Visit Visa Need Urgent Help [Archive]

an08

25th September 2008, 22:11

Hi all,

After my bf visited me here in the Philippines last Feb'08. I am planning to go to the UK this October.

My bf and I have known each other for 4 years now, since Dec'04 but only met last Feb, April, May and July '08. I really love my bf and he wants me to go to the UK but i still need to finish my studies, and ill be able to finish my studies by April 2010. So now, I am planning to go to the UK not through a spouse or fiancee visa but a visit visa.

We are both 23 so we are not financially established yet. I am still dependent on my parents and he also still lives with his mother. So I am not sure what visa to get, so i decided to get the visit visa:

I have already paid the visa fee in the bank for 5971 pesos.
I got my certificate of enrollment from my graduate school.
I got a letter of invitation from my girl friend in Manchester who is a british citizen.
I was advised that I shouldnt include my bf in my application because they might say that i need to apply for a fiance or spouse visa.
However, we dont have the funds to pay for the application of the fiance and spouse visa.

My problem now is that my parents dont want to sign a joint affidavit of support for me, stating that they will support my travel etc. They also dont want to lend me the bank accounts and the bank certificates they have. So i am lacking financial evidence to support my trip.

Since I am largely dependent on my parents, my bank account only contains about 30 k pesos. My parents did not tell me that they will not support me up until yesterday when I had already paid the visa fees.

I don’t know what I should do, if I cant provide those evidence, what should I do?

Thanks so much for taking time to read this.

xebec

25th September 2008, 22:28

menchkin

26th September 2008, 03:32

Tell the Truth

Read the forums here and the VFS/British embassy websites.

You can only apply for a fiance visa if you can evidence your intent to get married; you cant apply for a spouse visa - you are not married.

Do you meet the requirements for the Visitor Visa? Look at the reasons other people's applications were rejected. From what you have said I suspect that the ECO would have grounds to reject the application.

The best advice might be to wait. Finish your studies and see where the relationship is going at that stage.

:xxgrinning--00xx3: It's not a good idea to hide the fact that you have a boyfriend in UK. The embassy are doing thorough investigation on every visa application and if they find out about your boyfriend they might get suspicious and this can lead to refusal of visa. For visit visa you have to show evidence that you will be returning to PI (i.e. property, bank account statement, job, etc.). It's no longer easy to acquire visit visa nowadays.

darren-b

26th September 2008, 04:28

:xxgrinning--00xx3: It's not a good idea to hide the fact that you have a boyfriend in UK. The embassy are doing thorough investigation on every visa application and if they find out about your boyfriend they might get suspicious and this can lead to refusal of visa. For visit visa you have to show evidence that you will be returning to PI (i.e. property, bank account statement, job, etc.). It's no longer easy to acquire visit visa nowadays.

Even if they don't find out about your boyfriend now, it may well cause you difficulty when you do apply for a fiancee/spouse visa in the future as they could easily claim you witheld relevant information on a previous application.

menchkin

26th September 2008, 04:32

Even if they don't find out about your boyfriend now, it may well cause you difficulty when you do apply for a fiancee/spouse visa in the future as they could easily claim you witheld relevant information on a previous application.

This is very true. In fact a couple here applied for fiancee visa but were denied because they did not indicate in their application a previous attempt to apply for visit visa. So better be honest to avoid problems in your applications later.

an08

26th September 2008, 07:31

:xxgrinning--00xx3: It's not a good idea to hide the fact that you have a boyfriend in UK. The embassy are doing thorough investigation on every visa application and if they find out about your boyfriend they might get suspicious and this can lead to refusal of visa. For visit visa you have to show evidence that you will be returning to PI (i.e. property, bank account statement, job, etc.). It's no longer easy to acquire visit visa nowadays.

but i am really not sure if i will marry him in the future
will not that affect my visit visa application if i tell them i have a bf in the uk?

an08

26th September 2008, 07:33

what should i do? my bf and i dont have properties, bank statements etc
and my parents dont want to support me

menchkin

26th September 2008, 07:38

but i am really not sure if i will marry him in the future
will not that affect my visit visa application if i tell them i have a bf in the uk?

