NOTHING to PAY - SCHENGEN VISA (Spouse of an EU Citizen)

[jlags90]

Hi Everyone!

I have applied for a Short Stay Schengen Visa at the French Consulate without having to pay anything:Jump:. I understand that this SHOULD ALWAYS be the case as a spouse of an EU Citizen but if you go through TLS, you would still need to pay for service fee. I lodged my application on the 25th of March and it was granted the same day.:doh My short stay visa is valid for a year (up to 90 days stay in schengen member states with multiple entries). I would like to share my experience with you guys!

DOCUMENTS NEEDED:

- Completed Short Stay Schengen Visa Form - link is provided below
https://www.tlscontact.com/gb2fr/upload/short_stay_application_form_en.pdf
*Please note that fields with asterisk should not completed.

- Two identical photographs - see photo guidance below
https://www.tlscontact.com/gb2fr/help.php?id=picture_tips

- Original passport + 2 copies - Original BRP + 1 copy

- Original Marriage Certificate + 1 copy

- Original Passport of EU Spouse + 1 copy

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

- Call TLS Contact (+44) 845 7300 118 and ask for a direct appointment with the French Consulate not with TLS otherwise you would be asked to pay for an equivalent of 28 euros in GBP service fee.
- Once booked, TLS will call you the day before your appointment which serves as a reminder.

*Please Note: Be aware that the only time you can attend the appointment is at 9:00 am - no other time slots will be available.

ON THE APPOINTMENT DATE

- Arrive before 9:00 as it is first come, first served basis. You might not be allowed in if you are late.

- Do not follow the SW7 2EW post code (published in the French Embassy's Website) if you wish to use google maps or else, it will take you to Imperial College Rd. I have checked google maps and it seems that the post code to use in order to arrive at the place is SW7 2JN. It is just two minutes walk from South Kensington Tube Station.

- Only the person with the appointment can get inside the visa section, and there is no waiting place for back-ups outside.

- During your turn, you will be asked for the documents. Taking of finger prints and photo will follow.

- The Consulate will only take the applicant's original passport, completed application form and the copies of other documents - the other original documents (BRP, my husband's passport, marriage certificate) will be returned to you after verification.

PASSPORT RETRIEVAL

- Most of the time, you will be asked if you will be able to collect your passport from the Consulate the next day. You may arrange for collection schedule with the staff dealing with your application.

- Only you or an immediate family member can collect your passport. Passport collection time is only at 3:00 pm Monday-Thursday. So, if you live far from London, be sure to bear this in mind so you can arrange for transport after collecting your passport.

- Present the receipt given on your appointment date and provide an ID upon collection.

* I chatted with a lady from Myanmar who is also a spouse of an EU Citizen and she said TLS told her to have a direct appointment with the French Consulate because it would be quicker processing (she needs the visa soon because she has already booked a flight departing on the 28th). So this might be a good route to those needing the above-mentioned visa in a hurry.

*Please remember that this service might only be available with the French Consulate. It is worth checking at the Embassy website of your preferred Schengen destination.


Thanks for reading.
Jona

[stevewool]

fantastic news and thanks for sharing your experience too:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Dedworth]

Sound advice should help others. Before my wife and her friend got their Brit passports they used to deal direct with the French Consulate.

[Iani]

Thanks, that's really useful to know :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[melovesengland]

wow!!! congrats jay!! hello france!!! well done you. great big help surely for other members here. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[mike1]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:good post

[RickyR]

Great post, very detailed. We had a similar experience at the Spanish Embassy here in Oman.

[jlags90]

fantastic news and thanks for sharing your experience too:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks steve. Was your wife's visa valid for a year as well?

[jlags90]

Sound advice should help others. Before my wife and her friend got their Brit passports they used to deal direct with the French Consulate.

Yes, probably before they outsourced TLS. It's good to know that there are options depending on the circumstances.

[jlags90]

wow!!! congrats jay!! hello france!!! well done you. great big help surely for other members here. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Hello UK still Novie.:icon_lol:


:xxgrinning--00xx3:good post


Thanks, that's really useful to know :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks Iani and Mike:biggrin:

[jlags90]

Great post, very detailed. We had a similar experience at the Spanish Embassy here in Oman.

Thanks Ricky. Some Consulates might have outsourced but an option like this might still be available so it is worth checking.

[stevewool]

Thanks steve. Was your wife's visa valid for a year as well?

for some reason we have got 4 years on Emmas visa, :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jlags90]

for some reason we have got 4 years on Emmas visa, :xxgrinning--00xx3:

That is brilliant:xxgrinning--00xx3:. I was expecting 6 months validity but they issued one year. I do not know how their discretion works:Erm:.

[GraceAdam]

Wow ;) Thank you very much Jona :) muahh

[jlags90]

Wow ;) Thank you very much Jona :) muahh

No problem Grace.:biggrin: How about a trip from Dover to Dunkirk in summer?

[Moving Forward]

Great post. Was your marriage certificate authenticated first by the Philippine Embassy? - I remember reading somewhere (on the TLS website I think) that this was a requirement.

