Hi guys,

Okay, so you know me well enough now to make me a respected member? - it hadn’t gone unnoticed.. Thanks guys..

Me and my girl are running around in circles trying to figure this out – I was hoping to just be able to work it out but there seem to be so many possibilities and uncertainties, and so much to read that I think I need to explain the situation as best as I can and seek some specific advice from the forum so a way forwards can be found.

Okay.. here’s the situation. We want to be together here in the UK. I have a daughter from a previous relationship, but have never been married. My Filipina girlfriend is still married and has a son, although her and her ex haven't seen anything of each other since he vanished about two years ago - he's had nothing to do with his son either emotionally or financially. She hasn’t travelled outside the country before but she DOES have a passport. She has a place with a mortgage, a bank account and a small, unregistered internet shop based at home (which she intends to register officially if there's the possibility of the tourist visa option). I can’t imagine it’s relevant but if it’s any help then know that her mother and father live in the US, and have done for nearly three years, having being helped by her mother’s brother.

Okay, we're thinking about tourist visa possibilities for her to get a feel for the UK, as well as a more permanent future together. What do we think the chances are of a successful tourist visa application from what we have listed above? It’s clear that the previous relationship needs handling before anything, but if we are to be married in the UK would a full annulment be necessary before we can go forwards or is “legal separation” enough to satisfy everyone concerned? Also how does the Certificate Of Approval (COA) fit in to all this? I have read about the Spouse Visa (with its instant working advantage) but as we are unlikely to be able to be married in the Philippines or anywhere else except the UK then from what I can tell we wouldn't be able to apply for that, and that it’s likely that the Fiance Visa would be the right route for us. If this is the case then it should just ( ) be a case of:

  • Closure of the past relationship
  • Meeting the Border Agency requirements for successful 6 month Fiancé Visa
  • Marry (within the first three months (?) and change to Spouse Visa??)
  • Apply for ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’
  • Life In the UK test
  • Apply for UK Citizenship


Her son seems to need clearance too from what I’ve read, but it looks as if this will be almost a given if his mom’s application is successful, seeing as she is the principal caregiver.

Have I missed anything? Does anyone have any suggestions on a better or more efficient way forwards?

As always, many thanks..

Peace *^^*