U.K. TOURIST VISA
The U.K. visitor visa is no different than the U.K. tourist visa. For applicants wanting to have a short-stay in the United Kingdom, they should apply as general visitors or tourists. On the other hand, applicants who intend to stay temporarily and has family members residing in the country, they should apply as family visitors.
The Documents
- For a general visitor, they need to present proof that they can support themselves during their stay. They should demonstrate that they shall not depend on public funds for assistance.
• Aside from that, the applicant must also prove that they shall return to the Philippines after their authorized period of stay. Working, marrying as well as receiving medical treatments and studying are strictly prohibited.
Relevant documents
- The requirements are pretty simple. Yet, it should not be taken lightly. Always, the rule of thumb in securing an approval is to present as many evidence as possible. But basically, the following should be prepared:
• Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of sufficient accommodation
• Detailed itinerary, if available
Visa extension
As mentioned, a general visitor can stay for 6 months only. If upon the visas approval, the applicant is allowed to stay for two (2) months and wishes to extend for another four (4) months, one may request for an extension. However, entry clearance officers may or may not approve the application. In this case, the visa holder needs to return immediately in the Philippines.
- For family visitors, applicants must show that they shall visit the following family members:
• their immediate relatives (father, mother, cousins, spouse, grandparents, siblings, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle and grandchildren)
• In-laws
• Step children or step parents
• Unmarried partner. For unmarried partners, the couple should have been together for at least 2 to 3 years
The Documents
Again, the provisions are similar to the ones observed in general visitors. Evidently, overstaying is not allowed and so is working. Studying and marrying are likewise strictly prohibited.
Relevant documents
The documentation for family visitors is a bit different. But the general forms and papers such as the valid passport, passport photos and application form remain the same. Other than that they should show the following:
- Evidence of their relationship with the UK petitioner
- Evidence of their sufficient financial resources and accommodation. If the applicant is staying with a family member, the immediate relative must provide a letter stating that the accommodation is provided. The same rule applies to the expenses shouldered by the petitioner.
- Detailed itinerary, if available
always remember that the visitor visa is meant for a temporary stay. It cannot be used for a permanent stay. Also, the visa holder is not allowed to switch into other visa category. For example, one cannot obtain a student visa if there is the intention to study.
Compliance should be readily observed in ensuring an approval. If the application is refused, every applicant may appeal the decision.
To know more about this topic, email info@dapatlaw.com:8888/dlaw or call Atty. Joyce Domingo at +632-8231090.
Different student categories
There are different categories of students visa applicants. It depends on the academic program that they shall pursue and age.
- Child student (Tier 4) are issued to children age 4 to 17 years old who will be taking a full academic program in UK
• Child visitor are given to foreign nationals who are below 18 years old but plans to study in the UK for no more than 6 months
• General student (Tier 4) are If the purpose is to take a full academic degree and the applicant is at least or above 18 years old, they should apply as a general student
• Student visitor are similar to the child student visitor, these individuals can study in the UK for 6 months only
• Prospective student are if a general student wants to enter to the U.K. to fulfill a requirement requested by his or her chosen university e.g. attending an interview, he or she will be immediately categorized as a prospective student.
Required documents
The very basic documents asked from a student applicant are listed below. But always remember that consular officers may request for additional papers.
• Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Accommodation proofs
• Evidence of acceptance from the chosen or preferred university
Tier 4 changes
Due to the rising rate of fraud and immigration violation, every applicant must ensure that their chosen academic institution is accredited and allowed to accept foreign students. In addition, students are no longer allowed to look for jobs after fulfilling their studies, unless, they have an offer. But if not, they will be required to return to the Philippines and file a visa under the skilled migrant category.
To know more about this topic, email info@dapatlaw.com:8888/dlaw or call Atty. Joyce Domingo at +632-8231090.
Types of workers accepted in U.K.
Listed below are the different types of workers that can come to the United Kingdom:
- High value migrants are individuals endowed with exceptional talent. New graduates from U.K. universities are also accepted under this category. High value migrants do not need a job offer. However, they must meet the points-based assessment to ensure their application approval
• Skilled workers are for individuals who have an employer who is willing to sponsor them and perform skilled jobs
• Temporary workers are evidently, those who will be entering U.K. to perform temporary or seasonal jobs
• Others are usually, workers under this category are representatives of a foreign firm, media practitioners, for example
Basic requirements
The issuance of the U.K. working visa is determined by the country’s point-based system. This means that they have to meet the required points in order to facilitate their entry. Since different categories are involved, the requirements also differ. But in essence, here are the basic documents that should be prepared:
- Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Employment contract
• Scholastic records
• Language exam, if applicable
Other considerations
In the event where the employment has already ceased, the visa holder needs to return to the Philippines, unless there is a new offer. Extending one’s stay after the visa has already expired blacklists the worker. Unfortunately, this could prevent them from their future applications and can be permanently banned from entering the country.
