Marrying in another country

[bigmac]

can i run this idea past you guys.

my lady is here on a visit visa. she got divorced in the UK--started last july while she was still here--on a student visa.

is it viable for us to travel to another EEA country to marry--? or would she still have to produce CNI or CENOMAR ?

if we were allowed to marry--in the EEA---would she then be allowed to re-enter the UK as my wife?

if not--and she returned to the Phils---would she still have to produce CENOMAR or CNI to apply for a spouse visa?

[johncar54]

Just on the last point.

I understand that if a Filipino gets divorced (outside ROP of course) then unless they are the party who is divorced (defendant) they are still married in the eyes of Phil.

(So if I divorced my wife she can get that accepted in ROP, if she divorces me she cannot).

[raynaputi]

Your gf needs to get a Schengen Visa before she can enter another EEA country. I think she needs to apply it from the Philippines as she's only a visitor of the UK. So the idea of getting married isn't possible at this time. And like what johncar said, your wife would still be considered married in the Philippines because her divorce in the UK won't be recognised in the Philippines (she's the petitioner I believe right?). She needs to get annulment to show "single" in her CENOMAR.

[grahamw48]

Ah, that will be why the ex hasn't taken her new (European) husband to meet the pamily back home then. :)

[johncar54]

I don't understand the additional problem of going to another county to get married. If you can get married in another EU country then why not in UK ?

If she got divorced in UK then she can prove she is single (divorced) in UK.

[Terpe]

I don't understand the additional problem of going to another county to get married. If you can get married in another EU country then why not in UK ?
As Rayna said:-
- she is the holder of a UK visit visa which means she not allowed to marry as per the declaration made and signed when making the visa application.

- She does not hold the correct documentation for the authorities in UK to legally perform a marriage

- She would need a Schengen visa to enter an EU country which she would be unable to secure here in UK as she does not have leave to remain for 6 months or more. She would need to apply and be granted a Schengen visa from Philippines to be able to enter an EU Schengen country.
I don't know the full requirements for getting married in the EU but unlikely that a temporary visit/tourist visa would be accepted.

There's no problem to get married in any country provided she has the correct visa.
For UK that would be Marriage Visa. Not Visit Visa.

Of course it IS possible to get married illegally, but then living a completely illegal existance as an undocumented immigrant isn't a good start to married life.

[bigmac]

Ah, that will be why the ex hasn't taken her new (European) husband to meet the pamily back home then.

thats lost on me.


I don't understand the additional problem of going to another county to get married. If you can get married in another EU country then why not in UK ?

If she got divorced in UK then she can prove she is single (divorced) in UK.

we are trying to avoid the delay and expense of annulment.

am i right in thinking a UK divorce is valid anywhere in the world--but not in the Phils?

[raynaputi]

.

am i right in thinking a UK divorce is valid anywhere in the world--but not in the Phils?

If the petitioner of divorce is a foreign husband, then the divorce is valid in the Philippines. If the petitioner is the Filipino/Filipina spouse, then it isn't recognised. Although they made the exemption to Filipinos/Filipinas who was naturalised to be citizen of the foreign country where he/she lives upon submission of divorce. http://jlp-law.com/blog/legal-dynamics-citizenship-divorce/ (http://jlp-law.com/blog/legal-dynamics-citizenship-divorce/)

[bigmac]

what i'm trying to establish is----

IF we are legally allowed to get married--somewhere-in the world--now she is divorced in the UK---can she then apply for a spouse visa---from the phils---without having to go through the annulment process?

[raynaputi]

what i'm trying to establish is----

IF we are legally allowed to get married--somewhere-in the world--now she is divorced in the UK---can she then apply for a spouse visa---from the phils---without having to go through the annulment process?