[jlags90]

Great post. Was your marriage certificate authenticated first by the Philippine Embassy? - I remember reading somewhere (on the TLS website I think) that this was a requirement. Thanks Moving forward:smile: I got married in the UK so there was no need for authentication. I think it is for the case of marriages performed overseas, and they require for official translation in French/English as well.

[rhaichard]

hi Jlags want to know if did u also have payslips, bank statements , travel insurance and travel itinerary when u applied for ur schengen visa


and do we need to have aunthenticated marriage contract ? because we're married in the philippines

thanks

[jlags90]

hi Jlags want to know if did u also have payslips, bank statements , travel insurance and travel itinerary when u applied for ur schengen visa


and do we need to have aunthenticated marriage contract ? because we're married in the philippines

thanks Hi Rhaichard, apologies if it took me too long to reply. The documents they required were those posted on #1. Proof of how you are going to finance your trip and insurance is not needed since you will be travelling with your spouse who is an EU citizen. We already had our itineraries before I applied for the visa but we didn't submit it coz it is not necessary. I think you will have to have the Philippine Embassy authenticate your marriage certificate. Good Luck. :biggrin:

[anadyomene]

Great! Thanks for sharing!

[Moving Forward]

Just an update to this thread.

I need to arrange a Schengen visa for my spouse.

I was wanting to book a direct appointment with the French Embassy and called TLS Contact to arrange this today. However, there are only 7 slots available at the French Embassy each day and the earliest we can get is for the 10th July. It seems time of year dictates whether its faster to go through TLS Contact or deal direct with the embassy. The next available appointment at TLS Contact is early June and it should be processed within a few weeks.

[jlags90]

Just an update to this thread.

I need to arrange a Schengen visa for my spouse.

I was wanting to book a direct appointment with the French Embassy and called TLS Contact to arrange this today. However, there are only 7 slots available at the French Embassy each day and the earliest we can get is for the 10th July. It seems time of year dictates whether its faster to go through TLS Contact or deal direct with the embassy. The next available appointment at TLS Contact is early June and it should be processed within a few weeks. Thanks for the info Moving Forward. Summer is probably the busiest time for visa processing. It is always good to explore the available options, whichever suites you best. When I went for my visa appointment, I noticed that they only opened 1 window out of 4 to process the visa application. They could always cater more people if they want but they prefer not to.:mad:

[Terpe]

Here's the EU regulation in plain English:-


Family members should not pay any fee when submitting the application, they cannot be obliged to obtain an appointment via a premium call line or via an external provider whose services are charged to the applicant. Family members must be allowed to lodge their application directly at the consulate without any costs.
However, if family members decide not to make use of their right to lodge their application directly at the consulate but to use the extra services, they should pay for these services.

If an appointment system is nevertheless in place, separate call lines (at ordinary local tariff) to the consulate should be put at the disposal of family members respecting comparable standards to those of "premium lines", i.e. the availability of such lines should be of standards comparable to those in place for other categories of applicants and an appointment must be allocated without delay.

The visas must be issued as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure and the procedures put in place by Member States (with or without outsourcing) must allow to distinguish between the rights of a third country national who is a family member of an EU citizen and other third country nationals. The former must be treated more favourably than the latter.

Processing times for a visa application lodged by a third-country national who is a family member of an EU citizen covered by the Directive going beyond 15 days should be exceptional and duly justified.

[stevewool]

we went the TLS way and we got it within 2 days

[Terpe]

we went the TLS way and we got it within 2 days

You did good Steve and got lucky. Well done.

I just don't think it's right that someone should wait until July 10th just for an appointment when EU directives state 15 days is the max and the fee is not required.

Maybe, like you, that member will also get the visa within 2 days also.....
but within 2 days of a July 10th appointment is still not good enough IMO

[jlags90]

The ironic thing about booking a direct appointment to the French Consulate is, you need to call TLS to book it (which is pretty expensive). I was lucky to get my visa the next day without pay.

[tone]

Thank you so much for posting this - very useful!
I want to take my wife and son to Greece end of June for a week, and I notice on the Greek consulate page here
http://www.vfsglobal.com/greece/unitedkingdom/allaboutyourvisas.html

They mention charges for visa -
"The Consulate of Greece, London will accept applications from residents of the United Kingdom only.

Processed applications can also be returned by DX Secure mail courier at an additional cost of 8.90 per passport.

Applicants have the option of paying their visa fees by Credit/Debit card ( at the Visa Application Centre) or Postal Orders in the name of "Greece Visa Application Centre". Fees in Cash will also be accepted at the London Centre. Cheques will not be accepted."

I am also wondering should we get the visa after we book a holiday or before? I'd usually prefer to get before but I note they want sight of travel itenaries etc?


Any further advice would be welcome.

Tone

[Terpe]

.......I am also wondering should we get the visa after we book a holiday or before? I'd usually prefer to get before but I note they want sight of travel itenaries etc?......Tone

There's two ways to approach it. Either using EU regs & directives or via an agent.
There's plenty of threads for review.

