Hi to all
New to this forum and would like to know if there are people here who are in civil partnership with a Brit. I've been in the Uk since 2003 initially as a visitor, then went back to Phils to apply for a student visa. I came back on a student visa in 2004 and have been here since then. I tied the knot (civil partnership) in 2006 and now in the process of applying for ILR.
It was a long and painful process as we have to seek approval from HO for the CP to take place. Fortunately, we were granted a certificate of approval (COA) and went on with the CP ceremony in Birmingham. It has been 2 years since and now, this ILR.
The good news is I am now eligible to apply for citizenship after I get my ILR (having been in the UK for more than 3 years). So that's what were planning to do and hopefully, I'll have my UK passport before June this year.
If there's anyone who needs some advise on how to go about applying for a CP visa or ILR as a civil partner, let me know and I will try to help. All my visa applications from visitor, to student, and finally to civil partner have all been successful and hopefully, it will culminate to an ILR visa and british citizenship.
I must say that at first, it was difficult to adjust to a new way of life. I had no plans of living here permanently when I first came over to visit my sister in 2003 (she came here as a nurse and later married a Brit). After 6 months, I realised I am more comfortable here because of their tolerance and openness to people regardless of their race, sex, religion, etc. You all know that the Phils has a long history of discrimination especially among homosexuals because of our catholic upbringing. I was closeted most of my life and had to hide my true identity from friends and family.
Here, I can be open and live a "normal" life without fear of being discriminated. Moreover, I get the respect from everyone for who I really am. Then I met my partner who further encouraged me to get out of my shell and supported me during my transition from a shy, insecure person that I was to a more confident and outspoken person that I am now.
I am now working as a human resources administrator and also doing my masters in the same field at the same time. Overall, it has been a wise move, one that you can say a success story (if ever there's such a thing).
I still miss a lot of things in the Phil.. my friends, family and food!!! But I always believe that in the end, I will come back to my roots.
I'm looking forward to reading everyone's experiences, whether good or bad, and I hope to contribute to this forum in my own small way.
Dondi
Originally Posted by dondi
