Hi all

[louismc44]

Does anyone know about this new ruling in regards how much one must have to support his Philippine wifei in order for her to be able to come to the UK?
I heard through the grapevine it has to be at least £22,000 per year, is this right?

(Because I'm a dieable person on state pension with pension credit too.
Will the home office block me from bringing my wife back home to the UK?)

Cheers I am looking forward to know the facts
Louis

[stevie c]

Does anyone know about this new ruling in regards how much one must have to support his Philippine wifei in order for her to be able to come to the UK?
I heard through the gravine it has to be at least £22,000 per year, is this right?

(Because I'm a dieable person on state pension with pension credit too.
Will the home office block me from brining my wife back home to the UK?)

Cheers I am looking forward to know the facts
Louis

louis if you are getting disability benefits then you are exempt from the new financial rulings :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[joebloggs]

but you still need to show you can support your wife without recourse to public funds, as the 'old rules' will apply

This new financial requirement, which will apply to a grant of six months’ leave as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner and to the five year route to settlement as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same sex partner, will replace the existing maintenance requirement for those routes in the Immigration Rules, which under case law14 operates, after housing costs have been deducted, at the equivalent of Income Support levels. That existing requirement will apply where the applicant is exempt from the new financial requirement because their sponsor is in receipt of a specified disability-related benefit or Carer’s Allowance.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/soi-fam-mig.pdf

[Terpe]

For a couple with no dependants the minimum gross income needed is £18600

For those on specific verifiable benefits there are possible exemptions.

May I suggest you review this thread

How to apply for a Spouse Visa (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39740-All-New-Guide-How-to-apply-for-a-Spouse-Partner-Visa) which may help your understanding.

As mentioned, even under exemption conditions it is still is required to demonstrate that there will be adequate maintainance to support yourselves without recourse to public funds and without relying on promises of third party support.

In principle ‘adequate maintainance’ means that after housing costs have been deducted, there must be a level of income available in line with levels of income support.

Please be aware that the need to comply with the financial requirements will need to be demonstrated at each stage of FLR/ILR application in addition to the Visa Entry.
With this in mind you should seriously consider how the Government’s welfare reforms may impact you.
The new reforms include the introduction of Personal Independence Payment from April 2013 and the roll-out of Universal Credit from October 2013.
In particular, before April 2013 the Government will review the treatment under the financial requirement of disabled people and carers, with a view to ensuring that the basis for and operation of the financial requirement properly reflects the Government’s welfare reforms. Any changes will be announced in due course, but an applicant – sponsored by a person in receipt of a specified disability-related benefit or Carer’s Allowance – who will be exempt from the financial requirement from 9 July 2012 cannot expect that they will necessarily remain exempt from April 2013.

[Terpe]

For a couple with no dependants the minimum gross income needed is £18600

For those on specific verifiable benefits there are possible exemptions.

May I suggest you review this thread How to apply for a Spouse Visa (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39740-All-New-Guide-How-to-apply-for-a-Spouse-Partner-Visa) which may help your understanding.

As mentioned, even under exemption conditions it is still is required to demonstrate that there will be adequate maintainance to support yourselves without recourse to public funds and without relying on promises of third party support.

In principle ‘adequate maintainance’ means that after housing costs have been deducted, there must be a level of income available in line with levels of income support.

Please be aware that the need to comply with the financial requirements will need to be demonstrated at each stage of FLR/ILR application in addition to the Visa Entry.
With this in mind you should seriously consider how the Government’s welfare reforms may impact you.
The new reforms include the introduction of Personal Independence Payment from April 2013 and the roll-out of Universal Credit from October 2013.
In particular, before April 2013 the Government will review the treatment under the financial requirement of disabled people and carers, with a view to ensuring that the basis for and operation of the financial requirement properly reflects the Government’s welfare reforms. Any changes will be announced in due course, but an applicant – sponsored by a person in receipt of a specified disability-related benefit or Carer’s Allowance – who will be exempt from the financial requirement from 9 July 2012 cannot expect that they will necessarily remain exempt from April 2013.

[louismc44]

HI stevie c

What you have said here below, is all I needed to know..that is fantastic..

Thank you very much it has taken a load of my mind.
-------------------------------------------------
louis if you are getting disability benefits then you are exempt from the new financial rulings

[louismc44]

Hi all
Right I got that good bit of advice from here and thank you very much too.
Now, about this form that I have to fill in..Is there anywhere in the London area that I can go to get some help and advice with completing this form? I'm not very good with forms..
Thank you

[louismc44]

Is there anywhere in the London area that I can go to get some help and advice with completing this form? I'm not very good with forms..
Thank you

[louismc44]

Hi joebloggs

Thank you for this information

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Thank you for this information too

[louismc44]

Hi all
I just got back on Friday 7th September, after 3 fantastic weeks in the Philippines with Olivia and myself
Boy Ain't it half hot over there too.
Thank God for air-condition rooms.:xxgrinning--00xx3:
I will go back there again very soon as i plan to marry Olivia when I am next over there. I need some help with filling in these forms in order for Olivia to come to the UK to live with me. I have all my papers for our marriage in order. but I need help with the visa forms, Is there any reliable trust worthy way we can get help with this?
Thank you in advance..Louis

[Terpe]

Hi all
I just got back on Friday 7th September, after 3 fantastic weeks in the Philippines with Olivia and myself
Boy Ain't it half hot over there too.
Thank God for air-condition rooms.:xxgrinning--00xx3:
I will go back there again very soon as i plan to marry Olivia when I am next over there. I need some help with filling in these forms in order for Olivia to come to the UK to live with me. I have all my papers for our marriage in order. but I need help with the visa forms, Is there any reliable trust worthy way we can get help with this?
Thank you in advance..Louis

The best way would be to engage the services of an Immigration Adviser.
The OISC (The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) is responsible for regulating immigration advisers by ensuring they are fit and competent and act in the best interest of their clients.

Here is their main website (http://www.oisc.gov.uk)
You can find complete listings of all Immigration Advisers.

They can cover a range of services from a simple document check to completing your application for you.

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
What I really meant to ask you,
My wife to be who lives in the Philippines is the one that needs the most help with this form filling. she lives in Digos City, which is not too far from Davao.
We need someone out there who can help with the forms..
How can we find a good trust worthy person out there. I have been to the Philippines and like anywhere else, they have a lot of rip off merchants there too..

[Terpe]

Thank you Terpe
What I really meant to ask you,
My wife to be who lives in the Philippines is the one that needs the most help with this form filling. she lives in Digos City, which is not too far from Davao.
We need someone out there who can help with the forms..
How can we find a good trust worthy person out there. I have been to the Philippines and like anywhere else, they have a lot of rip off merchants there too..

Sorry, I though you said this


..Is there anywhere in the London area that I can go to get some help and advice with completing this form? I'm not very good with forms..
Thank you

Anyway, no matter. The advisors here in London can still help. They do it all the time.

I'm sorry but I can't help you with reliable and qualified advisors in the Philippines.
I'll just wish you luck and say be very wary. It seems you may need some specialist help.
Remember that the majority of evidence is Sponsor-based. That means you'll be providing most of it. Just consider logistics, time differences and communication issues before making a final decision.

[louismc44]

Thank you very much Terpe..
Your information is very valueble to me..
With warm regards..
Louis

[louismc44]

Hi all...
At this moment in time I do have a British Passport, this is due to the year of my birth which gives me the right to be a passport holder of the UK
I heard that if I use my Irish Passport, which I am entitle to do so
I would be exempt from all charges at the British Embassy in order to get my wife to come and join me...Is there some truth in this?
If there is? Then I will change my passport for my Irish one
I have had an Irish Passport in the past.

[louismc44]

It seems that my idea of obtaining an Irish Passport is of no use now?

[louismc44]

I will just have to stick to the British Embassy's Rules now :-(
Can anyone please tell me where I might find a check list of all the papers and documents that Oliia and I need in order that Oliia might be granted a Visa?
A check list that we can tick off as we complete the form with the correct papers and documents? Thank you in advance...Louis

[louismc44]

but you still need to show you can support your wife without recourse to public funds, as the 'old rules' will apply

This new financial requirement, which will apply to a grant of six months’ leave as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner and to the five year route to settlement as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same sex partner, will replace the existing maintenance requirement for those routes in the Immigration Rules, which under case law14 operates, after housing costs have been deducted, at the equivalent of Income Support levels. That existing requirement will apply where the applicant is exempt from the new financial requirement because their sponsor is in receipt of a specified disability-related benefit or Carer’s Allowance.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/soi-fam-mig.pdf

Hi
I have been looking into this section that you posted here, but for the life of me I can not find this part. Could you please tell me the chapter and section where I might find these wording? Thank you

[louismc44]

I am going back to the Philippines on the 23rd September 2012
We hope to get married in her local town, 'Digos City'

Before I leave the UK
Please can anyone give me a check list of all the documents I need to take with me?
Thank you in advance.

Yes I am on DLA and I can cover Olivia's expenses for 6 months with no hardship to us both as I have a little savings in the bank for a rainy day.

My plan is to stay in the Philippines and help Olvia to fill in the visa forms. Hopefully she will get this visa and then we can fly back to the UK together?

So it is very important that I bring the correct documents with me on this trip, because I cannot afford to keep coming back to the UK for any documents that I might need?

[Terpe]

Hi Louis, lets take one subject at a time.

1. Did you yet decide which route you will target?
- Irish Passport and EEA route
- UK National Immigration Rules - Exemption
- UK National Immigration Rules - Standard Application based on £18600 income
- UK National Immigration Rules - Savings above £16000

2. For your forthcoming wedding
- Firstly, many congratulations to you both for a happy day and for a wonderful future.
Documentation needed:-

Generally, if you can be very slick and well organised with the needed paperwork etc, and your plans work out smoothly with no major delays you should have no problems getting married within a 21 day timeframe.
If you are in any doubt better organise a 59 day visa

In principle the documents you need are:-

Birth certificate - original
Passport
CNI (Certificate of No Impediment to Marry) - The CNI is available from your local registry office. It takes 22 days from time of application. It's 21 days for the 'bans'.
Present this document to the British Embassy in the Philippines in order to be issued a Philippine version called a "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry".
This certificate is needed for the application of a marriage license.
You'll need to book an appointment at the Embassy in order to secure this document.

You also need to obtain your own CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) from the Philippines NSO (National Statistics Office) so you better include this timing contingency as well.

Marriage License - Apply for this in your fiancée's home town at the registry office. (or locality of where marriage will take place)
You might also be requested to attend the "Pre-Marriage Seminar" counselling sessions prior to being allowed to be married. Check and ask when you apply for the marriage license

After you apply for the license there is a mandatory 10 day waiting period while the marriage banns are published

To apply for the Marriage License you should consider having the following:-

Your birth certificate
Your passport
Your C.N.I.
Your NSO CENOMAR (if needed, please check well beforehand)
Your Divorce decree asbsolute (if applicable)

Certificate of 'Pre-Marriage Seminar' (if needed, please check well beforehand)

Her N.S.O. birth certificate (This should be fresh from NSO on latest type of security paper. Check)
Her Passport (or other appropriate ID)
Her Barangay clearance (if needed, please check well beforehand)
Her community tax certificate (often called Cedula)
Her postal I.D. Address
Her cenomar
Her Parents signed advice form (for under 25 years)
Her Parents I.D.

[grahamw48]

Hi Louis, I did the same as you (extended trip to be with my lady and then help her complete the application).

One thing I did used to do was give power of attorney to my solicitor...as I was going to be away for extended periods. Handy for dealing with banks, councils and similar.

If worse comes to worse you could have copies of documents DHL'd out to you, as long as someone here has access to them. Hopefully that won't be necessary of course, but wise to cover all bases.

Anyway, I'm sure one of our experts will be along shortly to give you that important list, or at least where it can be located. Good luck. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Oh, there you are... Terpe to the rescue while I was typing. :D

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe. Thank you once again for your great informational help.
I found out that it is too late to apply for an Irish Passport as the new ruling will come into force on 16th Oct, this will block me from being exampt from the present rules of being an Irish national. So it looks like I will have to carry on with my British Passport instead.

The list I am looking for,
Is to for Olvia to show the British Embassy when she makes an applicaton for a spouse visa to come to the UK as my wife.
This is the list of all the documents that I should bring wth me to show that I can support and give her a home here too.
As I am on DLA and live in a council house. Also I am on housing benefit too.
I have just over one week, 23rd September before I fly back to the Philippines again.
Thank you again..
Louis

[louismc44]

Here is a checklist


1. Both passports

2. Visa fees managers check from bdo bank made payable to British embassy

3. Passport sized photograph of olive

4. A copy of your passport & all the stamped pages

5. Rent book tenancy agreement & photos of the rooms in your house with a brief discription of your house

6. 6 Months bank statements &

6 months saving statements

7. A letter of support from you THIS VERY IMPORTANT

8. Evidence of contact ie letters phone bills yahoo messenger emails Xmas cards birthday cards from the both of you

9. Both of your birth certificates

10. Marriage cert from NSO 11. Any other docs that might help your application


Please
Can anyone add some more extra information to this list of the papers and documents that I might need to take with me before I travel to the Philippines again?

I will travel on 23rd September 2012
Thank you

[grahamw48]

I'm assuming you already have a certificate of no impediment to marry...from your local Registrar Office here ? :Erm: (As you have indicated that you are 'single' on your profile).

[louismc44]

Yes thank you grahamw48
I've just picked this up from my local registery office only a couple of hours ago

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Am I right about the loop hole of being an Irish National living here in the UK has been closed or is about to be closed very soon?

[grahamw48]

Yes thank you grahamw48
I've just picked this up from my local registery office only a couple of hours ago

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bigmarco]

Hi Louis here is a thread Terpe posted a while ago which shows that the loophole has now been closed. Have a read.