Technically, my post #23 states the EU regulation.

If you look at a typical Visa application form you'll note that there's no requirement for you to answer those questions marked with * on the form (employment,resources,itinerary, Medical Insurances etc.) The entire form is only three pages long.

[stevewool]

Just as Terpe says, you don't need any booking, insurance, travel dates at all

[tone]

Thanks Chaps - will do some research!

Tone

[purple]

hi tone.. just been to vfs a couple of weeks ago and got my visa 7 working days after.

To be honest the atmosphere there is not good. I don't like it.

If I have only known, I could have just showed up there without booking it online because they don't really look for the appointment letter.

You don't pay the visa fee... just the service fee of 24 quid.

I did try to contact the Belgium Embassy first but I was referred to vfs

[tone]

hi tone.. just been to vfs a couple of weeks ago and got my visa 7 working days after.

To be honest the atmosphere there is not good. I don't like it.

If I have only known, I could have just showed up there without booking it online because they don't really look for the appointment letter.

You don't pay the visa fee... just the service fee of 24 quid.

I did try to contact the Belgium Embassy first but I was referred to vfs

Hiya
Thanks for this much appreciated, I've been reviewing tarvel dates and whilst I want to go to Greece I am a bit concerned it will be too hot for the little one (although he's in Manila now and its been mid 30's-C) so looking at a few other places that means Rina wouldnt need a visa - the list on the DFA web site has been reduced!
I found so much evidence accross the web that St Lucia (example) was visa free but having been to their immigration page - we do need a visa.

I found this page - not sure if its been posted but most useful!

http://www.visahq.ph/visas.php

Tone

[Terpe]

Here's another good resource (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Filipino_citizens) that shows all the countries that Philippine citizens can visit without visa 'at a glance'

[tone]

Here's another good resource (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Filipino_citizens) that shows all the countries that Philippine citizens can visit without visa 'at a glance'

I've used this one too Peter the only issue is it is out of date - St Lucia requires visa now as listed below;
http://archive.stlucia.gov.lc/faq/do_i_need_a_visa_to_enter_saint_lucia.htm#Require_Visas

I am going through each country, checking the requirements..:Cuckoo:

Cheers
Tone

[Terpe]

I've used this one too Peter the only issue is it is out of date - St Lucia requires visa now as listed below;
http://archive.stlucia.gov.lc/faq/do_i_need_a_visa_to_enter_saint_lucia.htm#Require_Visas

I am going through each country, checking the requirements..:Cuckoo:

Cheers
Tone

Tone, I remember someone on here went to Prague without any visa as long as travelling with UK spouse.
Might be worth checking

[tone]

Tone, I remember someone on here went to Prague without any visa as long as travelling with UK spouse.
Might be worth checking

Hi Peter

I found this tonight -

http://www.vfsglobal.com/greece/unitedkingdom/eea.html

For the family members of an EU/EEA/CH citizen the visa application procedure is simplified. The following people are defined as family members of an EU citizen:

The spouse;
The partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the UK legislation.
The direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependant, either of the spouse or partner; or the dependant direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above.

Family members of EU/EEA/CH nationals who are holders of the British residence documentation below, do not require a visa in order to enter Greece, under the condition they are accompanied by the EU citizen or they are going to join him/her.

Do we need a Visa for Rina under this ruling? Do I need to go to the embassey?

She is still under an FLR and has a BRP.

I'm a bit confused..:doh

Thanks
Tone

[tone]

Following some more digging I found this -

Q.14 I am a family member of an EU/EEA/CH citizen. Do I need a Schengen visa?
Ans
If you are holder of the relevant Residence Documentation (with the phrase Residence Card of a family member of an EEA National endorsed on it) , you do not need a visa provided that you will be travelling with the EU citizen or that you are going to join him/her.

So it looks like I dont need an appointment and therfore we just book the holiday and go?

It sounds a bit too good to be true - so no need to apply for a Schengen visa?

:cwm3:

This is doing my head in..

Tone

[stevewool]

it did my head in too, thats why i did it my way,made the appointment and paid the fee and i have the 4 years travel, can be cheaper but no more headaches for me

[tone]

Thanks Steve!

On this page the Greek embassey shows a visa (old one of 5 years ago) but it looks like an ILR/FLR type visa that used to get stuck in the passport;
http://www.vfsglobal.com/greece/unitedkingdom/eea.html

And that says it all, that if you hold one of these then you do not need a SV.

I am going to call the embassey and find out.. I have an appointment booked anyway but will dig further.

Cheers
Tone

[Terpe]

Tone, unless you go to a destination where no visa is required then your wife will need a visa.

If travelling to EU countries within the Schenghen Region she'll need Schengen visa.

Provided she is the holder of UK visa vaild for 6 months or more she will be eligible.

