newbie

[andy222]

Hi my name is Andy from the midlands. I have just joined here and read some of the posts. Some characters on here and its great. Been to the philippines 4 times now and love the place. Im getting married there soon and hoping to bring her over here until i retire (if this government allows me to).:doh. I suppose all of you have seen the proposed changes on the UK BORDER AGENCY website?

[joebloggs]

which changes :Erm:

[andy222]

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=Controllingmigration
Have a look.

[Maria B]

:Wave:welcome to this friendly forum Andy & congratulations to your upcoming wedding in the Phils.:Jump:

Haven't read or heard the proposed changes that u mentioned yet. But whatever it is, don't let words take u down...enjoy your journey with your wife to be.:):Wave:

[andy222]

Thanks Maria its a stressful time to say the least with all the documentation we require but we will get there. Thanks again. By the way I love the phils.:D

[Maria B]

By the way I love the phils.:D

:xxgrinning--00xx3::Jump::yeahthat:

[andy222]

Really looking forward to boracay yipeeeeeeeeee.

[Maria B]

:) oh surely u will enjoy the sun, sea & the sand.
The thought is, you're with your loved one:xxgrinning--00xx3::heartshape1:

[andy222]

yes its the second time we have been there. Oh and congratulations on passing your test.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

which changes :Erm:

Which PARTICULAR changes?? :rolleyes: ... they ALWAYS seem to be implementing changes of one kind or another! :doh

[Arthur Little]

:anerikke: ... anyway, Andy ... :welcomex: to the filipino/uk forum, and goodluck with your plans. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[andy222]

Thanks mate. The proposed changes are they are going to stipulate a amout of money which you can support your spouse when they come here. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=Controllingmigration. There is other proposals too.

[andy222]

Basically they are making it more difficult for foreigners to get into the country.

[lastlid]

In short, the government’s proposals include:
· defining more clearly what constitutes a genuine and continuing marriage, to help identify sham and forced marriages;
· introducing a new minimum income threshold for sponsors of partners and dependents, to ensure that family migrants are adequately supported as a basis for integration;
· extending the probationary period before partners can apply for settlement in the UK from 2 years to 5 years, to test that relationships are genuine and to encourage integration into British life;
· requiring partners and adult dependents aged under 65 to demonstrate that they can understand everyday English (B1 level on the Common European Framework for Languages) when they apply for settlement;
· exploring the case for making 'sham' a lawful impediment to marriage in England and Wales, and for giving the authorities the power to delay a marriage where sham is suspected;
· working closely with local authorities to ensure that vulnerable people are not forced into marriage;
· reviewing the full right of appeal for family visitor visas, and inviting views on whether there are circumstances (beyond race discrimination and human rights grounds) in which an appeal right should be retained.

[andy222]

Read on lastlid. Thats not all of it.

[lastlid]

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/consultations/family-migration/

[andy222]

ok lastlid i have read it. I agree with it but its 30 years too late.

[Arthur Little]

· extending the probationary period before partners can apply for settlement in the UK from 2 years to 5 years, to test that relationships are genuine and to encourage integration into British life;


So WHAT'S new about the proposals you've listed? :rolleyes: most of THEM are ALREADY in force - apart from the one I've quoted above? :yeahthat:

:anerikke: ... oh well ... if that one's implemented, it'll allow married couples 3 more years to save up for ILR!

[lastlid]

So WHAT'S new about the proposals you've listed? :rolleyes: ... most of THEM are ALREADY in force - apart from the one I've quoted above? :yeahthat:

Arthur, I posted the list as I was passed it by someone that I know, but in response to Andy's above post. Hopefully, crossfingers, my good wife's visa will have been well and truly approved before things get a little more difficult.

These are just proposals just now eh?

[andy222]

Good for you lastlid. But these will be in force when my wife wants to come here. I dont know how i will stand.

[Maria B]

yes its the second time we have been there. Oh and congratulations on passing your test.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

:Hellooo::) that's great...
thank u...passed my test last Sep 2010 at the Wolverhampton Public Library.

[andy222]

oh well im only a year behind with my congratulations.:laugher:. Sorry

[Maria B]

:icon_lol: don't be....was just wondering if you're talking to me:icon_lol::Wave::Cuckoo:

[andy222]

Yes I was Maria. :D

[Arthur Little]

Arthur, I posted the list as I was passed it by someone that I know, but in response to Andy's above post. Hopefully, crossfingers, my good wife's visa will have been well and truly approved before things get a little more difficult.

These are just proposals just now eh?