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39806-Important-Changes-to-the-Immigration-(EEA)-Regulations-2006?highlight=eea+permit+irish

[louismc44]

As I said before
I just got back from the Phils last Friday 7th Sept 2012
I have to tell you this.
When I got there, I went to a hotel.
I ask him how much it cost to stay the night? He told me 400 ph.
But around 2 am the F .....ker. call me up and ask for another 400 saying my time is up.

Then Olive family invited me to go to the beach with them on Saturday. I said ok thank you. Then when I turn up to go there, about 40-50 were there to meet me. I was told that I have to pay for everyone fare to the beach and I had to buy all their foods and drinks. I said to them, no way mate.

Then the next night I was invited by one of her brothers to join them for dinner, when I got there. He ask me to pay for the meal, no way mate, I am off. Then the next person was one of her sisters in law came around with a hard luck story..would I lend her 2000 ph. I said I did not carry money as I only had a visa card..This went on many times with her family and so called friends I ask Olive about this, and she said it is the custom of the phils to ripped off us white folk al over the land...
I told her if she don't protect me from these F ....ers I am off out of here. she got the message and began to tell them all to keep away from me..

I also told her that I have only come to see her and get to know her only..I don't really care or like the country, but I did find a Rose in the phils..This is Olive, she is totally different from the rest of them, she knows what they are like and she don't like it either...

. I also let it be known that I am not here to marry her family or her friends. you have to make this very clear to them at the very beginning...I am only here to Marry Olive no one else..the rest can go to hell for all I care..

Another time, we were tying to get a taxi and when one came over to us..he ask Olive for double fare because I am white, Olive bless her soul took very bad to this man and told him who do you think I am? this happen on a few occasion, they insulted Olive by making out because she is with me, then she is a hooker..Everywhere I want people stopped and stared at us. Some even tittered and pointed out to us..Basically these people have no respect for their own people let anyone a while person like me..

To be fair..I did meet one or two very nice decent folks...they did not ask me for anything at all..in fact they were very kind to me and treated me with great respect which I am accustom too..

At times I'm in a wheel chair . ,Cathy Pacific is the coupany to be flying with..They treat you like gold..

One more thing I need to let you all know..Don't ever let them take your visa card away from your sight. Twice they tried to do this me and I had to tell them, no way mate am I going to let that card our of my sight..

[grahamw48]

Ah, it seems you booked into a 'short-time' hotel. Didn't happen to hear lots of :do_it: did you ? :D

Mate, be very very careful.

I sense an accident waiting to happen with this one . :NoNo:

I would urge you to learn as much as you can about the Filipino culture and their way of 'doing things'...including social etiquette and the importance of 'family'. This is no minor matter when considering marrying a Filipina.

Whatever your lady may tell you about the relationship she has with her family (and their influence on her, whether here or there), it's going to be one that you are going to have great difficulty separating her from, and indeed why would anyone reasonably expect a lady to do that ?

[louismc44]

Hi all
I am off back to the Philippines 23rd September Sunday fly to Manila.
This time I go back to get married.
Please
Does anyone know the latest price of the spouse visa?
And can anyone tell me the phone number of the VIP service at the British Embassy in Manila too?
And how to get things done fast track with the papers checking and all?
Thank you in advance..

[louismc44]

You know what?
I thought there was something funny about that place.
Yes there was a lot of noise all through the night hahaha

Yes I know but she cried her eyes out to me of the way they have treated her like a freak.

Fair enough mate, we all need families of some sort.

I must say she is one of the most progressive and knowledgeable person that I have met in many a years
So natural with it all too..

[bigmac]

thanks for all that. think i'll stay this side of the pond--at least i can understand when i'm being insulted.

[louismc44]

thanks for all that. think i'll stay this side of the pond--at least i can understand when i'm being insulted.

Hahahaha I like that mate

[louismc44]

Hi all
I'm off back to the Philippines today 23rd Sept 2012
This time hoping to be married with Olivia
Please can anyone tell me the latest price of a spouse visa and where the site I need to go to find out all this information?
Thank you.
I will be able to keep in touch via the internet on regular basics this time around..
Thank you all very much for your great help

After this is all said and done
Lets hope I too will be able to give some good advice to anyone who wishes to walk the same path as we have all done here?
Regards to all
Louis

[louismc44]

hi all
I am here now in the Philippines just over 1 week.
Olivia and myself, we are getting married 12th October 2012

Please, , one question?
Does Olivia need to do the English test again?
She pass the test December 2010
i need to know 100% for sure if this good enough?
thank you

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

hi all
I am here now in the Philippines just over 1 week.
Olivia and myself, we are getting married 12th October 2012

Please, , one question?
Does Olivia need to do the English test again?
She pass the test December 2010
i need to know 100% for sure if this good enough?
thank you

Regards
Louis & Olivia

Good luck and congratulations on the forthcoming wedding. :wedtoss:

The validity of the tests are variable depending upon which test was taken, when it was taken and whether that specific test is still listed as approved by UKBA.

Here is the UKBA approved listing of English Language Tests. (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf)

You will see there is a coloumn called 'Test Validity' and this is where it gives the information for each test.

Please do review the UKBA listing linked above and carefully SATISFY YOURSELF about validity. If you have any doubts or concerns then contact the Visa Section at the British Embassy in Manila.
My reason for saying this is simply because ALL English tests must be compliant with the above linked latest approved tests.
It was some time ago that Olivia took her test and it's imperitive that the precise test she took is still stated on the latest UKBA listed linked above.
There have been a number of updates/changes since December 2010
If the specific test that Olivia took at that time is now not listed she will need to take a new test from one of those listed.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Wow thank you for this information
Having just read that link you posted
We concluded that Olivia's certificate is still valid today.

[louismc44]

Hi all
Does any one know the cost of a spouse visa and the complete address of this new embassy in Cebue, Philippines?
Either in English Pounds or in the Philippines 'peso' ?
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[irishman12]

would this be it? http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/find-an-embassy/asia-and-oceania/hon-consul-cebu

[irishman12]

did u look here ? http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39856-Fees-for-Spouse-visa-%28and-bringing-a-minor-child%29?highlight=cost+of+spouse+visa

[louismc44]

Address:
Villa Terrace
Greenhills Road
Casuntingan
Mandaue City
Cebu
6014

phone:
Phone: +63 858 22 00

Email: Cons.Manila@fco.gov.uk

No visa matters handled at this office

The site says, NO VISA MATTERS DEALT WITH AT THIS OFFICE:doh
I ASK YOU
WHAT IS THE POINT OF THEY OPEN THIS BRANCH FOR THEN?

[Terpe]

Louis, there is no new embassy in Cebu.
But there is a new VFS Visa centre just opened there October 4th
VFS are the official visa admin partner for UKBA and thats where visa applications are made.

Take a look here for address, contacts and operational details of the new VFS centre in Cebu (http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/applicationcentre.html#1)

For the UKBA fees take a look here (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/fees-2012.pdf)

You can see that Settlement Visa is currently £826
This equates to P57820 at the current consular rate of £1 = P70

I suggest you contact the local VFS at the above link just prior to your application as the Consular Exchange Rate does change from time to time

Hope that helps

[irishman12]

shouldnt that be 57820+ (Applicants who wish to lodge their UK Visa application via the UK Visa Application Centre in Cebu will be required to pay an additional service fee of Php 3,900 in cash at the Visa Application Center)

[Terpe]

shouldnt that be 57820+ (Applicants who wish to lodge their UK Visa application via the UK Visa Application Centre in Cebu will be required to pay an additional service fee of Php 3,900 in cash at the Visa Application Center)

That's all included in the links provided.

[louismc44]

Hi all

Please could you put my mind at rest on this matter?

Before I left the UK
I was lead to believe that I only need to bring copies of my documents
but my birth certificate must be the original.
Now that I am here in the philippines, I am beginning to wonder if i should have brought all my originals documents with now:Erm:

If this so?

Then I am snookered, and I have to go back to the UK straight after we are married come Friday 12th October 2012 and send them to Olivia

As we are in the south of the Philippines Islands, Digos City, Davao del Sur.
I am trying to work it out wether is more economical to go to Cebu, or to go to Manila?

Oh why oh why is so difficult to marry my princess here and why oh why is it full of dragons and monsters

I come here upon my white charger and with my armour shining bright

Now my poor horse is tired thirsty and my armour has lost some of its brightness

How can I bring my bride back to my castle before my charger's horse shoes are completely worn out and my armour gets to rusty to move inside it?
:icon_lol:

[irishman12]

what other documents will you need if you are already married?

- - - Updated - - -


That's all included in the links provided.
may i ask where? if the new centre only open this month -the fees on link are from april 2012 -so the 3900 couldnt be included?

[Terpe]

....


may i ask where? if the new centre only open this month -the fees on link are from april 2012 -so the 3900 couldnt be included?



I'm not really into this kind of stuff irishman12 .......

But if you open the link for the new VFS centre in Cebu (http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/applicationcentre.html#1) then right in the centre of the screen it states:-

(Applicants who wish to lodge their UK Visa application via the UK Visa Application Centre in Cebu will be required to pay an additional service fee of Php 3,900 in cash at the Visa Application Center)

The other link for UKBA visa fees is up to date and correctly states the visa fees as charged by the British Embassy.

That service fee of P3900 is just that. A service fee of VSF.
VSF offer a range of services that each have a charge. (Priority visa service,VIP premium lounge service,Courier service,Photocopying service,Photograph service,SMS status tracking service)
These are optional of course.The Service Charge of P3900 at their Cebu office is not.

Here's what VFS state about the service fees:-

...To use them, you will need to pay an extra fee in addition to the visa application fee

Any additional service fees are just for VFS and are not to be included in the visa fees.

Visa fees are strictly payable to the 'British Embassy' per UKBA instructions and in accordance with the UKBA visa fees table that I provided a link to.

Of course the P3900 will not be included in the UKBA Visa fees table since it is not a visa fee, nor any part of the visa fee and should not be included as such in any payment of visa fees made to the British Embassy.


VFS Global is a commercial company, working in partnership with UK Border Agency at the British Embassy here in the Philippines providing services to help people apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom

[louismc44]

Hi
Thank you Terpe for your infomation.
I belived when making this visa payment (spouse )

[B] You can see that Settlement Visa is currently £826
This equates to P57820 at the current consular rate of £1 = P70
/[B]

Please could you tell me?

Has it got to be a manger's cheque and Who do I make out the cheque to?

Thank you
Regards Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi
Thank you Terpe for your infomation.
I belived when making this visa payment (spouse )

You can see that Settlement Visa is currently £826
This equates to P57820 at the current consular rate of £1 = P70
/[B]

Please could you tell me?

Has it got to be a manger's cheque and Who do I make out the cheque to?

Thank you
Regards Louis & Olivia

Hi Louis & Olivia

Hope you are both well and looking forward to the big day, I'm sure everything will go well.

Anyway, regarding your question

Here's what UKBA say :-


Paying your visa application fee

There are currently 2 ways that customers can pay the visa fees.

Payment at Union Bank

Visa fees can be made in cash, at any branch of Union Bank. Applicants should note that visa fees paid at the Pasong Tamo Branch in Manila, or the TGU Tower branch in Cebu will not be subject to any additional bank charge. The branch address is:


Union Bank
Ground Floor
Kingswood Arcade Vito Cruz Ext. corner Pasong Tamo,
Makati City

Union Bank
Unit GF - O1, TGU Tower Jose Maria del Mar Street,
Asiatown IT Park Brgy. Apas, Cebu City

Visa fees paid at any other Union Bank branch will be subject to additional bank charge of 150 peso.

You must:
pay the fees in cash; and
bring a photocopy of your passport data page when you pay at the bank.

Your visa application must be submitted within 10 working days after you have paid your visa application fee. The bank fee receipt will only be valid for 10 working days from the date of payment.

Please keep the receipt you are given at the bank as proof of payment and bring it with you to the visa application centre when you submit your visa application.


[U]Managers cheque (service charge applies)[U]

You may obtain a managers cheque from any Philippine registered bank nationwide. Only managers cheques with the correct fee and [B]payable to 'British Embassy' will be accepted.

There will be a bank charge when you purchase a managers cheque and the cost varies from bank to bank. You must bring the managers cheque with you when you attend the visa application centre.

No cash visa application fee payments will be accepted at the visa application centre. We will not refund your fee if your application is unsuccessful.

Hope that helps. Keep asking those questions. We all want this wedding to be a huge success.

[Terpe]

By the way Louis, did you resolve this issue around your birth certificate ?
Should be easy enough to get hold of one from the registry office.

I'm guessing that anyone can get hold of one for you and send it direct by courier.

If you need any help let me know

[louismc44]

By the way Louis, did you resolve this issue around your birth certificate ?
Should be easy enough to get hold of one from the registry office.

I'm guessing that anyone can get hold of one for you and send it direct by courier.

If you need any help let me know


Yes thank you Terpe
We are getting married this morning at 8.30 am phils time
see you soon
From Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Yes thank you Terpe
We are getting married this morning at 8.30 am phils time
see you soon
From Louis & Olivia

WooHoo :Jump::Jump::Jump::Jump:

Well done Louis & Olivia and sincere best wishes for a shining future together.
Enjoy your special day

:wedtoss:

[louismc44]

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Hi all
Thank you all for your best wishes upon our marriage

Two days now
I am a married man here in the Phils

I will have to come back to the UK sooner than thought
This due for health reasons, I'm having a problems with an infection in my left eye.
It is better to be safe and see an eye doctor back in the UK than take any more chances else where?

Also it will take a little bit more time to get the marriage certificate here too
But we are working on this too.
Now what I need to do here in the Phils before I leave.

Please could I have some more help?
I need to help Olivia with the online visa applications
To get her started with these online forms
I believe that there two separate forms that are needed to be filled in and sent off, once we have that marriage certificate?

