My wife has just submitted her application in Manila - I reckon I've done 5k so far! That includes a solicitor though (I found the process so contradictory I decided to get help!) and I also stumped up for the priority option for what it's worth. The marriage side of things in the Philippines was relatively painless but my wife is in with the Baranguy officials and everyone knows her (probably a good story for another post lol) and we got it all done in 2 weeks. Getting the marriage certificate from NSO took longer though. Good luck!
Thanks Johnc150x. Wow 5k!!! Just to bring everybody up to date... My girlfriend has been to Manila and got a certificate to prove she is free of TB, she's attended the CFO seminar and got that certificate (which just needs an official stamp after the visa comes through), she's passed the English language test (carried out by the British Council in Cebu) and I've completed the online visa application. As soon as I have enough funds in my bank account (next week) then she will book an appointment for the visa application. One question left to ask here if anyone knows... I noticed my girlfriend's passport is only valid until May 2019 and it will of course expire during the two and a half years of the visa duration. So, is it better for her to get a brand new one now, which will cover her for another five years (as I understand they don't issue 10 year passports like here in the UK?) or would it be an easy enough process to apply for a new one after that one expires?
May 2019 is still a long way so it's no issue when it comes to applying for the visa. If you want to renew it NOW, that would be your decision. Although it is easier and faster to renew it in the Philippines than doing it here in the UK.
Your girl is only half way through this passport validity period I would crack on as you are then deal with the passport in a year or so. Just an option and good luck.
Thanks for the replies guys! Yeah, I was just wondering if it runs out half way through her stay here would it be difficult to get it renewed that's all. I know it shouldn't effect the visa application now but if it meant trouble later on, I would rather her get it updated now, then she would be ok for whole duration of the visa, if you see what I mean?
You will still have a timing clash which ever way you do it on your first or second application 5 years from now is June 2022 2 applications from now is january2022 roughly