Please don't try to 'dig' too deep, you'll just find more questions than answers then ultimately give-up and take the route of least resistance.
If you wife is the holder of a UK Residence Card then in this case no Schengen visa is required.
From what I know your wife is under UK immigration rules and does not have a 5 year Residence Card

Generally speaking, with a Schengen visa, you can enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of the visa.
You will find border controls are relatively limited with few stops and few checks.
With good planning, actually securing a Schenghen Visa is not too difficult, but it can be frustrating if you're not prepared.

Be assured you can apply via whichever route you choose.
Just highlighting that 'family members' should not pay any fee when submitting the application, they cannot be obliged to obtain an appointment via a premium call line or via an external provider whose services are charged to the applicant. Family members must be allowed to lodge their application directly at the consulate without any costs. However, if family members decide not to make use of their right to lodge their application directly at the consulate but to use the extra services, then they should pay for these services.

It may need a couple e-mail to the Embassy to secure the service they are obligated to under EU regulations, but many folks here have done that.

good luck

[Moving Forward]

My wife received her French issued Schengen visa today. It is valid for 3 years with multiple entry. Given her current UK visa is valid for 2.5 years this is a good result. We are off to the south of France next Monday for a fortnight and may also pop into Spain whilst we were are down there.

[stevewool]

My wife received her French issued Schengen visa today. It is valid for 3 years with multiple entry. Given her current UK visa is valid for 2.5 years this is a good result. We are off to the south of France next Monday for a fortnight and may also pop into Spain whilst we were are down there.

enjoy enjoy ENJOY :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Anakin]

Is this TLS outfit as per Steve's original post and link still operating? Links appear to be dead.

[Anakin]

Oops sorry folks. Just found them. I think their site must've been down for a few hours.

[stevewool]

the TLS way is so easy , you book the time that suits you too, but bear in mind it can take anything between 3 and 5 hours, make sure that the time you book you keep too, and do not get there before your time, only give it 10 mins else they will tell you to come back, there is a small cafe right next door, they will copy any papers there if you forget anything too, any other help just ask, for some reason anakin i cannot send you a message ,

[tiger31]

do you have to be married to obtain this visa ?

[Terpe]

do you have to be married to obtain this visa ?

No, there's no requirement to be married. However...... being married to an EU citizen makes it a whole lot easier and cheaper.
For example, as the spouse of an EU citizen there's no need to support things like:- employment, resources/funding, travel and accommodation itinerary, travel and medical insurances etc.

[Anakin]

thanks for that Steve. BTW I got your message in the end and replied it. :smile:

[stevewool]

remember once you have the schengen visa and you have visited the place where it is for you are then free to travel all over Europe in the time they have given you on the visa, so you do not need 1 for every country you visit

[jlags90]

remember once you have the schengen visa and you have visited the place where it is for you are then free to travel all over Europe in the time they have given you on the visa, so you do not need 1 for every country you visit I do not think you can travel all over Europe with a Schengen Visa. Schengen visa is valid for travels within the Schengen territories.

[Terpe]

http://www.jonworth.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-11-at-12.42.35-630x379.png


http://www.gibney.com/uploads/Schengen-Map-4.png

[Speedyman52]

RE: SCHENGEN VISA (Spouse of an EU Citizen)

Do you need to obtain a SCHENGEN VISA for every different country you want to visit within a year?

Thanks

Speedyman52

[Terpe]

RE: SCHENGEN VISA (Spouse of an EU Citizen)

Do you need to obtain a SCHENGEN VISA for every different country you want to visit within a year?

Thanks

Speedyman52

No, but you're meant to apply for a Schengen Visa at the Embassy of the first country you'll visit.
Within the restrictions of a multiple entry visa you can come and go as you please within it's validity

[rhaichard]

i booked my visa appointment on 15 October but im having trouble filling in my form.

do i need to answer this :


Residence in a country other than the country of current nationality

should i put YES for Uk and put my UK SPOUSE VISA # ?

[Trefor]

Hi Jlags. Thank you for the useful post as we're heading to the French Consulate on Friday for Rose's Schengen Visa. Did you manage to pick yours up on the day?

Thanks.

[stevewool]

I think it's posted to you, but it's only a few days of waiting

[Trefor]

Thanks Steve. I got the impression you collect it from them, we'll see.

Any idea how long the French take to process things and send people away in the morning if you arrive by 9am? I have a business meeting at 1pm near Slough ... trying to plan the day (might involve some shopping which I'm sure Rose will hate :biggrin:). If not there is the museum next door.

[tone]

After all these questions we went to Thailand - had a fairly decent trip apart for our baby getting really ill on the last two days.

I've just booked a trip to Rome - Rina really wanted to meet the Pope and I said I'll do my best, but couldnt guarantee it!
I used up some airmiles on BA and they charged just £70 flat fee so come her birthday we will be in Rome.
I need to get her ILR done before that - as soon as she has taken that LIUK test and passed it get the visa app in before 28th Oct - will do a PEO visit so its all done quickly..

[purple]

The pope gives a mass every Wednesday. When we were there we were lucky. Consider your little one too. It can get too crowded in Rome our son was 18 months when we went to Rome.

