Hi there. I have been on this site for quite some time now and got major infos about getting a visa, although its mostly about getting a Fiance Visa. My partner in the UK and I are both not in a rush to get that type of visa at this moment so I am mainly focusing on getting a tourist visa to the UK. Can anyone here recommend a legit visa agency that i can go to for support here in Manila. I have a day job and i know how tedious it will be for the entire process to be completed so i need another set of hands. We are both planning to spend the coming holidays together and I also want to know the chances of me and getting a tourist visa and what should i expect during the process. Heres a bit of info: 1. My partner came to visit me here a month ago and stayed for a month. 2. He will be sponsoring me of course and Ive also got a friend in London whom ive known for more than 10 yrs. 3. Ive got a job to return to, although not so great pay check. by UK standard of course 4. I traveled outside of Phils 3 times this year for holidays. Do you think my chances are OK ish ? Im still not sure if going the tourist visa route is the right thing to do in order for us to be together. I just cant imagine myself getting into something permanent then ....jump ship. Any advice? Tips? Agencies here in Manila? The joys of long distance relationship eh?? Please comment and help a girl out. Thank you.
Hello young lady and welcome, as you will probably have read here at BF, visit visas to the UK for Filipinas are extremely difficult to come by. The UKBA needs to be convinced that you have compelling reasons to return to the Philippines before issuing a visa. Owning property, having children or family to care for, a good well paying job, anything that strongly ties you to the Philippines will help. Go for it anyway, it is relatively cheap to apply compared to the Fiancee/Spouse visas. Note that a visa agency can only advise you on the application side of things, they wont really help you get the visa, only your circumstances will help with that. Good luck
My soon to be wife was denied a visit visa twice when she was living in Dubai, its quite painful and frustrating to get denied but as I said, go for it, you never know, just make the strongest case you can when applying. Nothing ventured nothing gained
Thanks Timmers. How long ago did she apply for a tourist visa? I ask this because there have been recent news on tv and articles online about how easy it is now to get a tourist visa to the UK. Heres a link : http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/stor...akes-it-easier-for-pinoys-to-apply-for-a-visa The only reason I need an agency is because, they will be doing most of the work. At least thats what i gathered after speaking with two agencies so far. I guess I just need that professional help to let me know about things that i should be doing and papers and documents to file.
Its about 6 years ago since she applied for the last one. I wouldnt believe everything you read in the news, it may be correct that they are making the application side of things easier, it doesnt mean they will be granting more visit visas. Filipinos have a history of overstaying in the UK, that is where the problem lies. Immigration is a hot potato in the UK and the UK government needs to be seen reducing immigration and the people overstaying, its the number one concern of the British people. Give it a go, you have nothing to lose, it will have no bearing on any other future visas you apply for.
You need to leave the ECO at the UK Embassy under no doubt that you wont overstay. Then you stand a much better chance.
I wonder why Timmers, the application wasn't strong enough? My wifes parents, both in UAE are thinking of a visit
Comes down to the same old thing, compelling evidence and good reason they will return to where they came. It is not cheap either to apply for a visa from the UAE, cannot remember exactly how much but I think it may be around £300 could be wrong.
Might have a better chance them being family. I'd be interested to know the process as I'm sure I will be going down the same path in the near future. I cannot remember the process as it is a few years ago since we applied. Good luck anyway.
Im sure I read that you can't apply for family visit visa because the wife doesn't yet have permanent status yet.
Yes, but the wifes mate was only on FLR when her mother successfully applied. That was last year ie 2013. She left here in January 2014. Unless there has been a rule change since then.
The term I read was "settled in the UK" :- Your family member must also be one of the following: a British citizen settled in the UK granted asylum in the UK under humanitarian protection in the UK https://www.gov.uk/family-visit-visa/overview FLR constitutes "settled"? If so that makes the application cheaper than we initially thought
However, although my wifes mate was on FLR, her husband, of course is a British citizen and the son in law of the applicant.
