I need some recommendations for what visa we should choose in regards to “Breaking the distance” I have been in LDR for 3+ years and we are looking for her to come over to the UK as a first-time visit, due to my own personal circumstances I am unable to travel to the Philippines. Could someone recommend a visa and explain the process, requirements and documents involved. Any help is appreciated
From what you have said, a Tourist/Visitor Visa is the obvious choice - but these are notoriously difficult to secure*. This is the 'starting point' for all Visa applications to enter/visit the UK - https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk - * The UK government is paranoid about 'over-stayers', so (some of) the requirements for a Tourist/Visitor are: A job/education the applicant will return to; Property in their home country; Strong family ties; Enough finance to support THEMSELVES for the duration of any visit to the UK (Tourist/Visitor Visa allows for a stay of UP TO 6 months). You say you are unable to visit the Philippines... could you meet somewhere 'in the middle' for an extended holiday?
She has strong family ties, but doesn't own property as still lives in the family home and work wise none QUOTE="UKDJ, post: 231378, member: 6217"]From what you have said, a Tourist/Visitor Visa is the obvious choice - but these are notoriously difficult to secure*. This is the 'starting point' for all Visa applications to enter/visit the UK - https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk - * The UK government is paranoid about 'over-stayers', so (some of) the requirements for a Tourist/Visitor are: A job/education the applicant will return to; Property in their home country; Strong family ties; Enough finance to support THEMSELVES for the duration of any visit to the UK (Tourist/Visitor Visa allows for a stay of UP TO 6 months).[/QUOTE]
... So a Tourist/Visitor Visa is almost certainly a non-starter! How about the option to meet somewhere in the middle? I'm not certain, but would expect some countries have less stringent Visitor Visa requirements?
Sounds like you are 'caught between a rock and a hard place!' If you are financially unable to travel, how would you support your partner financially when they arrive in the UK - or pay the fees to even get them here? Have you looked at the different Visa options & fees?
I'm financially able to cover the costs of her visit and any expenses, I just don't have enough to fund two flights plus accommodation if we were to meet half way.
That's the problem... it doesn't matter how much money YOU have for a Tourist/Visitor Visa, the applicant must prove they are able to support themselves for the duration of their visit* - and that they have good reason to return home at the end of their 6-month Visa, or before! Imagine the scenario - You have been in an LDR for x number of years/months. You agree to pay all the costs for them to visit you in the UK. When they arrive, you find they have been 'economical with the truth' - maybe they have kids, are still married etc - so you 'split up' or throw them out of their expected accommodation for the duration of their stay. They have no means of supporting themselves or getting home. They 'disappear' and become an illegal immigrant! * I know this from personal experience. Even with the help of a Visa agency in the Philippines, my now wife was initially refused a Tourist/Visitor Visa!
no the rules on this point are these! Check you meet the eligibility requirements You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. You must be able to show that: you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you) you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey) you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home end UKDJ makes a good point about if things dont work out so you need a contingency plan that your lady friend is aware of and will protect you!
Thanks @Mattecube Things do change from time to time, so my knowledge was based on experience at the time we applied for a Tourist/Visitor Visa - and were refused!
