Sixth Freedom,
My Fillipina girlfriend regularly visits the UK and with the exception of one occasion we never have a problem with visas. A couple of key recommendations:
- If she works make sure she has a letter from her company to say who she works for and that the letter is current
- If you are supporting her during her trip, provide details of where and what you will be doing, where you will be staying etc
- Provide details of your means to support her - bank statements, payslips etc - they don't like overdrafts, so if you have one tell them it is arranged (this caught me out once)
- Apply for the shorest visa length first - don't try to get a multiple entry 2 year visa straightaway
- Send a photocopy of you passport with your letter
- I would say book the flight before applying and submitt these with the application (CW and F do help) - I always do and make sure you have the time to reapply if it gets rejected
- If rejected, phone up and get clarification on why - I did this and it really helped with the application
A little preparation always works with visa applications. Applying for a non-visitors visa is another matter... if you every get to that stage PM me and I'll expalin the pitfalls and hurdles
HKGorBust