Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Gavmundo · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2003 4:42 pm Post subject: UK Visas

I know this is a Russian Visa site but does anyone know a similar British site? Problem being i'm trying to get my Fiance over here in December for a week or two. She got herself a 6 Month Visa last year but the travel agency that arranged it told her to tell the British embassy that she was just coming over for a couple of days as a holiday and said if she said she was coming over here to see a man she's met then they'd refuse her.

In the end she got the Visa after an interview at the embassy but they said they had only given it to her because of her Dad's position (Diplomat) and they don't give Visa's to Girls travelling alone.

Now she's worried because she stayed for 2 weeks rather than the two days she said that they won't give her a new visa. I've checked some UK Visa sites which don't give you a lot of info other than it's decided case by case. I'm not sure if sponsoring her will increase the chance of her getting one or whether she should not mention me at all?

UsualSuspect · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 2:51 am Post subject: Tick 'n' flick...

Gavmundo,
A couple of things. First up a question. Did she overstay? If ,I suspect , the answer is "no" then she should not have a problem getting another tourist visa, provided she does not mention you!. What counts in her favour is that she departed and did not stay. Therefore (in beauracratic eyes) she is trustworthy. Handy having her Dad as a diplomat though, I actually suspect that was the reason the Visa was given in the first place. UK and Oz as a rule deny Visa's to all single FSU females (without dependants) intending to travel alone. Double that if they even smell the word "relationship" . "Case by Case basis" is a throw away line in the best civil service tradition.
I would bet she would get another tourist visa if she applied again.
Since you say "Fiancee", you may want to start digging on the requirements for a marriage/fiancee visa. I think your buttocks will spasm badly when you read the doco.......oh, and don't assume that marrying her in Russia will automatically guarentee her a UK Visa on a spouse basis.......

Regards
UsualSuspect

Gavmundo · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 3:47 pm Post subject:

Well there's the problem you see. Because she was told not to apply for the two weeks she wished to stay and only a few days she did overstay. She didn't overstay her visa of course as it's six months but did overstay on the time she was advised to say she was staying for.

I assumed she could just say that she met some friends and decided to stay longer. Seeing she did go back, i assumed this was the important thing.

As for Marriage/Fiance Visa i've already looked into the long long long and complicated rules Wink

Though it's a bit early for that yet. We want to spend some more time in each others countries first.

Reason i was asking for similar sites in the UK was that i had little problem getting a Visa to Russia after the Invitation was made so thought that surely she would have more chance being accepted if i offered her sponsorship, I know taking repsonsibility for her isn't legally binding but surely if she's staying with me there's more chance of her going home than just comeing over to visit the country alone?

UsualSuspect · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 12:48 pm Post subject: Sponsored UK Visa?

Gavmundo,
I still reckon she would have very little trouble getting another tourist Visa. As you've suggested, a plausible excuse may be all that's required.
I don't know too much about the UK sponsored visa system, but I would be surprised if you weren't asked for a bond of some sort.

Good luck in any case!

Regards
UsualSuspect