Do we have to be married/engaged to get a visa?

Thats pretty much what we did, within a few months, once we had gathered all the information that we needed.

You got married here in the Philippines? You waited how long for the visa of your wife?

I meant the processing time

Processing time for us was 6 weeks. But it varies. Sometimes longer. Sometimes shorter. But normally no more than 3 months.

Thx JohnAsh for your reply!

GETTING MARRIED IN THE PHILIPPINES and seeking settlement in the UK

[Info based on successful Spouse Visa application awarded Jan 2015]

It may seem simple to just get married in Philippines then get visa, but there is also a lot to do prior to marrying and getting spouse visa, then further visa applications in the UK until permanent settlement is eventually granted.

A UK Citizen (or a person granted UK Settlement by UK Government) will need to visit British Embassy in Manila and Philippine Nationals registrar office prior to wedding.

The Philippine National will need to visit particular organizations:-

• British Embassy (optional)
• Philippine Marriage registration office.
  
• English Language Examination (various locations available)
  
• TB Medical examination (Only in Manila)
  
• Delivering Visa Application (Only in Manila)
• Commission of Filipinos Overseas (Manila or Cebu only)

If wishing to settle in the UK, then make sure that your UK spouse (A British Citizen or Someone who has been granted Settlement by UK Government) does meet the necessary financial requirements to permit entry, otherwise you could end up being married but not being permitted to live in the UK https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/eligibility

Warning! Meeting financial requirements is necessary for every visa application, including the 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' visa for final settlement. (2yr & 5yr settlement routes). Combined finances of both partners can be included once both are living in the UK. Meeting financial requirements is not just for the 1st visa application to enter the UK. Assistance from 3rd parties is NOT allowed.

Statistically there has been a high percentage of visa applications not meeting the financial requirements
http://immigrationandvisasolicitors...of-spouses-do-not-meet-financial-requirement/

You MUST meet all the requirements in item 7 below for the Philippine national to be able to apply for a UK Family Member (FM) 'spouse' visa

Tip [The Financial Requirements supporting documentation needs to be gathered covering at least 6 months evidence, so get UK Fiancee gathering well before Visa application. Presently (2014) VAF4A Appendix 2, has to be downloaded and completed, get your UK Fiancee to prepare this for you!]

Still keen and able to marry and wanting to settle in the UK?

Then the steps are below

The marriage MUST be legal according to philippine family code
http://www.chanrobles.com/executiveorderno209.htm#.VFTJBRaPav5
pdf of Executive Order No.209 'Family Code of the Philippines'
http://www.gov.ph/downloads/1987/07jul/19870706-EO-0209-CCA.pdf

pre-wedding (Civic Ceremony)
There are likely to be further prerequisites for a church ceremony

1. Registering intent to marry by UK fiancee visiting british embassy in Manila
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marriage-in-the-philippines

Philippine Fiancee is NOT required to accompany British Citizen.
If wishes to attend then will need to provide their NSO Birth Certificate and NSO CENOMAR (free to marry)

Example of NSO CENOMAR
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/nso-cenomar-free-to-marry.9774/

Tip: A method of Obtaining Philippine Official Birth Certificate Copy and CENOMAR online:-

http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...ates-for-delivery-abroad-or-philippines.9831/

Note: CENOMAR is only valid for 120 days
so don't obtain too soon!


UK Fiancee will need to have copy of Birth Certificate
Official Copy can be ordered online from UK General Register Office
http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

British Embassy Manila
details available in this link:-
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/british-embassy-manila.9539/


An affidavit or affirmatiois required to be downloaded from the UK Gov site:-

• Affidavit - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...53/Affidavit_of_marital_status_March_2014.doc
  
  
• Affirmation - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa.../Affirmation_of_marital_status_March_2014.doc

Documents required for your Embassy appointment:-

1 x completed (Affirmation or Affidavit, not both) document
1 x photo copy of birth certificate & original
1 x photo copy of passport, page with photo, and the passport itself.
1 x print of your Embassy appointment e-mail (just in case there is no record of your appointment at Embassy Guard house).
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/affidavit-affirmation.9904/#post-67238

You complete the chosen form and present it in person at the Embassy to be officially 'sworn', then signed by consular and Embassy Seal applied (This is the UK Fiancee declaration of legal capacity to marry)



(The above replaces the old requirement to obtain Certificate of No Impediment which would have had to been obtained in the UK from your local registrar)

The NSO issued a memorandum to all (allegedly) Philippine local registrar offices.
In April 2014, fortunately the British Embassy provided a copy of the memorandum at the same time as processing the above.

