Ady
4th July 2007, 20:17
Hi,
I met Sheila, my Filipina girlfriend, back in 2004. At first we were just friends, and e-mailed each other daily whilst getting to know each other.
Just some background - I am 31, and Shei is 35. Shei is separated from her husband, and has a daughter aged 9.
In April 2005, our relationship went a little further as we were both in love with each other, and we both wanted the relationship to progress. At this time, we kept in constant contact via e-mails and Yahoo Messenger. Shei works in an internet cafe - which is a big help. I wake early each morning to chat with her online before I set off for work. Each evening, I write her an e-mail. And each lunchtime, I call her using a reduced rate number. We have our arguments, but mostly we just love each other's company.
Shei wanted me to visit her in Davao, but Government warnings suggested that the place was unsafe. So, I decided to bring her and her daughter here for a 3/4 week visit. We applied for a visit visa in 2006, but were rejected on the grounds that they believed Shei would not return back to the Philippines - despite us providing evidence that her family depended on her returning. They also disbelieved that I would be willing to pay for the air tickets, and cost of staying here.
In May 2007, we decided to meet in Hong Kong. In June we finally met each other in person, and had a great 2 weeks. But, I am missing her terribly.
I want to go to Davao - maybe early in 2008, and I want Sheila to seek an annullment in this time too. Yes, it is going to be expensive, but I have really decided that I want to spend my life with her. I never experienced such a deep feeling.
But - I am looking even further ahead than annullments and visits to The Philippines. Having already been stung with a visa refusal - I am scared that any further application will be refused. Remember, I am not only bringing my girlfriend to the UK, but her daughter as well.
Is a Fiance visa the way forward - or is a spouse visa a better option? Has anyone else had a similar experience of bringing across their partner and a child? In any application for a visa, will e-mail correspondence between us both suffice? We have written letters, but not so regularly because we are in daily contact. We also have pictures of our meetings in Hong Kong.
How long do fiance and spouse visas take? I know I am looking a long way ahead (after all, we still have to meet in The Phils, and we have to get her previous marriage annulled) but I am desperate to know if all this is actually possible. I know it is a complicated situation, but I am so in love with this girl. Since we left Hong Kong, I am lost.
Thanks in advance, and sorry to trouble you.
Ady.
I met Sheila, my Filipina girlfriend, back in 2004. At first we were just friends, and e-mailed each other daily whilst getting to know each other.
Just some background - I am 31, and Shei is 35. Shei is separated from her husband, and has a daughter aged 9.
In April 2005, our relationship went a little further as we were both in love with each other, and we both wanted the relationship to progress. At this time, we kept in constant contact via e-mails and Yahoo Messenger. Shei works in an internet cafe - which is a big help. I wake early each morning to chat with her online before I set off for work. Each evening, I write her an e-mail. And each lunchtime, I call her using a reduced rate number. We have our arguments, but mostly we just love each other's company.
Shei wanted me to visit her in Davao, but Government warnings suggested that the place was unsafe. So, I decided to bring her and her daughter here for a 3/4 week visit. We applied for a visit visa in 2006, but were rejected on the grounds that they believed Shei would not return back to the Philippines - despite us providing evidence that her family depended on her returning. They also disbelieved that I would be willing to pay for the air tickets, and cost of staying here.
In May 2007, we decided to meet in Hong Kong. In June we finally met each other in person, and had a great 2 weeks. But, I am missing her terribly.
I want to go to Davao - maybe early in 2008, and I want Sheila to seek an annullment in this time too. Yes, it is going to be expensive, but I have really decided that I want to spend my life with her. I never experienced such a deep feeling.
But - I am looking even further ahead than annullments and visits to The Philippines. Having already been stung with a visa refusal - I am scared that any further application will be refused. Remember, I am not only bringing my girlfriend to the UK, but her daughter as well.
Is a Fiance visa the way forward - or is a spouse visa a better option? Has anyone else had a similar experience of bringing across their partner and a child? In any application for a visa, will e-mail correspondence between us both suffice? We have written letters, but not so regularly because we are in daily contact. We also have pictures of our meetings in Hong Kong.
How long do fiance and spouse visas take? I know I am looking a long way ahead (after all, we still have to meet in The Phils, and we have to get her previous marriage annulled) but I am desperate to know if all this is actually possible. I know it is a complicated situation, but I am so in love with this girl. Since we left Hong Kong, I am lost.
Thanks in advance, and sorry to trouble you.
Ady.