Best way for my Ukraine fiancee to get permanent VISA to UK

[dazzler]

Last summer I spent 10 wonderful weeks in Kharkov, Ukraine and through Mila interpretor, I met my now wonderful fiancee (we just got engaged).  I met Viktoriya last July, 2009 and we hit it off from the start   We took things nice and steady and gradually got to know each other.  By about the 5th or 6th week, we began to get more and more serious and it was obvious I had finally met the girl of my dreams   OK.... so that was the idea and I explained to Viktoriya that I would come back as often as was possible.  Unfortunatley, I would not be able to stay for so long in subsequent trips as it was not possible due to financial constraints (the 10 weeks was a 1 off and I had saved my money up especially to maximize all possibilities).  So..  7 weeks later in November I returned for 2 weeks and once again everything was good between us   Then I went back to UK for 6 more weeks before returning to spend a wonderful New Year and Christmas with Viktoriya Once again things were continuing to go well and I was already thinking about asking Viktoriya if we can be engaged   But... I wasn't sure when the right time was and was a little bit scared that it might still be a bit early.  Well in between my trips to Kharkov, we have been talking on skype and writing each other e-mails.  1 day in February I think it was, while we was talking for many hours on skype, I decided to ask Viktoriya to be engaged and I was so happy when she said yes   I was going to wait until I returned to Kharkov again..... but I just decided the time was right and it seems the time was right!  Ok.... everything good I thought.... but I began to think that it would make sense to move things along quickly since things are going so well.  So on the next trip back to Kharkov (the most recent) in March, me and Viktoriya discussed the possibility of getting
Married sometime in the near future (summer time, 2010), and then making an application for a VISA so Viktoriya can come and join me in Sheffield, UK!  We both agreed that we are ready for this and willing to do everything to make it happen.  It also seems daft to keep working hard and every penny I save is spent on continuously travelling back to Kharkov, when we could be together all the time! 

My question is fairly broad I guess as it encompasses 2 major points.  Firstly.... is it best for us to get married in Kharkov, Ukraine?   I would of thought it would make life easier for VISA application to UK.  And secondly and perhaps the most important of all, what is the process/how do we go about applying for a VISA to UK for Viktoriya?  I have heard many people on radio phone ins and met UK guys on flights that have told me even if we are married, getting a spouse VISA is really difficult and I have heard so many things about what documents must be provided, proof of bank statements, proof of where I live etc...  But the truth is I am totally confused and I don’t even know where to start let alone anything else.  I guess.. I want to know how to go about it.  I don’t want to hear all the doom and gloom stuff.  I already expect it to be difficult and I am sure there will be lots of red tape and hoops to jump through and no doubt money will come into it.  Thats all fine as long as I know 100% what the process is.  Unfortuantley, I am not a rich guy and just have a regular job as a taxi driver.  The money is not great, but the advantage of this job is I am self employed and can work solid for 5,6 or 7 weeks, save up money and then come to Ukraine for 2 weeks.  That was the reason I became a taxi driver and although I hate the job, it has allowed me to make everything possible in my quest thus far I have a business account which I regularly pay my weekly takings into.  1 thing I am a little worried about is where I currently live.  I effectively live in a shared house with 4 other people (imagine a student terraced type house) and thus have a room for myself.  The small kitchen and living room along with the bathroom/shower/toilet is shared between all 5 of us!  Not ideal, but in light of all the traveling and expenses to Ukraine, I have had to cut my cloth accordingly!  Of course.... when Viktoriya eventually comes to Sheffield, UK, 1 of the priorities will be finding suitable accommodation for the 2 of us   But as I am sure you can appreciate and understand, I must be extremely frugal with my expenses whilst in the UK at the moment.   Furthermore, I work such long hours in my job that I hardly spend time at home anyway.  1 thing I should mention though is that I do not pay Council Tax as the house I stay in is a student house and students are exempt from Council Tax.  I do not like dodging taxes, but in light of all the expenses to the Ukraine I feel it has been justified and I want to let it be known that once me and Viktoriya have our own place together, I will be more than happy to pay it! (you know what I mean) .  But looking ahead.... I am a little worried that the situation of living in a room may go against the VISA application and the fact I do not pay Council Tax might not help either?  Maybe it doesn’t have any bearing, but perhaps I am required to have a flat and official tenancy agreements etc (I do not have such documents at the moment).   If there are such stringent requirement on where I live etc.... then I would need to know in advance so I could save the money up and find suitable accommodation well in advance of Viktoriya’s VISA application thus being fully prepared. 

