Hey everyone
Just thought I'd share my experience and contribute to the forum. My boyfriend is from Fiji; a country which is 'developing' has many political problems (coup 2006, BANNED from British Commonwealth)
I joined this forum because.. although I am not in a relationship with anyone from the filipines, I found the visa advise to be invaluable - and everyone seemed so friendly, in comparrison to the other UK immigration forums!
When I met my boyfriend I was completely ignorant to UK immigration, I though it would be easy for him to come and go here on holiday as he pleased. I soon did some research and found out how wrong I was!
I was so worried because my bf is 21, and has never been employed. He found a job to start in January, but at the time when we went to apply for the visa - he was unable to get a letter from the company. They said he had to be 'officially' working there and on the payroll; they wouldn't give him the letter until he started. When this happened, I lost all hope, but we decided to apply anyway.
I sponsored him. I am 23, and currently a trainee teacher.
- I submitted a really good letter explaining exactly why my boyfriend was coming to the UK (xmas) and more importantly, I spent a good 2 paragraphs stressing WHY he would return to Fiji.
- I provided 2 bank statements, and 1 month of my savings account - with 3 months payslips
- I also provided a letter from my dad saying it was fine 4 him to come and stay, with proof he owned the property, and proof i was residing there.
- I wrote my bf and I an itinary for his stay. I just used a blank calender month for his proposed visit and filled each day in with an activity - really simple stuff.. like visiting a museum etc.
The rest was up to him...
HE provided
- 6 months bank statements showing savings
- proof where and how he got the money
- a letter from his mother detailing his expected return and why
- death cert from family members to show his NEED to be at the family home with his mother
- a letter from his basketball coach showing commitment to team and training - although this was unpaid
- a letter from himself stating why he would return.
We also included evidence of our relationship - pics, phone bills, my e-tickets.
I just want to say THANK YOU so much for everyone who previously answered my questions about the tourist visa. I posted about it a very long time ago now, and the answers really helped me. I spent a lot of time preparing for it, which i believe paid off.
We dont want to get married for another year or so, and I am tied to uni - so this visa was our only option of seeing each other till July. I am very grateful for all the advise here.
charlotte
Anyhow enjoy Christmas
Originally Posted by charlotte
on. And now that gamble has paid off, I'm absolutely delighted 
for you both!! 
, so much for sharing this fantastic news with us; we all hope you have the most wonderful time together.
tourists visas are difficult to come by without meticulous preparation beforehand, the funds to go along with it ... and - most of all - adequate proof that you, as the applicant, will return within the validity period permitted; the last factor being the main stumbling block for most applicants who are denied. 
to the filipino/uk forum, ask any related questions you wish and good luck, should you decide to proceed with an application. 