Errrmmm...:Erm: someone will correct me if I'm wrong..but be careful with that route because she can be charged with bigamy in the Philippines, especially if the authorities would be informed (by who, I don't know..but possible). In the eyes of the Philippines, her divorce in the UK is not valid because she's the petitioner and not a foreign spouse. That's why Graham has said in his post above, his ex wife hasn't returned to the Philippines now that she's married to another man. Because since it was Graham's ex-wife who filed for the divorce in the UK (I believe Graham said his wife was still a Filipino citizen that time), the divorce isn't recognised in the Philippines and she can be charged for bigamy.

I'm not sure what documents she can show in her application for a spouse visa (aside from the marriage cert obtained overseas, in case she gets married overseas) in the Philippines because she may be asked for some documents showing that her previous marriage was already dissolved before she got remarried.

[bigmac]

this is why i want to find out if we can travel--separately--to a EEA country--marry--and apply for a spouse visa for her to start the settlement process here. nothing illegal--just want to speed up the process---and avoid this ridiculous annulment business. when IS a UK divorce NOT a divorce--??

[grahamw48]

There is no such thing as divorce in the Phils. Additionally, divorce is not recognised in the Phils when the Filipino citizen has sued for that divorce from a foreigner...no matter what country they were residing in at the time. (We got married in the Phils ...if that makes a difference.)

[bigmac]

exactly Graham. so--she got a UK divorce--absolute==ive seen it. so how do we use it to get what we want---married--and living here in MY country?

any help from anyone --who has actually done this---would be appreciated

[gWaPito]

Just on the last point.

I understand that if a Filipino gets divorced (outside ROP of course) then unless they are the party who is divorced (defendant) they are still married in the eyes of Phil.

(So if I divorced my wife she can get that accepted in ROP, if she divorces me she cannot).

Strange that..I said the same on another thread a while back and got smoked for it :NoNo:

[grahamw48]

@ bigmac:

From what you and others have said previously it would appear that she would have to go back to the Phils in order for you to start of your marriage process.

In applying for a marriage visa she would then have to prove to the Philippines govt. and ours that she is SINGLE and able to marry.

If SHE had filed for her divorce here, then the Phils govt. will not recognise that divorce and she would have to have it annulled in the Phils before THEY would regard her as single.

If her foreign PARTNER had filed for the divorce, (and she was still a Filipino citizen at the time) then she should be free to marry.

That is how I read it anyway.

So, the question is....WHO filed for the divorce ?

[gWaPito]

As Rayna said:-
- she is the holder of a UK visit visa which means she not allowed to marry as per the declaration made and signed when making the visa application.

- She does not hold the correct documentation for the authorities in UK to legally perform a marriage

- She would need a Shengen visa to enter an EU country which she would be unable to secure here in UK as she does not have leave to remain for 6 months or more. She would need to apply and be granted a Schengen visa from Philippines to be able to enter an EU Schengen country.
I don't know the full requirements for getting married in the EU but unlikely that a temporary visit/tourist visa would be accepted.

There's no problem to get married in any country provided she has the correct visa.
For UK that would be Marriage Visa. Not Visit Visa.

Of course it IS possible to get married illegally, but then living a completely illegal existance as an undocumented immigrant isn't a good start to married life.

Just think the money they would save on NOT going back and forth to the Philippines every other year as most of us do/did.
Like Graham said, there's no such thing as divorce so who's law are we talking about God's or the law of the land.

If enough money is being earn't why bother with any of it..just stay here and sod them all.

Just my opinion :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[gWaPito]

exactly Graham. so--she got a UK divorce--absolute==ive seen it. so how do we use it to get what we want---married--and living here in MY country?

any help from anyone --who has actually done this---would be appreciated

The absolute will only be accepted in The Philippines only if the husband is the named petitioner on the decree absolute. If not and you do proceed with the application you may get lucky and get it overlooked

[Terpe]

Just think the money they would save on NOT going back and forth to the Philippines every other year as most of us do/did.
Like Graham said, there's no such thing as divorce so who's law are we talking about God's or the law of the land.

