Hello everyone! I just wanted to post something on this one since majority of the discussions revolve around how to get the initial visa. So we got married and immediately applied for my first flr (m) using priority visa. Just a recap, i have only provided the following: - the 85 pages duly filled up form - passport (me and my husband) - financial requirement (payslip, 6 mos bank statement, latest p60, employment cert) - proof of address (i had morrisons, debenhams and axa insurance) - marriage certificate - some photos - accommodation (council tax) - A1 ielts We waited for 3 hrs and received the decision and letter immediately. BRP was mailed to me after a week (need to produce an ID). I called the national insurance hotline to get a number. It took me 20 mins to get through. The call center would ask for your details (full name, birthday), address and fone number. He then gave me a reference number and a job center area i can report to for an interview. I went to the interview and was asked to produce my BRP, passport, a correspondence (for an address), wedding cert. and good thing my husband was with me since the job center asked for his NI # as well. Everything took about 15 mins. And i was told it will take between 1 to 4 weeks before i can get it. The next thing to do is learn how to drive on the other side of the road. Of course, more importantly, find a job to help pay for everything.
That's great Regarding driving on the other side of the road, which side of the road do they drive in the Philippines, I have often seen them on both sides You will enjoy learning to drive here in the UK, in general other motorist give you room and respect you are a learner driver. You know when you are ready to take your driving test when the lessons become boring, you will see. Having driving lessons will give you something of interest to do and give you something to work towards which is good. One times driving licence and new job and independence we come, cant be bad Wish I could persuade my wife to learn to drive, I just cannot drum up the interest
Thanks for the info @Maley Was wondering if the steps I plan to take are alright? - get married - apply for a new passport in married name - apply for a bank account - apply for the FLR
How long has she been here? I always joke about how I am not bothered about not learning to drive here but as a mum, I think I should learn so I can go places even without the mister.
She has been here 3 years, I moved from the village where I have lived all my life to the outskirts of a town so it would be more convenient for her to commute to work, wish I hadn't now, she has no incentive to learn to drive now. In fairness to her though she had a car crash in the Philippines and I think that has unnerved her a bit. For any Filipino driving in the UK I would certainly recommend that you always have a Sat Nav in the car for if you get lost
You're guaranteed to be able to open a bank account if you get the FLR first, some banks will let you open an account on a Fiancee visa and some wont.
When we went to Manchester for our engagement photo shoot, we got lost because the satnav wasn't updated. There was a major road construction and satnav wasn't informed. Thanks to google map we made it - late.
Okay I will rearrange it now. Thanks Do you know what I need to do for my son's? Do we apply for his FLR as well?
Everything the same as first time around but with the surcharge this time, its easy so don't worry about it at all, I will be booking our second FLR next weekend.
My mom learned how to drive only 10 years ago (in her 50s). My dad had a medical emergency and he is the only one who can drive in the family. We had to knock a few of our neighbors door in the middle of the night to ask if they can be bothered to drive to the hospital. Since then, i made a promise that i have to be able to drive anywhere i go. Tell your wife @Timmers of its importance. I know its convenient here in the Uk but she can drive anywhere.
Luckily for me or unlucky for me the main ambulance station for my locality is less than two minutes drive away Its good for you Filipinos to drive in the UK for the reasons you've mentioned. I will have to keep pestering the wife but she is as stubborn as a mule, everything has to be done to her timetable or not at all, more I pester her probably less chance I have of getting her to drive
@joi1991 do you have enough time for passport change before the fiance visa runs out? You can actually change your name and renew the passport to married name at the embassy (or its outreach location) at the same time but it would take up to 8 weeks for the passport to come back. I have renewed my passport 2 weeks ago and i'll let you know how long it took, the embassy was saying, might be until end of april. there are banks who are not so strict with the requirements. As long as you have a proof of correspondence, you can open an account. I've asked Lloyd (and that what they said a month ago) but only for a savings account. I'll try to open a bank account next week and let you know the requirements this time.
I think with HSBC we can open while on fiance visa. Will go to the bank on Monday and apply. Will let you know if I'm able to get one.
We had no problem with Lloyds on a fiance visa. I was already an account holder there so we could open a joint account. Then, because she had a joint account, she could open her own individual account. The bank said we could do it this way when we went in.
Good info. My fiance is also with Lloyds. Just in case we don't make it with HSBC, we will surely try this. Thanks!
Went to Lloyd's Bank today and they said I can open a basic bank account. What they require from me is passport, a visa that is more than 3 months, proof of address. And I have all that so I have an appointment next Friday with them. They're very friendly.
I think we have enough time because the wedding will take place 96 days after we arrived here that leaves us about 3 months before Fiancé visa expires.
Short and funny update. We did go on a short and quick practice drive yesterday. I am used to driving automatic and on the left side of the road. So this is the first time for a manual and a right-hand drive. My husband was very impressed on the way i was indicating for a turn, checking mirrors, the speed vs the gear coordination. But i was DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDE! I am confused on which side im supposed to be after a turn and all the more since its a vacant industrial estate.
