Fiancee Visa Questions

[mark99]

Just some general questions..

1. If I marry my fiancee in the UK then do I still need to get a "certificate of no-impediment" in the UK first?

2. Would I be able to attend with my fiancee for any interviews or meetings she needs to make at the UK Embassy in Manila and does it help her chances if I'm there?

3. Does the first appointment at the embassy only involve handing in the documents (i.e. how long do you normally have to wait until my fiancee is called for an interview, assuming they feel she needs one).

4. Also, what kind of appointment should she ask to make and can you make it several months ahead of time (I think it's possible to book these online too?)?

5. I've heard some people talk about a CFO, can somebody explain more about what this is and at what point she must take/attend it?

6. In terms of the Fiancee Settlement Visa application, a lot of old topics link to the VAF2 .PDF from 2006 but this is now out of date. I am having trouble picking which is now the correct one. I think this VAF4a is the closest?

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/vaf4a

Thanks for your time, most of my other questions have already been answered due to this excellent forum. I have donated to help support it.

[IainBusby]

1. If I marry my fiancee in the UK then do I still need to get a "certificate of no-impediment" in the UK first?

No, you just go and to the registry office together in the normal way and make an appointment to get married. They will be able to check through records that you are free to marry but your fiancee will need her cenomar from the Philippines and probably her birth certificate as well.


2. Would I be able to attend with my fiancee for any interviews or meetings she needs to make at the UK Embassy in Manila and does it help her chances if I'm there?

If she is called for an interview, which is quite rare these days, I believe that you can attend and wait outside, but they don't have to see you, it's up to the ECO (Entry Clearance Officer) who is interviewing her whether he wants to talk to you or not.


3. Does the first appointment at the embassy only involve handing in the documents (i.e. how long do you normally have to wait until my fiancee is called for an interview, assuming they feel she needs one).

There is usually only one appointment and it's not actually with the British Embassy. It's with VFS Global http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/ which is the agency that accepts all of the applications (and fees), checks that everything is complete and in order, then passes them on the British Embassy. If she is required to attend an interview, this would probably be a few weeks later, once they had looked at her application.


4. Also, what kind of appointment should she ask to make and can you make it several months ahead of time (I think it's possible to book these online too?)?

She would have to make an appointment to submit a settlement visa (spouse) after firstly filling in an online application form, printing it off and then paying the visa application fee into one of the British Embassy's designated banks. Because the application must be lodged within a certain time of the application fee being paid into the designated bank, I don't think you could arrange this several months beforehand.


5. I've heard some people talk about a CFO, can somebody explain more about what this is and at what point she must take/attend it?

The CFO is the Commision on Filipinos Overseas and this is a Philippines govenment requirement. Any Filipino who is emigrating as a fiancee or a wife must attend this. She can take it while she's waiting for her visa or after she gets it. http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=329&Itemid=78 .



6. In terms of the Fiancee Settlement Visa application, a lot of old topics link to the VAF2 .PDF from 2006 but this is now out of date. I am having trouble picking which is now the correct one. I think this VAF4a is the closest?

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/vaf4a

I think this is the latest version, but should I be wrong, I'm sure other members on here will correct me.

Iain.

[MarBell379]

Iain's response seems to cover most of the bases here.

If you can get a Cenomar from Philippines that would cover it. I was never asked for one and didnt need one. You WILL need the original Decree absolute both for the Visa application and registry office in the UK.

The 'interviews' at the moment seem to mainly consist of gathering biometric data and making sure paperwork is in order (generally messing up already ordered paperwork IMHO)

The Visa appointments are booked shortly before they take place. I guess you can try and book befor you head to Phils. In my case my fiancee went on her own and booked it the day (possibly 2, I cant recall for certain) before she went.

Iain's right about the CFO, but if she takes the seminar before being granted a Visa she will have to go back as they won't issue the slip without a Visa already in he passport.

NB - My fiancee applied for Fiancee Visa in August, granted 5 weeks later and she's been in the UK since October 2. We're getting married on Saturday 16th January :):):)


Good luck with everything!

[Arthur Little]

NB - My fiancee applied for Fiancee Visa in August, granted 5 weeks later and she's been in the UK since October 2. We're getting married on Saturday 16th January :):):)

Good Luck on YOUR forthcoming nuptials, Martin ... :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[mark99]

Yeah goodluck Martin! Well done :) .

Anyway, where does my fiancee need to go in order to request her cenomar and what documents does she need? Also are any costs involved?

Also can somebody point out the correct location for VFS Global on Google maps because it just takes me to the UK Embassy.

[IainBusby]

Yeah goodluck Martin! Well done :) .

Anyway, where does my fiancee need to go in order to request her cenomar and what documents does she need? Also are any costs involved?

Also can somebody point out the correct location for VFS Global on Google maps because it just takes me to the UK Embassy.

