Visa and Immigration agencies

Google 'UK Visa' and, among the 215 million hits, you will find numerous companies offering visa application 'services'.

Has anybody used one these in the Philippines and can they recommend a good one?

Having tried 3 times this year (at great expense in terms of effort and treasure) to get my Filipina GF a visitor visa without success. Out of frustration and anger I decided to move to Manila to be with here but now I have to return to blighty for work reasons for a couple of years, after which I plan to retire to Pinas.

We got engaged at Christmas and I cannot face the prospect of being without my honey for 2 years.

Looking at the the UK Visa website, it's an absolute minefield of complexity and potential pitfalls to make us waste our money on failed applications, and with a fiance visa costing 10 times the amount of a visitor visa I cannot afford to cock it up again.

Therefore, I would be prepared to engage an agent to guide us through the process (on a 'no-win, no-fee basis preferably) if I can find a reliable one in the Philippines.

Anyone know any?

Hi Garry,

First I would just say that securing a visit visa has always been notoriously problematic for many reasons.
Not least being that decisions are principally based on the discretion of the ECO.

Now, concerning the settlement route visa (spouse/fiance/partner) there's virtually no discretion since decisions are made against highly prescriptive immigration rules.
So you know exactly what to expected.

Most people do make the application themselves and very successfully too.
But, if you can't give the time and attention needed, if you feel there are some weaknesses or complications that pull down your self-confidence, then by all means seek some help.
You'll find more than enough advise and support here on the forum, but if you've got the budget and you want professional assistance then go for it.

You can always double check your advisor's advice here on the forum.

Personally, I would not consider using any agency in the Philippines.
Your objective is to understand and comply with UK immigration law. Additionally ALL of the critical documentary evidence will be from your side in terms of financial and accommodation etc.
When it comes to visa applications there are no short cuts, no fixers and absolutely no guarantees even when using professional help.

Do make sure the help you choose is sufficiently experienced and qualified to represent you at appeal hearings before an Immigration Judge. Yes, it's not unknown for UKVI to make mistakes.
Also do be sure that whoever you take on has experience with similar application cases to yours.

Finally, let me suggest that unless you have some serious complications I would expect that with support available here there's no reason to spend a whole lot of hard earned cash elsewhere.

BTW how long have you been living together in Philippines ?

Hello Mr Micawber

Thanks for that sound advice - I'll have another look at the requirements but it did seem very daunting last time I looked, what with language tests and what-have-you.

I will be very 'time poor' when I get back, also I hate bureaucracy with a passion so that's why I am leaning towards using an agent.

We've been living here since October when I semi-retired, largely due to the frustration of not getting a UK visa for Arlen - it's just that I have found that life is not quite as cheap here as I had originally estimated - hence the need to go back and work some more

OK I'll send you a PM with a name and telephone number and you can take it from there.
Regarding the language tests and TB test they both are mandatory prerequisites and will need to be done in Philippines.

You'll need to do a lot of running around and documentations collecting so be warned.

In principle you'll need to meet the Financial Requirement income of £18600 pa and you'll need proof of suitable accommodations.

Good luck mate

@Garry M

Micawber's advice has saved many members a fortune. Regard it as the best advice you will ever get for free.

OP I don’t think there is no-win, no-fee agent in manila.
So all I can say is good luck.

Agree with what Bigmac said.

OK Thanks a million Micawber

I have received the PM and really appreciate the contact.

I have decided to give it some thought on the 14 hour plane journey home because, apart from the failed visitor applications, ours is straightforward case.

I'll keep you (and the forum) posted.

Cheers buddy

Undoubtedly, it is much appreciated

Yes - I think I will struggle to find one in UK or Pinas TBH

Yes - I will give it some thought on the flight home - plenty of time to think

I am allergic to bureaucracy and time poor but I managed to get my fiancée and her child here using the advice on this forum. Start with the English language test; you will need six months pay slips and bank statements if employed - if self employed there are other rules. All that your fiancée needs are a passport, a CENOMAR, the English test pass and TB test certificate and, once she has her visa, the CFO sticker.

Cenomar is not needed.

I stand corrected - I thought the Filipino / Filipina partner has to provide evidence that he or she can contract a valid marriage?

Thanks for the reply - do you know what level of English is required for a settlement visa (fiance) IELTS level A1/A2/B1..........???? the FO website just refers me to the British Councli and from thereon it's just gobbledegook

Oh dear - getting conflicting advice already

Here is a checklist that someone gave us - CENOMAR is on it - as are a load of other things that may/may not be required - the couple involved have not received their visa yet BTW

Only if previously married. The CENOMAR is a Philippines only document. Just one of those pointless things they make people there pay for to get some of their money.

It means nothing in the UK. My wife has never had one and it's never been needed.

No harm submitting it, though, if you already have one.

A1 is all that is needed at this stage.

B1 is needed for ILR in 5 years time.