My first post and its fair to say I probably found this forum too late, or just in time? My fiancé and I are in the process of applying for a fiancé VISA for her to come to the UK. Having had a visit visa declined last year, due to the immigration office not being convinced she would return to the Philippines. We decided to apply for the fiancé Visa after getting engaged in Bali last April. We applied in June and are expecting the result on Monday having received the potentially life changing text on Friday. As far as I can tell we meet all the technical and financial requirements but am worried about the previous rejection counting against us. I'm hoping that a last minute request for an up to date letter of employment was a good sign...excited, nervous...it's difficult living so far apart we first met in November 2011 I hope the clearance officer is convinced although we talk every day I've only been able to visit 4 times due to work holidays and the cost of flights. We are both going to be devastated if we are refused again... Regards, Steve
Hello and welcome; you sound as if you are in what we might call "the usual position"! You know each other quite well, you can demonstrate that you have met regularly. Your application should not be prejudiced by the rejection of an application for a visit visa - visit visas are notoriously hard to obtain. The request for confirmation of your employment status is a good sign. Good luck and there are experts here who can help you both (I'm not one of them!))
The fact that they have asked you for further info is generally a good sign, especially if you have provided what they are after. Also, the fact that your fiancee was denied a Visit Visa shouldn't prejudice your application. Visit Visas appear to be a whole lot more difficult to attain, compared with a fiancee or spouse visa
Thanks, guys, I'll know by this time tomorrow, although I've been visiting the Philippines long enough to know anything can happen between now and then I just read guide posted here and I'm a little concerned I didn't sufficiently explain my bank statements. I'm not a saver so to speak and enjoy spending my earnings each month. I didn't really give this any thought as I have a good salary from a good job that I've held for many years. Doh! Sleepless night coming up...
I actually logged hoping to find a Warwickshire based filipina group / coffee morning for my fiancé to attend once she has settled in. She is from a typically close Filipino family and am worried she will find it hard to adjust to British culture with more infrequent family contact. She of course says she will be fine and just wants to be with me. I'm sure she will make her own friends over here, she's great. But, It would be great if I could get things moving in the right direction. Feels like I'm jumping the gun slightly but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Steve
Hi and welcome. As the guys have said, don't worry... Once over here, it won't be too difficult finding pinays, they are all over the place like weeds... Ideally, if she is a Church goer, she can meet pinays of all walks of life on a Sunday. More often than not, small or larger groups will tend to gather in different gaffs every week or so, for chika-chika and lashings of filipino food... I know this because my place at times is like a karaoke bar/ restaurant...
It used to be the case that they focussed on outgoings and residual income but the rules changed and seemingly it is now based on income.
Congratulations, its a great feeling isn't. Next step is start looking for asian markets so she can get food to ease the home sickness and start looking at flights.
Has your fiancee visited the CFO yet in Manila yet? It is mandatory, I beleive. Also check the date for the commencement of the visa, before booking air tickets.
So what's the process with CFO I read that you can't pre-book appointments, you just turn up Tuesday or Friday? What are the chances we'll get processed on the day? Also, where does PDOS fit in can she do them together on the same day? Thanks in advance...
Now that your fiancee has her visa, she can get all of the CFO stuff done on the same day. Its done on a first come first served basis so getting there early is advised. Its important that your Fiancee has all of your personal details, including divorce papers if any and a photo of you both together as if not then they will ask her to return with the said requirements.
She is based in mindanao so a trip to manila would ideally be shortly followed by a flight to the UK. So I'm thinking 1) check comencement date on visa 2) book flight to UK (one way or return?) 3) book flight to manila three days before UK flight. 4) sort document requirements (anything in addition to what's listed on website?) 5) arrive early for appointment. 6) complete counselling session, collect certificate. 7) return to counter to collect CFO sticker (it's ok to complete the form there and then?) 8) waiting in manila, buy coat and boots ;-) 9) get flight, pay departure fees 1600p (any others?) Regards Steve
Damn eh! There is a slight risk there. But if your fiancee has all the info at her disposal and is early enough at the CFO then she should be okay. A single ticket will suffice. That what I did for my wife.
Does your Fiancee have the TB required documentation I believe that is mandatory now for Filipinos. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendixt/ Do you mean for the CFO? If so, yes, they don't list all they actually ask for. Apart from a photo of yourselves and any divorce papers they require info, mainly on you and where you and your fiancee will be staying in the UK etc etc. On the day my wife texted me for some info from the office at the CFO while she was there.
Yep we did the TB screening and English language test. I didn't know about the guidance counselling otherwise she could have attended already, as it goes she actually did this a few years back as she worked in KSA for two years but I guess the certificate expired by now. She should have all the original VISA application documents including pix of us together, pix and deeds to the house. Is there a comprehensive list somewhere? She will have her cenomar and I've never married (no proof available). Regards, steve
That's the trouble, there isn't a comprehensive list. They can ask stuff like, where does your husband work? Name of street he lives in....stuff like that. Info that already exists on your key visa application docs should suffice.
