hi im andy uk-could anyone give me some advice please?

[Arthur Little]

Hi Im Andy from the Uk.Have been to the Philippines 3 times now and have met a very nice girl who I would like to bring over for a visit.Shes currently living with her family in Bukidnon and is unemployed so no money really.have just paid for a passport for her and now have the sticky part of the visa!
Basically I wish to be upfront and honest to the visa officials

Welcome to the forum, Andy. In certain respects, your situation "mirrors" my own.

After a year of almost daily correspondence with a Filipina High School teacher, I visited her home province of Davao for 3 weeks last September - during which time, we decided we'd like to spend the rest of our lives together, and she applied for early retirement. I then came back to Scotland in order to acquire a Certificate of No Impediment from my local Registrar in Perth, before returning to the Phils in late November. A few weeks later, we were married there in a civil ceremony, and I twice extended my stay to await the processing of my wife's visa. She finally arrived in the UK on March 8 - exactly three months to the day from our wedding date.

Since it would appear that yours' too, is a genuine relationship, then I would strongly recommend you opt for the spousal route. Visit her a fourth time ["armed" with your CNI (ensuring she obtains HER Cenomar in the interim!)] get "hitched" in her homeland, and start the ball rolling ...

... the reason I'm suggesting dispensing with any formal engagement is because, in my opinion, it's an infinitely more expensive choice. The cost of a *fiancee visa is precisely the same as a Spousal one ... both £550+ ... and then there is the *added expense of handing over this amount [at least] AGAIN to apply for FLR (Further Leave to Remain) if you marry over HERE, as the law, as it stands, only allows her to stay in the UK for a maximum period of six months (within which period, the wedding MUST take place).

That's my advice for what it's worth, mate. Others - for reasons best known to themselves - might disagree. But, if I were you, I'd follow my own instincts [as I DID, in the end ... once I'd been made well and truly aware that the tourist/visit method (which I'd wanted to begin with) was likely to prove a non-starter]. And I've never regretted it. So, if the pair of you are really serious about one another, then GO, go, go ...

[darren-b]

i think you will have a big problem getting yr gf a visitors visa if she has no job or money ---i tried that 3 times just a waste of money

Some people though in similar situations have had them granted. Personally I would never suggest to anyone to try three times, but if it's a path that you want to follow it's worth one attempt as long as you are not going to get too upset if you get refused.

:... the reason I'm suggesting dispensing with any formal engagement is because, in my opinion, it's an infinitely more expensive choice. The cost of a *fiancee visa is precisely the same as a Spousal one ... both £550+ ... and then there is the *added expense of handing over this amount [at least] AGAIN to apply for FLR (Further Leave to Remain) if you marry over HERE, as the law, as it stands, only allows her to stay in the UK for a maximum period of six months (within which period, the wedding MUST take place).

That's my advice for what it's worth, mate. Others - for reasons best known to themselves - might disagree. But, if I were you, I'd follow my own instincts [as I DID, in the end ... once I'd been made well and truly aware that the tourist/visit method (which I'd wanted to begin with) was likely to prove a non-starter]. And I've never regretted it. So, if the pair of you are really serious about one another, then GO, go, go ...

Arthur is slightly incorrect in his facts - FLR is actually £465 for postal application. Which is a reasonable amount of money, but compared to the whole cost (flights, visas, etc) is actually a relatively small percentage. Fiancee visas are useful if you want to live together in the UK before getting married, if you can't manage time off work to go to the Philippines to get married, or if you want to get married in the UK.

I do agree with Arthur that you should always follow your own instincts. A lot of people will suggest their way is best (which it probably was for them) but you should do what's right for you.

[Arthur Little]

Arthur is slightly incorrect in his facts - FLR is actually £465 for postal application. Which is a reasonable amount of money, but compared to the whole cost (flights, visas, etc) is actually a relatively small percentage. Fiancee visas are useful if you want to live together in the UK before getting married, if you can't manage time off work to go to the Philippines to get married, or if you want to get married in the UK.

Sorry Andy, MY mistake ... for which I apologise. Also, Darren is quite right in implying Fiancee Visas DO HAVE their uses ... especially in the circumstaces he's outlined. Again, though, the choice is entirely yours [and, your girlfriend's of course] to discuss between yourselves before coming to any definite decision.

[Arthur Little]

Arthur is slightly incorrect in his facts - FLR is actually £465 for postal application.

Apologies ... I stand corrected!

I do agree with Arthur that you should always follow your own instincts. A lot of people will suggest their way is best (which it probably was for them) but you should do what's right for you.

Thanks, Darren.