The Philippine Local Registrar which we had to register for marriage licence needed convincing that the British Embassy no longer endorsed a CNI, by handing over the copy of the NSO memorandum. If registrar clerk is still uncertain, then tell them to telephone the British Embassy, even offer to phone the Embassy for them, there and then. At some point all registrars will eventually know about the new process and it shouldn't be a problem.



Tip: The Embassy only accepts Philippine Pesos as payment (in cash only & no change given).
Parking at the Embassy is not permitted. If you cannot easily remember personal phone numbers, then have a written record handy, as mobile phones have to be left with Embassy security before being permitted into the main building. Don't forget to take passports with you!]


2. Wedding venue
Warning!
There can be extra requirements depending on your choice of wedding venue




3. Obtaining marriage license (Requires proof of both partners being free to marry)

http://web0.psa.gov.ph/content/registration-application-marriage-license
http://www.cebu-ph.com/govmarriage.htm

Below is a list of what was required to apply for a marriage licence provided by the local Philippine registration office.

Warning! If the Filipino National intending to marry is aged 25 or less, there are extra requirements before being able to apply for a marriage licence (refer to Executive Order No, 209 - Family Code of the Philippines) item 4 & 5 in the list below.




Item 10 was provided, but was not taken as the clerk said "Not needed, because i have seen you in person".

Applying will likely require attending pre-marriage counseling, even if both partners are over the age of 25.

Tip: Choose when to register intent to marry carefully, as the pre-marriage counseling may not be available on the same day, if your hoping to do both on the same day. Also ensure you both take passports with you.]

After applying for license and there hasn't been any objections to marrying, then 10 days after applying the marriage license will be issued (it will likely need to be collected)



The cheapest part of the whole process, 2php!

Note: Marriage license is valid for only 120 Days!
If your not married by then, it gets more complicated as you will need to reapply in a more complicated process.


The Marriage License Certificate will need to be given to the Solemnizing Officer prior to the wedding ceremony (also possibly birth certificates and legal capacity to marry), so that the marriage certificate can be prepared for final signature on the day of the wedding and avoid the embarrassment of the solemnizing officer discovering on the day that the wedding cannot proceed due to incorrect or non-compliant paperwork.

post wedding

4. Registering marriage (done by solemnizing officer)
https://nsohelpline.com/faq/what-are-the-reglementary-period-and-place-of-registration-of-marriage
https://nsohelpline.com/faq/who-is-responsible-to-report-the-marriage-event

Tip: Don't forget to collect your own copy of original marriage certificate which you've signed. Note: Amazingly the original is not necessarily accepted by some organizations, only the NSO blue stamped official copy is accepted (annoyingly). You will be able to obtain your 'official' marriage certificate from NSO once it has been processed (This can take up to 6 months!)]


5. Obtain NSO certified marriage cert
http://wise-share.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/what-to-do-to-get-nso-copy-of.html
http://web0.psa.gov.ph/content/how-request-copiescertifications




6. English Language
take an approved english language exam and obtain minimum required grade for visa or better
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-rules-appendix-o

Tip: If taking British Council IELTS exam, then only need to take the General Training Test, NOT the harder Academic Test (required for other visas)

Consider joining an language centre that will prepare you for examination and learn amongst others before taking any test

Spouse visa needs CEFR grade A1, but settlement later requires B1.
Note: Speaking & Listening results are only necessary for Spouses.
IELTS mark their exams differently and the chart below compares their grades with CEFR grade.
If you achieve B1 now, you will not need to take english test again for settlement visa later .Keep your English Language Test Result Certificate Safe for use again in the UK ]

http://www.britishcouncil.ph/
http://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam/ielts

IELTS Test fees and locations
http://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations




http://www.ielts.org/researchers/common_european_framework.aspx

7. Pre-Departure TB medical examination and certificate
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-the-philippines

When attending clinic, you will need to state purpose for TB test, so that the correct certificate is issued. Note: It will only be valid for 6 months from date of issue.

Tip [You will need to know your intended home address in the UK, so that it can be entered on the certificate.]

Sample cert below



The certificate advises you to carrying in hand luggage, so it will be available to show to immigration officer at border control if necessary. (hand luggage to also hold your other documents too).