Yes ... I know. And you're absolutely right ... they ARE just proposals, and will have NO bearing on your good lady's application. :nono-1-1: ... NONE whatsoever!

But such measures - regardless of how unpopular they're likely to prove with the likes of us - have a nasty habit of being approved remarkably quickly :angry: ... whenever there's government involvement. :doh So we're indebted to you for posting them here ... since doubtless it won't be too long before they do affect subsequent applicants.

[andy222]

Yes ... I know. And you're absolutely right ... they ARE just proposals, and will have NO bearing whatsoever on your wife's application.

Are you a gambling man Arthur? I bet you it will have a bearing on my future wifes application. We will wait till the closing date on this matter which is 6th October and we will see. Dont get me wrong I have a job and a monthly income but lets see what limit the government put on it.

[joebloggs]

they are proposed changes, and no doubt there will be court cases challenging any changes, then there is always article 8 , the gov has a :censored: record on winning court cases ..

the findings from a High Court judicial review should be published this month concerning the English language test because there are claims it contravenes their rights to a family life and is discriminatory. also I'm sure there is a case concerning the minimum age being raised to 21.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8663188/Immigration-ban-on-husband-who-cannot-speak-English-is-a-breach-of-human-rights-court-told.html

[Englishman2010]

Welcome Andy, and good luck with your other half's application:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[andy222]

Thanks englishman much appreciated. And thanks to joebloggs for his imput. But this government will do as it pleases you just wait and see.

[Arthur Little]

Thanks englishman much appreciated. And thanks to joebloggs for his imput. But this government will do as it pleases you just wait and see.

:anerikke: ... as does EVERY successive government - we hardly need a crystal ball to tell us that!

[andy222]

I agree Arthur!

[Arthur Little]

That's why :poke: ... MY advice to you would be to "get cracking" :xxaction-smiley-047 with your wife's application ASAP! :D

[joebloggs]

well its up to people to complain about any proposed changes, some people have and have been successful.. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Judicial Review challenging the retrospective HSMP changes has been successful. ..,

It has been announced today that the Home Office has lost a judicial review on the interim limit for Tier 1 (General) and Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system.

English UK, the body that represents most language schools, says it will seek a judicial review of home secretary Alan Johnson’s decision to prevent students with only beginner’s English from entering Britain for English language courses.

Though the decision to increase the marriage age from 18 to 21 was declared unlawful by the Court of Appeal, the Secretary of State has on Friday been given permission to take the matter to the Supreme Court. This means that until the Supreme Court makes a decision on the matter the requirement that a spouse / fiance be 21 years old remains.

[Arthur Little]

That's why :poke: ... MY advice to you would be to "get cracking" :xxaction-smiley-047 with your wife's application ASAP! :D

I'm SERIOUS, mate :Rasp: ... there's no time to lose!

[andy222]

That's why :poke: ... MY advice to you would be to "get cracking" :xxaction-smiley-047 with your wife's application ASAP! :D

You know how it works Arthur it will take at least 6 months for the process of getting my future wife over here. I will just wait and see what happens. Thanks again for your support everyone.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

You know how it works Arthur it will take at least 6 months for the process of getting my future wife over here. I will just wait and see what happens.

Yes, I do. And you're right ... up to a point! :rolleyes: It USED to take anything up to 6 months - given that the ORIGINAL Marriage Certificate *needed to be verified by the NSO in Manilla BEFORE a Settlement Visa could even be applied for (and I'm almost 100 percent certain still does!) ... which accounted for three of these months ... especially if the ceremony took place in the Catholic Church!

Then ... on finally lodging their applications, non-European partners were generally informed by VFS to expect a customary waiting period of 12 weeks - hence, I imagine, your reasons for citing "at least 6 months" for the whole process.

But thankfully, the British Embassy's turnover targets have improved considerably in recent times ... with Settlement applications being dealt with a helluva lot more rapidly. And if you and your partner follow the guidelines provided by the UKBA, your future wife's COULD, conceivably, be one of those applications that are "fast-tracked" in this way. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

Thanks again for your support everyone.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

:xxgrinning--00xx3: ... that's what we're here for! :)

[mikey73]

welcome to the forum andy:Hellooo:

[KeithD]

As long as you follow the advice on this forum no matter what changes they make they will have little effect on the long term relationship with your loved one. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[sweetnote143]

:Hellooo::Wave: welcome to the friendly site :Wave:

[andy222]

Thanks for the welcome guys. I m sure this site is going to be valuable to me. You guys seem experienced at this but the rules are changing all the time. I have been to many countries but the philippines is the only one i wanted to return to not just because I love my gf but I found the people so friendly. Ok there are bad people there but its just like anywhere else in the world. Put it like this I cant go to my local park at night and watch a great fountain show like i did in manila and feel safe. I dont think you would do that anywhere in the uk. My aim probably like a lot on here to work till i retire and go back to phils.

