Hi john, welcome here
I’m so sorry to hear about your gf’s visa refusal. I agree to Terpe that it is a tricky visa and you need to comply with the rules carefully to secure one.
Your situation is kinda similar to mine before, but I was granted a visa. After a few months of meeting face to face in the PH with my boyfriend (now my husband), we decided to apply for a tourist visa to spend some time together in UK. I was in University during that time, it was 3 months before my semester break when we lodged in the application, after nearly 1 month of waiting, I received my passport back with the visa stamped on it. How did I obtain one? Well, I was also fully dependent with my husband’s salary, he supports me each month so I included it on my application, I submitted all WU receipts. I didn’t submit any properties as I didn’t have any. I also submitted his 6 months bank statements, 6 months’ payslip, employment contract, birth certificate, copy of passport and a good sponsorship letter explaining everything. I also provided return itinerary (we just had to re booked it after we got the visa), supporting documents such as pictures together, copy of e-mails or chat logs, my birth certificate and the most important is the proof for me to return which I provided a letter from my University that I am enrolled for the next semester, Transcript of records and the good moral character certificate. Take note that I am also half of his age but I was granted a visa. I think I was really lucky back then. I stayed in UK for 5 and half months and now back in the PH waiting for my spouse visa to be granted so I can join my wonderful husband in the UK.
Please don’t lose hope, It might worth a try again but please make sure to cover all reasons of refusal carefully. You might also consider applying for a fiancée visa or better a spouse visa. Remember that everything happens for a reason. Good luck whatever route your taking and God bless!