8. Gather documentation and apply for Family (spouse) visa online
'Family of a settled person' visa
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/eligibility

Requirements (FM) Visa:-

• Have met each other
• Lawfully married
• Intend to live together
• Are in a genuine and subsisting relationship
  https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263237/section-FM2.1.pdf
  
  
• Can support themselves without recourse to public funds (must meet minimum financial requirements)
  
• There is adequate accommodation in the UK where they can live without recourse to public funds
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...he-maintenance-and-accommodation-requirements

• Neither are under the age of 18
• Passed required English Test (Speaking and Listening only required)
  
• Passed TB medical examination
• No criminal record
• Have never been involved, supported or engaged in terrorism

Family Member Visa valid 2.5 year visa, the extension for another 2.5 years and only after 5 years - a permanent visa. (5 yr Route).

Minimum income threshold of £18,600 Gross (before any Tax deductions) per year required initially from UK resident only, this increases if foreign partner wishing to enter UK is wishing to bring child / children
(once both partners are in the UK , then both their financial circumstances qualify together)

Income can come from work, self-employment, rental income, pension or disability related benefits.
Savings can also be counted instead of earnings, but only savings over £16,000 would qualify.

Support from 3rd parties (for example parents) is NOT allowed.

The financial requirements apply for ALL visa stages, i.e. 1st Visa, Extension, Settlement.
If there are compassionate or surmountable reasons for not being able to continue meeting the requirements you may possibly be granted further visa extensions (this is the 10yr route).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-uk-visa-for-family-settlement-form-vaf4a
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-visa-applicant-form-su07

Tip: Have UK Spouse print out forms and provide details.
Both Spouse AND Applicant MUST each provide letters stating their intentions to live in the UK together and why the UK is preferred place to settle.
Sponsor MUST provide sponsorship declaration ]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-visa-applicant-form-su07

A useful post by another member regarding list of contents:-
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/after-20-calendar-days.9294/page-3#post-58748

If you are considering providing a covering letter for your visa application, you may wish to consider the following as an introduction of your application to the Immigration Clearance Officer:-

Covering letter addressed:-

To the Entry Clearance Office in Manila
"Dear Sir/madam
I submit the documentation as listed in the index of contents for your favourable consideration in my application for spouse visa to enable me to be reunited with my husband / wife .......... in the UK
yours faithfully
............................... "

For those who apply using the services of an immigration adviser, i would suspect that the covering letter would be provided by them?




9. Apply for Visa and Pay online
https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa

You will be required to create a online account.

Details in following link
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/spouse-visa-online-application.9773/

Any problems, checkout the FAQ's page https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/Home/ViewFAQ

Tip: When registering online, your spouse can use same login to assist completing forms.
As long as you keep visiting and saving each week the application remains active.

You can revisit pages and alter pages then save, until you finally submit application online.

Also spouse can login and pay visa fee using bank card, if applicant does not have means of paying. Best both being online and communicate using skype.

Note: Only one person at a time can be logged into the visa application site at a time.]

Warning! After 120 days from 1st creating your application, if you do not manage to complete and submit it , it will become inactive and you will need to complete a new application.

10. Submit visa application at VFS
(paper copy of everything + originals) and provide biometrics in Manila

http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/vfs-manila.9808/

Details about how to inquire about Visa application for Free are detailed in the following link

http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...tside-uk-including-application-progress.9896/



Link to MAP - Manila VFS and CFO
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/decision.9634/page-10#post-68882



11. Receive Visa (if application successful)

[The above resulted in a successful spouse application in Jan 2015 ]

Should you be unfortunate that you receive 'Refusal of Entry Clearance' regarding visa application, then maybe this link will help understand why the refusal happened http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...at-grounds-for-refusal-wording-guidance.9640/

12. Attend CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar (receive certificate)

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?opt...tid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858

A members account of CFO

http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...-on-filipinos-overseas.4713/page-4#post-54693




and obtain CFO Sticker applied to passport with visa



Tip: Have all details of spouse with you when attending CFO Seminar, including your spouse education info as it is required on forms being completed at CFO, otherwise you may have to return with details before permitted to attend seminar]

Philippine immigration control at airport will prohibit the Philippine national from leaving the Philippines if CFO sticker has not been obtained, whilst there is an immigration visa in the passport.


Image of Spouse Visa & CFO Sticker





= = = = = = = == = Changing Philippine ID to Married Surname in the Philippines = = = = = = = = = = = =

Note: In the UK its NOT a requirement by law for a woman to change her surname to that of her husband. You need never have to change it.

