Yes if you apply for spouse visa (that is when you marry in the Philippines) she will be granted with a 33 month visa and apply for one FLR(M) after that valid for another 2.5 years. After completing 5 years in the UK she can then apply for ILR. FLR(M) -- Further Leave to Remain (Marriage)
According to this (see below), she can join me here in the UK as an unmarried partner and still stay for 33 months before needing to apply for an extension... https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk
You are only eligible to apply for unmarried partner visa if you can prove that you have cohabited (lived together as partners) for at least 2 years. I believe you are not eligible for that
Hmmm...indeed, as you say, that may be difficult to prove Thanks for all the input so far everyone! [Goes back to Plan A]
Am I wrong or is that not really true now? Is it not the case that spouses have to go the citizenship route so ILR is no longer a valid option?
We still have to go through ILR Jim. I believe that's because not everyone wants to acquire the citizenship because some are not allowed dual citizenship in their country unlike the Philippines. So some can just have ILR even without having to acquire a British citizenship.
Ilr is after 5 years of flr. Then citizenship if wanted. More fees. Hence my figure of ten grand is about right.
I'm now thinking my best bet is to go for the family of a settled person visa. But as we are not already married and haven't lived together for two years, I reckon if we officially get engaged and apply for that visa, my fiance would then come here and as soon as we get married she will be able to start working. We would then be able to live together (and work legitimately) for a few years and could just apply for further leave to remain when required (if that's still the same requirement in the future!)
Yes that's you best shot. Apply for the marriage settlement visa (fiance visa) get married here in the UK and apply for FLR(M) and then she will be able to work and finally start a life.
you want settlement----( settlement -marriage ) visa to bring your fiancee over. all will become clear when you open an a/c with the ukvi visa website. https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/home/welcome here are the latest fees you will need to take on board. no doubt they will increase as time goes by ( just gone up 25%--again ) settlement-marriage visa fee =£1464 plus £551 extra for a quick decision ( which currently is a total farce ) after you get wed----first FLR=£993. plus £500 IHS surcharge ( allows her to use the NHS ) plus £500 for same day service at a UKVI office of your choice---gets her that all important BRP ( WELL worth it if you want her out working ASAP £££££££ ) 30 months later---second FLR---£993----plus £500 IHS surcharge. ( no need to spend £500 for same day service IMO--others will argue otherwise ) before the 5 years are up--its ILR time....its--are you sitting down-?--£2297. then--citizenship--if wanted.---£1282-----which is a bargain--because it didnt go up !!! see-----https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/607212/Fees_table_April_2017.pdf on top of all that TB test before she can start. £ ?? IELTS test a sort of basic english language test £?? cfo sticker...about ten bob. flight ticket from the philippines ( £££ double what you expected ) another gouge when she changes her name in her passport--her BRP has to match. about £230 i think. how am i doing so far guys ?
A "Marriage Settlement Visa" is not the same as a "Family of Settled Person Visa". The OP can not apply for the second since he is not living in the UK as an EEA citizen exercising his Freedom of Movement Rights. He should apply for the first mentioned.
maybe i got this wrong--but isnt a "Family of settled person " visa--just that---for children or dependant parents of a settled person ( or spouse thereof ) ?
Hi Bud, Welcome to the forum as you know its a long time since my wife and I have been through this process and many things have changed. You will get good advice from the people here but ultimately the decision is yours in which is the best way for you to proceed. I wish you and your future wife the very best, rest assured it will be worth it.