To know more about this topic, email info@dapatlaw.com:8888/dlaw or call Atty. Joyce Domingo at +632-8231090.
Who may apply for a business visa?
The following applicants are eligible for the U.K. business visa:
- Film crew members
• Media practitioners
• Academic visitors
• Religious workers
• Professors who are accompanying their students for an academic-related activity or program
• Trainers, advisers, consultants. Trouble shooters are also eligible
• Trainees
• Secondees
• Doctors who will be performing a Professional and Linguistic Board (PLAB)
• Other business investors such as company representatives, conference speakers, negotiators, investors, service persons etc.
Visa eligibility
In order to be eligible for the visa and therefore secure an approval, certain conditions should be duly satisfied. These are the following:
• Of legal age
• Shall not overstay
• Sufficient financial resources and accommodation for the whole trip
• No intentions of transferring and settling in the U.K.
• Does not plan to replace a U.K. employee, even for a temporary period
• Shall not study
• Shall not marry
• Shall not seek medical treatment
• Shall not work
Basic documents
here are the basic requirements for the U.K. business visa.
- Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Proof of sufficient financial resources and accommodation
• Detailed itinerary
• Evidence of one’s true travel intention
The above-mentioned requirements are the very basic evidence that one can show. It must be noted that entry clearance officers shall always ask for supporting documents. It is best to have a clear-cut knowledge on how to identify other forms and papers that can be shown to secure an outright approval.
To know more about this topic, email info@dapatlaw.com:8888/dlaw or call Atty. Joyce Domingo at +632-8231090.
Fiance visa versus U.K. marriage visitor visa
Aside from failing to comply with the requirements, denials are also caused by the confusion between the fiancé and marriage visitor visa. Both have similar goals to allow a couple to tie the knot inside U.K.. Yet, each visa caters to specific applicants.
Are you eligible?
Prior to filing the visa application, there are several conditions that an applicant must satisfy. If any of those conditions are not met, denial probabilities are higher.
- Must demonstrate that marriage is not used for easy entry in UK
• Must demonstrate genuine and authentic relationship
• Must demonstrate that they have met each other personally
• Must demonstrate evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Must demonstrate evidence of sufficient accommodation
• The couple should be at least 18 years old
The documents
- Documentary proof of the couples genuine relationship
• Documentary proof of the couples identity
• Documentary proof of sufficient financial resources and accommodation
• Documentary proof that the couple is free to marry
• Passport
• Passport photos
• Applicants birth certificate
Visa validity and permanent residency
The U.K. fiancé visa is valid for two (2) years. Within the said timeframe, the couple should get married. Ideally, the marriage should be performed within six (6) months. Always remember that the visa holder can only apply for permanent residency once the marriage has been performed.
To know more about this topic, email info@dapatlaw.com:8888/dlaw or call Atty. Joyce Domingo at +632-8231090.
Valid marriage
Valid marriage is an important requirement of the U.K. spouse visa. If one of the couple has a previous marriage, the latter should be dissolved. For example, if the U.K. petitioner has been married before, a divorce should be filed prior to lodging the application. But if the visa applicant was previously married, a different procedure is observed.
Since there is no divorce in the Philippines, the marriage between the transnational couple becomes valid only if annulment is sought. Legal separation or a notarized statement explaining that the previous relationship is already over is not acknowledged.
If the marriage is not annulled, the marriage with the U.K. citizen is null and void. The visa application, on the other hand, is automatically denied. Indeed, consular officers would eventually know.
How to be visa eligible
In essence, the eligibility requirements of the U.K. spouse visa are no different from the U.K. fiance visa. The couple must show that the authenticity of their relationship, that they are of legal age when the marriage took place and an assurance that the foreign spouse shall not depend on public funds for shelter and support.
The marriages existence is the only prerequisite that differentiates the two.
Documents to present
- Evidence of valid marriage
• Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Birth certificates
• Evidence of authentic and genuine relationship
• Copies of the UK petitioner’s passport
• Evidence of sufficient financial and accommodation resources
• Letters of support
• Application fee payment
The interview
Unlike USA K-3 visa, there are no interviews for U.K. spouse visa applications. Entry-clearance officers base their decisions on the documents alone. In addition, it should be remembered that authorities may look into other documents. Most of the times, these papers and forms are not clearly stated. Due to this, a high degree of knowledge and understanding about the U.K. immigration rules can guarantee an outright approval.
To know more about this topic, email info@dapatlaw.com:8888/dlaw or call Atty. Joyce Domingo at +632-8231090.