I suggest that you tell the real reason why you're applying for visit visa and that is to visit your BF in UK. There are others here who still went thru with their visit visa applications (mainly to visit their BFs) and waitng/hoping to get a favorable result from the embassy. You won't know the result unless to lodge your application. Some were approved even without savings and job here in PI. The decision is really up to the ECO that will look into your application. The important thing is DON'T LIE in your application. Be honest with all your answers.

DianaKevy

26th September 2008, 08:31

an08

26th September 2008, 08:50

hello angelina, if i were you just finish your studies first. since you dont have plans yet for your bf. but if you intend to visit now, you have to apply as tourist visa and you must have a property under your name aside from bank acct. how long have u known each other by the way?

we have known each other for 4 yrs (since dec 2004) and met only this year begining (feb 2008), so im still not sure if i want to marry him.

but my only strong pts is that i have been given multiple USA visa before and schengen visa before (but because all travels supported by my parents)

but now my parents dont want to support me and let me send the bank certs

i hope my parents change their mind

an08

26th September 2008, 08:54

I suggest that you tell the real reason why you're applying for visit visa and that is to visit your BF in UK. There are others here who still went thru with their visit visa applications (mainly to visit their BFs) and waitng/hoping to get a favorable result from the embassy. You won't know the result unless to lodge your application. Some were approved even without savings and job here in PI. The decision is really up to the ECO that will look into your application. The important thing is DON'T LIE in your application. Be honest with all your answers.

but the prob is i really want to go to the UK even just for a visit, not just because i want to see him. i dont want to risk not ever seeing UK, the fiancee and the spouse visa is not even sure...30% probability. because although weve known each other for 4 yrs... i dont really wanna marry him yet and that is very much subject to change. i mean our relationship is not that strong yet...right now i dont even know if he really considers me as his gf
because he is far away

menchkin

26th September 2008, 09:25

but the prob is i really want to go to the UK even just for a visit, not just because i want to see him. i dont want to risk not ever seeing UK, the fiancee and the spouse visa is not even sure...30% probability. because although weve known each other for 4 yrs... i dont really wanna marry him yet and that is very much subject to change. i mean our relationship is not that strong yet...right now i dont even know if he really considers me as his gf
because he is far away

I'm not saying that you marry your BF right away. The point I'm raising here is to be completely honest with your visit visa application and to state your real reason for wanting to go to the UK. Don't hide from the embassy the fact that you have a boyfriend there because if you do they might get suspicious about you.

Since you already paid the visit visa application fee you might as well go through with it and hope for a favourable result.

vbkelly

26th September 2008, 10:13

we have known each other for 4 yrs (since dec 2004) and met only this year begining (feb 2008), so im still not sure if i want to marry him.

but my only strong pts is that i have been given multiple USA visa before and schengen visa before (but because all travels supported by my parents)

but now my parents dont want to support me and let me send the bank certs

i hope my parents change their mind

i know what you mean angelina but if you apply a tourist visa to visit your bf you need his supporting documents like house bills,his bank statements,mortgage and ect. your bf need to write an invitation letter to the eco that he is inviting you to go to uk. but your bf is still dependant to his parents and he don't have a documents to show to the eco. unless he ask to his parents to sponsor you to come to uk.

Geraldine

26th September 2008, 10:41

Hi Angelina,

Im just curious, what are the reasons your parents doesnt want to support you on this trip?

Im one of those applicants who got grilled by ECO when I applied for spouse visa bec I didnt mention my bf when I applied for my visit visa. I reckon I was granted visit visa without interview then was bec of my previous travels in US, letter of support from parents, bank savings, letter from my employer and invitation letter from my UK pinay friend.

