
Originally Posted by
Ady
Thanks for the advice Iain - and I agree with a lot of what you said.
I am trying to think of it that way too. However, one thing I learnt after having a Visit Visa refused is that the ECO can use any information against you - even use it against you twice.
For example, when we applied for a visit visa 2 years ago, we stated that Sheila had elderly parents that she had to return home to care for. This was one way that we were trying to prove the futile case that Sheila would return. In the rejection, they said that she had no reason to return home. They also then said that having elderly parents meant that she should not come here to stay, since they relied on her (despite the fact that we added that her sister will take care of the parents during a 3 week stay here).
Now, it really is like being between a rock and a hard place. There is no-one that can take care of her daughter whilst she is here. An ECO may look at it two ways. If we apply without her daughter, they will possibly refuse the visa application as she is leaving her daughter home alone with neighbours. If we apply with her daughter, then they may see it in the same way that Iain sees it. It is impossible to second guess them.
I agree with Iain, what happens if we don't get married in six months? Well, if they don't think we will get married in six months, they will refuse the visa anyhow. What happens if we split up? It is a good question.
The way I see it, it is almost a non-win situation because whatever decision we take in bringing the daughter, the pen-pushers may use it against us. Irresponsibly leaving the daughter behind, or bringing the daughter when there is a chance that a marriage won't take place. Tough decision really. Shei is very against the idea of leaving her daughter behind, whether it be for 3 weeks, 3 months or longer. Only her elderly parents are able to take care of the daughter, and I think that would be too much for them.