Anybody who had direct experience of VISA applications from Ukraine to UK, I would be grateful to receive your advice and instructions as to what we must do to make everything happen smoothly given the circumstances  I Have outlined.  I should mention that Viktoriya is 20 years old, (21 in January) and I am 34 next week.  We have both kept all our skype correspondence along with e-mails too.  However,  I understand some of the earlier e-mails may have been mislaid by Viktoriya since she was using her Father’s computer at the time.  I have since given her my old laptop which she now uses and I understand all e-mails have been saved.  We ahve many photos and I have also been saving all the ticket’s from travelling along with the e-mail confirmations.   Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice and pointers that you can give to us.

[Boethius]

Congratulations, Dazzler.

Try here -  

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

[dazzler]

Thanks Boethius! 

Me and my fiancee, Viktoriya, are making it our mission to make everything happen.  It seems that the best way is to get married in Ukraine and then apply for a Spouse VISA shortly afterwards .  I must study everything and make some phone calls.  Hopefully, I can find 1 or 2 people who may have trodden the path and been successful i.e. a UK man who married a Ukraine girl successfully and then subsequently applied for a Spouse VISA to UKand were successful.

[Ade]

Thanks Boethius! 

Me and my fiancee, Viktoriya, are making it our mission to make everything happen.  It seems that the best way is to get married in Ukraine and then apply for a Spouse VISA shortly afterwards .  I must study everything and make some phone calls.  Hopefully, I can find 1 or 2 people who may have trodden the path and been successful i.e. a UK man who married a Ukraine girl successfully and then subsequently applied for a Spouse VISA to UKand were successful.

There are quite a few around so I'm surprised they haven't volunteered any information in this thread. You may also find searching through some old threads here useful but always double check the latest official immigration rules as they can change.

Although I got married in Norway to a my Russian wife (I'm originally from Wales) one piece of advice is universally applicable; document everything related to your relationship, keep every ticket and receipt and take date stamped photos of the two of you whenever you are together (with each others families too if possible). Oh, and by prepared; however much you think this little process will cost before you are both settled and living a normal life together, double it at least.

Good luck.

[Boethius]

As I recall from some UK posters, it will be easier if you marry in Ukraine.  You need to provide your income level, proof of income, savings, and that you have a place to live.  I think they also may want proof of the relationship - evidence of your trips, correspondence, photos, though that may not be requested.

You may wish to PM wiz, who is from the UK and married a RW.  I don't expect it would be much different for someone from Ukraine.

Good luck.

[wiz]

As I recall from some UK posters, it will be easier if you marry in Ukraine.  You need to provide your income level, proof of income, savings, and that you have a place to live.  I think they also may want proof of the relationship - evidence of your trips, correspondence, photos, though that may not be requested.

You may wish to PM wiz, who is from the UK and married a RW.  I don't expect it would be much different for someone from Ukraine.

Good luck.

Boethius has outlined the basic requirements for a settlement visa to the UK, for your future wife but our Government keeps changing the rules lately tighten up the process and imposing more requirements, like having to past a language test before arriving here for settlement and of course increasing the Fees as from tomorrow!. No it is not an Aprils fool joke!

Of course it's advisable to get married in the Ukraine because firstly your woman will have around her relatives and family but if you wish to marry her in the UK, you will have the need to apply for a Fiancé Visa so she can come to UK to get married.......costs around £600. Marrying her in the Ukraine you will pay £644 for the application for a settlement Visa, which will be valid for 27 months and then you will have to apply for an ILR (indefinite leave to remain) visa (cost today £840).

