Nick30
Respected Member

No offence, Nick ... but it's been a lo~ong night and it would take me forever and a day to explain each step. Besides, there simply isn't the space on here to do so in detail (message boxes allow for 1,000 "characters" max on this forum!).

Better all round, if you were to make a summary of all the main requirements Ann has outlined, and verify them against the 'Approved Checklist for Visitor Visas' on the UKBA Website. Might be an idea if Ursula did likewise, so that the pair of you you could then compare notes.

Goodluck,

Arthur.

... Visit Visas are difficult to get at the best of times, as you're already aware. And when they're applied for by the partners of foreign persons who are students here, then they tend to be ALMOST always impossible to obtain ... the married lady from India being a case in point!

However, please refer again to the example I cited 3 weeks ago. Better still, go to a thread - from a bloke ... user name, 'nnomad' - entitled 'hello'. Here in #35 'Ann1984' MORE than merely replies to this guy's questions ... she provides the whole caboodle - mentioning ALL the documents she sent at the time she successfully applied for HER general visit.

Hmm ... that's a bit of a bombshell, Nick !

You're RIGHT ... *Tourist Visas, ARE, on the whole, something of a "lottery". But, on a brighter note, please see a current thread entitled 'Got My Visa ...'. In # 36, 'Ann1984' announces her success in being actually granted one of *these !

However, regarding the likelihood of sponsorship by a hotel outfit ... ...tbh, I've no recollection of this ever being done - and hence haven't the faintest if it's even acceptable.

Sincerely,

Arthur

Cheers Arthur

Yes, indeed, Nick ... whenever the authorities detect a prospective romantic interest, it seems to trigger "alarm bells" that applicants will fail to return to their homeland/work base following their visits ... hence why it's always safer to play down any such link. So aiming for a Family Visit Visa - which Ursula intends to do - is definitely the best bet.

As regards the petition you posted ... I back you to the hilt in this endeavour. I've already signed it, thanks. Moreover, I'm delighted to see it has gained considerable momentum and earned you two additional green 'rep blobs' for bringing it to our attention.

Cheers!

Arthur

Hello again, Nick ... and a Happy New Year to you, from Myrna & I. May it be an especially fruitful one for you and yours.

You're right about seemingly straightforward UK Tourist Visas being refused because of the Authorities' ingrained suspicions that applicants will abscond into the abyss - especially in those cases where a romantic interest is declared as being the sole reason for the trip - which is WHY Family Visit Visas invariably stand a far better chance of success (on humanitarian grounds if nothing else).

And so, it's advisable for you and Ursula to meet either in Kuwait or the Philippines in the first instance as planned.

Arthur

Hello again, Nick. I couldn't understand why you were unable to contact Terpe on his Profile Page, so decided to do so on your behalf ... rather than go round in circles.

Goodluck,

Arthur.

Nick,
Concerning your Horror Stories thread.
Why not take a look here:-
http://www.filipinouk.co.uk/forum/sh...ed-Help-Thanks

Maybe something will help you.

You have received some very fine and detailed responses to all your concerns about Financials, about Accommodation and about how to develop a sponsor letter for the sister of your g/f.

You have often asked about the potential reasons for refusal. I would have expected a more postive attitude from you. Now at least you see where extra support in the sponsors letter is needed. The link above mentions about that.

I was saddened to see my name associated with your insecurities and doubts, especially as I have always provided you with the best information, opinion and detail on how best to succeed.
Any refusal is based on the ECO and how THEY feel about the application.
At least with a Family Visa the appeals option still applies.

Hi, Nick

I read that particular thread you're referring to, and deliberately didn't comment. Seems to be one of a spate of recent refusals for non-settlement type visas. it's worrying ... particularly in the light of proposed government changes. Things ARE getting tougher ... there's no denying that fact! So it would be wrong of me to speculate one way or t'other, quite honestly.

You've done the right thing, though, in addressing, as you did, the response given by Terpe ... who's one of the most knowledgeable - and helpful - contributors to this forum; he will give you a much clearer, and more frank opinion than probably anyone else can, about the prospects for Ursula's visa application being granted or otherwise.

Arthur.

... shouldn't be a problem, Nick - when it's her sister that will be sponsoring her ... and NOT the husband - as long as the sister's income from being self-employed is considered sufficient for the purpose, and Ursula can support herself financially.

That's how I see things, anyway. Others may have different opinions.