If enough money is being earn't why bother with any of it..just stay here and sod them all.

Just my opinion :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Are you suggesting she just overstays here on a visit visa?
Or am I wrong again?

It's really not rocket science, it's very simple.
As I said, they can get married in any country provided she has the correct visa.
If she had a UK marriage visa she could get married here in UK.

If she was the respondent in the UK divorce it's quite easy to have that legally recognised in the Philippines then she'd even be free to marry in the Philippines. Period.

[gWaPito]

Are you suggesting she just overstays here on a visit visa?
Or am I wrong again?

It's really not rocket science, it's very simple.
As I said, they can get married in any country provided she has the correct visa.
If she had a UK marriage visa she could get married here in UK.

If she was the respondent in the UK divorce it's quite easy to have that legally recognised in the Philippines then she'd even be free to marry in the Philippines. Period.

I was being light Peter :xxgrinning--00xx3: I know how simple it all is...I've married 2 of them before..both happily settled with British passports etc etc. :doh

[Terpe]

can i run this idea past you guys.

my lady is here on a visit visa. she got divorced in the UK--started last july while she was still here--on a student visa.

is it viable for us to travel to another EEA country to marry--? or would she still have to produce CNI or CENOMAR ?

To me this sounds like you want to travel to Europe to get married during her visit to UK.
If so the answer is NO it's not possible. Because she would need a visa to travel to Europe and she cannot secure a visa here in UK as she only holds a limited leave visit visa.
She would need a visa which is valid for 6 months or more.

If you mean that she would travel to a European Country from Philippines with the intention of marriage to a non-citizen of that country then she would indeed need to supply a document of 'singleness'. IE CENOMAR
Almost all the documents would need to be translated into the language of that country.


..if we were allowed to marry--in the EEA---would she then be allowed to re-enter the UK as my wife?

No.
You would need to be exercising treaty rights and living with your spouse in the EEA country for 3-6 months.
After the marriage she would have to return to the Philippines in order to apply another Visa. Or she should try to secure a long term visa prior to the marriage. Not very easy.


..if not--and she returned to the Phils---would she still have to produce CENOMAR or CNI to apply for a spouse visa?

To apply for a spouse visa from the Philippines she'd need to be married.

Quite honestly, the simplest strategy is to have her UK divorced legally recognised in the Philippines.
However, is she was the divorce petitioner here in UK she cannot do that.

So the big question bigmac is this....was she petitioner or respondent in her divorce??
Once that is known we can direct you in a much simpler way.

[raynaputi]

From bigmac's posts in the past, I believe his gf has a Filipino husband (correct me if I'm wrong). Either way, if they're both Filipino, his gf's only choice is annulment.

[bigmac]

thanx for all your replies guys.

to clarify--my lady is the petitioner--her filipino husband is the respondent. the grounds were 5 years separation.

neither of us realised all the implications when she filed for divorce in the UK over a year ago.

i was hoping there might be a simpler--and quicker solution rather than the annulment process.

i thought if we got married elsewhere--in the EEA---that once we were married then the immigration proceedure could be less complicated.

on a different tack---we have now known each other almost 2 years---so--would the 2 years relationship be worth using rather than marriage?

[gWaPito]

You have to have proof of 2 years of co habitation..ie corresponding address with bills etc.

[bigmac]

If enough money is being earn't why bother with any of it..just stay here and sod them all.

i like it lol. in fact--it would be no big deal--for me. she wont need to work--i can support her.

but--seriously--it needs to be legal--and above board--for her future.

i just wish we didnt need to jump through this annulment hoop. it adds about 3 grand to the whole package--and probably 2 years waiting. i might have snuffed it by then.

