said so far...

In the 5 months since we submitted our (non-Priority) Fiancée visa application (still waiting!), the Priority service has turned into a farce and nothing more than a means for UKVI to prise more money from the pockets of people who just want to be together... ASAP!
As has also been said, an immigration lawyer won't put your application together for you - you still have to gather the evidence etc - but MAY give good advice in more complicated scenarios.

In my case, 5 weeks (25 working days) processing time for my fiance visa and 33 'working days' for my FLR (M). Both non-priority.

I've seen a priority app with 38 'working days' processing time.

Very impressive for non-Priority applications, @menchu_edge, but how long ago was that?

For my fiance visa, it was submitted September last year. Then FLR (M), was only April this year.

I am, quite simply, 'gobsmacked' especially regarding the FLR(M)...!