IF you wish your id to have surname changed to adopt new married name (+ middle name)
prior to applying for Visa, then the process WILL take longer.
The Philippine National will be required to visit thr CFO to get Guidance Counseling Cert and then the CFO GCC is presented to DFA along with NSO marriage cert to allow new passport to be issued. http://passport.com.ph/info/requirements/for/renewal then after getting visa you will need to revisit CFO to have sticker applied.

The 'pain' of waiting for the release of New Passport, does mean that when the Visa is awarded it will be conveniently placed in a passport valid for the duration of the Visa.
It avoids the scenario where the passport is due to be renewed and having to carry two passports when the valid visa is in an expired passport. Its expensive to theoretically have a visa transferred from one passport to another, in reality its not a transfer, but an endorsement in the new passport that an immigration visa has previously been issued.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...ort-ecb17#ecb171-transferring-a-visa-or-leave

"All good things come to those who wait"

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14. Book flight to join Spouse in UK

Philippine International Airports:-

• Manila International Airport - http://125.60.203.88/miaa/

• Clark International Airport - http://crk.clarkairport.com/
  (Warning! Cebu pacific don't offer easy transit option with other airlines, you would have to exit at Hong Kong with all baggage, then check-in to next flight)

• Mactan Cebu International Airport - http://www.mciaa.gov.ph/

Tip: IF UK Spouse books a airline ticket online and e-mail 'e-ticket' to partner to print, your UK spouse will likely have to visit the Airlines office (or airline desk at a UK airport) in person with ID to confirm the online payment wasn't made using a stolen card (Check Airline Terms and Conditions BEFORE pressing 'pay')

When traveling to the UK have your visa supporting application documentation with you in your hand luggage. Very occasionally an immigrant may be questioned at border control. Note: Some of your documents WILL be needed for future visa applications in the UK.

Some details will also be necessary to complete the Immigration Entry Form that should be given to all non UK passport holders by the flight attendants on the flight that actually lands in the UK.

Remember to have a pen handy ]


Info about entering the UK
https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Philippine Embassy London
http://philembassy-uk.org/consular-matters

National Minimum Wage
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Employee Holiday Entitlement
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights

Zero Hour Contracts
https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts

(As i write this, its been zero Degree Celsius and would rather be somewhere hot! )


It is no longer required or possible to register your marriage abroad in the UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...istry-service-discontinued-for-overseas-brits

So keep your marriage certificate safe and at least have enough details to enable ordering further copies from the NSO in the Philippines using online e-census
http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...ates-for-delivery-abroad-or-philippines.9831/

You will need marriage certificate in the event of a partners death in the later years.
For instance possibly claiming 'bereavement allowance' if partner dies before reaching retirement.
https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-allowance



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Getting Married in the UK 'Fiancee Visa'
Others here on BF could assist with advice on marrying in the UK 'Fiancee' Visa.
Here is thread to Fiancee Visa http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...apply-for-a-uk-fiance-e-visa.4280/#post-14705

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Note: Family Member visa doesn't grant permission to permanently live in the UK
Its a part of the process to achieving it
This 1st visa is 'Limited Leave to Remain' and will need extending for those applications made after 9th July 2012.


WARNING!
If you leave the UK for over 2yrs before getting grant to permanently live in the UK,
then your previous visa will have expired and you will need to re-enter by applying
for Returning Resident Visa NOT enter via any other visa.
https://www.gov.uk/returning-resident-visa

UK A (2.5 yrs).
VISA extension 'family of a settled person' Further Leave to Remain - Family Member, FLR(FM) or FLR(FP)
WARNING! Must be applied for before 1st visa expires
Your 1st visa expires 33 months from initial award, applications after 9th july 2012,
you can apply to remain in the UK as 'family of a settled person' visa.(in effect a visa extension)
https://www.gov.uk/remain-in-uk-family
For those who applied for initial visa before 9th july 2012 then application to settle permanently can be made.

It won't make any sense, but the same type of evidence (but the latest information) will be required for this Visa.

• Form FLR(FM)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...-extend-stay-in-the-uk-as-a-partner-form-flrm
  
  
• Form FLR(FP)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-extend-stay-in-the-uk-form-flrfp

UK B. (5 yrs)
VISA Indefinite Leave to Remain, (permanent settlement), SET(M)
Warning! MUST be applied for before expiry of previous visa, also passed Life-in-the-UK test.
After another 2.5yrs have passed (i.e 5yrs route)
you can apply to be permitted to stay in the uk permanently 'Indefinite Leave to Remain',
but before applying you must have passed life in the uk test
https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test/overview

Tip: Free practice 'life in the UK' questions here http://www.theuktest.com/ ]

