potential work problems

Understood on the police checks Trimmers and as you say we sign the application form accordingly to allow them to do that but Andy said the gentleman had to provide them. I didn't realise he was asking a question and that's why I asked where it says that, again I was assuming, rightly or wrongly, that it was spousal/fiancée. I guess after reading the form and guidance he would have realised what he had heard wasn't quite correct. Luckily he has experienced people like yourself to advise him Maybe Andy should let him know about the forum

He is going on folklore.

Go with the advice of the "high ranking embassy employee in Manila"

You're right, and if you cast your mind back you will probably remember yourself how difficult it is when you are starting out on the visa route, its hard enough just to find the right application form. I remember looking at the UKVI site and thinking which is the form we use, a lot of confusion surrounds the visa and it will get worst I'm sure as more and more things are thrown in like the recent NHS surcharge, just look how we were all a little confused by it all and still are

British Filipino relies on new people joining the site who have recently been through the process themselves and wanting to hang around and help others, a lot of good people have come and gone here.

Thats true but Andy seems to cast doubt on the advice we give him.

Well, we can only use our own experiences of the settlement process when trying to point someone in the right direction, at the end of the day its Andy's prerogative to question anything he reads here at BF.

Sure he can ask what he chooses. But if he takes the attitude that he knows the answer before asking the question it aint going to go down too well.

I think there is a lot of confusion out there not helped by rapidly moving goalposts some things like NBI police clearance are best sorted in country , not that they are required for the visa but will sure help in the UK for employment

I have, with respect, questioned some (not all) of the advice given because some of what is said just doesn't stack with things that I have heard. Some people here have given great advice, and see the information/opinions given as just that, rather than some personal issue that must be defended at all costs. Some people don't give great advice; of course, they mean well. That's the way it goes.

Well. I really don't understand the need and purpose of that unwarranted and sweeping comment. I don't see the point of such an attitude in anyone; it's not helpful and rather a waste of time - and quite frankly, the comment is a bit bizarre given how there is recent discussion about wanting people to join up and contribute. Such comments give an impression of a close-knit cliquey community that is unwelcoming of those who don't agree with eveyone's/that poster's opinion - I am sure that this is far from the truth, so why make such a presentation?

Ain't going to go down to well - with who? I do wonder if that is some sort of ridiculous threat, based on an equally ridiculous assumption.

I'm just perplexed by such an attitude; but, never mind.

I take your point Andy. And all input is welcome. But I think you know what I mean. There is a wealth of experience amongst the membership here and listening is a two way street. Most on here are either in the middle of some kind of visa related application or have already been through it, so have good advice to give.

Absolutely. I appreciate that, and I'm surprised if you have a different impression. I do listen. I have found out a fair bit, but I know relatively nothing, and I hope to contribute more when I have been through it all - about the dual nationality route - if my advice is worth listening to. I appreciate I am as relatively green as the grass.

Without the advice given to me earlier in this thread, I would still be floundering.

How reliable is this source?

Given that I have seen the documentation that had to have been supplied, I believe it to be very reliable. I suspect that it has been done to make more money for the Embassy employee. However, I don't know what has happened since the documents have finally been submitted. When I find out in future, and if I have permission to do so, I shall put information here.

I will be getting married late July or in August this year, maybe doing it much 'quicker' than the usual thanks to a contact made (maybe 19 days quicker ). I have decided to remain British while I marry. It will be interesting to see how this route pans out, and what the British embassy will require me to produce to gain the relevant visa. I am hoping for the best, but expecting the worst!

It will be interesting to see how it marries up with others who have made submissions in the recent passed.

At the end of the day, much of the key requirement is in the UKVI documentation. Deciphering it is another matter.

Yeah. Maybe it's a oneoff, or maybe some official thought they could play him for a fool. I don't know. There is another factor in question - the gentleman in question has acquired joint British/Filipino citizenship. This could have influenced the documentation he had to supply. More guessing games!

Have a look at some of Anne's posts. Or at what Methersgate is doing - he is on the verge of making an application. Anne, amongst others completed her application succesfully, relatively recently.

Also have a look at this:

http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...in-family-living-permanently-in-the-uk.10756/

This couple were unlucky as the visa was refused. However, despite that they eventually succeeded through the courts basically on the basis of meeting current Immigration Law.

Most settlement visa applications are successful if they are well compiled and meet the requirement. Those where the UKVI get it wrong, can indeed be reversed in the courts.

Even so called immigration lawyers dont by dint of that title know what they are doing Andy and opinion masquerading as fact can be found everywhere so it is of no surprise that Embassy Staff can be clueless ECO,s are overturned regularly it seems that following political policy is more important than understanding regulation and such employment is not dependent on actually knowing your job.

PS what are you going to do after getting married I cant remember

I will do John - I don't have much time these days, full time is proving to be a complete life-sucker, as I thought it would prove to be. I'm finding I am forgetting elements of the process, and having to go back to refresh my memory. I'll be honest - I've always found this site tricky to navigate, and I don't think I've found all the information that I could on it. I find it hard finding all the threads. My fault. That's got to change, fast.

Keith, I was going to apply for an EEA Family permit, or the like. I've got it down somewhere. But not the UK family visa.

To be honest, I really don't know if I should do the marriage application as Irish or British. Common sense would dictate Irish really, but it required the Certificat de Couture, and it being witnessed by a notary who knows me (I don't know of such a person, does this really matter?) Also, if documentation needs to be stamped up before it is included, for the Irish Consulate in Manila (no embassy). But first, I would have to renounce British citizenship, then that could take 14 weeks, then the online Irish process pre-Consulate in Manila meeting must be at least 4 months before wedding...then visa...more time wasted.

The British way seems more straightforward, but...if I go with an Irish passport, even though I will still be a British citizen, and a passport is not the ultimate proof of a single nationality in the case of someone from Northern Ireland, I wonder if they will accept it, simply because someone will not understand....but then, it's 14 weeks after that before I can renounce nationality, then the visa...more time gone.

Basically, I don't know whether to stick or twist!

And something else: In the brilliant post by one world (http://www.british-filipino.com/ind...-engaged-to-get-a-visa.9612/page-3#post-64648), he says:

post wedding
4. Registering marriage (done by solemnizing officer)

...

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!)]

...what does it mean, and does it mean that there has to be a delay on this?

Have you seen Keiths thread on Singh for Irishmen?

When you marry you get a certificate there and then. But it is only a kind of there and then temporary version. You have to then wait to get the proper super duper official version from NSO. Ours took just a few weeks as it was a Civil Wedding.