Just these two forms; PERSONAL DETAILS FORM (VAF 4 A AUGUST 2012) FAMILY SETTLEMENT APPLICATION FORM.
And the second form: APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4 A AUGUST 2012) FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM.
I think that's all and with all the back up documents too?

Could you point me to the correct online sites of the two forms, because those two above are the off-line applications forms only.

Once again thank you all very much for your help and support.

Louis and Olivia

[Terpe]

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Hi all
Thank you all for your best wishes upon our marriage

Two days now
I am a married man here in the Phils

I will have to come back to the UK sooner than thought
This due for health reasons, I'm having a problems with an infection in my left eye.
It is better to be safe and see an eye doctor back in the UK than take any more chances else where?

Also it will take a little bit more time to get the marriage certificate here too
But we are working on this too.
Now what I need to do here in the Phils before I leave.

Please could I have some more help?
I need to help Olivia with the online visa applications
To get her started with these online forms
I believe that there two separate forms that are needed to be filled in and sent off, once we have that marriage certificate?

Just these two forms; PERSONAL DETAILS FORM (VAF 4 A AUGUST 2012) FAMILY SETTLEMENT APPLICATION FORM.
And the second form: APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4 A AUGUST 2012) FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM.
I think that's all and with all the back up documents too?

Could you point me to the correct online sites of the two forms, because those two above are the off-line applications forms only.

Once again thank you all very much for your help and support.

Louis and Olivia

Hi Louis and Olivia,

Sorry to learn about your eye problems. Have you seen a Doctor to get some treatment?
There are some fine Doctors around. Not so expensive. I think you need to get some medical attention/advice.

Anyway concerning your questions on visa applications see the UKBA webpage Applying from outside the UK (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/apply-outside-uk/)

Review the information and then follow the links to Applying for a UK visa in the Philippines (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/?langname=UK English)

Please do take time to read these pages as there is a lot of key information on how to apply, how to book an appointment and importantly how to pay the fee.

If you look to the right hand side of the page Applying for a UK visa in the Philippines (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/?langname=UK English) you can see a link called 'apply for a visa online' just under the heading 'Do It Online'

Clicking that link will take you to the VFS website Online Visa Applications (http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx)

The forms you mention are the correct ones.

Good Luck and get that eye looked at.

[louismc44]

Hi all
Thank you for your great help and support, which I deeply grateful for too
They will not let us have the marriage certificate

It won't be sent until 10th November and they say it will be sent to Davao N.S.O frist, before it will then be sent to Manila.

The registry office tells it is not allowed to give us this certificate

Olivia will try to get it off them when it is sent to Davao?

They also mention that Olivia may have to change her passport status, becsuse of her new marriage name. Does anyone know if is this correct or not?
From Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Good Luck and get that eye looked at.
Thank you Terpe
I am under the care of Moorfields Eye Hospital up in crentral London. I think it will be best to go there.
I am flying back to the UK on Monday 22nd October.

I will you up to date on my wife's visa application?

Cheers from us both Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi all
We just got our marriage certificate today.
I of Irish birth.and I am a holder of a Brittish Passport as well
I told them at the registry that I am only a british subject and that I was born in Ireland.
My point here is:
They only just put Brittish on our marriage certificate.
Does this matter with the Embsssy to have that other word (Subject) added on to the certificate?
I wonder if anyone on here can give me help with question.
Thank you
Regards Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi all
We just got our marriage certificate today.
I of Irish birth.and I am a holder of a Brittish Passport as well
I told them at the registry that I am only a british subject and that I was born in Ireland.
My point here is:
They only just put Brittish on our marriage certificate.
Does this matter with the Embsssy to have that other word (Subject) added on to the certificate?
I wonder if anyone on here can give me help with question.
Thank you
Regards Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi all
We just got our marriage certificate today.
I of Irish birth.and I am a holder of a Brittish Passport as well
I told them at the registry that I am only a british subject and that I was born in Ireland.
My point here is:
They only just put Brittish on our marriage certificate.
Does this matter with the Embsssy to have that other word (Subject) added on to the certificate?
I wonder if anyone on here can give me help with question.
Thank you
Regards Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi all
We just got our marriage certificate today.
I of Irish birth.and I am a holder of a Brittish Passport as well
I told them at the registry that I am only a british subject and that I was born in Ireland.
My point here is:
They only just put Brittish on our marriage certificate.
Does this matter with the Embsssy to have that other word (Subject) added on to the certificate?
I wonder if anyone on here can give me help with question.
Thank you
Regards Louis & Olivia

As a British Citizen and the holder of a British Passport who has intentions to navigate the UK immigration rules you should take care not to create muddy waters.

Here's what UKBA say about Who is a British subject? (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/othernationality/britishsubjects/republicofirelandcitizens)

[louismc44]

(Here's what UKBA say about Who is a British subject?)

Thank you for this very valuable link
It's I was born before 1948
I now remember back in 1963 when I applied for a british passport and I had to sign a form to remain a British Subject.

[louismc44]

Hi all
Many thank you's for the great support you gave me while I was in the Philippines...
We took the our marriage certificate to the N.S.O office in Manila, only to be told by the staff there that it had not been fully endorsed by the registry office in Digos City. :doh Thankfully Olivia called her sister in Digos to get another one sent to us by L.B.C to Manila.
And it came the very next day.

When we showed them the fully endorsed certificate, they then told us that they will not give it back to us until 20th Nov.

I am now back in the UK as I had a very serious problem with my left eye. Thank God I got back in time to save it from any further damage...I'm not knocking the medical profession in the Philippine.

I am now on treatment, which I am afraid to say, I feel that i would have never got the quality like this back in the Philippines and the nearest eye clinic to suit my needs was a flight away by plane, in Cebu, Anyway, Moorefield's eye hospital is of world class and it has all my records there too.

Please does anyone know the official British Embassy in the Philippines check list? We need to know this before we fill in our visa application form..
The trouble is as far as I know it is only available at the end of the form filling online..
I would like to know what it is now before we complete this form..
Can anyone help us on this?

Thank you with kind regards to all
From Olivia and Louis

[louismc44]

Please does anyone know the official British Embassy in the Philippines check list? We need to know this before we fill in our visa application form..
The trouble is as far as I know it is only available at the end of the form filling online..
I would like to know what it is now before we complete this form..
Can anyone help us on this?

Thank you with kind regards to all
From Olivia and Louis

[Terpe]

Please does anyone know the official British Embassy in the Philippines check list? We need to know this before we fill in our visa application form..
The trouble is as far as I know it is only available at the end of the form filling online..
I would like to know what it is now before we complete this form..
Can anyone help us on this?

Thank you with kind regards to all
From Olivia and Louis

Sorry Louis, I missed your previous post somehow.

I stand to be corrected, but as far as I am aware there is no official checklist.
The documents you MUST supply are clearly indicated by UKBA and are dependent upon your circumstances at application.

If feel you need any specific guidance on immigration rules and requirements just shout out.
All of us here are more than willing to help your success.

[louismc44]

Hello Terpe
Thank you very much for your supprt and great help..
this is my point I don't know what, where or how to find

"The documents you MUST supply are clearly indicated by UKBA and are dependent upon your circumstances at application." on which page do I find this?
With warm regards from us both Louis & Olivia..

[Terpe]

Hello Terpe
Thank you very much for your supprt and great help..
this is my point I don't know what, where or how to find

"The documents you MUST supply are clearly indicated by UKBA and are dependent upon your circumstances at application." on which page do I find this?
With warm regards from us both Louis & Olivia..

I'm not ignoring your post. Been real busy today and just leaving now for our local bonfire night display and party.

In the meantime try to review these links and note down the documents each of them they say you need.

All New Guide - How to apply for a Spouse/Partner Visa (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39740-All-New-Guide-How-to-apply-for-a-Spouse-Partner-Visa)

and here

Documents required (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/documents)

Take a look at the application form here (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/visas/vaf4a.pdf)

The Financial Requirement Appendix form here (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/visas/vaf4a2.pdf)

and the

Supporting Documents Guidance here (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/sup-docs-settlement.pdf)

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Thank you for this very valuable information

Now I looked at the financial side of this too.
I am registered disable with DLA payments with carers’ allowances as well.
I have some savings and also able to show that I can support my wife on my income without her ever needing to approach any extra from our welfare system here in the UK.

I also have my housing allowances and council tax allowances..
.
From my income I can fully support us both in a fairly decent manner; we will not want for food, shelter or to worry too much about paying our bills, emery and other household bills too, still have a reasonable quality of life style.

Which will allows us to short holiday or two each year, God willing?

And we will also still have a little of some money left over to save for a rainy day.

It took me 3 years to make up my mind and find the courage to take the plunge to catch a flight over to a country that I did not feel sure about and I went over twice this year to visit Olivia and I realise that I also love and care for her very much as she has shown me that she feels totally the same way towards me too.

On that second trip we were married at the local registry office in Digos City Hall.

Both of us have never been married before.
Olivia is 45 and I am 67;
If it pleases God?
Then I will be 68 in December of this year 2012?

Can they refuse her the visa upon these grounds, especially as I do need her help and support too?
I think I once read some time ago about a similar case such as mine?
And this I think was taken to an appeal was successful in its outcome.

Thank you with warm regards from us both Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

....From my income I can fully support us both....

Louis,

With your DLA you will be exempted from the Financial Requirement income thresholds

To evidence your exemption you must provide the following documents for your wife's application:-

- Official documentation from HMRC confirming the entitlement and the amount received.

- At least one bank statement showing payment of the benefit or allowance into your named account.

Your exemption means that you'll need to provide documentary evidence that you can provide adequate maintainance and and accommodation without recourse to public funds, and without relying on promises of third party support

Simply put in plain English, this means clearly evidencing that, after housing costs have been deducted, there's available to the family the level of gross income that would be available to them if the family was in receipt of income support.

The current (2012/2013) income support level for a couple is £111.45 ( I'm assuming that you not receiving ESA )

Just be sure that you take account of any benefits/payments/discounts etc that you will no longer be entitled if you are no longer living alone.
(eg Your council tax single discount will be lost)
Also that you are very careful about any increased benefits/payments/discounts you may be entitled to because you are living together as a couple.

Remember no recourse to public funds, and no additional public funds solely on the basis of your wife being with you.



....Can they refuse her the visa upon these grounds, especially as I do need her help and support too?....

Louis, personally I would just keep the application as straightforward as possible.

You should try to minimise the risk of any additional scrutiny around the genuineness of relationship.
The UKBA could decide to take negative issue on this subject and it's within the realms of possibility to refuse if they consider the marriage to be a sham in any way

May I ask, does Olivia have any professional connection or qualification either with nursing or as a carer?

No offence intended Louis, just trying to cover all bases.

If you have a specific need to divulge anything to UKBA about this aspect, may I suggest you would be well professional guidance with the application as it would no longer be 'straightforward'

Immigration law has plenty of twists and turns and it's just too serious and costly to make mistakes.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Well I have read deep into what you just wrote here and I have to say I totally agreed with everything you have written.
Thank God I have seen the light in time.

That was close I almost made a complete cock up here with the application form.

Right it is back to the drawing board for us now.
I also realised that I have far too much information to show them. I lke that idea, 'just keep it simple'
With regards from us both
Louis & Olivia

[bigmac]

congratulations on your marriage Louis--well done mate.

i'm keenly interested in your ongoing story--do keep us posted.

[louismc44]

Thank you bigmac:smile:
Its a lot of hard work, but I get some good help on here..

[louismc44]

Hi all
I hope you are doing ok?
I've been kind of quiet on this site these couple of weeks

Soon Olivia and I are going to have to get started on the spouse visa

We should get our marriage certificate back to us by the middle of next week, hopefully they will keep their word and send it to us on time...

I am bit nervous about the visa form as I find it way out of my depth at the best of time upon after looking at it.

Still we have got to do this as it is the only chance that Olivia and myself can have if we are to live as a real married couple if we are granted this?

We are going to try and fill this form by ourselves.

We have had a lot of great help and support from all of you on this site and we can not thank you enough for this, but if we can get any more help from anyone on here who has already trodden down this road ahead of us?
We would be eternally grateful to you

Thank you once again.
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe

A question please

Looking at the visa web site for visa applications and so on.

Could you please tell me where the VIP lounge service is held at?

Is it in the same building complex as to where the is at

British Embassy,

Makati City, Manila, Philippines ?

My wife is asking me this question too.
Thank you
Regards...Louis

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Sorry to bother you agsin but

Could you please point me to the online application form of the APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4A NOVEMBER 2012)
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM

At the moment I can only find the off lne print out form. We need the online one to complete our visa application

Thank you. Regards from us both, Louis & Olivia

[bigmac]

hi louis

reading through your posts above--this is my own opinion on this:-

you are now married--fact
you are on a qualifying benefit which means you dont need to meet the £18600 income penalty
you are about to spend £870 odd on a visa application.
you seem unsure about the application process??

if it were me in your shoes---i would be talking to an immigration expert--but find out their fee first. i wouldnt want anything to go wrong now---youve come so far.
but thats just my own opinion. no doubt others will shoot me down in flames.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Thank you for your comment and good advice too

What you say could be true, but we have search high and low and we cannot find a decent immigration expert that we could trust in the area where Olivia lives . They just seems to be only interested in getting our money off us...

Anyway we are going to have begin to fill it in ourselves now and if we mess it up, we have only ourselves to blame.

We have already starred on the 1st part of our visa application form. PERSONAL DETAILS FORM (VAF4A AUGUST 2012)
FAMILY SETTLEMENT APPLICATION FORM
We found the online version of this one above.

By the way Terpe, could you please show me the web page link of the online
APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4A NOVEMBER 2012)
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM
This one here above is only for a printout application form. We are having a problem trying to find this,It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Time is running out fast and we have to move on with this and try to get Olivia home here for Xmas.

