what's Best way to stay in Philippines?

[Darren]

Hi to all,
I posted several weeks ago regarding bringing my wife to the UK. But I had been working in Kuwait for the previous year, also could not prove my income, had no fixed address in UK and the list against goes on..
What I would like to do now is to buy property in the Philippines, I have checked out the excellent web site british-filipino.com and got some very useful information.
What I would like help with is, what is the best way for me to stay in the Philippines / what visa should I obtain and how to get it?
I will be working in Africa month on month off rotation.

One other thing where can me and my wife actually live together without all the hassle off providing all the cr** that's required by UK, this would be only a base for us.

Thanks'

[KeithD]

what's Best way to stay in Philippines?

Don't come home!

[aposhark]

Something with a roof on might help, a mossie net comes in useful too (sorry )

[keithAngel]

if she is happy with you commuting it should be fairly easy

[Darren]

Thanks' guys for your comments! I do intend to get something with a roof on hahaha! Mind you though may not be required as I'm just back from Philippines the heat there at the moment its in the 40s! Just a nice pool in the new property will do rightly!
Just a little rant; I've not been back in the UK very long and opened the paper to find an article on preacher inciting hate towards none Muslims and westerners Brits in particular! And this man is accepted here!
It really really pi**** me off that he can stay and do this! My wife is gentle loving and very peace loving and has to go through so much just to get here! I ask myself whats the point???

Thanks'.

[joebloggs]

hahaha, this will make you smile then

OSAMA Bin Laden's son will take his fight for a British visa to the highest authority, his wife said today.

Omar, 26, who wed the six-times married grandmother after meeting at the Pyramids in Cairo, is determined to come to Britain.

The al Qaeda boss's son and the 52-year-old want to return to her plush home in Moulton, Cheshire, as soon as possible.

This morning Zaina Al Sabah Bin Laden, who used to be known as Jane Felixe-Browne, told GMTV that Omar had passed all the necessary immigration tests.

However, the couple were "99%" sure his application would be rejected because of his father.

Speaking from Paris, and wearing matching tan leather jackets, she said: "We applied before Christmas and we don't know if we have been refused.

"It has taken this long and there's no definite answer and no real refusal.

"We think 99% that it is going to be a refusal though there has been no official letter."

well what would he put on his visa app, when it asks about having any links with terrorists, groups etc... ?

[Darren]

You were so right about making me laugh!!! why doesn't that surprise me???
Thanks' for that one I needed a good laugh!

Darren

[andypaul]

If you lived toether for i think its four years say in Phillipines with proof with bills etc the wife can come to the uk with ILR i think Joe?

[keithAngel]

What about commonlaw has anyone experience of this?

[andypaul]

What about commonlaw has anyone experience of this?

Not personally only heard of same sex relationships applying both on here and on a thai forum.
I think you need proof of living together which is a major sticking point for most on here

[Piamed]

Hi Darren, where are you thinking of buying a property in da Phils?

T

[Darren]

I'm thinking of buying in Pasig or around that area, I've seen some good properties advertised in Asian homes and also island properties. As you can imagine though its quite hard to make your mind up to which one! We are renting at the moment so it gives us a little space to view and we don't feel rushed!
As I said before it would have been great for my wife to come and see the sights here but we will have to be patient about it, as I have read so many times in some of the posts on this site. We are not alone in our situation many are still in it and some have passed the test already.

I would say to any one who is new to this site like me also, have a good read through the posts, it can be a comfort an d wealth of knowledge to you as many have been there done that! It has been a superb resource for me!!!

[keithAngel]

Not personally only heard of same sex relationships applying both on here and on a thai forum.
I think you need proof of living together which is a major sticking point for most on here

Sticking point how?

[A_flyer]

I'm thinking of buying in Pasig or around that area, I've seen some good properties advertised in Asian homes and also island properties.

If I where you, I would avoid buying in Manila. Too polluted there!
Go south.... even just south of Manila. You have new subdivisions coming there (like Eton City South Lake village or Century Canyon Ranch, that's just 2 examples). You have nice houses subdivisions in Cavite too. All far better air than in Manila...

Me I prefer, like Rob or Pete, to go even more South.... (like 1h by plane from Manila...)
It's my habit too. I'm currently in ... South of France (LOL!)