[tone]

The pope gives a mass every Wednesday. When we were there we were lucky. Consider your little one too. It can get too crowded in Rome our son was 18 months when we went to Rome.

Thanks for that - shame we wont be there on a Wed as we go Sat and come back Tuesday - didnt want to leave the baby with anyone for any longer really.
:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Tone

[Terpe]

Thanks for that - shame we wont be there on a Wed as we go Sat and come back Tuesday - didnt want to leave the baby with anyone for any longer really.
:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Tone

Hi Tone, we enjoyed a break in Rome in August.
We really enjoyed it.
Have you thought about pre-booking a guided tour of Vatican ?
We booked a whole day (skip-the-lines-tour) and found it fascinating.
Vatican in the morning followed by the four major Basilicas in the afternoon.
We used a company called Dark Rome...highly recommended :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Look here for details (http://www.darkrome.com/tours/vatican-tours/vatican-museums-basilicas-full-day-tour)

[stevewool]

we are still hoping to get the break there before christmas, but time is getting very short

[Terpe]

we are still hoping to get the break there before christmas, but time is getting very short

Our biggest mistake was going to Rome in summer. Especially this year with the heat wave (remember that). We had 40-43 C every day ...... really too hot to enjoy a walk.

This time of year will be nice. Christmas time could be even better.

Be careful when shopping Steve, and avoid Via Condotti if at all possible !!!! :yikes:
Starts just beside the Spanish Steps and fountain

Going down there was my second big mistake :wink:

[Michael Parnham]

we are still hoping to get the break there before christmas, but time is getting very short

After Tuesday Em can get her passport and you wont need a visa anymore, great stuff!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Trefor]

After all these questions we went to Thailand - had a fairly decent trip apart for our baby getting really ill on the last two days.

I've just booked a trip to Rome - Rina really wanted to meet the Pope and I said I'll do my best, but couldnt guarantee it!
I used up some airmiles on BA and they charged just £70 flat fee so come her birthday we will be in Rome.
I need to get her ILR done before that - as soon as she has taken that LIUK test and passed it get the visa app in before 28th Oct - will do a PEO visit so its all done quickly..

Tone - have you booked the PEO appointment? Hope so, they're hard to get. Best way to do it though IMO, removes all worry and doubt.

[Trefor]

Rose got 12 months Shengen - I collected her passport from the French Consulate a few days later (was available the next working day).

Now to plan some sorties into Euroland...

[tone]

Hi Guys
Peter - I'll look into the Vatican tour - I've been to Rome before and its a great place to soak in history, but as mentioned Rina really wants to see the inside so I'll certainly look at the tour.

Regarding visas we have to do Rina's ILR and I will be doing a PEO as soon as she gets the LIUK and English sorted out I'll book the appointment. Then I can get an appointment at the VSF Global place and get here the Schengen Visa for Rome.

Cheers
Tone

[tone]

Tone - have you booked the PEO appointment? Hope so, they're hard to get. Best way to do it though IMO, removes all worry and doubt.

I just logged into the system to see what availability there was for Solihull searching for Nov 1-20th only and I can get an appointment from the 12th Nov so that's ok.

Aha I'm assuming that if we pay and book the appointment before 28th that we Rina's A1 will be ok - or am I wrong?:yikes:

[Terpe]

....Aha I'm assuming that if we pay and book the appointment before 28th that we Rina's A1 will be ok - or am I wrong?:yikes:

Be very careful about that strategy Tone.
The date of application for PEO submission is when you actually make the application payment on the day of appearance.

I stand to be corrected here but that's not the same as booking an appointment.

It might sound like semantics but personally I would not take that risk.
Applications made on or after 28th October will need supporting with Life in UK and Level
B1 English.

You could try and check with UKBA for confirmation, but that in itself wouldn't fill me with confidence............

[tone]

Hi Peter
I've spoken to a training company that do the ESOL Citizen Courses and they can do a 1 day session to get Rina's A1 to a higher grade. So should she pass the test we will book and pay for the appointment and see if we can get one next week, failing that she will have to get the B1 grade and above and then we do the ILR application.
So I have a plan A and B but we have a more pressing issue in that the LIUK book has gone missing.
I take note of your words though!

Again thanks!

Tone

[rhaichard]

finally i got my Schengen Visa ..
only took 24hrs and got 2 years :REDancedancer08::REDancedancer08:


i followed JLAGS post,
called the TLS to book appointment
but my appointment was scheduled at 9:30
kinda worried because on JLAGS post she noted that 9:00 is the only time slot but its not really a problem, we went to London early and went to TLS first ( because my hubby didnt listen when the TLS phoned him and told him where to go ) so we phoned TLS and they said if appointment booked by phone then its automatically straight to the FRENCH CONSULATE, much easier to do the FRENCH CONSULATE route as the tube station is outside the building also there's 3 museums that you can visit so you can have a nice day out in London.

Thanks to everybody here for advice and thanks to STEVEWOOL for guiding us :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Well done..........:xxgrinning--00xx3:

The delights of Europe are waiting for you.......enjoy:Jump:

[stevewool]

glad it all went well for you both, as Terpe says , Europe is waiting for you now:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Trefor]

Well done!

[rhaichard]

finally i can visit my mum's auntie in Germany also ... :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

again thanks :)

[Terpe]

finally i can visit my mum's auntie in Germany also ... :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

again thanks :)

Some great Christmas markets in Germany :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[rhaichard]

Some great Christmas markets in Germany :xxgrinning--00xx3:

thats good ... :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[steve monty]

Hi there,

Congratulations to all who have succeeded in getting their visa's. I had been following this thread for sometime as it is very informative. We went to try to get our Schengen visa today for France from TLS Contact but were not able to because they would not accept our marriage contract because it was not clear. This is how they are in the Philippines. The marriage contract had been notarised by the Philippines Embassy here in London and also notarised by the NSO in the Philippines. This very same marriage contract was used for our spouse visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain.

We went to the Philippines Embassy in London straight after to see what we could do, it seems the only thing we can do is either go back to the NSO in the Philippines and get this fixed or wait for Citizenship next year. Don't want to put a downer on the thread but just highlight there can be problems even if you think everything is straight forward.

[stevewool]

so sorry to hear what has happened steve, and its good that you have pre warned others what could happen too,
A year is not long to wait, and there are lots of great places to see in this country too

[jlags90]

Hi there,

Congratulations to all who have succeeded in getting their visas. I had been following this thread for sometime as it is very informative. We went to try to get our Schengen visa today for France from TLS contact but were not able to because they would not accept our marriage contract because it was not clear. This is how they are in the Philippines. The marriage contract had been notarised by the Philippines Embassy here in London and also notarised by the NSO in the Philippines. This very same marriage contract was used for our spouse visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain.

We went to the Philippines Embassy in London straight after to see what we could do, it seems the only thing we can do is either go back to the NSO in the Philippines and get this fixed or wait for Citizenship next year. Don't want to put a downer on the thread but just highlight there can be problems even if you think everything is straightforward.

Sorry to hear that Steve. I apologise for forgetting to highlight that all visa applications are considered on a case to case basis.

[steve monty]

So sorry to hear what has happened Steve, and it's good that you have pre warned others what could happen too.

A year is not long to wait, and there are lots of great places to see in this country too

Thanks Steve, might be a blessing in disguise and see more of the UK. Just upset the wife more as she wanted to go to Paris.

[steve monty]

Sorry to hear that Steve. I apologise for forgetting to highlight that all visa applications are considered on a case to case basis.

No worries Jlags, you don't have to apologise. Like every visa process it's judged by case by case basis.

[EdwardB]

Hi there,
We went to try to get our Schengen visa today for France from tlscontact but were not able to because they would not accept our marriage contract because it was not clear. .

Interested and intrigued by this rejection. It does seem that there is scope to apply much more easily through countries like Netherlands and Czech. The EU has a very broad definition of a family member. Czech clearly states in the guidance notes to applicants.

http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/who-is-an-eu-citizen-and-his-family-member.aspx

No charge. Visa fees are waived for the following foreign nationals :
foreign members of families of nationals of other Member States of the EU/EEA and Switzerland (decree of 11 March 1994 modified) ;
(4) The provisions of this Act, which pertain to family members of European Union citizens, will be applied in a commensurate manner to aliens who can credibly prove that:
a)they are a in a family relationship with an European Union citizen that is not specified in Subsection 1 if:
1.they lived in a common household with a European Union citizen in the country whose citizenship they hold or in the country in which they held long-term or permanent residence;
2.they are financially supported by a European Union citizen; or
3.they cannot care for themselves without the personal care provided by a European Union citizen due to a chronic adverse health condition; or
b)they are in a permanent relationship with a European Union citizen that is comparable to a family relationship and that they share a common household.

So even if you are living as partners together in a third non EU country you qualify as family.

AND EC (2010)1620 - the guidance notes from The EU

PART III: SPECIFIC RULES RELATING TO APPLICANTSWHO ARE FAMILY
MEMBERSOF EU17 CITIZENS OR SWISS CITIZENS
(this chapter only covers issues of relevance to third-country nationals subject to a visa
requirement under Regulation 539/2001)

The right of free movement of EU citizens would not have any useful effect without
accompanying measures guaranteeing that this right is also given to their families. Therefore
the Directive extends the right to free movement to family members of EU citizens. Article 5
(2), 2nd sub-paragraph of the Directive provides that "Member States shall grant [family
members covered by the Directive] every facility to obtain the necessary visas. Such visas
must be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated
procedure.".

HOWEVER there is inconsistency between countries under a derogation that allows different definitions of Core and Extended family members.

The following persons are defined in Article 2(2) of the Directive as ‘core’ family members:
• the spouse;
• the partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis
of the legislation of any Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats
registered partnership as equivalent to marriage;
• the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependant as well as those of the
spouse or partner as defined above; or
• the dependant direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as
defined above.
In order to maintain the unity of the family in a broad sense, Member States may extend the
facilitations to so-called ‘extended’ family members, see Commission Communication COM
(2009) 313 final23.
The following persons are defined in Article 3(2) of the Directive as ‘extended’ family
members:
• any other (i.e. those not falling under Article 2(2) of the Directive) family members who
are:
• dependants;
• members of the household of the EU citizen; or
• where serious health grounds strictly require the personal care by the EU citizen;
or
• the partner with whom the EU citizen has a durable relationship, duly attested.
Article 3(2) of the Directive stipulates that ‘extended’ family members have the right to have
their entry facilitated in accordance with national legislation. In contrast with ‘core’ family
members, ‘extended’ family members do not have an automatic right of entry. Their right of
entry is derived from the national legislation transposing the Directive where the consulates
should find detailed rules on this category of visa applicants.

So as above it seems that Czech follows the guidelines. Netherlands even seems to define a durable partner relationship as 6 months!!

France is unsearchable as to the definition of "Core" and "Extended" family - saying no more than:

foreign members of families of nationals of other Member States of the EU/EEA and Switzerland (decree of 11 March 1994 modified) ;

I have tried to search the 11 March 1994 decree in French and English without success.

Finally as mentioned in various threads every country must make it available to apply direct and without charges even if they engage an agent.

Overall it looks like the safest and quickest way to a Schengen visa is through Netherlands or Czech. Be interesting to see a league table of all the countries, so people can save time, money and anguish.

[EdwardB]

They are not allowed to fob off any refusals with the standard EU Refusal form. The form covers only the Appeal condition, and there is serious politicking going on over how France in particular handles appeals.

COM-2009-0313-FIN-EN-TXT


Partners with whom an EU citizen has a de facto durable relationship, duly attested, are
covered by Article 3(2)(b). Persons who derive their rights under the Directive from being
durable partners may be required to present documentary evidence that they are partners of
an EU citizen and that the partnership is durable. Evidence may be adduced by any
appropriate means.
The requirement of durability of the relationship must be assessed in the light of the objective
of the Directive to maintain the unity of the family in a broad sense12. National rules on
durability of partnership can refer to a minimum amount of time as a criterion for whether a
partnership can be considered as durable. However, in this case national rules would need to
foresee that other relevant aspects (such as for example a joint mortgage to buy a home) are
also taken into account. Any denial of entry or residence must be fully justified in writing and
open to appeal.

[grahamw48]

Definitely worth some rep points Edward, all that helpful info'. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[EdwardB]

Definitely worth some rep points Edward, all that helpful info'. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks I have learnt a lot more since I compiled the above. The crucial issue for most Forum members when applying for "family" members without a UK marriage certificate is that the Treatment of relationships by different member states is hugely different.

Avoid applying through France without a UK marriage certificate if at all avoidable. Applying through France as a Family member for just about any relationship than UK married spouse is not a good idea in my opinion. On the other hand proof of a relationship with a partner of six months will almost certainly release Family status in The Netherlands, and thereby a multi-entry visa to all Schengen member states for six months. (first entry through Holland of course required;and you will need to state that Holland is the main intended country of visit. BUT as long as you enter first through Holland you can absolutely change your intentions from there onwards!!!)
table/
There is a need for a table/matrix of requirements by country based on how Core and Extended is interpreted. The official guidelines are outrageously badly and ambiguously worded. There were clearly several classic EU fudges in committees agreeing the final drafts. For example for the guidance on defining "extended family members

Their right of entry is derived from the national legislation transposing the Directive where the consulates should find detailed rules on this category of visa applicants.

"the consulates should find detailed rules on this category of visa applicants"!!!!!! It should be taken for granted that the Consulates know their own legislation. It is the Applicant that needs to know this.

I have formally suggested to The EU that this should be urgently redrafted as;

Applicants MUST be able to access online, through guidance notes, and have drawn to their attention at any interview at the consulates the detailed rules on this category of visa applicants.

I have to say the above is already implicit in the guidelines but reading through several threads and from personal experience France is not remotely complying. Indeed France actually states significantly different rules on different consular websites.

[Donutz]

Good to see you dived into the various EU pages and documents. Too bad it takes atleast several hours of digging... Your avarage applicant most likely will just let themselves be bullied and pushed around by EU (Schengen, British, ....) embassies who do not properly apply the Freedom of Movement directive for family members of EU/EEA nationals.

About a year ago or so the EU Commission announced an overhaul/change of the Schengen rules (at the earliest somewhere in 2015) : more easy application form, online applications, a special visa valid for 6 months for those touring (elderly people with campers for instance), more structured issueing of muliple entry visa etc.
I hope to see these changes accepted and implemented soon. Better yet: EU/Schengen embassies/application centers were one can make an application without silly services fees, proper instructions in accordonce with EU direcitves etc. So that people who do not realize they can get a free, swiftly issued EU/EEA spouse (family member) visa with minimum hassle will be told about it at the counter.. That sort of thing doesn't seem common place at embassies, they are unaware or unwilling to do a proper job... a real shame.