You will also have needed to have passed english test of appropriate level (B1) which is higher than that required for spouse visa. BUT if you achieved required level when applying for spouse visa, then you don't need to retake another test, make sure you still have certificate.
Note: Speaking & Listening results are only necessary for Spouses.
https://www.gov.uk/english-language

The english test and life in uk test also entitles a spouse to apply for uk citizenship
as long as have been living in uk for 3 years and spouse is british citizen and applicant has been granted indefinite leave to remain visa
https://www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen/if-your-spouse-is-a-british-citizen

Warning!
As part of being eligible to apply for 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' an amount of continuous presence in the UK is required, with some exceptions being granted:-
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...to-remain-calculating-continuous-period-in-uk

Applications for ILR made 28days before previous visa expires WILL be rejected and a new application shall be required.

Form SET(M)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-settle-in-the-uk-form-setm


If you do not manage to pass the 'Life in the UK' test prior to your application for 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' Visa, then you will need to apply for an existing Visa extension as previously done before

WARNING! Never let a Visa Expire before applying for the next Visa, you could end up being deported!

Deportation order served by UK Immigration WILL impose a ban of 2 years before another visa application can be made to re-enter the UK!

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All forms are available here:- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-visa-forms

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Note (1st Nov 2014) : The above could change in the future, due to changes in UK immigration laws and Philippine laws

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules-statement-of-changes

"Love has no bounds, but laws do"

I will be updating this posting as more and more information comes to light
last updated 22nd Jan 2015, one world.

Disclaimer:
The details above are based on individual experiences and interpretation of UK Gov postings .

The above is NOT a substitute for seeking Immigration Advice, but broaden your knowledge of what ensues ahead when considering marrying and settling in the UK.

- - - - - Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) - - - - - - -

IF your circumstances DON'T easily fit the requirements of a visa application, I strongly recommend seeking an initial consultation/advice with an OISC member Immigration adviser before engaging the full services of an adviser or submitting a visa application.

You've worked hard for your money. Would you really gamble it all on the result of a flip of a coin (The Entry Clearance Officer examining your application) ?

https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

Search for an Immigration Adviser:-
http://home.oisc.gov.uk/how_to_find_a_regulated_immigration_adviser/adviser_finder/finder.aspx

Not for Profit (Not Free) Immigration Adviser Organizations:-
http://home.oisc.gov.uk/about_oisc/list_of_not_for_profit_regulated_immigration_advisers/list.aspx

List of Prohibited or Suspended Immigration Advisers
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-prohibited-or-suspended-immigration-advisers

Wow what a step by step process one world! Thank you so much...I will take note all of that, for my future use. maybe you and your wife, experienced this process too.
This is really a big help for me!
I'm so sure, if I am already I that process..I will need your assistance.
So, be ready for my future messages...lol

Happy to help

Got married in May in the Philippines
and we are doing it the painful way of having my wifes passport changed prior to obtaining visa.

Just waiting on DFA at the moment, then step 5 and onwards....

There are others here who are willing to help and advise too of their experiences.

A useful post by another member regarding visa application
http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/after-20-calendar-days.9294/page-3#post-58748

Yes. Very useful. I havent seen the affidavit approach before. As we had to apply for and submit a CNI.

Great writeup.

Thanks

I started with CNI but they went and changed the requirements before i managed to get to the British Embassy to register intent to marry.

I ended up researching everything, hence the links, only to discover bf after the event, but bf has been great in progressing to visa application.

I wished all the info was in one place, so wish to impart my own experience for the benefit of others and try and avoid immigration advisers substantial costs.

Classically one immigration adviser in london wanted £500 just to review some questions..... then could sign up £1000 just to review application. NO CHANCE ....

Which adviser was that?

This would be good as a stickie

Company called Lexlaw

You mention Citizenship and 3 years. Thats right for those under the old rules. My wife is eligible now except she has been made to retake her English Language test.

However, I believe under the new rules it is a longer. 10 years?

Ah. OK we paid £700 for a full service.

Stickie?

There is mention of 5yrs and 10yrs route for citizenship

Post note: 3yrs requires applicant having been already granted Indefinite Leave to Remain
(i.e permitted to live permanently in the UK)

5 years for ILR under the new rules, is it not? Then another 5 for citizenship?

Its the time between gaining ILR and eligibility for Citizenship that I am not sure about under the newer rules.

In our case it was 2 years from arrival in the UK to ILR. Then a further year to wait for Citizenship eligibility.

A thread that remains at the top of other threads even if they are newer