Advice required on Visa for my step daughter

[isimpson01]

Hello.
I am looking for advice relating to applying for an ILE visa for my wife's daughter. My wife came to the UK from the Philippines almost 3 years ago on a spouse visa and now has ILR. Her daughter is 7 years old and is in the Philippines living with a relative of my wife. The childs birth certificate states father unknown and there has never been contact in 7 years.
I know that I need to apply using the VAF4 form and searched this site for all comments on paperwork to submit. We have documentation showing my wife's responsibility and support of the child in all her needs over the last three years.
I have two questions and would appreciate any advice that forum members can give:
When we applied for the spouse visa and ILR my wife stated she had no children on the forms. Should we submit letters explaining the background to that fact when applying for ILE for the child or hope the Border Agency do not cross check my wifes original application?
Secondly, under the new regulations is there any need for the child to sit an english test ?
Thanks in advance

[rusty]

A member recently had an ILE visa approved for her daughter, see this thread. http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....8-working-days!!!!!!

Why did you not put her daughter on her original application. I am not sure if they will check but what excuse could you put that will justify why you didnt include her in the application, I think it may make things worse now if you were to try to explain it.

i do not think its a requirement for a child to sit the english test.

[grahamw48]

The ex and I were in a similar situation, but quite a long time ago (1996).

She had only declared one child, her son, on her original spouse visa application (and had only informed ME of the existence of her daughter after we'd been married for 6 months ).

Father 'unknown' on both birth certs.

What you need is a very PLAUSIBLE letter of explanation accompanying the application.

That is what I came up with and it worked.
My ex-wife also had to attend an interview at the embassy with both children from what I can recall (I was working in Hong Kong at the time).

My stepdaughter was also 7 years old then and the boy 9 years old.

They have been in the UK since then, currently at university here and now both have British nationality and British passports.

Do some research on the UKBA website...and good luck.

[isimpson01]

Thanks Rusty and Graham.
My concern is whether it is better to be honest and try to explain the original situation or hope they didn't check my wife's application. Risks invloved either way but I prefer the option of being honest and trying to explain the situation rather than risking not explaining things and being refused for not correcting the earlier omission.

[grahamw48]

They will cross-check the original application.

Honesty is the best policy.

I would also suggest that you both sign the covering letter, as it is your wife who is doing the applying.

[isimpson01]

Thanks Graham. That was my feeling. Better to be honest and not try to cover one application mistake with another. Hopefully we get the same positive outcome as you.

[grahamw48]

Why not first try phoning someone at the embassy/UKBA (Entry Clearance Officer) anonymously....seeking advice ?

They're all human.
My brother has worked there (FCO) for over 40 years.

[isimpson01]

Thanks Graham. I'll keep that in mind. It will be end of year before we progress it so I'll post an update and let everyone know the outcome. Xmas in the Philippines this year for us.

[grahamw48]

Good luck.