Important to remember is that you must provide evidence of your income and 6 months Bank Personal statements which will show you have the Finances to support your wife, which of course is not entitled to any Public funds, till she gets her ILR visa. MAKE SURE your bank account is always in the black and you have sufficient money to show for her support. Be aware that the CO do refuse settlement visas. Last year did refuse a visa to somebody I know because his bank account showed one month in the read and took him 6 months of appeals to manage to get her here. BTW he owns 5 houses........

How many times have you met with your Fiance?

Has she ever visited the UK?

Does she speak any passable English?

Make sure you always tell the truth otherwise you may find your self in deep......s.......and be ready to  pay and pay our Government big money!

Just to clarfiy things for you so there is no misunderstanding!

Foreign relationships are expensive and time consuming.
There are no short cuts to any kind of visa.
There are no guarantees.
There are no refunds.
There are very strict rules.
The rules will always be applied.
The rules will change without notice.
The rules will be applied as the visa department sees fit.
The UK visa department is not in the compassion business.
If you try to play or dodge them over, they will mess you over for life.
You will need a fairly large amount of disposable income.
You will need a lot of patience.
You will need a sense of humour.
Navigating the process is akin to driving a milk float through quicksand, blindfold.
You will need as much advice as you can get from those who have been through the process and emerged victorious.

I wish you good luck (you will need it!) and get ready for the ride of your life!

You can always PM me if you wish.

[rambler]

Hi Dazzler,
I am in the process of making the application for my Russian wife. But I was in Kharkov a couple of times as well as Odessa, Kiev and points between.
 
We decided to marry before applying. We got 3 copies of the wedding Certs -translated  to  Russian and English from Czech, (Married in Praha).  I have heard the domestic passport Ovir might not give the Marriage Cert back, so 3 copies ...

That means her domestic passport now needs to be changed to my name (2-4 weeks) in her home town. After that she can get a new international passport in my name and an international driving licence. So that could take another month. Then that passport will have to be submitted with the on-line application. The UK consulate will keep her passport until they grant or refuse the application. That could take five days or six months.

 If you have been overdrawn you will have to show that it was due to spending money on being together, getting married and that it will not be a recurring problem when together. Think Excel cashflow forecasts ...   

If your Fiancée has an international passport already great, if not in can be had from the Ovir in Kharkov for about $150 in about a week or for less in about a month.

The paper immigration forms on the web are no longer accepted but do print one off if you haven't already as it gives nearly all the data required for the on-line version.  For example your Fiancée will need to know about you, your parents, siblings, your earnings, your savings ... etc. Google for VAF4A, which was the right form in my case, but again I stress, no longer accepted in favour of on-line applications only.

I used a company to advise me about the application and I would advise you to take their advice too.  You probably have a problem with the accommodation and the Council Tax. The house will likely be deemed overcrowded and you have to show many papers concerning the lease, permissions and present occupants. I could list everything but it would be a breach of my agreement with Marriage Visa Help .com    Then there is your P60 etc .... 

It costs 600 quid for their services and I know I would never have thought of all the angles they cover. Suffice to say I have 30 files so that should give you an idea.  You can pay 300 now and 300 later.   They will get all the data from you both and check your papers and letters from each of and fill the online form for you.  They will also get you to write letters explaining the relationship and coach you on its content.

So, congratulations and God speed your Visa!

Rambler

[Jazzyclassy]

I am From Russia not Ukraine but I think the experience of getting UK visa is about the same difficult. We got married in Russia and then I got spouse visa without any problems(Though before that he was inviting me to UK for his graduation day and to visit him and I was refused).And at the time we got married and had to apply for wife visa my husband had a good, solid work, he was employed and paid tax, got us a house and showed all those documents to Visa people. It is very important to have all the documents in a right way, this is the clue for getting the visa.Obviously with spouse visa most documents come from a husband, as he is going to provide for his wife and make sure she is not going to be living on the street(potential vagabond).There is a very good agency which helped us with getting all the documents right, but I suppose it covers only Russia, so I am sure you can find some Ukrainian company with the same services, that would be a very good help for you.
Also there are different situations obviously, I heard from my friend about her friends that they were dating, while the guy was in Russia and then they married and in 2 days applied for spouse visa, of course they were refused, because it looked like a fixed marriage and she had never been to UK, so you need to make sure that maybe at least your fiancee can visit UK before your big day , trying to show immigration that you have been dating for quite a while.
Good luck:)