[gWaPito]

If enough money is being earn't why bother with any of it..just stay here and sod them all.

i like it lol. in fact--it would be no big deal--for me. she wont need to work--i can support her.

but--seriously--it needs to be legal--and above board--for her future.

i just wish we didnt need to jump through this annulment hoop. it adds about 3 grand to the whole package--and probably 2 years waiting. i might have snuffed it by then.

You'll have to excuse me bigmac. I'm currently having to jump through hoops myself on a different front and I'm sick of it. The British law is an ass. Everyone of these sons of bitches are out to shaft the good law abbiding. ''Good solicitors'' that's a laugh, they should be good, good without us mortgaging out our souls for the services.

[bigmac]

yes gwapito--i have been following your life story on here & i know where youre coming from.

as i said--if it were purely for me--my lady could easily slip through the net and stay here. but we are trying to keep everything legal.

[Terpe]

.....i just wish we didnt need to jump through this annulment hoop. it adds about 3 grand to the whole package--and probably 2 years waiting. i might have snuffed it by then.

I have a suggestion that would be less cost than 3k and would get you both married double quick without CNI or CENOMAR from either party.......... Las Vegas wedding.

Read it here (http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/clerk/services/pages/marriagelicenses.aspx)

You can both enter US on tourist visa.Get wed. Then both return home to apply spouse visa.

Very quick, very simple and very cheap.

Food for thought ?

[johncar54]

Great idea Terpe


From the web:

Marriage Laws U.S. Clark County Clerk Marriage License, Las Vegas Marriage Licenses, clerk, office, bureau, weddings, Nevada Clark County Requirements

Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Clark County Clerk marriage license application. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your ceremony date.

It is important that you verify all information with the Clark County marriage license bureau office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Las Vegas Marriage License Office

Clark County Clerk
201 East Clark Avenue
Marriage Services Division
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 671-0600
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m./ M - Sun, closed all legal holidays
Closed all legal holidays.

ID Requirement:
Valid picture identification. Acceptable identification includes valid Driver's License, valid Identification Card from DMV, valid Passport, Resident Alien card, Military ID, or Certified or original Birth Certificate.

If a foreign birth certificate, it must be translated into English and notarized. You need to know your social security number, too!
Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Nevada.
Previous Marriages:
If you were previously married, your divorce must be final. You need to know the date (month, year) of your divorce and the location (city and state) where you were divorced.
Covenant Marriage Option:
No.
Waiting Period in Clark County:
There is no waiting period to get married in Clark County.
How Much a Marriage License Cost?
Clark County:You will have to pay $35.00 - $65.00 to get married in Clark County.
Other Tests:
No blood tests.
Proxy Marriages:
No. Both parties must be present.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Renewing Your Vows:
No. The County Clerk office is prohibited from issuing a new Marriage License to couples currently married.

You may renew your wedding vows at a church or wedding chapel, but they may require you to bring a copy of your Marriage Certificate for proof of marriage before performing the renewal ceremony.
Cousin Marriages:
Not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of half blood.
Under 18:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have one parent or legal guardian present. A notarized written permission is also acceptable. It must be written in English and needs to state the name, birth date, age of the minor child, along with the relationship of the person giving consent. The notary must note that the parent or guardian personally appeared before or was subscribed and sworn to.

If you are under 16, marriage can be authorized only by court order when the request has been filed by either parent or legal guardian.
Name Change:
Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.

Officiants:
Any ordained or licensed clergymen who have obtained a certificate of permissions to perform marriages and justices of the peace can perform weddings in Nevada.
Miscellaneous:
Requirements for U.S. citizens and Non U.S. citizens are the same. The license is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. It may be used anywhere within the State of Nevada.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
775.684.4242

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

[bigmac]

I have a suggestion that would be less cost than 3k and would get you both married double quick without CNI or CENOMAR from either party.......... Las Vegas wedding.

Read it here (http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/clerk/services/pages/marriagelicenses.aspx)

You can both enter US on tourist visa.Get wed. Then both return home to apply spouse visa.

Very quick, very simple and very cheap.

