Good afternoon,
I was browsing the internet researching visa options and I stumbled across this site and thought I would introduce myself.
I’m Joe, I have been in a relationship with a Filipina for over eight months, we recently toured the Philippines together which was an incredible experience. I now want her to visit me in the UK and hopefully for her to live and work here longer term (..but one step at a time). I have quickly discovered this is far more complicated and difficult than I ever expected and I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice.
Firstly I’m trying to arrange for her to visit London for approximately two months over Christmas and I think we have everything covered except the Visa. I have been reading the UKBA site and I think the general visitor visa is the most appropriate; however the requirements seem rather arbitrary. I will sponsor the application and can prove that I can support her visit financially, but as understand this doesn’t guarantee that the visa will be approved. What other documents should we provide to give us the best chance that the visa will be approved? Should we also wait until we have a visa before booking any flights and making any plans etc.? I am also worried that because she’ll be leaving her job before visiting the UK that will count against us? I apologise if these are basic questions, but I am very new to all this and we’re both worried by the prospect of a visa being refused.
Secondly what are our options longer term if we wanted to be together in the UK, would it ever be possible for her to come here longer term and work, she works in the hospitality industry so unfortunately I think a Tier 2 visa will be almost impossible. Are there other options; student, fiancée, partner visas? .. or is the easiest option for us to be together for me to get a job in Singapore, HK or the middle east where it’s easier for her to migrate and work?
Thanks in advance for your advice..
