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Posted by Immigration Officer on June 13, 2003 at 19:14:25:
In Reply to: Visiting Uk. Visa Advice/Help! PLEASE posted by Tom on June 10, 2003 at 04:46:28:
No easy way I'm afraid. Please refer to the 'Britain in Ukraine' website for full requirements and my previous replies to postings on this topic might help you. There is no such thing as a 'private' or tourist visa. Some reputable travel agencies may be able to apply for a visit visa on your girlfriends behalf if she is to come as part of an organised tour group, but be careful.
If she is young, single, without savings, on a low income, no previous travel history and no other UK ties she will most likely be refused. If they find out that she has a relatively 'new' British boyfriend she will almost definately be turned down.
If your relationship has lasted over 12 months and you have visited her 5-6 times she might stand a chance. You will need copies of all your correspondence, telephone calls, your bank statements, details of where she will stay, evidence that she intends to return to Ukraine (such as good job, family ties, settled home life, return ticket etc)
I suspect that you, like I did last year, when my girlfriend applied (and was refused), just want your girl to see where you live and see if she likes UK before any further commitment. Also it gets very expensive commuting back and to to Ukraine and paying for hotels/apartments when you have a perfectly nice home of your own here that you could share 2 weeks together for the cost of her air ticket. Am I correct?
UKIS will not see it the same way as you do - believe me - and for good reason.
I suggest that if you really like this girl you should make the necessary commitment by continuing to visit her in Ukraine until you feel ready to become engaged and then apply for a marriage visa.
Once she has this it, it is valid for 6 months and she can visit the UK as many times as she wants during its validity. You must marry before the visa expires if she wants to apply to stay in the UK legally as your wife. If she is given leave to remain, she will be granted 2 years. This is a sort of probationary period to see if the marriage subsists. During this time she can work. Before you marry she will not be able to work. The accuracy of this information is commensurate with the amount of vodka I have just consumed and you should really seek advice from the UK immigration Service or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before proceeding. I am not an expert, just someone with personal experirencsssh.
PS. My girlfriend arrives next week. Better give up the vodka now...
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