Food for thought ?

excellent reply there Terpe---great minds think alike--!!! exactly what i suggested to my lady yesterday. thank you sooo much--youre a genius !!!

[gWaPito]

I have a suggestion that would be less cost than 3k and would get you both married double quick without CNI or CENOMAR from either party.......... Las Vegas wedding.

Read it here (http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/clerk/services/pages/marriagelicenses.aspx)

You can both enter US on tourist visa.Get wed. Then both return home to apply spouse visa.

Very quick, very simple and very cheap.

Food for thought ?

Well I've been to Vegas in a previous life, it cost me more that 3k! I consider myself lucky now affording the fuel to go see my dear Mother 20 minutes away.

I'll toss some rep your way...excellent idea..wld be great to hear frm someone who's actually done it:biggrin::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bigmac]

just loving all this.

now--idea#2

my lady applies from the filis for visit visa to las vegas--next spring ---say.

at the same time--she applies for a shenghan visa for---say--holland (nearest to UK --lots speak our language )

we marry in las vegas--then on to holland--live there 3-6 months--newlyweds

then i get a family permit to bring her back here.

have i gone wrong somewhere?

[Terpe]

just loving all this.

now--idea#2

my lady applies from the filis for visit visa to las vegas--next spring ---say.

at the same time--she applies for a shenghan visa for---say--holland (nearest to UK --lots speak our language )

we marry in las vegas--then on to holland--live there 3-6 months--newlyweds

then i get a family permit to bring her back here.

have i gone wrong somewhere?

You'll need to be exercising treaty rights in Holland .... (means residing AND working and both of you in possession of the required local residence docs/cards)....but in principle looks OK.
Worth doing your research for the nitty-gritty though. Especially concerning evidencing that your relationship with your partner is genuine and subsisting (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/can-you-apply/genuine)
(that's a popular refusal by UKBA for EEA Family Permit)

[bigmac]

(means residing AND working

i'm retired now--but--could it be possible for my new wife to work?--or does it have to be me?

[Terpe]

(means residing AND working

i'm retired now--but--could it be possible for my new wife to work?--or does it have to be me?

Must be you as the EEA National exercising treaty rights.

Could be employed or self-employed.

Look like you'll need to research the conditions and income levels needed.

[bigmac]

aah well--at least the las vegas plan is a belter.

its hard to believe we first met nearly 2 years ago---and coped with almost a year's separation. shes here with me now for an extended holiday---but we need to start making plans for next year now.

thanks again for your advice Terpe---it really lifted my spirits.

[johncar54]

Must be you as the EEA National exercising treaty rights.

That's why I am renouncing by UK nationality so that I only have my Irish nationality (dual at present). That way I can take my wife to UK without a family permit or a visa. She has been to Gibraltar a couple of time 'I was practicing'.

We live in Spain now.

[tiger31]

wow can I do that to go to us get married then enter uk

[tiger31]

what about giving up her philippine passport and becoming stateless therefore she won,t come under philippine laws lol

[johncar54]

Terpe will probably know the answer to that

[tiger31]

after seeing so many bigmac avatars is makin me hungry I link i,ll go and have one haha

[gWaPito]

wow can I do that to go to us get married then enter uk

I would hardly think it's going to be easy getting a Visit Visa for your Philippine National into a country the sponsor DOESN'T reside :NoNo:

The Americans themselves have a much harder time getting the spouse and fiancee visas than us British do. We aren't the only civilized country having trouble keeping out undesirables. In fact the America's are the No1 destination.

[tiger31]

I would hardly think it's going to be easy getting a Visit Visa for your Philippine National into a country the sponsor DOESN'T reside :NoNo:

The Americans themselves have a much harder time getting the spouse and fiancee visas than us British do. We aren't the only civilized country having trouble keeping out undesirables. In fact the America's are the No1 destination.

your right I was actually told that it was virtually impossible to get a tourist visa to the U.s but half my family are in the states but still it won,t matter.

