Advice needed applying for fiance visa

Hello, looking for advice.
Have just returned from a month long vacation to Hong Kong and the Philippines. My companion in Hong Kong, a Talibonian girl, was also on a long break owing to her employer being abroad, and we spent a lot of time together. I had known this girl for over 3 years online and it soon became apparent to both of us that this was more than just a friendship and we wanted to spend our lives together. Her friends were advising us what to do, get engaged etc, but we have decided to get a fiancé visa first, and would welcome any advice. We both left Hong Kong together on the Friday to different parts of the Philippines, and I booked a flight for her to visit me the following week for 5 days. She has a vacation in May next year back home in the Philippines, and I intend to meet her there, meet her family and make any arrangements needed.

Hello hamstead, welcome aboard British Filipino

Are you a British Citizen ?
Do you have employment total gross income at a minimum level of £18600 pa ?

I am a British citizen, retired with pension income of £13600 pa, own my own home and have money in savings and investment trusts.

Ah OK hamstead. Didn't want to give information and links that weren't relevant.

In terms of making application for a settlement route visa here's the link you need to review:-
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/overview

Be sure to follow all relevant links with the webpage.

You also need to review the Financial Requirement from this link here:-
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa..._FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement_August_2015.pdf

Take a look at how to combine the various sources of income and how to incorporate savings (which must be above £16k)

Ask any specific questions where you need clarification.

BTW had you considered marrying in the Philippines ?
In terms of the visa application there's really very little difference between Fiancee and Spouse.

Happy reading.

welcome to britfil --Hamstead--from another retired Brit.

On the subject of salary, I will easily be able to incorporate savings of £16k, and my girl wants to get married in the Philippines, as is tradition,I just queried with a friend of mine who married a Filipino a few years ago, and he said it was very stressful, having to travel to manila, and then the wedding there, that he suggested that we go for a fiancé visa. So if you say there is no difference I will get married there and go for a spouses visa.

Hamstead----savings---

you need to have the difference between your pension---and the £18,600 income requirement----times 2.5--plus the £16k threshold

so--its £18,600..minus your £13,600 = £5000 ( nice and easy lol )--times 2.5---= £12,500...+ £16,000

equals £28,500.00

in the bank for at least 6 months--legally obtained--and under your full control with immediate access.

Do review the Financial Requirements link. UKVI will only consider savings over £16k

For example UVKI use the following equation:-

(X minus 16,000) divided by Z = Y

Where X is the total amount of cash savings held by the applicant, their partner, or both jointly for at least the 6 months prior to the date of application and under their control.
Y is the amount which can be used towards the financial requirement.
Z is the length of leave being granted in years or as part of a year.
(To convert the number of months being granted to a yearly figure divide by 12 = to the nearest two decimal places.

On the question of a Philippines wedding or UK wedding it really is a personal choice.
If it's at all possible I always think it gives a chance for all the family to enjoy and witness the event.

Whoops!! sorry bigmac I duplicated your post. My typing skills and internet speed are the root cause.
Apologies.

Your explanation was so much more elegant than mine too

just goes to show Hamstead what a friendly--helpful bunch we are

Does 12k in a 2 year fixed ISA count towards this figure, or does it have to be in an instant access account. ?

can you cash it in at short notice--even if you lose the interest ?

The account is held within a bank or building society
The bank/building society is a financial institution regulated by the appropriate regulatory body for the country in which that institution is operating
The bank/building society is not on the list of excluded institutions under the Immigration Rules
The account is a current account or a savings account
Regular bank statements are provided
The statements cover the necessary time period required in the Immigration Rules
The savings are held in cash (or their cash value is clear)
The savings can be immediately withdrawn (with or without penalty)
The funds are under the control of the person and/or their partner for the necessary time period required in the Immigration Rules
The source of the funds is legal
The source of the funds has been declared

You know I like reading your little calculations bigmac

Current account and Isa held at Santander , current balance of both £30k + sand just checked :

• On early closure, a penalty equivalent to 120 days' interest applies.

So should be ok on that, have just chatted to my girlfriend, we are scheduled to meet in her home city in may next year, dhe is there at present while beginning of December, I have asked her to make arrangements / inquiries to get married then

Well, you're moving forward hamstead, cant be bad

There is plenty of information on the forum relating to getting married in the Philippines, one of the threads is below;

http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...he-philippines-and-settlement-in-the-uk.9718/

check this out :

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...the_Philippines_leaflet_as_of_2_July_2015.pdf

Yes, very eager to get things moving, thanks for your help, will check on the links you have supplied, and be in touch later

Tis reminds me of my math teacher....
clear and neat @bigmac.,
and one of the reasons why i love dropping by at BFF is to read interesting post of you guys.
and some have this sense of humor.

You see @bigmac its not just me who appreciates your mathematics