[febmary]

wELCOME Andy to the forum:xxgrinning--00xx3: My husband loved the Philippines so much. He always told me the Filipinos are the most friendliest people on earth! He can't wait to come here next year!:)

[andy222]

yes i could easily fit into the simple lifestyle there. Even where my gf lives its not a tourist place but i can relax there. There is not many foriegners there but the people are friendly towards me on our subdivision. They always say hi and smile.

[LittleFingers]

Andy - are you eligible for another EEA passport, other than British? I ask because if you can acquire one, then your wife is eligible to come here - free of charge and minimal paperwork - and sign on for job seekers allowance immediately.On the otherhand, if you are a British citizen, loyal and true, you get shafted.God Save The Queen.

[andy222]

Andy - are you eligible for another EEA passport, other than British? I ask because if you can acquire one, then your wife is eligible to come here - free of charge and minimal paperwork - and sign on for job seekers allowance immediately.On the otherhand, if you are a British citizen, loyal and true, you get shafted.God Save The Queen.

I dont know I have never looked into having a EEA passport. But I know one thing you are totally right about the last bit.

[joebloggs]

Andy - are you eligible for another EEA passport, other than British? I ask because if you can acquire one, then your wife is eligible to come here - free of charge and minimal paperwork - and sign on for job seekers allowance immediately.On the otherhand, if you are a British citizen, loyal and true, you get shafted.God Save The Queen.

so true its not :laugher:
god save the Brit :cwm24:

[grahamw48]

....and of course the imposition of most of these rules had NOTHING whatsoever to do with British men marrying Filipina ladies. :angry:

[Tawi2]

Alright Andy :)

[andy222]

yes fine thanks. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

My husband loved the Philippines so much. He always told me the Filipinos are the most friendliest people on earth!

And your husband is SPOT-ON, Ann ... they ARE !!! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[febmary]

Sir Arthur, Im thinking my husbands looks like a politicians, keeps on waving, coz everytime he say hi to these people, there are always smile in their face:):):). But most of the time, they think he is "JOE".:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:. being American.

[grahamw48]

'Hey Joe' has good and bad connotations for me, its connection with the Vietnam war and colonial times under the US for the Philippines,
but also one of my favourite songs by one of my favourite rock musicians. :)
.
.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjmAHZ0wTAs

[andy222]

10/10 Graham.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Hey Joe was the first record I ever bought with my own hard earned dosh as a paper boy.

[andy222]

Yeah good record mate but a bit before my time. Just a bit though.:D

[grahamw48]

Are we off on another tangent ? :icon_lol:

Here's the first record I bought (in 1964, and still have) :

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk3Ei_yoI4c&feature=related

[andy222]

Yes I remember that graham. I think my first record I bought was The Sweet. Wig Wam Bam. But I like all sorts exept rap and rave music.

[grahamw48]

Not forgetting....Ballroom Blitz. :)

.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY-r6oawxmc

Also, I used to love 'Tiger Feet' by Mud....such fun at parties and dances. :D

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8VOmCyxoGs

That fun-type music seems to be a bit lacking these days. :(

[andy222]

To true mate lacking is not the word. My eldest daughter tries to get me into that new dance music but im not having any of it.:D

[grahamw48]

I added the vids now. :)

[South-east boy]

Andy - are you eligible for another EEA passport, other than British? I ask because if you can acquire one, then your wife is eligible to come here - free of charge and minimal paperwork - and sign on for job seekers allowance immediately.On the otherhand, if you are a British citizen, loyal and true, you get shafted.God Save The Queen.

Yup, any tom, dick or harry from Eastern Europe etc who lives here, can marry someone from outside the EU pretty easily. I wonder what they are doing to stop sham marriages between those?
Typical British government/rules that screws over it's own people and seems to favour those that take advantage! :cwm23:

And welcome to the forum Andy!

[Arthur Little]

Typical British government/rules that screws over it's own people and seems to favour those that take advantage! :cwm23:

That's certainly how it would APPEAR, Tim :rolleyes: ... trouble IS, British Governments are hampered by European legislation - that allows continentals to trample over our own Immigration Rules - and, sadly, :bigcry: this gross anomaly will continue for as long as WE remain members of the EU. :furious3:

[andy222]

I wouldnt know where to start to get one of those passports. I dont think we are allowed to have them?