Since you have already lodged your application, theres no way now to give you time to get financial support...just see what happens to your papers. It could help if you ask for support letters from your friends in UK that they will look after you while on holiday.

Of course those no rush in your relationship, as you have said you are both unsure. IMO you should have waited abit to meet the visa requirements...financially.

Good luck!

PeterB

26th September 2008, 14:06

an08

29th September 2008, 11:33

As others have said, it is important that you do tell the truth. We were successful in the application for Ruby's Visit Visa last year, and the reason for her visit was purely to visit me.

Your history of travel (particularly US) will be in your favour. However, it is important to show that you have sufficient finance to eliminate the risk that you will have to make a claim on public funds when in UK, and that you will have somewhere to stay in UK.

how else can i show financial capability if my parents dont want to give me their bank certificates, land titles etc.?
btw if i show my own bank account could it be sufficient if it only has 200k ?

an08

29th September 2008, 11:35

Hi Angelina,

Im just curious, what are the reasons your parents doesnt want to support you on this trip?

>>> because they think that i shouldnt travel bec its expensive, my dad just doesnt want me to and they dont like my bf

Since you have already lodged your application, theres no way now to give you time to get financial support...just see what happens to your papers. It could help if you ask for support letters from your friends in UK that they will look after you while on holiday.

Of course those no rush in your relationship, as you have said you are both unsure. IMO you should have waited abit to meet the visa requirements...financially.

>>> yes but i miss him so much so ...
Good luck!

PeterB

29th September 2008, 12:02

btw if i show my own bank account could it be sufficient if it only has 200k ?

200k is a significant amount (originally you stated that you only have 30k), but I guess that quite a bit of that will be needed to pay for your flights. Perhaps it will be enough, if you can show that you will have free accommodation in UK?

an08

30th September 2008, 11:07

200k is a significant amount (originally you stated that you only have 30k), but I guess that quite a bit of that will be needed to pay for your flights. Perhaps it will be enough, if you can show that you will have free accommodation in UK?

im planning to ask my friend to deposit 200k in my bank account and i will get a bank statement..

btw i know that i have bank accounts with my name because my parents use my name in various and/or accounts with them

i dont know though how to get these bank accounts...because they are and or accounts...i guess if i go to the banks and ask for a bank certificate without my parents...they will allow me...does anyone know the process of how toget bank certificates? because im not sure in what branches did they open the accounts but i know the bank names but not the details of the account, maybe if i just show identification i could get them (but i dont know the account number)

an08

30th September 2008, 11:08

i also know that my parents use my name in business permits, in fact i have ITR and mayors permit...although im not sure where these papers are because they wont give it to me

i dont know how i will get these things

an08

30th September 2008, 11:10

btw does anyone know if the visa fee is refundable if i havent submitted anything yet and the 45 days since i paid hasnt elapsed

how and where do i get the refund? ty

demlyn888

30th September 2008, 11:16

btw does anyone know if the visa fee is refundable if i havent submitted anything yet and the 45 days since i paid hasnt elapsed

how and where do i get the refund? ty

hi angelina! the visa fee is non refundable once you have submitted your application...

an08

30th September 2008, 11:57

hi angelina! the visa fee is non refundable once you have submitted your application...

i havent submitted my application yet
how can i refund it?

demlyn888

30th September 2008, 12:16

i havent submitted my application yet
how can i refund it?

you mean you paid first before submitting anything!!!:doh:doh:doh did you not fill an application form or anything like that online cos if you did that is your application. and it is already received by the british high commission.

an08

30th September 2008, 12:29

you mean you paid first before submitting anything!!!:doh:doh:doh did you not fill an application form or anything like that online cos if you did that is your application. and it is already received by the british high commission.

yes...i paid first without submitting anyting...i was planning on submitting a paper application...u mean i was wrong?

PeterB

30th September 2008, 14:02

No, not wrong. You have to pay the fee before you can book your appointment to submit the application.

benb

30th September 2008, 14:13

im planning to ask my friend to deposit 200k in my bank account and i will get a bank statement..

btw i know that i have bank accounts with my name because my parents use my name in various and/or accounts with them

i dont know though how to get these bank accounts...because they are and or accounts...i guess if i go to the banks and ask for a bank certificate without my parents...they will allow me...does anyone know the process of how toget bank certificates? because im not sure in what branches did they open the accounts but i know the bank names but not the details of the account, maybe if i just show identification i could get them (but i dont know the account number)

You really need to talk to your parents openly. Best to have your parents as sponsors for this trip.

I don't think 200k is enough. The local travel agent who deals with visit visas regularly suggests at least 500k. Also, one large transfer to a bank account may seem suspicious to the ECO.

Cheers,

PAT

30th September 2008, 14:23

No, not wrong. You have to pay the fee before you can book your appointment to submit the application.

Mine was, I apply online - pay the visa fee - get appointment for the submission
of my original documents.Good luck!

joebloggs

1st October 2008, 00:30

Also, one large transfer to a bank account may seem suspicious to the ECO.

Cheers,

yes, you can not send a bank statement with a large amount of money going in your account, without a very good reason, they will want to know where and who has given you the money, they are not stupid :Cuckoo:

fhara

1st October 2008, 06:21

goodluck angelina08..i use manager's check and i gave it together with my papers when i submit it last aug22..and still im waiting for my result hopefully its good news...and its visit visa also..lets hope..:)

an08

4th October 2008, 10:23

No, not wrong. You have to pay the fee before you can book your appointment to submit the application.

how do i refund the fee?
because i havent submitted anyting yet (not even online)
and i want to refund the fee

menchkin

4th October 2008, 13:38

how do i refund the fee?
because i havent submitted anyting yet (not even online)
and i want to refund the fee

What mode of payment did you make? If it's manager's checque then it's valid for 4 months i think while cash over the counter is valid for 45 days upon payment. As far I know you can no longer refund the visa fee once you made the payment.

an08

8th October 2008, 13:34

Hi all, im just repeating my question...how do i refund my visa fee?

an08

8th October 2008, 13:35

What mode of payment did you make? If it's manager's checque then it's valid for 4 months i think while cash over the counter is valid for 45 days upon payment. As far I know you can no longer refund the visa fee once you made the payment.

i made a cash payment valid for 45 days

DianaKevy

8th October 2008, 13:54

have you tried calling them and ask if you could ask for refund since you havent or cant send your application yet?

menchkin

8th October 2008, 13:57

have you tried calling them and ask if you could ask for refund since you havent or cant send your application yet?

When I made an inquiry on this prior to lodging my application, the VFS told me that once payment has been made it can no longer be refunded. :NoNo:

vbkelly

8th October 2008, 14:16

im a bit confuse of your situation angelina you paid the visa without your application,how can you do it? i thought the payment of the visa is you submitt it together with your application.

PAT

8th October 2008, 14:19

When I made an inquiry on this prior to lodging my application, the VFS told me that once payment has been made it can no longer be refunded. :NoNo:

Thats what i know from my reading.

benb

8th October 2008, 14:28

Hi all, im just repeating my question...how do i refund my visa fee?

Refunds are not possible as far as I know.

Perhaps if you contact the embassy in writing, clearly stating the reasons, then they just might allow a refund. No harm trying.

Good luck.

menchkin

8th October 2008, 14:43

im a bit confuse of your situation angelina you paid the visa without your application,how can you do it? i thought the payment of the visa is you submitt it together with your application.

You can actually do that sis. Make the payment first thru any of the banks indicated in the vfs website without accomplishing the visa application. That's what I did actually. Made the payment first thru cash over the counter and then I accomplished my visa application form afterwards and set my appointment with VFS to lodge my application.