[Darren]

Yes I understand what your saying about the pollution in Manila it is quite bad but that's where we are looking to stay for just a while. We would like to live a bit further out but as we stayed in cavite for a time we found that just to get out of the village was a pain, we had to take a bike ride a jeepney and bus! and the nearest SM was 10 miles away!
My wife is learning to drive a car now so maybe it will be OK to live in a subdivision but the traffic is still quite heavy even in cavite.
We looked at Boracay as we stayed there for two months last year but to be honest its a little over crowded now and the beauty of the place is being destroyed! pity really.
I would most certainly be open to suggestions of new areas if some of you have any.

Darren

[andypaul]

Sticking point how?

well the ones who i saw talking about common law could not for one reason or another spend twpo years in phill togewther.
As the brit had to work in the uk or west

[keithAngel]

"On 10 October 1997, a new concession was announced by the Home Office permitting applications to be made by unmarried partners.

However the concession only applies where couples are unable to marry according to UK law. In practice this restricts the application of the concession to cases where one partner is unable to divorce or to other unusual circumstances.

Couples who require further information in this regard are urged to contact a specialist immigration solicitor for advice and assistance."

Just saw this

[andypaul]

"On 10 October 1997, a new concession was announced by the Home Office permitting applications to be made by unmarried partners.

However the concession only applies where couples are unable to marry according to UK law. In practice this restricts the application of the concession to cases where one partner is unable to divorce or to other unusual circumstances.

Couples who require further information in this regard are urged to contact a specialist immigration solicitor for advice and assistance."

Just saw this

From what i know (which is not much) and what i have read of others expereinces i think you would need some very good advice on the subject. Particularly with many changes being proposed to many visas rules.

Being intresting to find out if possible though for a everyday couple.

One sticking point maybe the Phill cfo who are very family orientated? Maybe others can help us

[A_flyer]

"On 10 October 1997, a new concession was announced by the Home Office permitting applications to be made by unmarried partners.

Oh! 11 years ago, I'm afraid there were lot of change in immigration policies since this... You have to verify if it's still valid.

[gracia143]

If you want peace and quite go farther South. Panglao Island, Bohol would be nice and they are trying to build an International Airport in the middle of the Island from what I've learned the last time we were there.

[joebloggs]

"On 10 October 1997, a new concession was announced by the Home Office permitting applications to be made by unmarried partners.

However the concession only applies where couples are unable to marry according to UK law. In practice this restricts the application of the concession to cases where one partner is unable to divorce or to other unusual circumstances.

Couples who require further information in this regard are urged to contact a specialist immigration solicitor for advice and assistance."

Just saw this

maybe its this you've seen - Unmarried Partner visa

"It has been possible since 1997 for unmarried partners both in a heterosexual and same sex relationship to gain entry to the UK using an unmarried partners visa. Applications for unmarried partner visas tend to be more difficult than those based on marriage as you need to show that you have been together for two years and that it is a permanent relationship. The requirements since April 2003 are as follows:

You have to show that any previous relationship whether in marriage or as an unmarried couple has ended.

You should have been living together for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage. You will need to provide documentary evidence confirming that you have been living together for this time. "


how can you prove your marriage has ended ?

[aromulus]

how can you prove your marriage has ended ?

With CSA statements....?

[joebloggs]

With CSA statements....?

knowing the HO, a death cert


i think that no one knowns, i've never seen anyone one who is married, been able to come to the uk and get a visa to live with a new partner.


i think the refusal rate would be 100%

[keithAngel]

maybe its this you've seen - Unmarried Partner visa

"It has been possible since 1997 for unmarried partners both in a heterosexual and same sex relationship to gain entry to the UK using an unmarried partners visa. Applications for unmarried partner visas tend to be more difficult than those based on marriage as you need to show that you have been together for two years and that it is a permanent relationship. The requirements since April 2003 are as follows:

You have to show that any previous relationship whether in marriage or as an unmarried couple has ended.

You should have been living together for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage. You will need to provide documentary evidence confirming that you have been living together for this time. "


how can you prove your marriage has ended ?

It also said demonstrate the marriage has permanently broken down so 8 year separation and no child support in a country where there is no divorce may well be enough as this variation was intended for people who could not remarry due to local restrictions

I also read that the two year rule can be accomplished even if there are periods when you are not together because of work etc Interesting!!

[andypaul]

It also said demonstrate the marriage has permanently broken down so 8 year separation and no child support in a country where there is no divorce may well be enough as this variation was intended for people who could not remarry due to local restrictions

I also read that the two year rule can be accomplished even if there are periods when you are not together because of work etc Interesting!!

The problem is that the Phill authorities will not see the marriage as broken down or ended unless anulled or one of the partners dead.