[Donutz]

Here is the announcement about more flexible Schengen rules:

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-347_en.htm

I picked out the most important paragraphs of the press release:

European Commission
Press release Brussels, 1 April 2014

More flexible visa rules to boost growth and job creation

Many non-EU nationals wishing to travel to the EU are often faced with cumbersome, lengthy and costly visa procedures. The proposals presented today will seriously shorten and simplify the procedures for those wanting to come to the EU for short stays, and induce more cost savings and less bureaucracy, whilst maintaining the level of security. Making the access to the Schengen area easier for legitimate travellers will facilitate visiting friends and relatives and doing business. It will boost economic activity and job creation in, for instance, the tourism sector as well as in related activities such as restaurant and transport industries.

(..)

In order to stimulate the European economy and to facilitate the lives of travellers towards the EU, the European Commission is proposing today important changes in the visa rules. Main elements of this package are:

(1) Reducing the deadline from 15 to 10 days for processing and taking a decision; (2) Making it possible to lodge visa applications in other EU countries consulates if the Member State competent for processing the visa application is neither present nor represented;(3) Substantial facilitations for regular travellers including mandatory issuing of multiple entry visas valid for three years;(4) Simplified application form and allowing for online applications (5) Possibility for Member States to devise special schemes granting visas at the borders for up to 15 days in one Schengen State; (6) Possibility for Member States to facilitate the issuing of visa for visitors attending major events; (7) A new type of visa (Touring-visa) allowing legitimate travellers to circulate in the Schengen area for up to 1 year (without staying in one Member State for more than 90 days in any 180-day period).

- Simplifying short-stay visa applications to meet growing demand. A lot has already been achieved under the existing visa rules, which has contributed to a 68 % increase in the number of visa applications, from 10.2 million in 2009 to 17.2 million in 2013. Yet more can be done towards enhancing the mobility of legitimate travellers. For new 2013 visa statistics, see infographic. Too often, problems obtaining visas limit access and – as a result – reduce the potential economic benefits of tourist attractions. For instance, the Milan World Expo in 2015 may be an opportunity for millions of new visitors to Europe.

Concretely, the Commission now proposes:

- Establishing a clearer set of procedural rules and speeding up the process. It is proposed to reduce the deadline for processing and making a decision on a visa application is reduced from 15 to 10 days. The maximum deadline for lodging an application has been increased from three to six months before the intended trip, to allow travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak seasons.

Furthermore, the list of supporting documents will be simplified and become exhaustive and the enhanced harmonisation of these requirements at local level will ensure equal treatment of visa applicants. The often costly obligatory travel medical insurance will be abolished.

- Boosting consular cooperation. According to the proposal, if the Member State competent for processing the visa application is neither present nor represented in a given third country, the applicant is entitled to apply at any of the consulates present ('mandatory representation').

- Repeated visits will be much easier with the introduction of mandatory criteria for obtaining a multiple entry visa (MEV) valid for three years and subsequently for five years for 'VIS registered regular' travellers. Applicants whose data are registered in the Visa Information System (VIS) and who have previously lawfully used at least two visas within the past 12 month period will benefit from these facilitations. This change of rules is also possible thanks to the roll out of the Visa Information System (VIS), which is expected to be completed in 2015, enabling Member States' consulates to access the visa applicants' 'history'.

As they would be able to travel more spontaneously, travellers in possession of longer validity Multi-Entry Visas are likely to make more trips to the Schengen area than they otherwise would. An increasing number of trips would spur economic growth within the Schengen zone.

- To establish a Touring Visa. This new type of Visa will allow legitimate non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area to circulate for up to 1 year in this zone (without staying in one Member State for more than 90 days in any 180-day period), with the possibility of an extension for up to two years (provided that the applicant does not stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day period in the same Member State). This would for instance, apply to live-performing artists who tour the Schengen area for a prolonged period, but also to individual travellers, such as tourists, researchers and students who wish to spend more time in Europe.


(...)

Next steps: Both proposals must now be approved by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, which can be expected at the earliest in 2015.

Once the proposals enter into force, the changes will apply to all EU Member States applying the common Schengen visa policy in full as well as the four Schengen associated States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). It should be noted that Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Cyprus, Romania and the UK do not take part in the visa policy.

(...)

[Donutz]

Too bad I cannot edit my posts, I wish to end todays contributions with a link to an other -related- topic in this forum just incase that one moves of the first page and other visitors stumble acroos this topic regarding FREE, swiftly issued and with minimum hassle Schengen (or other EU nation) visas:

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/53105-Travel-docs-needed-for-France-Schengen-Visa-for-Filipina-wife

It has some useful links (EU Home Affairs, EU page on traveling etc. for EU citizens and their family, SOLVIT) and I cited some pages of handbooks etc.

That's all folks. :Wave: