Fiancee visa timing of application - can anybody advise?

Hello,
I was reviewing the internet to see if I could find advice about an application that my Filipina finacee and I plan and came across this great site. I was wondering if anybody on here can give any feedback related to our plans. We have known each other just a few months but have big plans - some say it is too soon but everything between us feels just right. I'm also getting a bit older and we want to start a family before I feel it is too late. We have already met for 2 weeks where we travelled around the Philippines and spent time with her family in Samar (she is living in Luzon). I have already booked my flights for a further week to visit her in September and am planning to visit again for 3 weeks for the New Year. We have looked into the requirements as detailed on the Home Office / Border Agency website and we definitely meet all criteria. We have hundreds of photos, videos, messages and emails and the support of both our families including our parents and my son. My main concern though is that the HO/BA will turn down our application because we have not known each other long enough. We really want to submit the application after my September visit (7 months knowing each other and 6 months after our first meeting in person) so that she can come back to the UK with me at the end of my January visit (timelines currently 60 days for a decision according to the published metrics). Is this feasible? According to the "rules" there should be no reason why they should turn us down but I fear a case officer on a bad day and neither of us want to risk being turned down as it could jeopardise our future together. Anybody any thoughts on this - thanks a million!

hi Greg--welcome to the site.
who can say what a case officer will do on any day---but if you do apply--and are declined--they have to give the reason--and you can appeal against it. the easiest refusals are on the sponsors income situation--make sure yours is correct.

but--why the rush--?.
-my gut instinct would be to wait till after your new year visit--you would have known each other a year then--plus 3 visits. just strengthens your case.

also--dont bank on a 60 day decision---worst case it could be 6 months.

finally--are you absolutely certain she is single ?

In a similar situation to yourself, we had no problem with my wifes Spouse Visa application.

Lots of photos of yourselves, evidence of time together ( flight ticket stubbs) etc, a well constructed accompanying joint statement and plenty of skype or YM logs etc should do the trick.

And of course the rest of your supporting documentation needs to be water tight too.

I'd also recommend applying after the third visit. It's just easier to prove as you have more flight tickets, more photos in different areas and so on.

Also, as your family approve, get signed affadavits from them saying that they do. It helps with the "genuine relationship" thing.

There's no limit as such, but they may be a little sceptical if you've just met for one visit.

I did the fiancee visa route too. I prefer it to getting married over there and then coming back on my own again. That's just a bit weird to me. But they do want more proof of a genuine relationship if you're not married.

Yeah, as JA says, the signed statements are very important.

Hi Bigmac, thanks for the quick response. She is definitely single I know for sure but I understand where you are coming from. Income situation is fine as long as I keep my job. I know it seems like a rush but I guess we just miss each other. I guess you are right though - we could submit the app come January when I am there with her and worst case she should be here within the next year. Thanks again!

I think that's a nice idea.

if thats to be the plan--best take all the docs with you for your lady to use with her application. originals where required. if in any doubt what to take---ask here.

Point taken - we will plan well.
Thanks to everybody who has posted replies to my query. I'm overwhelmed with the help and support here - really a great forum!

Thanks for your help Maharg!
I think it can work as we can complete the online app and have an appointment booked for the submission. I will take all paperwork from this end and can add supporting photos, plane tickets etc from the January trip. It will also give us time to get notarised statements from her family which can be a problem as it is a trek to the nearest Notarary Public from where they live in Samar. Fingers crossed

And don't forget to provide a lot of information about where you will live. They need this.

a lot of us are in the same boat---so--youre feeding valuable info into the system---for instance--you mentioned using an agency--can you give more info about that--if poss--the cost involved--pm me if you prefer

Hi JA, thanks for the advice. Did you marry in the Philippines and submit for settlement afterwards? How long did it all take if you don't mind me asking as it was something we were thinking of doing? Just wondering about the pros and cons of spouse vs fiancee, particularly the time it takes.
One problem we have is that we always use Facetime and iMessage and I don;t know how to get the logs as I'm not sure if the history can be saved on the iPhone. Maybe we need to use YM more and save the history. Thanks again!

An agency will probably cost you about £750. I used an agency, although I think being a member of this forum should get you enough information not to require an agency, and it doesn't guarantee success just because you use one.

We used an agent. Visalogic. Worked well. Their fees were £700

We married in June in the Philippines. My wife arrived in the UK Oct 1st. What slowed us down was arranging and sitting the English Language test plus some faffing with authentification of bank statements.

Can you not save and print Facetime? If not then use Skype or YM. Whatever it takes.

Yeah, one reasons I like the Philippines so much and why I have been back many times is the family orientated approach they have. Reminds me of life in the UK when I was a young 'un. Whichever route we take I have promised her a great celebration in the Philippines whether it is for the actual marriage or something we do with her family post-marriage here in the UK. She deserves that - she is truly a great girl!
Pleased to here from one of the other replies that getting a spouse visa can be as quick as a fiancee visa and agree also that it saves on the 6-month LTR visa fee. We'll think about it carefully - the information we have received here is really a great help. Thank you.