Thank you very much

Regards...Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

hi louis
you are now married--fact
you are on a qualifying benefit which means you dont need to meet the £18600 income penalty
you are about to spend £870 odd on a visa application.

You said here...

you seem unsure about the application process??

if it were me in your shoes---i would be talking to an immigration expert--but find out their fee first. i wouldnt want anything to go wrong now---youve come so far.
but thats just my own opinion. no doubt others will shoot me down in flames.

Of course, you are right about that lol..
But it is the only way to learn, just do it and hope for the best

And speaking about experts. I am sure that many of the members on here had at some time had soom good expert advice that they paid for. Could you please give me the names and contacts of these experts?

Thank you with warm regards...Louis & Olivia.

[louismc44]

Hi all
At luck would have it.
I have found what I had beenl ooking for.
We are now onto the next stage of our visa form..
Once again to you all
Thank you
With kind regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi all

Olivia was just about to go to the Brit Embassy on Wednesday 5th Dec in Manila

Olivia's English Test Certificate is no longer valid with the visa application. They stopped supporting EMD some months ago and we only just found this out today from EMD head office.Charming isn't it, not.

So now we have to find another English test centre in the Philippines and I can tell you that they are very far and few between them.

All I can say to this..Thank heavens we found out in time, because it would have cost us a lot of money for nought.

Oh yes EMD said sorry to us. but I ask them if they would they give us our money back that we paid for our test?
Suddenly the line went dead...

Anyway..we brush ourselves down and get back into the fight again

[louismc44]

It seems that there is an English test centre in Davao, which is not too far from Digos City

Where there is a will there is a way.

We hope we can get a place there soon?

Regards
from us both, keep up the good work with helping, thanking you all

[grahamw48]

Good luck to you both. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[xyrababy]

Does anyone know about this new ruling in regards how much one must have to support his Philippine wifei in order for her to be able to come to the UK?
I heard through the grapevine it has to be at least £22,000 per year, is this right?

(Because I'm a dieable person on state pension with pension credit too.
Will the home office block me from bringing my wife back home to the UK?)

Cheers I am looking forward to know the facts
Louis.

Hello I just got here last July and they last time i check the UK Boarder rules is that you need £18,000 a year ... anyway just check it yourself to be sure as they always change the rules here is the website:http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

My advice to you is that you contact the boarder to ask them how you can get your wife if just in case you can't reach the requirement maybe they will have some suggestions.

Hope I help even a bit. Good Luck to both of you.

[louismc44]

Hello xyrababy

Thank you for your supprt..
Take care

Regards Louis

[louismc44]

Hi grahamw48
Thank you
Regards

[louismc44]

Hi all
Does anyone know the score of the A1 English Test that my wife will need to get in order for her certificate?
Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading. I heard it maybe 4.5, is this correct?
I hope someone will answer this very soon as my wife will be taking the new test soon..
Regards..
Louis

[Terpe]

Hi all
Does anyone know the score of the A1 English Test that my wife will need to get in order for her certificate?
Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading. I heard it maybe 4.5, is this correct?
I hope someone will answer this very soon as my wife will be taking the new test soon..
Regards..
Louis

Louis, I think you posted this question already.

Anyways, you don't mention the name of the test.
The IELTS test has a minimum level of B1 which is somewhat higher than that required which is A1
The IELTS minimum pass score is 4 in all modules.

Which test is she taking?

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe.
Thank you for your reply
It is for my wife to appy for her spouse visa which I think it has to be the English Test of Level A1?
She is not coming here to work or anything like that.
Regards Louis
Regards.

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe.
Thank you for your reply
It is for my wife to appy for her spouse visa which I think it has to be the English Test of Level A1?
She is not coming here to work or anything like that.
Regards Louis
Regards.

That's why I asked which test.
There is no such test called A1.
A1 is just the current minimum level required.

There are actually quite a number of tests that can be taken.

Here's the latest UKBA approved listing for English tests (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf)

A pretty good starting point is to find a test centre close to where your wife is living.
Unless her English skills are pretty good already I suggest looking for a test that is actually evaluated at A1 level.
As I said before IELTS is evaluated at a higher level of B1 and obviously demands a better proficiency.

Hope that helps

[Grace05]

As I said before
I just got back from the Phils last Friday 7th Sept 2012
I have to tell you this.
When I got there, I went to a hotel.
I ask him how much it cost to stay the night? He told me 400 ph.
But around 2 am the F .....ker. call me up and ask for another 400 saying my time is up.

Then Olive family invited me to go to the beach with them on Saturday. I said ok thank you. Then when I turn up to go there, about 40-50 were there to meet me. I was told that I have to pay for everyone fare to the beach and I had to buy all their foods and drinks. I said to them, no way mate.

Then the next night I was invited by one of her brothers to join them for dinner, when I got there. He ask me to pay for the meal, no way mate, I am off. Then the next person was one of her sisters in law came around with a hard luck story..would I lend her 2000 ph. I said I did not carry money as I only had a visa card..This went on many times with her family and so called friends I ask Olive about this, and she said it is the custom of the phils to ripped off us white folk al over the land...
I told her if she don't protect me from these F ....ers I am off out of here. she got the message and began to tell them all to keep away from me..

I also told her that I have only come to see her and get to know her only..I don't really care or like the country, but I did find a Rose in the phils..This is Olive, she is totally different from the rest of them, she knows what they are like and she don't like it either...

. I also let it be known that I am not here to marry her family or her friends. you have to make this very clear to them at the very beginning...I am only here to Marry Olive no one else..the rest can go to hell for all I care..

Another time, we were tying to get a taxi and when one came over to us..he ask Olive for double fare because I am white, Olive bless her soul took very bad to this man and told him who do you think I am? this happen on a few occasion, they insulted Olive by making out because she is with me, then she is a hooker..Everywhere I want people stopped and stared at us. Some even tittered and pointed out to us..Basically these people have no respect for their own people let anyone a while person like me..

To be fair..I did meet one or two very nice decent folks...they did not ask me for anything at all..in fact they were very kind to me and treated me with great respect which I am accustom too..

At times I'm in a wheel chair . ,Cathy Pacific is the coupany to be flying with..They treat you like gold..

One more thing I need to let you all know..Don't ever let them take your visa card away from your sight. Twice they tried to do this me and I had to tell them, no way mate am I going to let that card our of my sight..

Hi louismc44,

I am a filipina and married to an english man. I live here in UK for more than two years. I went back to philippines last year with my daughter and my husband for a 20 days holiday, and our taxi fare had double the price and I told them "how did it happened that I have to pay double the amount?" they said because I came from abroad and my husband is foreigner and we got lots of money. I was really piss-off. I hated it. I had fight with the taxi drivers alot. They swear at me and I ignore them. I couldn't believe how stressful it was. All you have to do is try to be calm as much as possible and just ignore those people, which what I did. When I pay them the money and if they won't accept it because they want more, I ended up telling them that "take my payment or else I am leaving and not paying.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
I just looked at that site you gave me
There is a level at A1 on there.
When you say B1 I get confused.
Is it the Al level that she needs or is it the B1 level that she needs?
I believe that the B1 is for student and nurses.
Is that right. yes or no?
Thank you
Regards
Louis

[louismc44]

Hi Grace
Thank you for your message which I read with great interest.
I want back the 2nd time with a bit more clued up to what life is like over there.
Basically they are very nice people as I got to know a lot more about them on that 2nd trip..
The Spanish were there for a long time, maybe if the Brits were there first things might have been a lot different?
Although I am not saying that the Brits are perfect either.
Now if it had been the Irish who had been there 1st...lol...:smile:
Also the Japs took a lot of liberties with them too in the WW2

Cheers Louis

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
I just looked at that site you gave me
There is a level at A1 on there.
When you say B1 I get confused.
Is it the Al level that she needs or is it the B1 level that she needs?
I believe that the B1 is for student and nurses.
Is that right. yes or no?
Thank you
Regards
Louis

What I'm saying to you is this:-

1. UKBA has a list of approved tests and associated approved providers.
2. There is no such thing as a test called A1. That is just the designation of the level of qualification required for spouse visa.
3. Not all of the UKBA approved tests are evaluated at level A1 - Some have a higher level and may be too demanding for some students.
4. Each test has it's own evaluation scoring. The UKBA approved list clearly indicates the level at which they accept for each test ( for example, IELTS test has a minimum level B1 which equates to a score of 4. UKBA will not accept any score less than 4 even if the actual score of the student was equal to A1 level such as 3.5)
5. Your wife needs to select a test which she feels comfortable with and also a testing centre that she can get to easily.
6. Many people on this forum and beyond have elected to take the test called IELTS. The minimum score is 4 which is a level of B1. Despite this being higher than the A1 required they have felt comfortable to take this with their skill level as they felt this was also more convenient with a convenient test centre.

The B1 level of IELTS is certainly not enough for nurses etc.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Thank you very much
You have explain this to me very well indeed.
I am more clear now than I have ever been before on this subject and I am happy to say that the test called 'IELTS'. this is the name of the one that my wife is now taking next week.
Once again you have come up with the trumps on this site
Thank you all for your great help and maybe in time I too will become a bit of an expert and be able to offer some good help and advice to others who chose to travel the same path as I am doing here now today...
For there is nothing worst them giving wrong information to someone in need of help.
With kind regards
Louis

[Terpe]

Thankyou Louis, for your kind words. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
You are very welcome mate
I am happy to also tell you....That my wife Olivia passed her General Training English Test today...Overall 5.5
Reading, writing, speaking and listening...And thank you again for your great support.
With kind regards from us both
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
You are very welcome mate
I am happy to also tell you....That my wife Olivia passed her General Training English Test today...Overall 5.5
Reading, writing, speaking and listening...And thank you again for your great support.
With kind regards from us both
Louis & Olivia

Great news that Louis :Jump:
My congratulations to Olivia :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
How are you?

Please
A couple of questions
Do we have to pay for the visa application online only now
Is the manager's cheque no longer use now?
Regards Louis

[Michael Parnham]

Yes I believe so Louis! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
How are you?

Please
A couple of questions
Do we have to pay for the visa appicaton online only now
Is the manager's cheque no longer use now?
Regards Louis

Yes Louis, Michael is correct.
Payment can only be paid online.

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
Another question please
We fill in our 1st form 3 months ago, but only now we can send it
I am wondering if we should refill it in again as the old one is 3 months old? Thank you Louis

[louismc44]

Thank you Michael

[Terpe]

Thank you Terpe
Another question please
We fill in our 1st form 3 months ago, but only now we can send it
I am wondering if we should refill it in again as the old one is 3 months old? Thank you Louis

Hi Louis,
Got to be honest I don't know for sure.
As I recall there is a limited time period for how long it can be saved.
Have you updated it on a regular basis? If yes you'll be OK

Otherwise you'll need to start over.
I don't believe the form will let you submit.

Anyway can you post your experience here?
This thread of yours is becoming a must read :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
The application form I am talking about here is this one...APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4A NOVEMBER 2012)
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FORM
We already fill this is back in late Dec 2012 but because Olivia had to re-sit her English test again We could not complete our forms. But we did complete this one above mention. Do you think we should fill this one in again...Thank you
Louis

[Terpe]

If there's nothing date sensitive then it should be OK

If it was me I'd just fill it out again just to be sure everything was up to date. But then that's me. Minimise any risk.

Can't see any reason not to fill it out again other than a few minutes of time.

Just my 2 centavos.

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
Olivia has an appointment at the Embassy on Thursday 14th Feb
Louis

[Terpe]

Thank you Terpe
Olivia has an appointment at the Embassy on Thursday 14th Feb
Louis

She has an appointment at the Embassy ??
Or at the VFS application Centre?

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
What is the difference? they are all part the same thing, aren't they?

[melovesengland]

They are different louis. she needs to book the appointment with VFS where she lodge her application. VFS will then send it to the embassy for them to review the application. :)

here the link of VFS. http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/

[Michael Parnham]

Hi Peter, can you please clear up a problem I can't seem to get my head round. The IELTS certificate expires after two years, which means for most or all those that come to the UK that the certificate has expired by the time they put in an application for ILR, so do they have to do an IELTS exam again before the ILR application, please keep it simple such as, yes/no.:Erm:

[louismc44]

They are different louis. she needs to book the appointment with VFS where she lodge her application. VFS will then send it to the embassy for them to review the application. :)

here the link of VFS. http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/


Yes thank you that is what we did..but at the end of the day they are all linked into the same system...right?

[Terpe]

Hi Peter, can you please clear up a problem I can't seem to get my head round. The IELTS certificate expires after two years, which means for most or all those that come to the UK that the certificate has expired by the time they put in an application for ILR, so do they have to do an IELTS exam again before the ILR application, please keep it simple such as, yes/no.:Erm:

Can't give a yes/no answer. Too many twists and turns.
Also nothing to do specifically either IELTS or with specific certificate expiry.

All applicants for settlement will be required to demonstrate a knowledge of language and life in the UK by passing the Life in the UK test and by presenting a speaking and listening qualification at intermediate level (Common European Framework of Reference level B1) or above.

[louismc44]

Hi all
We put in our application for a settlement visa about a week ago now (for my wife Olivia)
Roughly on average how long do they take to give us an answer one way or the other?

[Terpe]

Hi all
We put in our application for a settlement visa about a week ago now (for my wife Olivia)
Roughly on average how long do they take to give us an answer one way or the other?

