Des29,
I'm sorry to hear of your visa refusal.
It's always sad and frustrating whenever that happens.
Without seeing the actual wording used in the refusal letter it's difficult to really understand the context of the major objections.
Certainly age gap is not a reason for refusal, and I would doubt that the ECO has actually clearly stated that it is.
Also any reference to your qualification for specific employment in UK is not a reason for refusal.
Sorry if I'm wrong but I have the sense that the ECO just did not have sufficient evidence presented to him with your application to grant a visa according to the rules.
I would suggest that your application was very weak in all areas concerned with 'genuine relationship'.
I think the ECO has pulled together a number of issues that when generally put together in the 'jigsaw picture' just don't portray a believeable genuine relationship.
It looks like the ECO has put his version of the story together using all sorts of dubious reasons.
You really must submit enough hard evidence to convince the ECO that:-
- You have met each other as a couple. A relationship that has developed over the Internet would not satisfy the 'to have met' requirement unless the relationship included a personal face-to-face meeting between the couple concerned. Evidence of a face-to-face meeting might include a travel history (passport stamps, boarding passes etc.), Photo's of you both together as a couple, e-mails, Chat logs and Text messages showing that you had met.
Although there is no requirement that two people must spend a specific amount of time together in person, it is reasonable to expect that the ECO may be skeptical of couples with only a very minimal face-to-face history prior to application.
- A marriage in the UK will take place within a reasonable time (usually 6 months)
The law relating to marriage in England and Wales does not allow for any arrangements to be made with a Registrar until the foreign national has arrived in the UK. Of itself, a booking at a Register Office or church is not proof that a marriage will take place.
However the ECO can reasonably expect the couple to have made some tentative plans for the wedding. Any evidence at all, however small, that's available to show that wedding arrangements are in hand will help in this respect.
Think about including any facebook messages, e-mails or texts that specifically refer to wedding plans.
- You intend to live together permanently after you have married.
Again think about all the evidence you might have (details of future plans, facebook messages, e-mails and texts etc)
- If the applicant and sponsor have been separated for a lengthy period of time before the application is submitted (i.e., longer than 3 or 4 months), then evidence of 'intervening devotion' should be included. This would normally take the form of phone records or other forms of communication.
When submitting email, chats, IM logs, it is important to keep in mind that intervening devotion means "evidence of contact" and not a complete transcript of each and every chat. Examples are enough.
If you believe you can counter the points raised by the ECO then I would strongly suggest you immediately send a letter for review/reconsideration by the ECM
Without some convincing and significant additional evidence, I would personally not give too much hope for a positive appeal result.
As always, it's your personal choice. I believe there is now a requirement for payment in appeal
Finally Des, having been previously refused a visa does not prevent you from making any further applications unless you have incurred a ban for UK entry.
Each application is reviewed on its own merits and on the supporting evidence supplied
It's always a benefit to have your fiance write a good letter to the Embassy supporting your application, and outlining how long you have been together and important events and meetings between yourselves.
You may also briefly outline the start of the relationship, how it developed, the times you met face-to-face, some things you did together, your feelings for each other, why you want to marry, plans for the future and where you will live and how you will support yourselves.
Keep it simple and above all be honest about everything.
It would certainly strengthen the application if it's all possible to include a supporting letter from the sponsoring fiance(e)s family saying that they support the future marriage and that they are looking forward to meeting and welcoming you into the family. Nothing complicated.
Whatever route you choose I wish you good luck.
Originally Posted by Terpe
