I'm glad you changed your mind on the visit visa lochnagar, as Terpe indicated it is very difficult to acquire and your partner does not have 'strong reasons' to return to the Phils. Usually a bank account, a job and a small property is the litmus test. However, on the fiance visa or any visa you should indicate clearly the financial aid you are giving her - so keep your Western Union or World Remit receipts - WR is cheaper to use by the way. Also keep other budget receipts she acquires. Also, letting the ECO know you are covering her flight costs and caring for her here will go in favour. I don't recommend using an agent - I notice those who use agents wait longer to get their visa's, those who don't use them and do the visa process themselves thoroughly fare better.

Your finances are the most important for the visa application - not hers. Any savings or wages she has are a bonus but not of significance.

Just be sure to give strong evidence that you are definitely going to marry, make sure you fulfil the fiscal criteria, and give ALL documents, above and beyond, in good order, and you should be fine.

Two visits to the Philippines are sufficient, technically you only need to meet once and have photographic evidence of having done so. It helps if you have spent time together and preferably for a good two weeks each visit, if not the full 21 days the standard visa permits.

One final point - it is a good think you passed on the tourist visa - a visa denial does not help gain points during a later visa process.

Good luck!