how long from visa application to arrival in the uk as a spouse

Hmmm not sure. Dont think so. I think it is just a text to say the process is finished. See what some of the other guys say.

From what I've read about the SMS service it seems very unreliable, and as John says it only tells you that the decision has been made nothing else.

Maybe in a decade or so the UKVI will get up to speed with new technology, or maybe not

when i travel i use a filipino woman agent and get amazing prices the girls name is --cherry 9 agum (hope its right spelling last name but contact is ----cherry@crystaltravel.co.uk --adrress is --38 riding house street -london w1w -7es --her phone --02076120526 ?? she is very good and a filipino girl over here --good luck

I take it you are talking about flights?
what is the lowest price you paid for flights to philippines?

You can do the CFO seminar at any time...

1. Before the visa application is submitted
2. After the application is submitted but before the VFS Global biometrics
3. Whilst awaiting the visa decision
4. After the visa has been granted

You will get a certificate confirming attendance at the CFO seminar but you will only get the CFO stamp in your passport during the 30 day validity period of the visa, so that may mean returning to the CFO with passport and CFO certificate in hand.

If you attend the seminar whilst your application is being processed, you will need alternative form of ID as you will not be in possession of passport.

Exactly! Difficult to find good deals with only short notice so may be advisable to try and find agents that pre-book seats with your chosen airline as they may still have cheap prices.

No @HaloHalo The new Vignette is only valid for 30 days. If it expires you have to apply for a new vignette which costs money.

The VISA doesn't have 33 months period then @Howerd ?

For most visas that are over six months you now get a 30 day vignette and you collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival in the UK. This 30 day vignette is being phased in and now applies to those seeking settlement as spouses. It will eventually apply to all visa categories over six months.

You have to carry the BRP with your passport when you leave and when you enter the UK. The BRP shows your right to residence in the UK, rather than any visa in the passport. The 30 day Vignette is just so that you can get to the UK in the first instance, as the BRP can only be collected from a very restricted number of Post Offices in the UK.

Cheers Howerd

thomas cook quoted £950+ but cherry at crystal travel charged £600

sorry that was wrong ment fare £517-03?(just noticed the odd 3 pence ) haha plus £77-97 airport taxes --i had to laugh at manila airport when arrived i stood for 5 minutes at the end of a giant queue of filipino's ?? they all laughed so i joined in and laughed it was the --overseas foriegn workers queue ??--wow my face was a picture when they pointed to my queue with 10 people in it hahaha--then i went to the declare section as i had loads of music hard drives --i mentioned my filipino wife was waiting and they waved me through