[dazzler]

Just want to say a big thank you to everybody for your help and advice..... I am suffering from information overload at the moment, but certainly when I get more free time I shall be studying everything in more closer detail!  Just to confirm and clarify a few points.

I met Viktoriya July 10th whilst staying in Kharkov for 10 weeks.  This was the first week of my stay and I met Viktoriya through a newspaper ad campaign which was administered by Mila who was fantastic and helped me every step of the way.  I am forever grateful to her!  So we dated for 9 weeks and became closer and closer.  After about 4 weeks (maybe 5) I was exclusively dating Viktoriay although to be fair, there was only ever 1 choice as far as I was concerned.  I just kept my options open so as to be 100% sure.  Since leaving in September, I have made 3 more trips to Kkarkov where I have stayed with Viktoriya (for 2 weeks each time).  Those trips were: November, New year and March.  I will make a 4th trip in 6 more weeks (may 16th). So regular trips for sure!

As for my job, I am a self employed taxi driver (Private Hire Driver to be exact) and work on a self employed basis.  That means I am responsible for submitting my tax records etc and have just payed my 1st tax bil recenlty.  I also pay NI contribution so everything is above board!  My earnings are good (at least average wage), but I work 7 days a week (70-80 hours) to achieve this.  I set up a business account about 3 months ago and have kept all my bank statements.  Everything seems OK on this score.  To be continued.....

[dazzler]

Now.... because of the expenses of this adventure I ahve embarked on nearly 4 years ago now, I have had to cut my cloth accordingly and therefore, I have been staying with a friend or typically renting 1 room etc.  Since November last year I moved to another house share situation.  There are 4 Malaysian people in this house in 3 rooms and I am in the other room.  It iks callsed as a student house and that is so the people living here do not have to pay Council Tax.  Naughty, but many people in UK today do this to avoid paying Council Tax!!  I would obviously prefer to pay council tax because Im an honest law abiding citizen, but.... in light of all the expenses that this adventure has cost me over the past 3 and half years and future expenses, I have obviously found the situation favourable.... however.... I now suspect that I will need to rent aqn apartment/house that will be "suitable accommodation" as I believe it is worded.  That would mean submitting tenancy agreement and council tax forms to show I pay it??  Can anyone confirm this??  In other words, it will be no good renting another room in a house share even with official tenancy agreement etc, as this will likely NOT be classed as "suitable accommodation"   Hmmm.. In which case I will need to find somewhere just before Viktoriya makes the VISA application to the VAC.  Am I right??  I think maybe, but I need to be sure because obviously I need to plan ahead. 

In a nutshell, I need to read all the information given, study it and study the websites.  Yes.... maybe it is wise to use that company that advises on these issues and hopefully everyhting will be OK in the end.  I am quite overwhelmed by it all and very anxious and nervous to be honest. 

[Jazzyclassy]

I do not want to give any false information, but as how I understood it is required for you to rent a house or an apartment just before your fiancee/wife arrives, that  shows you both will have a place to live in.And yes my husband submitted the official tenancy agreement to the immigration, so I suppose yes you do need to have a separate place to live in with all the documents, for your future wife to come and live there with you.
It is very nice that you have a stable income and you are submitting your own tax form to the officials.
It will be very useful to find Ukraine based company which deals with helping to get visas to the Uk, as they will have all the necessary information required for you!

[rambler]

Regarding your accommodation you need:

Paid council tax bill- probably single occupancy rate
Tennancy agreement
Landlords permission for your wife to join you and be jointly liable for the rent
Declaration from landlord regarding number of tenants in the same accommodation
Description of the size and layout of the accommodation
cash flow forecast month by month for next 12 months- detailed.

