Hello All So nobody feels as though they are being deceived, I would like to make it clear from the offset that I am here on behalf of my very shy son. I’m Andrew btw. My reasons for joining this particular site are probably quite selfish. I looked around and came to the conclusion that the straightforward advice given on this site was far better than others (including the exceptionally confusing Govt websites). Around two years ago, my then 17 year old son went on what we thought would be the holiday of a lifetime to Cebu. He went with the family of his best friend from school (Filipino Mum, English Dad) who have a property in Carcar. Of course, rather than being 1 holiday of a lifetime, my son fell in love with the country and in love with a girl (the cousin of his best friend). He has been back six times in two years and is going again in two weeks time. On one of his trips, his Princess accidently became pregnant (5 months now). Now 19 and 20 years old they have had the fuddy duddy responsible parent lectures about jumping too soon into things. I am very pleased to say that having thought things through, they have confirmed their love for each other and their wish to marry. My son who is currently doing a full time degree apprenticeship has even got a Saturday job to pay for the extras they will need. I’m sure you have worked out that I am quite a proud Dad for the way he is handling their situation. I know for sure that at his age, I would not have handled things as well as him. So, one of the reasons I am on here looking for advice is that to have my son’s name on the birth certificate (due in March), they wish to be married. The local Mayor has given them a list of things they will need before they can marry. Legal capacity to marry issued by the foreign embassy in the Philippines. Birth Certificates. CENOMAR for both of them. Pre-marriage counselling. Can anyone give me advice about the documents etc. as general advice on the internet seems to be confusing. I would also be interested to know if the more experienced contributors think an immigration lawyer would help. If so, any recommendations. His Princess will have the baby in the Philippines and then we will try to work our way through the ridiculously complicated immigration laws for September 2024 when my grandchild will be 6 months old, as they would like to set up home here. Can I apologies in advance for my very long winded introduction, but I would be delighted to hear from anyone who can give me any constructive advice. Thank you very much. Andrew
Hi and welcome First form to get is Affidavit of consent off the girls parents as she is under the age of 21
hello Andrew--welcome to the site. Looking ahead--is your son aware of the visa costs involved..? also--the earnings requirements ( both current and proposed )
Hi and welcome to the site. Honest opinion is that immigration lawyer won't add that much. That said depending on how the recent announcements go and what your sons income and savings are then may need one but will need to be a good one and one who can maximise on human rights element of an application or refusal appeal so be very selective. For a simple application now need income of 18600 per year or savings of 63k in their names for a period of six months. Those are approximate figures but not far off. Position I would say at the moment is fluid but by spring 24 the numbers will potentially be an income of 38k or savings of 112k. If cannot meet those requirements then not in a good position. Only option if cannot meet requirements is a human rights case which should be considered before refusing a visa application but could be the basis for refusal appeal. Need to make sure that have copies of all maternity visit records, scan etc as potentially needed for british passport application. Also really want your son to sign birth certificate ideally at the point of birth or as soon after as possible. Dont need to be married to sign the birth certificate.
Agree. It is important that the father's name is added to the hospital birth certificate...and his signature, and any later PSA birth certs for the child updated accordingly. I would actually recommend that the young man continues with visits to his partner and child, until their relationship has had time to 'mature'. Also giving him chance to complete his education, and embark on a worthwhile career. 'Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread'. Keeping all certificates up to date and in order WILL help in the processing of a British passport for the child at some future date though, regardless of where the child is living, so always keep that in mind (been there, done that).
