The article is all about the UK Visa application process for Filipinos and other non-UK residents. It describes in detail how to apply for a UK visa, important UK visa requirements, and who needs to make a UK Visa application.
Do Filipinos still need to make a UK visa application to visit the UK?
YES! Filipinos still need to make a UK visa application whether it’s for marriage, long-term residency or a short-term tourist visit. I am making this clear because while we were enjoying Switzerland last month (August), some ‘attention – seekers satirical website’ created a FAKE news article entitled, ‘Filipinos No Longer Need Visa To Enter The United Kingdom‘.
Creating FAKE news is bad. Using my photo is worse. Misleading our fellowmen is the worst because it causes stress and can cost time and money.
If you happen to see this website or similar articles, please report it, because we do not want these kinds of fake news, do we? So just to turn things right, I’m going to share how Filipinos can make a UK Visa application and what the general UK visa requirements are!
The first step is to make an online UK visa application and then from there you can book the appointment and pay the visa fee. Walk-in applicants are NOT accommodated so you really have to go through this online UK visa application process. Click here for the UK visa online application.
2. Pay for the Visa Fee.
Pay the correct visa fee according to your visa type. Take note of the reference number that starts with GWF. You may then print your application form or the checklist.
3. Create an Appointment.
Create an appointment at the Visa Application Center.
Upload your documents ahead (with a checklist and barcode separator), or you could do it at the center with an additional fee.
4. Personal appearance for biometrics for your UK visa application.
Arrive 15 minutes early at the UK visa application center, because your place cannot be held if you’re late! Bring your appointment letter and requirements. Below are the addresses of the UK visa application centers in the Philippines. Make sure that you have satisfied all the UK visa requirements before attending, especially for your paperwork!
UK Visa Application Center in Manila
VFS Global Services Philippines Private Inc., Mezzanine Floor Unit M01, Ecoplaza Building, 2305 Chino Roces Avenue Extension Makati City, Metro Manila 1231
UK Visa Application Center in Cebu
VFS Global Services Philippines Private Inc., 9th Floor, Keppel Center, Unit 905, Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000F
For your information, the British Embassy in the Philippines is located at 120 Upper McKinley Rd, Taguig, Metro Manila. If you’re based abroad then check the details on the official website.
We have summarized the basic information about the UK visa requirements you need should you want to make a UK visa application. Firstly, is essential to identify your purpose for traveling to the UK, because that determines which type of UK visa. To check the detailed instructions, you can visit the UK government’s website.
Another question that I receive is if you’re allowed to apply for your UK visa abroad? Yes, the UK visa requirements state that you can if you have residency in another country. If you’re on a tourist visa then you have to prove why you’re applying there and not in the Philippines.
In this post, let’s talk about the different types of UK visa application – Standard Visitor Visa, Marriage Visa and Residence Card.
What type of UK Visa Application are you making?
Standard UK Visitor Visa Application
If you are traveling to the UK for leisure, business or to receive medical attention, you will have to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Furthermore, once approved there are certain things which you must avoid doing in the UK. Here are some of those:
Paid or unpaid work (do not attempt to illegally work in the UK)
Live in the UK for long periods of time through constant visits
Request for public funds
Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
When can you make a UK visa application?
As a rule, you can apply 3 months before your scheduled travel. Generally, the decision should be released within 3 weeks.
For how long can you stay in the UK with a UK tourist visa?
Generally, you can stay in the UK for 6 months on a UK tourist visa. However, there are few exemptions such us if you are traveling to receive medical treatment (11 months) or you need to visit and conduct research and for academic purposes (12 months).
What if I want to frequently visit the UK?
A major stipulation of the UK visa requirements is the need to have valid reasons why there is a need to have a long-term UK visit visa. The visa can be valid for 2, 5, or 10 years and you can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months every time you visit. It is important to know that for travelers under 18 years old, the long-term visit visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.
How much does it cost to make a UK visa application for a UK Visitor visa?
The cost of a UK visa application for a UK Standard Visitor visa is £100.
If you are applying for a long-term visit visa, the fees range from £376 – £837 depending on the years (2, 5 or 10) you wish to apply for.
What do you need to prove in your UK visa application?
During the UK visa application process, make sure you can prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your trip. Also, UK visa requirements state that you can support yourself while traveling in the UK. Similarly, please prepare any relevant documents that will support your claims.
Note that you may be approved for a shorter-term UK visit visa depending on the reasons and documents you have provided. In such cases, you won’t be able to get a refund so, make sure that you check everything!
What are the documents you need to provide?
A current passport or other valid travel identification
Proof that you can support yourself such as bank statements or pay slips from the last 6 months
Make sure that your passport has a page that is blank on both sides because this is the space needed for your visa!