[raynaputi]

your right I was actually told that it was virtually impossible to get a tourist visa to the U.s but half my family are in the states but still it won,t matter.

It's not really virtually impossible. It depends on the consul's discretion. At least in getting a US tourist visa, the applicant would be interviewed upon submission of application and the result would be known right away. My best friend got a 10 year multiple entry tourist visa. Only a few questions were asked to her, like the purpose of visit, where to stay and the duration of the visit. That's it. She got the visa. She said the consul barely looked at her documents and just interviewed her. The consul would decide based on the documents submitted and the interview. I'm guessing they have a way to see if someone's being genuine in the interview or not.

I applied for a tourist visa before. But I was refused on the fact that I was only working for a year in my company that time (after coming back from working in Singapore) and they think I might look for another job in the US. That was their ground for refusal. Then after a year, I was granted a working visa for my company but I never got to used it. When I go back to the Philippines, I'm going to apply for a US tourist visa again.

[hawk]

when i got married 2nd time in florida we was told to take lots of things but all that was asked was passports no birth certs no devorce papers i had been married before and had paperwork to prove i was free to remarry but they never asked just paid the fee and married couple days have look at there site its got wedding requirements there its Stay Happy, Stay In Love Wedding Chapel
www.stayhappystayinloveweddingchapels.com

[Terpe]

I would hardly think it's going to be easy getting a Visit Visa for your Philippine National into a country the sponsor DOESN'T reside :NoNo:

The Americans themselves have a much harder time getting the spouse and fiancee visas than us British do. We aren't the only civilized country having trouble keeping out undesirables. In fact the America's are the No1 destination.

Why does a tourist need to have a sponsor living in the country they want to visit ?

[gWaPito]

when i got married 2nd time in florida we was told to take lots of things but all that was asked was passports no birth certs no devorce papers i had been married before and had paperwork to prove i was free to remarry but they never asked just paid the fee and married couple days have look at there site its got wedding requirements there its Stay Happy, Stay In Love Wedding Chapel
www.stayhappystayinloveweddingchapels.com
The problem is not going to be with the British citizen.

[gWaPito]

Why does a tourist need to have a sponsor living in the country they want to visit ?

You know what i mean :biggrin: End of the day the Filipino is going to have to prove they are coming back home. Like i said, if their own citizens get a tough time of it what makes one think the Filipino partnering a British citizen won't :crazy: :biggrin:.

Yes, ''sponsor'' was the wrong word :xxgrinning--00xx3:

The Filipino still has to prove they have the means to stay. .I wonder where that's coming from ....yes, the trusty old Brit of course. ..sponsorship by stealth

[tiger31]

You know what i mean :biggrin: End of the day the Filipino is going to have to prove they are coming back home. Like i said, if their own citizens get a tough time of it what makes one think the Filipino partnering a British citizen won't :crazy: :biggrin:.

Yes, ''sponsor'' was the wrong word :xxgrinning--00xx3:

The Filipino still has to prove they have the means to stay. .I wonder where that's coming from ....yes, the trusty old Brit of course. ..sponsorship by stealth
well ive got a question if thats the case how can my g f prove she has the funds to stay when she is a housewife coz I support her as we have been living together as man and wife in the philippines for nearly 3 years ,plus what visa do I actually apply for if we travel together to visit and stay at my own house for 6 months

[gWaPito]

well ive got a question if thats the case how can my g f prove she has the funds to stay when she is a housewife coz I support her as we have been living together as man and wife in the philippines for nearly 3 years ,plus what visa do I actually apply for if we travel together to visit and stay at my own house for 6 months

You will be the sponsor. .unlike both going as tourists to visit USA. You are a British citizen, even though you will be visiting you will have to show u can support her stay here.

When the ex mother in law came over we got a family visit Visa.

