UK Border Agency - Manila

[RickyR]

Recently I had to apply for a visit visa for my fiance (who is still in the process of an annulment) and her 2 year old daughter. Many people would believe this is impossible, but with a good travel history together and a lot of good evidence the visas were issued within a week.

Well I did a lot of research into the requirements of non-settlement visas, the rules and reasons for refusals.

Firstly, all the rules that Entry Clearance Officers must judge an application to are on the UK Border Agency Website

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/

Secondly, this reports is by the Independent Monitoring Commission auditting the UK Border Agency Office in Manila and gives a little insight into how things work and why visas are refused.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/2258700/2258742/imvisitmanilaukbaresponsejan09

Finally, should anyone need to know. I found out the details of the two Entry Clearance Managers in Manila.

Mr Mark Date : Entry Clearance Manager (Home Office) (Direct manager for visas)
Mr Andy Battson : Entry Clearance Manager (Foreign and Commonwealth)

Contact number for the Embassy Visa Department: +63 2 8582200

I think the report on the embassy is a good read for anyone applying for any type of visa as it gives you an idea of the setup and how they operate.

[Dedworth]

Recently I had to apply for a visit visa for my fiance (who is still in the process of an annulment) and her 2 year old daughter. Many people would believe this is impossible, but with a good travel history together and a lot of good evidence the visas were issued within a week.

Well I did a lot of research into the requirements of non-settlement visas, the rules and reasons for refusals.

Firstly, all the rules that Entry Clearance Officers must judge an application to are on the UK Border Agency Website

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/

Secondly, this reports is by the Independent Monitoring Commission auditting the UK Border Agency Office in Manila and gives a little insight into how things work and why visas are refused.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/2258700/2258742/imvisitmanilaukbaresponsejan09

Finally, should anyone need to know. I found out the details of the two Entry Clearance Managers in Manila.

Mr Mark Date : Entry Clearance Manager (Home Office) (Direct manager for visas)
Mr Andy Battson : Entry Clearance Manager (Foreign and Commonwealth)

Contact number for the Embassy Visa Department: +63 2 8582200

I think the report on the embassy is a good read for anyone applying for any type of visa as it gives you an idea of the setup and how they operate.

The Monitoring report makes very interesting reading - Ambassadors Reception etc.

I wonder how one gets to apply for a position on this particular gravy train and become an Independent Monitor :rolleyes:

[RickyR]

I know; some very very nice civil servant positions exist. But I think some of those people are born into that position, family backgrounds etc.