Hello everyone, I am British and I live in London. I have a filipino girlfriend that lives in Batangas and we have been dating for over two years. I have been to visit her 4 times and I tried to get her a visitor visa last year but it got refused. I am just looking for some advice because I want to make a new visa application again in September for her for a visitor visa. When we applied last year I supported her financially and she did not work. Also she is married but separated and has a child.
Welcome to the forum!! You should address the reason for refusal that was states on the previous application. In general, i always advice to build up your travel history by traveling first within the region before going anywhere in Europe or UK. In the ECOs mind, why would a filipino travel and become a tourist in UK when that same person hasnt been in hong kong or singapore (fares to these countries during sale can be less than £100 return). This is a generic situation where someone is a 'tourist'. Second major concern is always the reason to go back to PH. Having children is not seen as strong ties, it is even considered a major reason to go overseas and work. So, is she working or managing family business like a farm or convenience store? That can be used to support her application. Goodluck!
Thank you for your reply. I am at work right now and I dont have the documents of the refusal to hand but they stated a few different reasons why they refused most of which I will remedy when I do the new application. My girlfriend is now working for SM on a 6 month contract. I thought it may help the application if she had a job and was more financially independent. She is also saving money in her bank account for the last year. I am not sure how I can convince them that she will indeed return to the Philippines? Kind Regards Anthony
Hi. good luck and welcome to the forum. I just wondered whether you are aware of the 'complications' regarding trying to get an annulment in order to marry your GF? There are many of us in similar situation to yourself on the forum. If you do a search for 'annulment' you will see information about it. also I should point out and I don't wish to scare you but I do feel it's something you should be aware of. If a Filipina who is married is seen to be having relationships with another man then both the Filipina and the man could be prosecuted for Adultery. I'm not seen or heard of any cases on the forum of this happening but I know it to be true as I've had that info from Lawyers on two separate occasions in the Philippines. Good luck friend, I hope you get luckier with your second application for a visa. many here have had their first applications turned down but been lucky with their second and third apps.
Welcome. My (now) fiancé applied for visitor visa last summer. We had never met and we knew we were going against received orthodoxy in that I hadn't been to Phils first. The application was refused (1) insufficient evidence of our relationship (2) insufficient detail on her family situation back in Phils and (3) how her teenage son's welfare needs would be catered for when she was over here (for a little under 3 weeks). The case officer was not satisfied that she would return home afterwards. We addressed all 3 issues methodically in the second application - lots of additional supportive material - which was fortunately successful. I then visited her in January this year. Her Settlement (m) visa was issued last month and she joins me soon here in Scotland. The fact that you've met 4 times - with evidence - seems to me to be a strong card. Post the reasons for her refusal and I, and the other members, will do what we can to provide you with assistance. Good luck and don't get too despondent. Gerry
Hi Anthony Welcome,have you thought about visiting the Philippines its a lot easier for the Brits to visit there than the other way round?
Yes I have been to the Philippines 4 times, Manila, Davao and Batangas. But I want her to spend some time with me in the UK and meet my friends and family
No. It isn't showing. @asgloki - you need to use the 'upload a file' button and send it as an image file
Sorry about that, I am trying to share from my google drive. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5KJ61lBfkNsS09JWU5ZWEIwQ28 Does that work?
Yes it can be seen now. I'm sure you will get advice off people on the forum who have gone through this process before. All I would say is the reasons they have given should easily be dealt with by photographic evidence of the two of you together in the Philippines and also screen shots of any conversations you have (skype, messenger,whatever) copies of emails sent back and fore. Good luck my friend I will be watching hoping you success.
You should send proof that you are constantly communicating through fb and skype coz they mentioned you haven't provided evidence that you are in contact with each other.
visit visa refusals are the norm. just UKVI playing safe. consider the fee as a tax. at least you know the reason for refusal and can do something about it next time.
anyone have any idea on the amount of money required per month of stay? She would be staying with me of course and I am in full time employment but I dont have any savings lol.
theres an old saying--2 can live as cheaply as 1. which is tosh. but there is no set amount or guidelines. just as well you have no savings----because you sure wouldnt after her visit !
Yes true lol, when I am there in the Philippines I spend allot, its like I am rich but here in UK we will be on a budget lol