The majority get a decision within 6 - 10 weeks

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
We will just wait this one out then
Oh by the way
When Olivia was at the visa centre in Manila
Although we did ask to have the interview in English
but the officer who Olivia saw there ask her to speak in Tagalog.
And also copy all the list of her documents down in Tagalog too?
Now why would they do this when Olivia ask to be interviewed in English?
Were they checking up to see if Olivia really knew her English and could translate all her English document back into to Tagalog?
Seems strange to me, but maybe that is the way they do things over there?
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Thank you Terpe
We will just wait this one out then
Oh by the way
When Olivia was at the visa centre in Manila
Although we did ask to have the interview in English
but the officer who Olivia saw there ask her to speak in Tagalog.
And also copy all the list of her documents down in Tagalog too?
Now why would they do this when Olivia ask to be interviewed in English?
Were they checking up to see if Olivia really knew her English and could translate all her English document back into to Tagalog?
Seems strange to me, but maybe that is the way they do things over there?
Regards
Louis & Olivia

Was this at the VFS application centre?
or was it at the British Embassy ?

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Yes it was at the VFS application centre.

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
Yes it was at the VFS application centre.

Ah, OK Louis, that was an appointment to submit the application. It was not an interview to support her application.
Those interviews are only undertaken by an Entry Clearance Officer at the British Embassy.
It would be highly unlikely that an interview would be needed.
If she indicated that she would prefer any needed interview to be conducted in English then it would be.

VFS are a private company working in a business releationship with The British Embassy to handle the front-end visa application submissions. They have absolutely no input or influence concerning the visa assessment or decision.

It's the waiting time now Louis.
I sincerely send all good luck and best wishes to you both for a speedy and positive outcome.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe.
Thank you for your best wishes to us both..

It cost almost £900 to try and just get a visa these days

Then there is that great added expenses that surrounds it all too

[louismc44]

Hi all
It's been almost 6 weeks since we made an application for my wife's visa.
We are hoping for a positive results soon.

By the way I have just read that the government has scrapped the UK Border Agency...
Any one have an idea of what effect this could mean to those of us that have been waiting the approval of their wife's visa now?

Thank you
Regards
Louis

[louismc44]

HOME OFFICE ORAL STATEMENT – 26 MARCH 2013
UK BORDER AGENCY

Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the future of the UK Border Agency.
Since 2010 the Government has been getting to grips with the chaotic immigration system we inherited.

We have introduced a limit on economic migration from outside the EU, cut out abuse of student visas and reformed family visas. As a result net migration is down by a third. We have also started to get to grips with the performance of the organisations that enforce our immigration laws.

Through the Crime and Courts Bill we are setting up a National Crime Agency with a Border Policing Command. The Passport Service continues to operate to a high standard. And, since we split the Border Force from UKBA last year, 98 per cent of passengers go through passport control within target times and Border Force meets all of its passenger service targets.
But the performance of what remains of UKBA is still not good enough.

The Agency struggles with the volume of its casework, which has led to historical backlogs running into the hundreds of thousands. The number of illegal immigrants removed does not keep up with the number of people who are here illegally. And while the visa operation is internationally competitive, it could and should get better still.

The Home Affairs Select Committee has published many critical reports about UKBA’s performance. As I have said to the House before, the Agency has been a troubled organisation since it was formed in 2008, and its performance is not good enough.
In truth, the Agency was not set up to absorb the level of mass immigration that we saw under the last government.

This meant that the Agency has never had the space to modernise its structures and systems and get on top of its workload.
I believe the Agency’s problems boil down to four main issues. First, the sheer size of the Agency means it has conflicting cultures, and all too often focuses on the crisis in hand at the expense of other important work. Second, its lack of transparency and accountability. Third, its inadequate IT systems. And fourth, the policy and legal framework within which it has to operate.

I want to update the House on the ways in which I propose to address each of those difficulties.
In keeping with the changes we made last year to Border Force, the Government is splitting up the UK Border Agency. In its place will be an immigration and visa service and an immigration law enforcement organisation. By creating two entities instead of one, we will be able to create distinct cultures.

First, a high-volume service that makes high-quality decisions about who comes here, with a
culture of customer satisfaction for businessmen and visitors who want to come here legally. And second, an organisation that has law enforcement at its heart and gets tough on those who break our immigration laws.

Two smaller entities will also mean greater transparency and accountability and that brings me to the second change I intend to make. UKBA was given agency status in order to keep its work at an arm’s length from ministers. That was wrong. It created a closed, secretive and defensive culture. So I can tell the House that the new entities will not have agency status and will sit in the Home Office, reporting to ministers.

In making these changes it is important that we do not simply create new silos. And that is why we are creating a strategic oversight board for all the constituent organisations in the immigration system – immigration policy, the Passport Service, Border Force and the two new entities we are creating – and that oversight board will be chaired by the Home Office Permanent Secretary. We will also work to make sure that each of the organisations in the immigration system shares services including IT.

Because the third of the Agency’s problems is its IT. UKBA’s IT systems are often incompatible and are not reliable enough. They require manual data entry instead of automated data collection, and they often involve paper files instead of modern electronic case management. So I have asked the Permanent Secretary and Home Office Board to produce a new plan, building on the work done by Rob Whiteman, UKBA’s chief executive, to modernise IT across the whole immigration system.

The final problem I raised is the policy and legal framework within which UKBA has operated. The Agency is often caught up in a vicious cycle of complex law and poor enforcement of its own policies, which makes it harder to remove people who are here illegally. That is why I intend to bring forward an Immigration Bill in the next session of Parliament that will address some of these problems.

Mr Speaker, the changes I have announced today are in keeping with the successes of the Government’s reforms so far. We are reducing net migration and we are improving the performance of the organisations that enforce our laws.
But UKBA has been a troubled organisation for so many years. It has poor IT systems, and it operates within a complicated legal framework that often works against it. All those things mean it will take many years to clear the backlogs and fix the system – but I believe the changes I have announced today will put us in a much stronger position to do so.
I commend this statement to the House.

[louismc44]

Hi all
It has been 7 weeks now we have waited for my wife's visa
Is there any email contact I can send to make some enquiries as to why it is taking so long to hear from them?
My wife is really worried about this now and is asking me everyday, Why she don't hear from them yet
And to be honest with myself, it is beginning to worry me too.
Thank you ..
Louis & Olivia...

[Terpe]

Hi all
It has been 7 weeks now we have waited for my wife's visa
Is there any email contact I can send to make some enquiries as to why it is taking so long to hear from them?
My wife is really worried about this now and is asking me everyday, Why she don't hear from them yet
And to be honest with myself, it is beginning to worry me too.
Thank you ..
Louis & Olivia...

Hi Louis,
Yes, 7 weeks is quite a long and stressful wait. Many here will fully understand how you're both feeling

According to the UKBA page Guide to Processing Times Guide to Processing Times (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/general-info/processing-times/#resultTableAnchor)

The Philippines looks like this:-

15 days = 7%
40 days = 38%
60 days = 90%
90 days = 96%
120 days = 100%

So still good to remain positive

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Thank you for your reply to my enquiries in regards as to why it is taking so long for my wife's visa
I think I see what you mean by this chart, the longer we wait to more it is a positive answer we may likely get about my wife's visa.
Is this what the chart means?
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Not really.
It just means that:-
after 15 days since application then 7% of the total number of applications submitted have been processed and decided
after 40 days since application then 38% of total number of applications submitted have been processed and decided
after 60 days since application then 90% of total number of applications submitted have been processed and decided
after 90 days since application then 90% of total number of applications submitted have been processed and decided
after 120 days since application then ALL of total number of applications submitted have been processed and decided

Since you have been waiting 7 weeks (say 50 days) then based on UKBA past performace I would expect your decision to be made within a couple of weeks.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Thank you
I understand it much better now
I realised this just after I made my last post

In a. couple of weeks time, hmmmm
It's getting closer to that decision day soon then?
Wow, I'm so excited and nervous at the same time now.
We are praying for the right answer that we both need so much.

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

............We are praying for the right answer that we both need so much........

Me too Louis.
Good luck :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
More the merrier :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Wow it has been now 10 weeks that we wait for an answer from the visa team in the Philippines.
It is hard to be positive in moments like this.
God, what else can we do, but to wait and wait?

[louismc44]

Hi all
we are now coming up to almost 12 weeks since we made our application for my wife's settlement visa.
What can we do if we don't hear from them soon?
Regards..
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi all
we are now coming up to almost 12 weeks since we made our application for my wife's settlement visa.
What can we do if we don't hear from them soon?
Regards..
Louis & Olivia

Hi Louis,

I do feel for you both. It's a long long stressful wait without any communication from the Embassy.

I think if it was me I'd want to make some contact to the Embassy.

You could contact to the general Consular services in Manila at:-
Email: - Cons.Manila@fco.gov.uk
Tel - +63 2 858 2200

For a more personal touch you could also contact directly to:-
Ms B Pastolero - Appeals and Correspondence Manager, Manila Visa Hub
Email: - manilvisaenquiries@fco.gov.uk

Usually Ms Pastolero does reply in a good time.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Many thank you's for your help in this matter of our settlement visa for my wife Olivia
Can I send you an email or post it to you in private here on site>?

I wrote to them today and this was their reply here below..

======================================
Thank you for your e-mail addressed to the Consular Section of the British Embassy Manila. Please note that if the answer to your query is detailed in the below links on our website, we will not respond to your e-mail. Otherwise, you may re-send your e-mail, clearly stating in the subject line ‘QUERY 2’, to CONS.Manila@fco.gov.uk and we will then aim to reply within ten (10) working days.

===================================
Is there any answer to my questions on their website?

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
Many thank you's for your help in this matter of our settlement visa for my wife Olivia
Can I send you an email or post it to you in private here on site>?

I wrote to them today and this was their reply here below..

======================================
Thank you for your e-mail addressed to the Consular Section of the British Embassy Manila. Please note that if the answer to your query is detailed in the below links on our website, we will not respond to your e-mail. Otherwise, you may re-send your e-mail, clearly stating in the subject line ‘QUERY 2’, to CONS.Manila@fco.gov.uk and we will then aim to reply within ten (10) working days.

===================================
Is there any answer to my questions on their website?

Regards
Louis & Olivia

I suppose the only 'answer' is within the processing times section which states
'120 days for 100% of all applications'
That's working days Mon-Fri

Very unhelpful response. :doh

Have you tried sending a message to Ms B Pastolero ?

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Yes I did send an email to Ms B Pastolero too

I hope to really hear from her soon..

Oh by the way can this phone number be called from a mobile number in the Philippines?
Or does it have to be called from a special phone service?

(You could contact to the general Consular services in Manila at:-
Email: - Cons.Manila@fco.gov.uk
Tel - +63 2 858 2200 )

OH BEFORE I LOG OFF
WE WENT TO THIS SITE TODAY
http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/
HERE WE WERE ABLE TO ENTRE OUR TRACKING NUMBER TO FIND OUT MORE.
IT JUST SAID THAT IT IS BEING PROCESS

Thank you

Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
I did call that number you gave me, but both Olivia and I called them, Olivia in Philippines could not get them to answer the phone, even after spending 200php on this call. Only answer machine kicks in each time for her.
But when I phone them from my own home landline I got though to the operator and she put me though some line?
I waited about 10 minutes for them to pick the phone up, did they pick it up? No they did not and it seems to me this is quite common of them at this office, 'or so I am told?'..
God help us
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
We just got this 10 minutes ago

Dear OLIVIA,

Your processed visa application dispatched to you via Courier on 05/07/2013 Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.

Please God it is our visa...

[Michael Parnham]

Been following your application story, we will keep our fingers crossed for you, let us know the outcome, Good Luck!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
We just got this 10 minutes ago

Dear OLIVIA,

Your processed visa application dispatched to you via Courier on 05/07/2013 Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.

Please God it is our visa...

Louis, who is the message from?
British Embassy Manila Hub or from VFS ?

[louismc44]

Thank you Michael



Been following your application story, we will keep our fingers crossed for you, let us know the outcome, Good Luck!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bigmarco]

Hi Terpe
We just got this 10 minutes ago

Dear OLIVIA,

Your processed visa application dispatched to you via Courier on 05/07/2013 Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.

Please God it is our visa...

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Louis, who is the message from?
British Embassy Manila Hub or from VFS ?

Hi Terpe

It's from

visaapplicationalert@vfshelpline.com" <visaapplicationalert@vfshelpline.com>

Subject: UK VISA Application Status

Regards,
Visa Application Centre.

What do you think Terpe, does this make any difference?
If it's not from the Embassy, does this mean we won't get our visa?

Thank you
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Wherever it is from?
I need to know what you mean soon
I have to warn Olivia about this before she open's the package
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post


Louis, who is the message from?
British Embassy Manila Hub or from VFS ?

Hi all
Does anyone else know what Terpe might means by his comment about where Olivia's package will come from?

[mickmyrna]

Hi Louis , I received my visa before and they email me like this : Dear MYRNA,

A decision on your Visa application reference number: AMAN/ XXXXXXXXXX has been made by the British Embassy. Your application has been received at the UK Visa Application Centre and is ready for collection.Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.
Wait until your wife receives the visa documents. Be positive :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe

It's from

visaapplicationalert@vfshelpline.com" <visaapplicationalert@vfshelpline.com>

Subject: UK VISA Application Status

Regards,
Visa Application Centre.

What do you think Terpe, does this make any difference?
If it's not from the Embassy, does this mean we won't get our visa?

Thank you
Louis & Olivia

Louis, that is the standard message from VFS.
Whenever anyone gets a message from VFS that just what it states. The British Embassy does not inform them of any decision, so they have no idea.

