Tourist visa questions

[Englishman2010]

Apologies if these questions have been asked many times before, but I was hoping to get up to date information on the possibilities of a tourist visa for my Filipina g/f.

We are hoping that she can come over to the UK for anything between 1 month and 6 months later on this year. Marriage is some way off yet as we need to spend more time together first, and this is the ideal opportunity. Although I've had 2 holidays with her in Asia and will go back a couple more times this year, a holiday isn't the same as living with someone. Therefore a Fiancee visa isn't on the cards this year.

I have a good job, good income, my own property and sufficient means to support her during her stay in the UK. She will also have a return ticket to Manila. I am prepared to sponsor her visit and provide whatever financial information is required to prove I can support her.

However, she doesn't have a steady job in the Phil's, and wouldn't be able to demonstrate a need to return.

Given the above factors, am I wasting my time thinking about a tourist visa?

If it is possible, what is the procedure, cost and timescale?

Thanks in advance of your replies.

[darren-b]

I don't think you are wasting your time, people in similar position to you have had tourist visas granted. Tourist visas are not that expensive so you have little to lose by applying for one. Recenty it has seemed that the ECO have been more generous when processing tourist visas but even so it's not guaranteed that they will grant a tourist visa.

[Englishman2010]

Thanks for your reply Darren and it is definitely worth considering.

I should also add the I am British, if that makes any difference.

Forgive my questions as this is all very new to me, and 6 months ago I never dreamed I would have a relationship with someone on the other side of the world.

What is the cost of a Tourist Visa these days?
Where does the form need to be sent? UK or Phil's?
What info is required?
What is the process? Interviews..etc, Would it be just my g/f or would I have to attend.
How long does it usually take?
Is it better for me to take my paperwork proving my financial situation in person to the British Embassy or can it be posted (e-mailed)?

Many thanks

[Englishman2010]

Found out a lot of info on VFS website. Downloaded a copy of the visa app form, most of the questions dont pose a problem, my only concern is that my g/f doesnt have a regular job at the moment, therefore very little incentive to return to the Phil's.

Does anyone in a similar position have any experience of applying for a tourist visa?

As it's only £67 to apply, it's worth a try anyway, but don't want to build hopes up too much.

[Sim11UK]

Not had any personal experience of a Tourist visa, but go for it...if you never try, you'll never know?

[joebloggs]

it's worth a try, like you said dont expect to be granted one thou, at least 1/3 are refused, and that figure might include family visit visa's which have a higher sucess rate as they have greater rights to appeal.so the refusal rate could be 40%+ for a standard visit visa.

as for reasons to return - a simple family tree showing that her mom, dad, brothers and sisters live there still, has she a job ? a reason to return wedding? some other important occasion?

[Englishman2010]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going back out there in April, so will help her complete the forms, open bank account...etc at that point.

She doesnt have a job at present, although she is trying to get work at a call centre in Cebu.

She has sick relatives in Manila (Grandma) who she cares for, but if she was caring for her, why would she abandon her and come here for upto 6 months. I cant see the Immigration people buying that as a reason to return.

[darren-b]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going back out there in April, so will help her complete the forms, open bank account...etc at that point.

She doesnt have a job at present, although she is trying to get work at a call centre in Cebu.

She has sick relatives in Manila (Grandma) who she cares for, but if she was caring for her, why would she abandon her and come here for upto 6 months. I cant see the Immigration people buying that as a reason to return.

I probably wouldn't use that as a reason.

Oddly one of the reasons to return is actually her relationship with you. If there is a good chance that she will apply for a fiancee/spouse visa, why would she risk that by overstaying on a tourist visa?

[Englishman2010]

I probably wouldn't use that as a reason.

Oddly one of the reasons to return is actually her relationship with you. If there is a good chance that she will apply for a fiancee/spouse visa, why would she risk that by overstaying on a tourist visa?

That's a very good point, thanks

[joebloggs]

Oddly one of the reasons to return is actually her relationship with you. If there is a good chance that she will apply for a fiancee/spouse visa, why would she risk that by overstaying on a tourist visa?

on the flip side, one of the reasons why she might not return before her visa expires is because she is in a relationship with you

[jacqueM]

Thanks for your reply Darren and it is definitely worth considering.

I should also add the I am British, if that makes any difference.

Forgive my questions as this is all very new to me, and 6 months ago I never dreamed I would have a relationship with someone on the other side of the world.

What is the cost of a Tourist Visa these days?
Where does the form need to be sent? UK or Phil's?
What info is required?
What is the process? Interviews..etc, Would it be just my g/f or would I have to attend.
How long does it usually take?
Is it better for me to take my paperwork proving my financial situation in person to the British Embassy or can it be posted (e-mailed)?

Many thanks

hi englishman.. im here in the uk as a tourist visa and its my 2nd time now..
its cost 5400p for the tourist visa..the form need to be send in the phil. the process is not really hard. after she complate all the application she need to book an apoinment to submit the application,and have boimitric scan.. it take 1 -2month ...and her application need your support document,like bank statement financial situation that prove that you can support her.. try this link all the info...http://www.vfs-uk-in.com/visafees.aspx

[jacqueM]

Thanks for your reply Darren and it is definitely worth considering.

I should also add the I am British, if that makes any difference.

Forgive my questions as this is all very new to me, and 6 months ago I never dreamed I would have a relationship with someone on the other side of the world.

What is the cost of a Tourist Visa these days?
Where does the form need to be sent? UK or Phil's?
What info is required?
What is the process? Interviews..etc, Would it be just my g/f or would I have to attend.
How long does it usually take?
Is it better for me to take my paperwork proving my financial situation in person to the British Embassy or can it be posted (e-mailed)?

Many thanks

sorry englishman im wrong about the first link..this right link.. http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/visafees.aspx

[darren-b]

on the flip side, one of the reasons why she might not return before her visa expires is because she is in a relationship with you

Well yes, but if that what the ECO always thought then no-one on here would get tourist visas.

I don't know if there are stats anywhere but I suspect if there was they would show the majority of people who arrive in the UK on a tourist visa sponsored by a partner who is a British Citizen properly settled the UK do return home

[Englishman2010]

hi englishman.. im here in the uk as a tourist visa and its my 2nd time now..
its cost 5400p for the tourist visa..the form need to be send in the phil. the process is not really hard. after she complate all the application she need to book an apoinment to submit the application,and have boimitric scan.. it take 1 -2month ...and her application need your support document,like bank statement financial situation that prove that you can support her.. try this link all the info...http://www.vfs-uk-in.com/visafees.aspx

Thanks for the info, that is very helpful and useful to know you got a tourist visa (twice !!!). I already have the VFS forms and will help my g/f complete them with my supporting docs in April when i go back to Manila.
My biggest concern is her lack of regular work and a bank account. She can open a bank account but it wont have much in it, maybe only a few hundred USD.
I've got a good job, a good income and assets over here, and can quite comfortably support her stay here, I'm hoping that will be enought to swing it in our favor?

[Englishman2010]

I was just reading on another thread about supplying Skype, Yahoo IM, Google Chat and e-mail archives as evidence of a relationship. Is it worth providing these as supporting docs for a Tourist Visa app? Although I may have to be selective, some of my language in reference to my ex-wife is not that pleasant

[rusty]

If you look at the requirements and checklist for a visit visa, it asks for evidence of assets and savings. Also many a visit visa is refused because they are not convinced that the person would return home.

The skype and ym evidence is for settlement visas because one of the requirements is that you have to prove that is is a guiene relationship and you have kept in contact.

[Arthur Little]

The skype and ym evidence is for *settlement visas because one of the requirements is that you have to prove that is is a guiene relationship and you have kept in contact.

And, of course, *these embrace BOTH fiance(e) and/or spousal visas ... since under the terms of the former, the proposed marriage must take place within 6 months of the visa being granted.