You state you been living as husband and wife so I would say a visit Visa. When I did the woman's, I got professional advice. .I suggest likewise. Unlike spouse and fiance the visit and tourist visas are a bit grey. Don't trust well meaning hearsay.

[Terpe]

well ive got a question if thats the case how can my g f prove she has the funds to stay when she is a housewife coz I support her as we have been living together as man and wife in the philippines for nearly 3 years ,plus what visa do I actually apply for if we travel together to visit and stay at my own house for 6 months

As a Brit you can come and go as you wish.
If your g/f wants to VISIT UK then she'll need to apply for a Visit Visa.
Since you have been living together in a genuine and subsisting relationship like marriage for at least 2 years, then she'll have the option of applying for a Family Visit Visa.

She'll need to follow all the requirements of the Family Visit Visa and of course you'll need to prepare a letter of invitation and sponsorship.
Your sponsorship will include financial support for funding of airfares and for accommodation and day-to-day maintenance.
Since you are actually living in the Philippines it should (theoretically) be somewhat easier to demonstrate good reasons to return. However, be prepared to overcome the ECO's presumption that there's an immigration intent.

If you're seriously considering a Family Visit Visa don't get too hung up on the myriad stories of refusal reasons. Just do it.
The cost is relatively low and any initial refusal may be easily countered and enable a subsequent application to be granted.

[tiger31]

As a Brit you can come and go as you wish.
If your g/f wants to VISIT UK then she'll need to apply for a Visit Visa.
Since you have been living together in a genuine and subsisting relationship like marriage for at least 2 years, then she'll have the option of applying for a Family Visit Visa.

She'll need to follow all the requirements of the Family Visit Visa and of course you'll need to prepare a letter of invitation and sponsorship.
Your sponsorship will include financial support for funding of airfares and for accommodation and day-to-day maintenance.
Since you are actually living in the Philippines it should (theoretically) be somewhat easier to demonstrate good reasons to return. However, be prepared to overcome the ECO's presumption that there's an immigration intent.

If you're seriously considering a Family Visit Visa don't get too hung up on the myriad stories of refusal reasons. Just do it.
The cost is relatively low and any initial refusal may be easily countered and enable a subsequent application to be granted.
:xxgrinning--00xx3:good answer my friend so you reckon family visit visa is the way forward

[Terpe]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:good answer my friend so you reckon family visit visa is the way forward

I might have to backtrack somewhat as I'm not 100% certain that Family Visit is correct given that you'll be travelling together.
If you were already in UK then it would be.
Maybe a good idea to check with the Embassy first or just let it be understood that your in UK already.

Maybe someone here can confirm?

[bigmac]

If you're seriously considering a Family Visit Visa don't get too hung up on the myriad stories of refusal reasons. Just do it.
The cost is relatively low and any initial refusal may be easily countered and enable a subsequent application to be granted.

for what its worth--my lady got a general visit visa. her 1st app was refused because of some trivial bank a/c anomaly--which was then sorted--and 2nd app was successful.

[tiger31]

If you're seriously considering a Family Visit Visa don't get too hung up on the myriad stories of refusal reasons. Just do it.
The cost is relatively low and any initial refusal may be easily countered and enable a subsequent application to be granted.

for what its worth--my lady got a general visit visa. her 1st app was refused because of some trivial bank a/c anomaly--which was then sorted--and 2nd app was successful.
ok cheers my only worry is that i don,t have any savings ive got 550 a week comin in showing in my bank statement but i,m extending my house here so im spending what comes in

[bigmac]

going back to the las vegas wedding idea---a question arises:

if we go this route--and my new wife then returns to the filis---what about her passport--? it will still have to be in her current--married name--surely--so--will this be acceptable to UKBA--when she applies for a spouse visa--married to me?

[Terpe]

If you were to get married anywhere in the world, her passport will remain in her maiden name until such time as she changes her passport under her married name.

