Hello all. I would just like to gauge peoples opinions on the best route to go in regards to the Fiance Visa application. Do we: A) DIY, do we trawl through the forms, interpret the requirements and submit what we hope is everything needed to gain the Fiance visa Or B) Hired help, do we employ the services of a specialist visa application specialist company who's sole purpose, other than to make money, is to give us the best possible chance of being successful with our application We have, between us, successfully applied for the tourist visa for my Fiance to come to the UK for a visit, but that process took a while and we did have to guess on a few sections (we hadn't found this site just then). We have heard that the Fiance visa is a lot more involved with a much greater reliance on supporting documentation and requirements, so wondering whether one of the many visa specialist companies might be the better option, I know they can be expensive, but if they greatly improve the chances of a first time success then overall cheaper than applying, failing (being advised where we failed) and applying again. I know both processes will have their advantages and disadvantages so just putting the question out there. Has anyone used any of these companies and got success/horror stories to tell? Thanks all in advance
It seems the fiancé visa is a bit more challenging than a tourist visa, as you say. And so most people would need help from one source or another. At the end the of the day the choice is yours, depending how much free time you have, how deep your pockets are etc etc. You can also pick up a lot of help on a forum such as this.
Just remember, if you do avail the services of an immigration advisor, you still have to do all the work in regards to collating the documentation. If the application is straight forward it is doable by yourself, your call though. An OISC registered advisor is recommended.
@IMegy...if your case is straightforward, in terms of sponsorship financial requirement and accommodation, and provided you two have met in person ! then give it a go yourself. lots of others do--and ask for help and advice on here if they want to.
Things are MOSTLY straightforward, the only element that is a possible sticky point, if we wanted a speedy visa, is that I was in the UAE working until the beginning of December, and while I have been working for my company since the 11 (contract signed date) I am not a permanent employee just yet, this is likely to happen soon after Easter. Some of the information I have seen online is that you need to earn the minimum of 18,600, which I meet, and that you need to have been employed by the same company for the previous 6 months, this is where it is open to interpretation, I have a contract with my company, and have been employed by them on the contract basis since 11th Dec, working with them continuously since 4th January and will be employed permanently soon after Easter, so I am unsure if it will be 6 months from that point, or whether the time on the contract basis will also count. We have indeed met, we have been dating in the UAE (she is still there) since October 2016 and (dont tell the UAE authorities) living with each other for all intents and purposes, but this is not official as not really legal in the UAE. While I know these can, and do get completed without help, I am wondering about the actual help a company will offer, however I wont get sucked into any of the marketing speak where they 100% guarantee they will get the visa approved, sounds too good to be true and all that. Thanks all for your help till now
i'm not au fait with the employment situation youre in--but i know some other guys on here are / have worked in a similar way. are you self employed ? in the greater scheme of things---the fee charged by an immigration specialist--about £1000 is small beer compared to the overall cost of the settlement process, getting wed and setting up home together. if you can afford it--go for it. i didnt hesitate to seek specialist advice over our recent refusal. a 30 minute telephone call consultation cost £115.
How soon are you planning to apply for the visa? So far based on what you have provided to us, its the employment which might be an issue for you. Can you not wait a few more months- ie until you get permanent enployment? If employment is the only sticking point, i would suggest DIY.
I'm using a visa specialist. We managed the visitor visa easily enough but I wanted peace of mind. The ccompany I use also provide a money back guarantee. There's a short interview forst to make sure they feel confident they can be successful obviously.
Thanks, I will have a look at this and see how they compare to the others. When you say they have an interview first, would this be worth arranging for when Rowena is visiting in April or is it just necessary for one of the couple to attend (or is it even via phone). Thanks again
The interview is just a telephone interview with yourself. With it being a no win no fee contract I think they screen out hopeless cases
Thanks. Good to know. I think we are going to leave it a bit, she is coming over in April and possibly again before her first tourist visa expires, I think we will want to enjoy this/these trips without the additional stress, the tourist visa application and wait period was stressful enough, the fiance visa is literally life changing......