If you have documents written in languages other than English or Welsh, have these documents translated.
Additional documents might be required to satisfy UK visa requirements if your UK visa application is for the following purposes:
For private medical treatment
To apply as an organ donor
Academic on sabbatical and want to stay for 12 months
As a prospective entrepreneur
To take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Be ready with additional information for your UK visa application
Importantly, to further strengthen your claim that you will leave the UK after your trip, you must be able to clearly provide the following details:
Travel dates
Accommodation
Travel budget
Your current residency
Parents’ names and dates of birth
Annual salary
Travel history
(if employed) Employer’s address and telephone number
Your partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number
The name and address of your sponsor, if you have any
The name, address, and passport number of any family members you have in the UK
Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses you have committed
You can apply for a standard UK visitor visa if you’re under 18 under certain conditions
Always remember to secure written consent from your parent or guardian when making a UK Visa application. Otherwise, you would be in breach of UK visa requirements.
UK Marriage Visitor Visa Application
Do you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK? If yes, the visa you need to apply for is the Marriage Visitor Visa provided that you are not going to stay or settle in the UK for a long period of time after getting married. (This is the visa that I have when we decided to finally get married in the UK last July 12, 2016.)
When can you apply?
You can apply 3 months before your scheduled travel. The decision should be released within 3 weeks or you can pay extra to get a faster decision but it doesn’t necessarily mean that your visa will be approved.
How much does it cost to make a UK visa application for a UK Marriage Visitor visa?
The cost of UK visa application for a UK Marriage Visitor visa is £100.
For how long can you stay in the UK on a Marriage Visitor visa?
You can use the visa for not longer than 6 months.
What do you need to prove for a UK marriage visitor visa?
You need to be 18 years old and above before you can make a UK visa application for a UK Marriage Visitor visa. In addition, you have to prove that you are in a real relationship with your partner.
What are the documents you need to provide?
A current passport or other valid travel identification
Proof that you can support yourself such as bank statements or pay slips from the last 6 months
Proof of your future plans for the relationship,
Details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans
Usually, it would help if you prepare the following as well:
Details of the marriage or civil partnership and proof that you’ve paid money for some of its costs
Proof that you have given notification of marriage to the registered office in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
If you are going to re-marry, here are the things you need to provide:
Decree absolute
Death certificate of a previous partner
UK Residence Card (5 years validity)
Update as per the Government of UK: You can no longer apply for a UK residence card, also called an EEA biometric residence card (BRC). You cannot use your UK residence card to confirm your right to live, work or rent in the UK. To continue living in the UK, you need another type of permission to stay, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
With a Residence Card, you are able to enjoy a number of benefits and services in the UK. Plus, you can easily re-enter the UK. Lastly, having a residence card is an advantage if you are looking for work.
What is the validity of your UK residence card?
A UK residence card can last up to 5 years and then you can apply for a permanent UK residence card.
How much does it cost to apply for a UK residence card?
It costs £65 to apply for a UK residence card, for each person included in an application.
Who can apply for a UK residence card?
You can apply for a UK residence card if you are:
From outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
The family member, or extended family member, of an EEA national who is a permanent resident or ‘qualified person’
Similarly, you can apply for a residence card if :
You have a ‘retained right of residence’ – This means you have a family member who was a permanent resident or is a qualified person
You are to apply as ‘Surinder Singh’ case – This means you must be a family member of a British citizen
What are the documents you need to provide to apply for a UK residence card?
Each person in the application will need to provide the following:
A current passport
2 passport size color photographs
One passport size color photograph of your European Economic Area(EEA) national (or British citizen) sponsor
Your EEA family member’s valid passport or national identity card
Proof of your relationship to your EEA family member – (unmarried couples should show that they have lived together for 2 years )
Other requirements might be required depending on your qualification or eligibility.
Fees
It costs £65 for each person to apply.
UK Spouse Visa (Settlement Visa)
You need to apply in a different way and the fees are much higher. For more details about your settlement visa, you can check directly at the UK Immigration website here.
General tip: Be very honest with your visa application and do not risk doing the ‘You Can’t Dos’ when in the UK. If you get caught, there is a huge chance that you won’t be able to go back again.
Let’s go back to that misleading news that Filipinos do not need a visa to go to the UK. You see, it would be great for Filipinos if we could enter the UK without a visa because I’m pretty sure a lot of our countrymen would be booking their flights right away. 🙂 However, I personally think that such ‘ruling’ is yet to be seen in the near future.
If you see similar news such as lifting visas not just in the UK, but in other parts of the world, do not hesitate to check more credible sources or go directly to the government’s website. Do not be fooled!
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