Visa and Immigration agencies

Great news folks - Arlen passed the A1 Life skills test so that's the first hurdle overcome!

Next challenge?

Congrats on that, did you check online for your results or needed to collect them.

Thanks - and yeah, we had to collect them

Ok, thanks for that, so can tell my wife to collect hers.

If it's for A1 life skills test, they will tell your wife (if not, just ask any staff) the release date of results right after the exam. It's usually within 7 days after the test.

Moving forwards slowly on this one....................


We plan to marry in the Philippines later this year (Easter if possible)

I have been told I need to complete the attached form and get it Notorised in the UK. I have contacted a notary who want s to charge GBP95 plus VAT for this - a bit steep but hey......

However, the notary goes on to say
'Documents for use in Philippines should be legalised first at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and then by the Consulate of Philippines.

Following legalisation at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (which costs £35.50 using the postal service) legalisation at the Philippines Consulate takes approximately 3 days.

The legalisation fee charged by the Philippines Consulate is currently £18 per document. If you would like us to attend to the legalisation the fee is £75 plus VAT.'

Is the notary over-egging the pudding?

Has anyone else had to do this?

Comments please.

Who told you you need to get anything notorised in the UK... or anywhere for that matter. ?

I certainly didn't when I got married in the Phils (by the local Mayor) last September.

In your specific case yes.

However technically it's correct that many Philippine government agencies may require UK public documents to be legalised in the way outlined to you before they can be used.

My understanding is that it's because it's a 'rush job' I arrive in manila on the 19th, my affidavit appointment is the 21st and we hope to marry before I return to the UK on the 3rd of April - tight as the proverbial I know !

I arrived in Manila September 2nd. Affidavit appointment on the 3rd and married on the 26th. No problems, using the documents asked for on the UK Gov website.

Your lady will need her documents in time for the wedding too, of course.

No matter the rush, the advise given doesn't seem right. Just which public documents required for the marriage licence application were recommended for legalisation ?

Yes, a tight plan. Many have made it in that time frame with a little luck and good planning. Hopefully you'll have no problems.
I'm sure you already know that there'll be a minimum 10-day period between marriage licence application and issue.

Your fiancee can really impact the whole schedule with some careful pre-planning on document readiness and schedule timing.

Fingers crossed.