Hello everyone Hope you can help me with these matter. My sister apply as a family visit visa here in UK last 2 weeks ago,March 27.. She is doing masteral studies in University. But unfortunately she was refuse because the Home office ring the number of the school but maybe no answer from the office and could not verify that she is really student from the school. My sister submit a certification of registration of enrollment with school zeal and logo and telephone numbers on it to prove that she genuine student in the University. But the ECO refuse because she have a doubt and was not able to verify it from the school because no answer from telephone they made. That's the only reason why they refuse because they cant verify from the school.. What should I do? It cost us fortune to apply again because my sister place is in Mindanao and she have to buy ticket in plane to travel again to Manila and book hotel and visa fee again. Is there any way I could contact the home office and explain to them that it's already holiday season in school and staff and personnel have to go back again in May for the enrollment .. That's why maybe the school was not able to answer the call from them. Hope you could advise me what to do as It cost us fortune to re apply again hope to hear from you.Thanks
Sorry to hear about the refusal but I'm afraid there's no way you can contact the HO and explain to them the situation as that's not how it works. First time I applied for visit visa the ECO refused me right away without confirming with my school that I am a student there and when I re applied the Secretary in my school told me that someone called and asked information about me and she confirmed that I am a student there. I was granted with the visa then. I'd suggest you re apply and explain to them that it is holidays and the school personnel are on break OR you wait until May to reapply when the staff in school is around in case they call again.
Hi @pinky01! Correct me if I am wrong but is the family visit visa that you applied for same as the tourist visa which is valid for 6 months? If yes, I believe you can't appeal that and sad to say the only option that your sister has is to re-apply. It is tricky getting a visitor visa because the documents submitted should be strong enough to support the evidence that the person applying will go back to PH. And I've read stories here wherein the visa processors were not consistent in terms approving or rejecting again on the basis of reason for going to the UK and coming back home to PH.
never book a flight till you get the visa in your hand !. most visas are refused first time. regard it as a tax. but at least you get to know the reason for refusal---and maybe able to do something about it.