She has to go to her local NSO office (National Statistics Office) for her cenomar and here is the google map for the Phil-Axa Building which is where VFS Global are located http://wiki.alumni.net/wiki/Category:Asia/Philippines/Metro_Manila/Makati_City/The_Philippine_AXA_Life_Center_Building/#map

[mark99]

She would have to make an appointment to submit a settlement visa (spouse) after firstly filling in an online application form, printing it off and then paying the visa application fee into one of the British Embassy's designated banks. Because the application must be lodged within a certain time of the application fee being paid into the designated bank, I don't think you could arrange this several months beforehand.

Regarding the online application form, do you mean the vaf4a or something different? I can see on the VFS site the ability to make an online "appointment" but nothing for an online visa "application" form? Is there a downloadable version of the application form and which is it?

Or is it just the case that the online appointment form will end with an option to print off something she can take to the bank for paying her visa fees and before bringing the VAF4 and all other documents/evidence in on the agreed date?

Sorry to ask all this, just trying to make sure I have a full grasp lol.

[mark99]

Ok just seen that you can't make an "appointment" until 1 day after the visa fee has been paid, so now I'm not sure which "application" she needs to bring with her to the bank? It confuses me because the VFS site at first has the bit about paying your visa fee AFTER the bit about making an appointment, it's only on another page that it says you have to make an appointment first :crazy: . I'm I'm lost :)

[mark99]

Can't seem to edit my post hmm, anyway that last bit is supposed to read:

"it's only on another page that it says you have to PAY THE VISA FEE FIRST"

[Arthur Little]

Can't seem to edit my post hmm,

No, Mark :NoNo: ... you won't be able to edit your post(s) whilst still a 'Newbie'.


anyway that last bit is supposed to read:

"it's only on another page that it says you have to PAY THE VISA FEE FIRST"

Yes :iagree: ... that's correct ... the visa fee MUST be paid in advance of arranging an appointment.

[mark99]

That's confused me because Iain said this above: "She would have to make an appointment to submit a settlement visa (spouse) after firstly filling in an online application form, printing it off and then paying the visa application fee into one of the British Embassy's designated banks."

So exactly what form do you fill out to request/pay a visa fee at the bank if not the online application/appointment one?

[IainBusby]

That's confused me because Iain said this above: "She would have to make an appointment to submit a settlement visa (spouse) after firstly filling in an online application form, printing it off and then paying the visa application fee into one of the British Embassy's designated banks."

So exactly what form do you fill out to request/pay a visa fee at the bank if not the online application/appointment one?

Perhaps one of the ladies who have gone through this recently could give you the exact details of this process, but as far as can understand, you have to pay the visa fee into the bank and get a reference number, then go online, fill in an application form, print it off, then make an appointment and then go to Manila and submit the application on the pre-arranged application appointment date.
Iain.

[lyka]

hi mark..im applying for my fiancee visa..can i have your gf ym so i can help her...godbless.

[LEAHnew]

That's confused me because Iain said this above: "She would have to make an appointment to submit a settlement visa (spouse) after firstly filling in an online application form, printing it off and then paying the visa application fee into one of the British Embassy's designated banks."

So exactly what form do you fill out to request/pay a visa fee at the bank if not the online application/appointment one?

Hi Mark yes she need the VAF4a that's the revised edition most of us here printed the form and filled it up and submitted in VFS application centre including the supporting documents required.

She can get online appointment to avoid going in a long queue (make sure she gonna print the proof of appointment) but if she's just near around manila she can do walk in submission as soon as she paid the visa fee.

In my experience I used Manager's check(MC). I went in BDO bank requested MC i brought my passport copy and printed a page from VFS website showing the exact fee. BTW Keep an eye on it coz it changed quickly, to avoid complication with the exact fee.:doh

:DStill fresh on my mind coz might undergo again in this kind of procedure:doh:NoNo:
Good luck:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[mark99]

Ok I think I've got this now ;).

Make online application form > print > pay visa fee at the supporting BPI bank > make online appointment with VFS to submit all the documents . Piece of cake, well except for the massive evidence file that we're still busy putting together lol. Anyway I will be in Phili to help her do all this in April so no worries.

Just a few questions that I have from the VAF4a, specifically:

Part 4 - Your Family
4.11 Full name of spouse/partner (If single go to 4.16)

Should she just skip this and put "single" here because we're not yet married and intend to marry in the UK. Otherwise I guess we just put my name, though if that's the case then I don't know why it says partner and not sponsor?

8.2 Your Sponsor
8.2.9 If your sponsor is in the UK when did they first arrive?
8.2.10 Sponsor’s permission to live in the UK
8.2.11 When did they get this permission?

They ask for a whole bunch of dates here and when I got my permission etc., but it's a bit of a silly question because I was born in the UK lol. I guess I just repeat my date of birth for these?

Part 9 Additional Information

What sort of information should go in this additional info. box? Our evidence file and income details etc. are already covered so should we just leave it blank?

[mark99]

Anybody?

[MarBell379]

Answer it with the information as of now.
If she's not married, she's single. She won'y have a partner until she is married.
Your birth date is fie for all those other questions, and I'm pretty sure it says that on the guidance forms.

Additional info is up to you, but anything that has the remotest possibility of being relevant should be covered.

The forms aren't intentionally misleading, you just have to read and reread them very carefully to avoid cocking up.