[louismc44]

" KE SARA' , SARA' , what ever will be , will be "
Thank you all
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Embassy does not inform them of any decision, so they have no idea.
Hi Terpe
Do you mean the Embassy just pass the package to them and VFS has no idea of its contents?
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
I have to say this to you.
You frighten the bejazus out of me with your comment
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
I have to say this to you.
You frighten the bejazus out of me with your comment
Regards
Louis & Olivia

Very sorry if it was troublesome.
I'll be careful in the future

[louismc44]

Very sorry if it was troublesome.
I'll be careful in the future

Thank you Terpe
That's ok:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Cheers
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi all
If we do get the visa?
And then we have to go to the CFO to get her medical certificate.
How long does this take to be processed?
And is there any other documents that Olivia have to get before she can take a flight out of the Philippines to come here to me?
Thank you with kind regards
Louis & Olivia

[raynaputi]

Hi all
If we do get the visa?
And then we have to go to the CFO to get her medical certificate.
How long does this take to be processed?
And is there any other documents that Olivia have to get before she can take a flight out of the Philippines to come here to me?
Thank you with kind regards
Louis & Olivia

She doesn't need to get a medical certificate. The TB test she submitted with her applications is enough. CFO is for the seminar and sticker to be put in her passport so she can leave Philippines.

[louismc44]

She doesn't need to get a medical certificate. The TB test she submitted with her applications is enough. CFO is for the seminar and sticker to be put in her passport so she can leave Philippines.

Hi Raynaputi
Thank you very much for this information, but does Olivia still need to go to the CFO to get this sticker?
I mean Olivia can not leave the Philippines without this sticker on her passport, is this correct?
And how long does it normally take to get this sticker, if Olivia should need to go to the CFO office to have it stamped upon her passport?
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Raynaputi
I am a bit confused here now
Olivia did not have a TB test certificate at the Embassy when she had her appointment. Could you please tell me what this means?
And if not, what do we need to do to get this TB Test even after she has got the visa?
Thank you I await for your reply.

[raynaputi]

Read this thread regarding CFO.. http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/40317-Leaving-the-Philippines-as-a-Spouse-Fiancee? (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/40317-Leaving-the-Philippines-as-a-Spouse-Fiancee?)

Regarding TB test, since Feb 2013, new applicants in the Philippines must include a TB test certificate/result from an accredited clinic of UKBA. If your wife didn't need that when she submitted the applications, she can get a TB test from the accredited clinic of UKBA because she would be asked upon entry to UK. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/tb-test/?langname=UK%20English (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/tb-test/?langname=UK%20English)

[louismc44]

Hi Raynaputi

Thank you very much for replying to me so quicky
I've just read section upon TB certificate
Applicants who complete an online visa application form and pay the online visa application fee before 28 February 2013 will not need to take a tuberculosis test. Online applications submitted and paid for after this date will be subject to tuberculosis testing requirements.

Olivia and I made this application and paid the visa fee before this date above here We made and paid for it before February 14th
So this could mean that we are exempt from having to get this extra certificate and by the way Olivia was not asked for the TB certificate when she had her appointment at the VFS Global in Manila
Are we Olivia and I in the clear over this, or do we still have to have this TB test?

Once again thank you very much for this information and if there is anymore documents we need to get before Olivia can catch a plane and fly to me? Please let me know as soon as possible
With kindest regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

This was posted to me by Raynaputi


Regarding TB test, since Feb 2013, new applicants in the Philippines must include a TB test certificate/result from an accredited clinic of UKBA. If your wife didn't need that when she submitted the applications, she can get a TB test from the accredited clinic of UKBA because she would be asked upon entry to UK. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/tb-test/?langname=UK%20English

I have checked this website above to read about the TB test
Upon reading it I found this part of the text here below

I've just read section upon TB certificate

Applicants who complete an online visa application form and pay the online visa application fee before 28 February 2013 will not need to take a tuberculosis test.

Can anyone put me in the picture about this a bit more?
My question is...As I said before we made our application and paid online and my wife Olivia had her appointment on the 14th of Feb 2013

Do we still need to take the TB test before my wife get her flight to the UK? It would be terrible for her to come all this way to the UK and to be refused entry

I'm a bit thick when it comes to border agency forms and all that.
I'm not getting any answers from the web site about this and I was wondering if anyone out there can help me with this?
Thank you in advance
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Oh by the way, before I forget again to mention this.

WE GOT OUR VISA TODAY

Thank you all for your kind help
I have learnt a lot from this site and I hope to be able to impart my own experience onto others who will follow our steps in getting their wives, friend, family and lovers to come over here to the UK too
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[bigmarco]

WE GOT OUR VISA TODAY

Hey Louis have been following your story with interest.
Delighted for you both and all the very best for the future :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Dedworth]

Well done :appl:

[Michael Parnham]

Congrats on your success Louis!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bigmac]

nice one louis

[louismc44]

Thank you all for your best wishes to Olivia and I.

Just one last question I have put this before the panel earlier and no one has been able to give me a answer yet I need to have answer to this before I can get a ticket for my wife to come and join me here in the UK...

Applicants who complete an online visa application form and pay the online visa application fee before 28 February 2013 will not need to take a tuberculosis test.

Can anyone put me in the picture about this a bit more?
My question is...As I said before we made our application and paid online and my wife Olivia had her appointment on the 14th of Feb 2013

Do we still need to take the TB test before my wife get her flight to the UK? It would be terrible for her to come all this way to the UK and to be refused entry

Please...
Is there anyone who can give me a answer to this?
Thank you all
Regards Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Oh by the way, before I forget again to mention this.

WE GOT OUR VISA TODAY

Thank you all for your kind help
I have learnt a lot from this site and I hope to be able to impart my own experience onto others who will follow our steps in getting their wives, friend, family and lovers to come over here to the UK too
Regards
Louis & Olivia


Well at long last :Jump::Jump::Jump::Jump::Jump:

Many congratulations Louis and Olivia :xxgrinning--00xx3:

You did it.

Louis, now take your time to get everything lined up and in place for the 'travel-part'.
Don't be in too much of a hurry, Olivia has a visa for 33 months validity and only needs 30 months in UK so there is time enough.

Once again, very well done. Enjoy you special moment.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Thank you all for your best wishes to Olivia and I.

Just one last question I have put this before the panel earlier and no one has been able to give me a answer yet I need to have answer to this before I can get a ticket for my wife to come and join me here in the UK...

Applicants who complete an online visa application form and pay the online visa application fee before 28 February 2013 will not need to take a tuberculosis test.

Can anyone put me in the picture about this a bit more?
My question is...As I said before we made our application and paid online and my wife Olivia had her appointment on the 14th of Feb 2013

Do we still need to take the TB test before my wife get her flight to the UK? It would be terrible for her to come all this way to the UK and to be refused entry

Please...
Is there anyone who can give me a answer to this?
Thank you all
Regards Louis & Olivia

1. The requirement for TB screening is part of the visa application process since 28 February.
Means the certificate MUST be submitted as an integral part of the Visa Application.

2. Since Olivia submitted the application before 28 February she was not required to include any such documentation.

3. Even before the TB screening was included within UKBA rules many people were still being asked for X-Ray at both Heathrow and Gatwick. Sometimes the immigration staff would request an X-Ray to be undertaken at the airport and sometimes they did not.
Louis, in all honesty, no-one can say if the immigration staff will ask for X-Ray or if they will request 'On-Site' X-ray at the airport facilities.

Which UK airport do you envisage as the arrival point?

It's not a big deal anyway. Just involves a small delay if it's insisted upon.

There's been NO reports of anyone being refused entry for not having an X-Ray so please put that particular concern right out of your mind.

There's quite a few posts here in the forum outlining the experiences of many members on this subject. Please do a quick search to satisfy yourself

4. May I suggest that Olivia undertakes a chest X-Ray at her nearest convenient clinic. I believe the cost would be around
P1000
At least this way she would have an X-Ray
This would minimise any delay at UK immigration, but more importantly would be valid personal health check for TB.
There's no requirement for Olivia to use the UKBA approved centre in Manila.

Hope this clarifies

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Wow that is a load off of my mind...
Thank you for clearing this up for me with your outline of great helpful details

I have just pass this bit of information onto Olivia which has also taken a lot of worry off her mind too..

Right now Olivia is on her way to the local hospital to make enquires about an X-ray for herself
And as you just said here, it will show a clean bill of health too

So all we need now, is to go to the CFO for a sticker to be put upon her passport.

The CFO in Cebu is only open for 1 day a week for UK travellers from the Philippines, with only 12 slots, 1st come 1st served basic, this is a long way to go on a chance that she may be able to attend a seminar or not?

Although it does show at CFO in Manila has more days of choice and 15 slots. Does this mean 15 people only at per session?

We've never done anything like this before
It's a long and hard winding road...
I hope this will lead Olivia to my door

Thank you very much.
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Well at long last

Many congratulations Louis and Olivia

You did it.

Louis, now take you time to get everything lined up and in place for the 'travel-part'.
Don't be in too much of a hurry, Olivia has a visa for 33 months validity and only needs 30 months in UK so there is time enough.

Once again, very well done. Enjoy you special moment

Thank you very much Terpe
Yes I know but we don't want to waste a moment more than we have too?
It has been a tough journey for us both Olivia and I
It is only when we are back together again, for me this will be the real moment of truth.

Thank you for your best wishes :xxgrinning--00xx3:

With warmest regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

nice one louis
Thank you bigmac for your best wishes :xxgrinning--00xx3:

With warmest regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Congrats on your success Louis!

Thank you Michael
Wit warmest regards
Louis & OLivia

[louismc44]

Well done

Thank you Dedworth :xxgrinning--00xx3:

With warmest regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

WE GOT OUR VISA TODAY

Hey Louis have been following your story with interest.
Delighted for you both and all the very best for the future

Thank you bigmarco
With warmest regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
I joined here in August 2010
I cannot see my previous post dating beyond 9th August 2012
I would like to know where I can find them
Could you please help me to locate them?
I want them for the record.
Regards
Louis

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
I joined here in August 2010
I cannot see my previous post dating beyond 9th August 2012
I would like to know where I can find them
Could you please help me to locate them?
I want them for the record.
Regards
Louis

Louis,

Here are all the threads that you've started (including this one) in 'started date' order:-

- Hello all. I'm Louis from Kingston, Surrey (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/26570-Hello-all-I-m-Louis-from-Kingston-Surrey?highlight=)
(Started 14th August 2010)

- my girlfired living with me for 6 months in the UK (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/27236-my-girlfired-living-with-me-for-6-months-in-the-UK?highlight=)
(started 26th September 2010)

- Hello I'm Louis from Kingston upon Thames, UK (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/35177-Hello-I-m-Louis-from-Kingston-upon-Thames-UK?highlight=)
(Started 22nd December 2011)

- Hi all (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/40511-Hi-all?highlight=louismc44)
(Started 9th August 2012)

- We need the online version of this viaa form APPENDIX 2 (VAF 4A NOVEMBER 2012) (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/42777-We-need-the-online-version-of-this-viaa-form-APPENDIX-2-(VAF-4A-NOVEMBER-2012)?highlight=)
(Started 25th November 2012)

Here are your other individual postings to other threads

- EEA Family Permit (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/41094-EEA-Family-Permit?highlight=louismc44)

- English Test (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/41255-English-test/page2?highlight=louismc44)

- All New Guide - How to apply for a Spouse/Partner Visa (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39740-All-New-Guide-How-to-apply-for-a-Spouse-Partner-Visa?highlight=louismc44)


That's your story Louis :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
I don't mind telling you all
These last past year must have taken 10 years off my life with all the stress and worry about it all
Even now the problems with the CFO offices in Manila and Cebu
One can not make appointment
It is on the first come first served basics
What a way to run a official office.
Surely Davao warrants a CFO office of their own?
Why aren't there more CFO offices scatted around the Philippines Island? Only 2 CFO out of 7000 Island's
It is a scandal that's what it is.
The CFO in Cebu is only open 1 day a week with only 12 persons allowed into one class.
The other one in Manila is only opened from 12 to 5 PM Mon-Fri, with only 15 persons allowed.

Each of these places cost a fortune to fly to and stay in a hotel per night and God help you if you don't get a place in the line on your first day, you have to come back the next day and the next day until you might be lucky to find that you can get it to the CFO? Its all pot luck What a way to run a show, it is like going into a betting shop, hoping that you have backed a winner and you know how often the bookies win. This is what you are dealing with over there.
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi all
Can you believe this?
Olivia goes to get her X-ray, she pays
Told to come back the next day
So next day she goes there....
They tell her she must pay more, because 1st X-ray is not clear
This time They tell, she must now pay 5 times more
I tell Olivia to tell them to stuff it.
They are having a laugh
Only it ain't funny ha ha

[Michael Parnham]

She should have took the unclear result and sorted it when she arrived in UK!:wink:

[jake]

Hi all
Can you believe this?
Olivia goes to get her X-ray, she pays
Told to come back the next day
So next day she goes there....
They tell her she must pay more, because 1st X-ray is not clear
This time They tell, she must now pay 5 times more
I tell Olivia to tell them to stuff it.
They are having a laugh
Only it ain't funny ha ha

No i do not believe that. Why would she have to pay 5 times more for another x ray?

Michael gave you some good advice.

[louismc44]

No i do not believe that. Why would she have to pay 5 times more for another x ray?


Once they know you are not from the Philippines.
and you have a wife from there too,
they always charge you more than double
I know because I have spent almost 3 months in the Philippines and have seen it and experiences it personally too.

Take a look at who won the local elections in Manila
Can you believe this?

http://blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2013/05/14/former-president-estrada-wins-race-for-mayor-of-manila/

They all have either very short memories or they just don't care and like this way?

When will the Philippines wake up to the fact that their politician are shafting them well and truly?

How can you tell when a Politian is about to tell you a lie?

You know what I said about the bookies.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe

Just for the record.
I have been on here for almost 3 years now

Please, I would like to know if this is possible?
In all this time, how many Brits on this site have successfully won the visa lottery to get their wife, friends lovers, etc. etc. to come and join them here in the UK?

And how many that have expressed their frustration and the sad loss of their visa's application's being refused?

And are they still here with us on this site today?

Thank you
Regards

Louis & Olivia

[raynaputi]

We don't have any stats on how many are granted and refused. Not all members here tell their cases so we have no idea. But most regulars here who you always see posting have their or their wives' visas granted.