[joebloggs]

"Previous marriage/civil partnership or similar relationship has permanently broken down
Each of the parties to the unmarried or same-sex partnership is required to provide evidence regarding any previous marital or other relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership they have had. They should be asked to specify how long ago the previous relationship was terminated, either by divorce/dissolved civil partnership or by separation."


like Andy said, what would the embassy think, if you've been living in the phils with someone for 2years or more and their still married ? .. could cause problems btw the embassy and the phil gov/church..

like i said, i've never read a post, where someone has come to the uk on a unmarried partner visa, while still legally married to someone else, but i'm surprised i've not heard anything, as the visa is aimed at those who are unable to marry, why do you know someone who is thinking of trying this way without getting a annulment?

also would you need something like CFO cert for her to leave ? something i doubt the phil gov would give if they knew the reason

[keithAngel]

Well I am uncomfortable with what appears to be corrupt practices involved with annulment not to mention outright lies and as I am intending to spend a lot of time in the Philis with my Lady I thought this might be worth exploring it has the further advantage of us having been in an actual relationship for some time and we would both know each other very well before any arrival in the UK

Financially I would rather use the £3000 for annulment for something more useful than making lawyers richer and since its within the rules there to be explored.

[andypaul]

Well I am uncomfortable with what appears to be corrupt practices involved with annulment not to mention outright lies and as I am intending to spend a lot of time in the Philis with my Lady I thought this might be worth exploring it has the further advantage of us having been in an actual relationship for some time and we would both know each other very well before any arrival in the UK

Financially I would rather use the £3000 for annulment for something more useful than making lawyers richer and since its within the rules there to be explored.

Agreed it migt be argued by british law, but its a mix of two countries laws it appears with visa issues. But i doubt you could ever get a cfo cert issued even if the british issued a visa. Also i doubt the laws will change much as the ecomony in phill due to the rice, fuel, general inflation and remittance crisis is going to take a nose dive i would think laws regarding family values and all will either be strengthed in the search for votes or left alone.

But you never know so worth just being with yor Mahal and seeing what happens

[keithAngel]

Next research CFO

[keithAngel]

Agreed it migt be argued by british law, but its a mix of two countries laws it appears with visa issues. But i doubt you could ever get a cfo cert issued even if the british issued a visa. Also i doubt the laws will change much as the ecomony in phill due to the rice, fuel, general inflation and remittance crisis is going to take a nose dive i would think laws regarding family values and all will either be strengthed in the search for votes or left alone.

But you never know so worth just being with yor Mahal and seeing what happens

Unmarried Partner

Please provide photocopies of all the documents you will be submitting:

1. A Completed Visa Application Form - Settlement Form (VAF4 OCT 2007)
2. Evidence of any previous cohabitation. We would suggest the following as examples: joint commitments (such as joint bank accounts investments rent agreements mortgage etc).
3. If there are children of the relationship a record of their birth entry; or
4. Correspondence which links you and your sponsor to the same address; or
5. Any official records of you sharing the same address (e.g. Doctors records etc); or
6. Any other evidence that adequately demonstrates your commitment to each other.
7. Visa fee in pesos. Payable across the Bank counter or Manager’s Check (only from BPI, Banco de Oro, Metrobank & Standard Chartered bank), made payable to the British Embassy Manila.
8. A signed Visa Application Checklist (please click on the corresponding link on your computer screen).


What are grounds for non-issuance of Counseling Certificate?

A counseling certificate may not be issued on the following grounds:

Submission or presentation of fraudulent documents by the counselees and/or their foreign partners; and
Misrepresentation by the counselees’ and/or their foreign partners during the counseling.
What are the grounds for temporary withholding of Counseling Certificate?

A counselor may temporarily withhold the issuance of a counseling certificate, and require a counselee to undergo follow-up counseling due to, but may not be limited to, any of the following circumstances:

Counselee may be a prospective victim of mail-order bride scheme, forced prostitution, and domestic violence, among others
Counselee is a minor or below 18 years of age
Counselee had earlier attended counseling session(s) but is subsequently petitioned by another foreign partner
Counselee presents or submits incomplete, or questionable/doubtful documents
Counselee is believed to be intimidated by other persons to marry the foreign partner
Counselee lacks background information on the foreign partner
Counselee has children from previous relationship(s)
Counselee has not personally met foreign partner
Counselee is included in the CFO Watchlist
Foreign partner is included in the CFO Watchlist (e.g. foreign partner is a serial sponsor)
Foreign partner is believed to be an imminent threat on the counselee’s life