
Originally Posted by
Terpe
That's a big question.
The General Visit Visa (tourist visa) is a very cost visa application with minimal risks involved. It allows a stay in UK of up to 6 months.
All in all nothing much to lose by applying.
Now whether or not it would be granted depends largely on how the ECO see's the whole application.
In principle the ECO should not feel that on balance there is a bigger probability that the intention is immigration. (ie the applicant will not return home)
With the situation you describe, it's necessary that your B/F will need to sponsor the complete trip, yet not play too much on the romantic aspects.
With a visa that can lead to settlement there is very significant increase in costs and emotional risks.
Firstly, you both need to understand the financial requirements. Not just for initial entry to UK but also for every visa application stage of the 5 year immigration
journey to settlement (ILR)
If you both agree that all conditions can be met, then go for it.
Just also consider that recently it has been more problematic for the application of Fiance(e) / Proposed Civil Partner visa, simply due to the increased desire of the ECO's to have more and stronger evidence of the intention to get married or to have civil partnership within the 6 month visa validity.