[louismc44]

Thank you Michael


She should have took the unclear result and sorted it when she arrived in UK!

This exactly what we have already decided to do this

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Raynaputi
Thank you for your reply, but off the chuff, how many could you say did have their visa and how many on here did not have their visa granted?

On another subject..
We, Olivia and I, sent all of our documents and photos to the Embassy for their valuation upon our visa application.
.
When we got our visa, they did not send our originals documents, i.e. my birth certificate and our photos back to us
I was lead to believe from the beginning that we would get them all back, but why have they kept them and how can we demand them back?

Thank you with kind regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

Hi Raynaputi
Thank you for your reply, but off the chuff, how many could you say did have their visa and how many on here did not have their visa granted?

On another subject..
We, Olivia and I, sent all of our documents and photos to the Embassy for their valuation upon our visa application.
.
When we got our visa, they did not send our originals documents, i.e. my birth certificate and our photos back to us
I was lead to believe from the beginning that we would get them all back, but why have they kept them and how can we demand them back?

Thank you with kind regards
Louis & Olivia

Louis, use the e-mail addresses and contacts already in this thread to contact the Embassy and request your documents back.

[Terpe]

.... but off the chuff, how many could you say did have their visa and how many on here did not have their visa granted?..

As Rayna suggests, there's just not the stats available. Besides which they really would not have any meaning when presented as one 'lump of data'

If you have an interest in the refusal rate at the Manila Hub for settlement type visa's submitted from the Philippines alone
I can tell you it's 10% during 2012/2013
Between 2008 - 2011 the average annual refusal rate was 8%

There was a 'bit of a blip' during July 2012 which was likely caused by some folks not having a good understanding of the new immigration rules. The increase in refusal rate is almost certainly due to lack of experience in meeting the new Financial Requirements. It must be stated though that small clarifications/changes/allowances in the rules during the past few months have made a slight improvements in covering more examples of peoples earning differences. (eg Salaried Employment v non-Salaried Employment)
These days a "zero-hours" contract is getting more common and until the recent changes all but impossible to precisely fit into the UKBA 'Financial Puzzle'

[gWaPito]

Hi Terpe

Just for the record.
I have been on here for almost 3 years now

Please, I would like to know if this is possible?
In all this time, how many Brits on this site have successfully won the visa lottery to get their wife, friends lovers, etc. etc. to come and join them here in the UK?

And how many that have expressed their frustration and the sad loss of their visa's application's being refused?

And are they still here with us on this site today?

Thank you
Regards

Louis & Olivia
Hi Louis. .I've managed it twice ..2 wives. .without any problems. .although my situation on both occasions were straight forward...no luck involved
Good luck Louis. .it'll come for you both, I'm sure.

[louismc44]

Louis, use the e-mail addresses and contacts already in this thread to contact the Embassy and request your documents back.

Hi Terpe...

Yes that is my point, as it is no use giving us email addresses as you did before.

I have to tell you, we still have not heard from them yet.
So what other chances do we have?

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

So all in all Terpe
Would you say in about 100 applications
Only 10 were approved of?
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Hi Louis. .I've managed it twice ..2 wives. .without any problems. .although my situation on both occasions were straight forward...no luck involved
Good luck Louis. .it'll come for you both, I'm sure.

Hi gwapito
Thank you for your good luck.
But I am happy to tell you that we do have our visa, as we only got it last Thursday 9th May 2013.

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Terpe]

So all in all Terpe
Would you say in about 100 applications
Only 10 were approved of?
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

No Louis, it's the opposite.
In every 100 applications 90 were successful.
In every 100 applications 10 were initially refused by the ECO's in post.
Of those 10 refusals 9 were appealed

How does historical data help you?
Since that data has been collated there has again been a significant number of changes. Most of which take a much better account of the changing employment & pay conditions.
Unfortunately doesn't change the gross Income threshold limits though

I believe that the forthcoming changes will also have impacts, especially to those folks who currently qualify for exemption from the Financial Requirements, but may face challenges in the future.

Anyway have fun with the data :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe...

Yes that is my point, as it is no use giving us email addresses as you did before.

I have to tell you, we still have not heard from them yet.
So what other chances do we have?

Regards
Louis & Olivia

I can't do any more than provide the contact details.
Surely worth a try to contact and get your documents back though ?

I have to agree the Embassy is terribly slow in communications.

Well, I make no apologies but, here are the details to 'up-the-game' a little and escalate your valid complaint:-
(Please try)

Stephen Lillie - British Ambassador to the Philippines
Trevor Lewis - Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Manila

Email: ukinthephilippines@fco.gov.uk

Telephone +63 2 858 2200
Fax (Management) +63 2 858 2237

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe...

Yes that is my point, as it is no use giving us email addresses as you did before.

I have to tell you, we still have not heard from them yet.
So what other chances do we have?

Regards
Louis & Olivia

I can't do any more than provide the contact details.
Surely worth a try to contact and get your documents back though ?

I have to agree the Embassy is terribly slow in communications.

Well, I make no apologies but, here are the details to 'up-the-game' and little and escalate your valid complaint:-
(Please try)

Stephen Lillie - British Ambassador to the Philippines
Trevor Lewis - Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Manila

Email: ukinthephilippines@fco.gov.uk

Telephone +63 2 858 2200
Fax (Management) +63 2 858 2237

[gWaPito]

Hi gwapito
Thank you for your good luck.
But I am happy to tell you that we do have our visa, as we only got it last Thursday 9th May 2013.

Regards
Louis & Olivia

Oh! Congratulations! ! So what's the problem? .Why this banging on about data and giving Terpe a hard time ...best be positive and start planning for the future. .:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Btw. ..I've just been reading this thread. .something I should of done before contributing my penneth worth :-D ..You reckon the last year has aged you a decade. .you wait and see what the next few years do to you :-D
Seriousness to one side, I wish you both a very happy and prosperous life together. ..Congratulations!

[louismc44]

Hi all
Olivia got her CFO sticker
I have to tell you this, Olivia waited outside the CFO offices from 1 am Friday morning, she got there 1st, but soon after, more girls began to line up, hoping to get in when the doors opened at 9 am.
Can you imagine that?
8 hours from the middle of the night waiting all that time and it was raining very heavy with no shelter to duck under.
Then she had to wait all day long before the seminars were finished. No food or drinks in all that time.
These bar-stewards who run these office's know what is going on and they don't give a toss about those poor girls waiting in the cold and rain all night long.
It is barbaric, that's what it is
I know some of you on here are going to say, 'Ah well at least she got her CFO certificate, so what's the problem Louis?'

[louismc44]

,
I wish you both a very happy and prosperous life together. ..Congratulations!

Hi gWaPito
Thank you
Regards

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe

Please
A question to ask of you

As my wife Olivia has just got her CFO sticker and certificate ok

But I am worried about one little details on this

The staff at the CFO put our married name on her certificate and sticker on her passport..

Olivia applied for her passport in her maiden name..

Is this normal or do we have something to be worried and concerned about?

I know how strict the customs official's can be in the Philippines
Especially at the airports
Will this stop her leaving the Philippines?

Thank you
with kind regards
Louis & Olivia..

[Terpe]

I can't see any problems as she has an audit paper trail via the marriage certificate.

However, I prefer that someone who has first had experience of exiting Philippines that way will make some comment.
Sorry

[louismc44]

Thank you Terpe
We've already booked the ticket and should be here on the 4th June touch wood all being well and good.
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[Michael Parnham]

Have a good flight Louis, good luck for the future!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Thank you Terpe
We've already booked the ticket and should be here on the 4th June touch wood all being well and good.
Regards
Louis & Olivia

WooHoo :Jump::Jump:

Louis, do some searches here for threads about what documents to bring in hand-luggage.
Also did you pay for the ticket with your Debit/Credit card? then it would be an idea to phone the carrier to see if they can validate or if Olivia needs to have a photocopy of the card (front and back) as validation at check-in.

Probably some other stuff too. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe
Sorry what do you mean by carrier?
Yes I paid for it and I have it confirmed by the travel agents too
What card are you on about Terpe?
Oh by the way they did not send all my original documents back to me
I have phoned, a few times and written many emails and nobody has bothered to reply or answer the phone at the visa office.

From reading other's who have travelled along this road before me, it looks like they too did not have any satisfaction of a reply from the visa office either.
So what are we to do about this?

Thank you
Regards

[louismc44]

Hi all

Can anyone help me here?

Olivia has her visa and we booked a flight for her to come here by the 3rd June

Olivia has her visa, her CFO sticker, her passport, her marriage certificate, And her valid ticket here to the UK

What other documents does Olivia need to bring and show to the immigration's officer here in the UK?

Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

Thank you Michael

Have a good flight Louis, good luck for the future!

Regards from us both

[louismc44]

How many rings of fire are they going to make us jump through before they let us in? :Brick: and how many more times are we going to have to bang our heads upon this brick wall?

[Terpe]

Hi Terpe
Sorry what do you mean by carrier?
The airline


Yes I paid for it and I have it confirmed by the travel agents too
What card are you on about Terpe?

Credit Card/Debit card


Oh by the way they did not send all my original documents back to me
I have phoned, a few times and written many emails and nobody has bothered to reply or answer the phone at the visa office.

From reading other's who have travelled along this road before me, it looks like they too did not have any satisfaction of a reply from the visa office either.
So what are we to do about this?

Continue to 'bombard' the British Embassy (for the attention of the Ambassador) demanding your treasured and important documents be returned,
You must already know by now just how slow the wheels of Government Agencies grind. :NoNo:
Keep the pressure on. E-mail Theresa May, David Cameron, your MP etc
Keep being a pain until something moves. Involve the media, your local newpaper etc.

[louismc44]

Hi Terpe

I have look around on the UKBA sites and I can see no reference that I have to show or make a copy of my payments for Olivia ticket
If you or anyone else on here can point out to me where it says that I must do this?
I mean, if I really have to do this?
I will do it then

This may seem a silly question to ask you
But what business is it anyone else who paid the ticket
Oh by the way, I paid for it with my visa/debit card.
Surely. every one knows that you can not give your card number away to show anyone.
I paid online with my visa/debit care for the visa application appointment

Do you know if anyone else on here had to do this?
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

[gWaPito]

Hi Terpe

I have look around on the UKBA sites and I can see no reference that I have to show or make a copy of my payments for Olivia ticket
If you or anyone else on here can point out to me where it says that I must do this?
I mean, if I really have to do this?
I will do it then

This may seem a silly question to ask you
But what business is it anyone else who paid the ticket
Oh by the way, I paid for it with my visa/debit card.
Surely. every one knows that you can not give your card number away to show anyone.
I paid online with my visa/debit care for the visa application appointment

Do you know if anyone else on here had to do this?
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia
Hi Louis. .I feel for you mate. .the Philippines is like the hotel California, 'you can check out any time but you can never leave' another comparison is likened to an open prison. .all milling around earning peanuts, just like in prison. Yes, the Philippine governments have done there people proud, I heap shame upon them. ..anyway, that's my slanted view :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Back to the flight ticket. .my wife didn't need copies of my credit card neither did mother in law when she came over in March just gone.

Your good lady wife waiting all that time in the dark and rain without food and water is terrible! ...honestly Louis, it doesn't surprise me. .it's the way of life. .apathy set in years ago. .at least you got your lady out and can now put it all behind you. .June 4 will come soon enough. ..With a bit of luck, summer may have arrived by then :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[filbrit]

Hi Terpe

I have look around on the UKBA sites and I can see no reference that I have to show or make a copy of my payments for Olivia ticket
If you or anyone else on here can point out to me where it says that I must do this?
I mean, if I really have to do this?
I will do it then

This may seem a silly question to ask you
But what business is it anyone else who paid the ticket
Oh by the way, I paid for it with my visa/debit card.
Surely. every one knows that you can not give your card number away to show anyone.
I paid online with my visa/debit care for the visa application appointment

Do you know if anyone else on here had to do this?
Thank you
Regards
Louis & Olivia

Hi Louis,

I believe it is not a requirement by the UKBA or Airport Custom but by the airline especially if the person who bought the ticket is not flying. Not often they check when purchased by person travelling. It is normally stated on airline's website or emails. In my case last year, below is what was stated in my e-ticket:


For security reasons, the following are required upon check-in or ticket reissuance,

failure to produce these documents may result in denied boarding:

1. Photocopy or actual credit card used for the online purchase(s).

2. Photocopy or original photo ID of the credit card holder.

My husband sent me a scanned copy of the two mentioned documents. I was fully aware to keep it safe and secured. Good thing I had it with me because the lady asked for it when I checked in. And of course, it was returned to me immediately.

Congratulations to you and your wife! :Jump: Best wishes on your life together here in UK. :heartshape1:

[grahamw48]

Good advice, and as only photocopies/scanned are required...easy to comply with.

I'll give you rep for that. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[louismc44]

1. Photocopy or actual credit card used for the online purchase(s).
2. Photocopy or original photo ID of the credit card holder.


Hi filbrit

Thank you for your advice

1. Photocopy or actual credit card used for the online purchase

I paid for the ticket over the phone

2. Photocopy or original photo ID of the credit card holder.

Not all visa/debit card holders here in the UK have a photo of themselves their cards

In my case I don't have a photo of myself on my visa/debit card

Regards
Louis & Olivia

[grahamw48]

Just scan in or make a photcopy of the card you used to buy the ticket.

A photcopy or scan of the photo page of your passport should keep them happy, in the absence of another form of 'photo ID'.

All this has to do with money-laundering/fraud/anti-terrorist regulations etc. It's no big deal. Nobody is trying to steal your ID. Just go along with their little rules.

Upload them into your PC and send them off to your lady. She prints them out. Job done.

[gWaPito]

Hi Louis
As Graham said, just go along with their little rules. .luck or as it now seems unlucky for me, my wife wasn't asked for such proof.

The next hoop of fire you got to jump through is luggage. ..namely keeping within luggage allowance. .most other countries allow a small margin of being over weight, this does not apply in the Philippines. ..believe you me, the Philippine airport authorities have turn't it into a nice little earner.
If they can extract even more of your hard earned, they will. Make sure you weigh your bags before leaving for the the airport.

[grahamw48]

Those little Filipinas are STRONG....dragging around those 100 kilo bags. :icon_lol:

[gWaPito]

Those little Filipinas are STRONG....dragging around those 100 kilo bags. :icon_lol:They don't have a problem dragging muggins around

[louismc44]

For security reasons, the following are required upon check-in or ticket reissuance,
failure to produce these documents may result in denied boarding:
1. Photocopy or actual credit card used for the online purchase(s).
2. Photocopy or original photo ID of the credit card holder.

Hi filbrit

I have complied with your very helpful advice with a copy of my passport photo ID and copies of my visa/debit transactions with the receipt to show that I am the one who paid for the flight ticket
I hope this is all in good order?
Thank you
With kind regards
Louis & Olivia

[louismc44]

I don't know why people from the Philippines get so patriotic about it?
The two times I have been there

Two hours power cut every day, and sometimes in the evenings too.

We talk over the internet in yahoo messenger, if we are lucky? We might go about 5 minutes before we are cut off again and again.

Scorching heat all day long, in the mid 90's
and not much cooler in the nights, around the 80's

The rain, that is another thing, it don't rain like it does here.
It comes down like sheets, flooding everywhere and if your plumbing is not working properly, then God help you, because no one else can.

Yes you have to be either tough or stupid to live and survive over there, believe me it helps.

I thought it was an absolutes hell-hole and that is putting it mildly, and I was so glad to get out of it.

It reminds me of that song, 'There Is A Rose In Spanish Haarlem'?
That is exactly how I see, and feel about Olivia
I want to take that rose out of there and watch her grow over here in our UK gardens.

Of course, the UK is not perfect, we have a lot of problems over here, but least I feel we do have a chance to make our lives a little bit better then those poor so and so over there have.

We speak over the phone a lot.
One bit of good news for all those who call the Philippines 'Virgin Media allow me to call up to 250 minutes per month with an extra £5 added to my bill.

[Terpe]

I've always believed that life is what you make it.

[raynaputi]

I've always believed that life is what you make it.

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

That description of the Phils is a partial list of why I love the place. :icon_lol:

It IS a third world country.

Personally I love its craziness and the challenges involved in living there, despite the annoyances that us mollycoddled Westerners sometimes experience. :smile:

[louismc44]

I've always believed that life is what you make it.

No life is not only what you make it
It is also what other's will let you make of it too

[louismc44]

That description of the Phils is a partial list of why I love the place. :icon_lol:

It IS a third world country.

Personally I love its craziness and the challenges involved in living there, despite the annoyances that us mollycoddled Westerners sometimes experience. :smile:

Then tell me great O great one.
Why are there so many people from around the world, making a bee line for the western way of life?

[louismc44]

I know what I know, and what I have seen, and that is it

[gWaPito]

Then tell me great O great one.Why are there so many people from around the world, making a bee line for the western way of life?Come on Louis...let's be nice. .I would imagine the westerners that are partial to the place is because they have the option that when the novelty wears thin, they can revert to normality on a whim.I remember us staying in our dream paradise in a remote part of Bicol..we were there 3 weeks. .it was sure good to get to a kfc in Manila.

[gWaPito]

I have seen and met many westerners while's travelling in Asia
They walk around like the own the world with a young woman hanging onto their arms.

They lord it up over there with the high pensions that can buy servants , food and almost anything else that the can afford to have. I've seen the way they have given themselves a veneer of high important of which they never could archive here in the west, where they came from.

Its not nice to see and I think those Philippines know that they are being looked down upon and they try to make up by you double, or treble or even fourfold the cost of things. The yanks and the Spanish were there for years.
I think it has made the Philippines nation into a bunch of pirates

Of course there are maybe 1 or 2 very nice decent people from all around the world.

Life is very cheap over there. Did you know you can have someone bumped off for about £20 or even less?
Come on Louis, don't sit on the fence, say what you really feel.

I think you been talking to my wife Louis. .that's how she views it well, maybe just us westerners.

I didn't realise it was as much as £20...worth bearing that in mind. ..I'll award you with a rep for that.
Cheers.

[louismc44]

I think you been talking to my wife Louis. .that's how she views it. ..I didn't realise it was as much as £20...worth bearing in mind. ..I'll award you with a rep for that.
Cheers.

Oh yes, I almost forgot
One does need a great sense of humour too:smile:

[grahamw48]

Then tell me great O great one.
Why are there so many people from around the world, making a bee line for the western way of life?

Don't be so damned insulting. :mad:

You've been given an enormous amount of help and advice by total strangers on this forum, out of the goodness of their hearts.

Also, probably half of the membership are Filipinos, and now you start insulting their country.

This attitude of yours doesn't bode well for your marriage to a FILIPINA.

I also hope she's got brains to make up for your evident shortfall in that department. :icon_rolleyes:

[raynaputi]

Don't be so damned insulting. :mad:

You've been given an enormous amount of help and advice by total strangers on this forum, out of the goodness of their hearts.

Also, probably half of the membership are Filipinos, and now you start insulting their country.

This attitude of yours doesn't bode well for your marriage to a FILIPINA.

I also hope she's got brains to make up for your evident shortfall in that department. :icon_rolleyes:

:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3: A rep coming your way Graham! :heartshape1:

[bigmac]

this whole visa application process is sooo stressfull.
i found out yesterday my g/f's general visit visa application was refused. its been a long 9 months since she went back.

[jake]

Very well said Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Louis, i find your comments disrespectful and arrogant. If your attitude was like that when you visited the Philippines i am surprised that anybody even gave you the time of day.

Yes there are some problems in the Philippines but the good points far outweigh the bad in my opinion. No electricity for 2 hours. Wow what a major problem!

Some things you see in the Philippines are similar to what you might have seen 50 years ago in the UK. Neighbors who actually talk to each other and help when they can. Is that a bad thing?

Some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world are found in the Philippines.

[raynaputi]

Very well said Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Louis, i find your comments disrespectful and arrogant. If your attitude was like that when you visited the Philippines i am surprised that anybody even gave you the time of day.

Yes there are some problems in the Philippines but the good points far outweigh the bad in my opinion. No electricity for 2 hours. Wow what a major problem!

Some things you see in the Philippines are similar to what you might have seen 50 years ago in the UK. Neighbors who actually talk to each other and help when they can. Is that a bad thing?

Some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world are found in the Philippines.

:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3: A rep for you too jake! :heartshape1:

[jake]

Come on Louis...let's be nice. .I would imagine the westerners that are partial to the place is because they have the option that when the novelty wears thin, they can revert to normality on a whim.I remember us staying in our dream paradise in a remote part of Bicol..we were there 3 weeks. .it was sure good to get to a kfc in Manila.

What do you mean?
Have spent 14 years living in the Philippines and the 'novelty' has never worn thin! Maybe you should spend some more time learning about yours wife's culture, instead of seeing everything as negative.

[bigmac]

please excuse my ignorance--but just what is all this "rep" business? i'm on several other internet forums--and havent come across this practice before

[Terpe]

please excuse my ignorance--but just what is all this "rep" business? i'm on several other internet forums--and havent come across this practice before

Look here in the forum FAQ's (http://filipinaroses.com/faq.php?s=&do=search&q=reputation&titleandtext=1&match=all)

[jake]

please excuse my ignorance--but just what is all this "rep" business? i'm on several other internet forums--and havent come across this practice before

Means we have to do a push up to calm us down :smile:

I think you know exactly what it means? If not you can use the search function and someone who is much more articulate than myself will explain the process.

Sorry to hear about your girlfriend. You can always come and live in the hell-hole like some of us have chosen to do. Its not that bad. Honest!

[grahamw48]

You got a spare room Jake ? :biggrin:

[bigmac]

I think you know exactly what it means? If not you can use the search function

i took your advice--and entered rep in the search box. yeah right.

i'll stay here thanks. the cons way outweigh the pros with regard to moving over there.

[Terpe]

No life is not only what you make it
It is also what other's will let you make of it too

That's a tad too negative for me.
I'll stick.

[gWaPito]

:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3: A rep for you too jake! :heartshape1:

I suppose it would be out of the question for your good self to send me a rep too :biggrin:...I was after all trying to make it jovial.
No harm in asking. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[gWaPito]

What do you mean?
Have spent 14 years living in the Philippines and the 'novelty' has never worn thin! Maybe you should spend some more time learning about yours wife's culture, instead of seeing everything as negative.
Steady on cowboy. .as I've just said, I was being jovial trying to stop this thread descending into a slanging match. .I suggest you wind it in a tad.

[gWaPito]

What do you mean?
Have spent 14 years living in the Philippines and the 'novelty' has never worn thin! Maybe you should spend some more time learning about yours wife's culture, instead of seeing everything as negative.

Apologies for my late response. .I had work to do.

My marital difficulties, as you implied, has nothing to do with cultural differences.

Talking about my wife, these are the issues we actually agree on 100%..it was she who laid into Philippine airport staff over the 2 lbs over etc etc. .it was she who said to them that no wonder her own country folk are leaving in droves blah blah

You say the good in the country outweighs the bad, maybe for the westerner...not for the poor folks on the ground it isn't. Folks who can't get jobs. who can't feed there families who can't get medical treatment because of having no money. .you ask the folks fleeing the country whether they think the good outweighs the bad.

For your information, I still have neighbours that talk ..we still have neighbours that help out like taking in mail etc. .summertime in the garden, time permitted, we pass the time of day talking over the fence.

You called me negative. ..you ain't got a clue about me.

The Philippines is a great country if you have money, lots of it. ...These are not my words but the words of my wife and her family. ...either way, I'm not at all bothered at this moment in time.

Cheers
Mark :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Btw. ...it's my understanding it's the government wish to keep it a third world. ..With its mostly untapped mineral wealth alone could put it on par with its rich neighbours. ..you can only blame the electorate. .for it was they who put these people in charge. ..you were only talking about the new mayor of Manila yesterday. .not to mention the election a week or so back.
I will stand corrected if I'm wrong in any of that.

Yes, the Philippine people are a wonderful people. .I thank mother in law everyday what she does for us.

[irishman12]

Hi mark , ( The next hoop of fire you got to jump through is luggage. ..namely keeping within luggage allowance. .most other countries allow a small margin of being over weight, this does not apply in the Philippines. ..believe you me, the Philippine airport authorities have turn't it into a nice little earner.
If they can extract even more of your hard earned, they will. Make sure you weigh your bags before leaving for the the airport ) baggage fees don't have anything gto do with airport authorities -they are posted by the airlines when buying ticket and excess baggage fees are also listed ,I agree there should be leeway -but who decides how much ? for example you are allowed 7kg carry on on most flights -so if there were 2/3 passengers travelling together -and carryon allowance was below what is allowed -then if u were 1kg over check in -would they allow it -well answer is probably not -you have to take 1 kg out of check in and out in carry on -even though all of it is still going on plane -its not the check in staff -its the airline that make the rules and unfortunately check in staff don't have any authority to change :Cuckoo:

[gWaPito]

Thanks for that. ..If that's the case, why wasn't i given the same grief at Heathrow. ..twas after all same airline. The ground staff at Heathrow didn't roll out state of the art 80 yo weighing scales either. ...I'll agree with the hand luggage being spot on but not the stuff for the hold. .anyway, it's over and done now. ..Thanks for your response :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jake]

My marital difficulties, as you implied, has nothing to do with cultural differences.


Mark, i never said anything about your marital difficulties. Sorry if you saw it that way.
What i said was you should learn more about your wife's culture. Same goes for anybody else who is married to or has a girlfriend from the Philippines.
Did i call you negative? No i said your views on the Philippines are all negative.

Cheers

[jake]

You got a spare room Jake ? :biggrin:

Next year we will have 2 spare rooms :bigcry: The moment i am dreading as no more kids in the house :bigcry:

[gWaPito]

No problems Jake. .just me being my sensitive self. .If you ignore me I'll go away :xxgrinning--00xx3:

If you can take positives out of being shafted for your utilities and fuel well, good for you. .even I had a job to stomach it on my western income. Goodness knows what the indigenous think about it.
Apart from that, keep up with the informative posts of yours. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jake]

No problems Jake. .just me being my sensitive self. .If you ignore me I'll go away :xxgrinning--00xx3:

If you can take positives out of being shafted for your utilities and fuel well, good for you. .even I had a job to stomach it on my western income. Goodness knows what the indigenous think about it.
Apart from that, keep up with the informative posts of yours. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

No problem :xxgrinning--00xx3: Don't plan to ignore you as everyone's posts are interesting whether i agree with them or not :wink:

There are a lot of negative things said about the Philippines and although some are true, quite often the story is exaggerated.

[grahamw48]

Awww. :grouphug: :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Next year we will have 2 spare rooms :bigcry: The moment i am dreading as no more kids in the house :bigcry:

That's been my situation since last September...on my own too. :cwm3:

Probably why I spend so much time on here. :icon_rolleyes:

[louismc44]

Don't be so damned insulting. :mad:

You've been given an enormous amount of help and advice by total strangers on this forum, out of the goodness of their hearts.

Also, probably half of the membership are Filipinos, and now you start insulting their country.

This attitude of yours doesn't bode well for your marriage to a FILIPINA.

I also hope she's got brains to make up for your evident shortfall in that department. :icon_rolleyes:

If you read more deeply into what I wrote on here, you will see that I am not insulting anyone. All I am doing is stating the facts of my own personal experiences.. So please don't go over the tops, And I have said thank you to everyone who has helped me with their advice.