Some folks don't change their passport to reflect their married name until the passport need renewing... no problem at all with UKBA.
The marriage certificate provides the 'paper trail' and connection.

What's your concern ?
What's on you mind ?

[johncar54]

Some folks don't change their passport to reflect their married name until the passport need renewing... no problem at all with UKBA.

And some women don't ever change their name. In Spain by law they cannot do so and in UK they can choose whether to or not. In fact there is no UK law which says they can change their name but equally there is no law which says they cannot, that most do, is just a custom, supported by Common Law.

Thus it is not a UK legal requirement for a woman to change her name on marriage. As Terpe says, the marriage cert confirms her married status.

[bigmac]

If you were to get married anywhere in the world, her passport will remain in her maiden name until such time as she changes her passport under her married name.

Some folks don't change their passport to reflect their married name until the passport need renewing... no problem at all with UKBA.
The marriage certificate provides the 'paper trail' and connection.

What's your concern ?
What's on you mind ?

reassuring replies guys--thanks

whats on my mind ?

we didnt want to end up in a no-mans land--married in america--yet still lacking proper documents to facilitate a spouse visa.

we are adopting a 3-prong approach to the next year or so:

1--las vegas wedding---doo able---but leaves a risk should my wife want to visit the filis at some future date---bigamy charge

2--annulment--weve now discovered the 2 year timescale may well be drastically reduced. say--to 3 months--?? sounds like a plan

3--the 2 year relationship way: weve now got a UK bank account--in both names--at my address--a useful start to the papertrail---which may well help if we decide to go for fiancee --or spouse visa in 6 months time.

anything else we need to do--at this stage ?

[gWaPito]

Some folks don't change their passport to reflect their married name until the passport need renewing... no problem at all with UKBA.

And some women don't ever change their name. In Spain by law they cannot do so and in UK they can choose whether to or not. In fact there is no UK law which says they can change their name but equally there is no law which says they cannot, that most do, is just a custom, supported by Common Law.

Thus it is not a UK legal requirement for a woman to change her name on marriage. As Terpe says, the marriage cert confirms her married status.

An excellent custom at that.....Especially when children come about in the union:wink: There's nothing like being a Mr and Mrs all using the same name as eachother :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Totally agree Mark...'family values', respect for your kids, etc. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[johncar54]

(Sorry to go off thread but just following up on Gwapito's comment).

In Spain if Brian 'Smith Brown' and Mary 'Davies Green' get married, as I said they keep their names. Their children get the surnames ‘Smith Davies’ i.e. their `parent’s first surnames.

Another sensible thing in Spain; all births, marriages, divorces etc are registered in a document call the ‘Family Book’ (soon to be accessible by them on line). Thus one can prove they are still married. In UK one can prove they got married, or they got divorced, but not that they are still married. Each time my wife renews her Residencia she must prove she is still married. The only way we can do that is for me to swear on oath before the British Consul that we are still married, He/she then issues a certificate (at significant expense) to say 'I have said we are still married'. In reality that means nothing.

[Michael Parnham]

(Sorry to go off thread but just following up on Gwapito's comment).

In Spain they think it very odd that a married couple and their children have the same surname, and also odd that they only have one surname.

In Spain if Brian 'Smith Brown' and Mary 'Davies Green' get married, as I said they keep their names. Their children get the surnames ‘Smith Davies’ i.e. their `parent’s first surnames.

Another sensible thing in Spain; all births, marriages, divorces etc are registered in a document call the ‘Family Book’ (soon to be accessible by them on line). Thus one can prove they are still married. In UK one can prove they got married, or they got divorced, but not that they are still married. Each time my wife renews her Residencia she must prove she is still married. The only way we can do that is for me to swear on oath before the British Consul that we are still married, He/she then issues a certificate (at significant expense) to say 'I have said we are still married'. In reality that means nothing.

Interesting reading once again John!:xxgrinning--00xx3: