How can I get a General Visitor visa to the UK for my Filipino girlfriend approved?

[lightning1975]

Hi!! I have just come back from the Philippines where my girlfriend lives. I have known her since 2008 and have visited her a number of times. I do intend to marry her but want her to come to the UK first for a holiday to meet my parents and get a feel for life in the UK. On that basis, we have applied for a general visitor visa and I would like her to come for ONE MONTH in August, 2011. In the application, I have included:

1) The online forms

2) A letter of invitation to the UK from myself explaining my job, circumstances, how I know Trisha e.t.c. Also, I have declared that I will pay for her trip to the UK, give her free accomodation and give her ample spending money as well as pick her up from LHR on arrival and return her back to LHR for her trip home.

3) Photocopies of my UK passport, driving licence and Police Warrant card, signed by myself.

I would like to ask a few questions:

Firstly, because I am a serving UK Police officer, do I need to send copies of my wage slips or will the fact that I am a Police officer and on a good wage add lots of weight to her application? Also, is there anything else that we should include in the application? I can scan copies of the wage slips in and e-mail to her to include in the application before she presents the it in Manila on the 3rd of May.

She is self employed as a singer/musician and also as an image stylist and has no employer. I send her £200 per month and she has income from a house that she rents out as well as income from her gigs. Will this be a problem? Does she need to provide any details regarding this when she is coming to the UK for such a short time and it is obvious that I can pay for it all due to my occupation?

Also, should she take a copy of her daughters birth certificate to show that she has ties in the Philippines and will return?

What about including photos of us together in the Phillippines? Is this necessary?

Thanks for your help in advance. Any advice or tips on extra things to inlcude before 3rd of May would be greatly appreciated.

[joebloggs]

3) Photocopies of my UK passport, driving licence and Police Warrant card, signed by myself.

Firstly, because I am a serving UK Police officer.

first of all

a cop scouser keith hide the dvds

just joking ,

this should give you an idea...

http://www.londonelegance.com/transp...tionLetter.pdf

[lightning1975]

Thanks!!!! That is more or less what I wrote in the letter.

Is there anything else that we should include in the application? She is going to VFS Manila on 3/5/11.

[Terpe]

Thanks!!!! That is more or less what I wrote in the letter.

Is there anything else that we should include in the application? She is going to VFS Manila on 3/5/11.

My only advice would be to make sure that strong enough ties to the Philippines be provided. All supporting evidence will need to be sufficient to convince the ECO that the intention is that she will return home and will not to remain in UK.
Please be sure to pay extra attention to this aspect.
Good luck.

[Piamed]

Congrats mate!

I think its best to have wage slips and bank statements irrespective of one's profession. Additionally, ensure you have evidence of adequate accomodation for her during her stay.

Good luck.

[madmitch537]

hi
i was led to believe that to support a tourist visa your girl will need to provide proof she has enough monies to support herself while in the uk
the docs you mention seem to indicate the kind of things to support a fiancee visa if thats the case details of your accomodation income etc all needed a tax return is also good i cant remember if i was aked for this but then im self employed
tourist visas i think are valid for 6months a return flight booked is the best way to show a persons intent to return
good luck mark

[Terpe]

hi
i was led to believe that to support a tourist visa your girl will need to provide proof she has enough monies to support herself while in the uk
the docs you mention seem to indicate the kind of things to support a fiancee visa if thats the case details of your accomodation income etc all needed a tax return is also good i cant remember if i was aked for this but then im self employed
tourist visas i think are valid for 6months a return flight booked is the best way to show a persons intent to return
good luck mark

Be sure that a return ticket is never going to be accepted as intention to return.
Much stronger and convincing evidence is needed.

lightning1975, suggest a search of this forum, there is information available to help.

There is a thread about Reasons for Visa Refusal which may also help.
Study the UKBA website and be sure to comply. The visa is not expensive but securing one can be hit & miss.

The visa will be valid for 6months but care needs to be taken on the specific duration as this is very closely linked to finance/accomodation etc.
Stating a 3 week tourist holiday on the visa application and actually spending 6 months in UK may very likely also cause difficulties in any future Visa applications.

Do things correctly and don't believe that shorts cuts or deceptions are acceptable.

Good luck