Download the pdf of the spouse visa form to see more questions you now have to answer online

R

[sjg-uk]

I am a few months ahead of you on this task. We married in Kharkov and I have applied to VFS Global via British Embassy in Kiev for  EEA National VISA. Here are some of the links I used;
http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf18eeaswissnationals#Q10
http://www.tryukraine.com/info/visas.shtml
http://ukraine.embassyhomepage.com/ukrainian_visa_information_ukraine_visa_service_cheap_flights_ukraine_hotels_kyiv_travel_insurance_ukraine_embassy_london.htm

[sjg-uk]

Well Visa applications just come back - REFUSED !
EEA is not correct - as I have just found out , Britain is not classed as in EU, well not as Visas are concerned. The VFS Global wesite is not clear. I thought I was a member of EEA country , but no !
I am British and my wife is ukrainian, so we have to apply for Visitor Visa. All very confusing , I think its to keep numbers low. I have a English friend here and his wife was also refused a visitor visa to UK . last November.
I have reapplied this week, will update asap.

[Shadow]

Just to clarify on the post of Simon:

The rules on EEA citizenship are applicalbe. However every member state can require other and additional rules from their own members.
To make it clear: As Simon is British, if he applies in the UK then the UK citizens rules are preferent over the EEA rules. If Simon would not be British but French, he could apply under the EEA rules.

Off-topic : Jazzyclassy, I thought you were living in Germany ? What is with the UK ?

[Ade]

Just to clarify on the post of Simon:

The rules on EEA citizenship are applicalbe. However every member state can require other and additional rules from their own members.
To make it clear: As Simon is British, if he applies in the UK then the UK citizens rules are preferent over the EEA rules. If Simon would not be British but French, he could apply under the EEA rules.

Off-topic : Jazzyclassy, I thought you were living in Germany ? What is with the UK ?

As far as I understand the EEA rules, you can only use them to bring your wife to your own country if you've been living abroad for a significant time - like moby did after he'd been living in Cyprus and brought his wife back to the UK. As I found out with my wife though, EEA visas are not necessarily the best long term solution; for instance, if I'd used them to bring my wife to Norway she'd have lost her right to the 1 years worth of free Norwegian courses that other immigrants get and her right to stay in Norway would be bound to my visa.

The UK is a PITA. We want to go there in the summer and we have to apply for a visitors visa for my wife which will necessitate finger printing in Oslo for crying out loud.

Edit: I see now that the rules say explicitly that you have to be living in an EEA state before you move back to the UK to take advantage of these EEA rules so moving back from the FSU will not count. A little bizarre if you ask me.

[Shadow]

As far as I understand the EEA rules, you can only use them to bring your wife to your own country if you've been living abroad for a significant time - like moby did after he'd been living in Cyprus and brought his wife back to the UK. As I found out with my wife though, EEA visas are not necessarily the best long term solution; for instance, if I'd used them to bring my wife to Norway she'd have lost her right to the 1 years worth of free Norwegian courses that other immigrants get and her right to stay in Norway would be bound to my visa.

The UK is a PITA. We want to go there in the summer and we have to apply for a visitors visa for my wife which will necessitate finger printing in Oslo for crying out loud.

Edit: I see now that the rules say explicitly that you have to be living in an EEA state before you move back to the UK to take advantage of these EEA rules so moving back from the FSU will not count. A little bizarre if you ask me.

Moving back from outside the EEA has different rules. And also egarding the immigration every country is different. For Belgium there is no obligation, but still the right to follow free courses.

[Jazzyclassy]

Off-topic : Jazzyclassy, I thought you were living in Germany ? What is with the UK ?

  I never lived in Germany, never even been there, I moved to the UK as my husband is British.

[Ade]

My wife and I just completed in the online form for her visa application to the UK and I have to say that it's the most bizarre and idiotic application I've ever had the displeasure to fill in. I mean seriously, wft is the point of questions like, "Are you a war criminal?"  and "Are you a terrorist?" There are other silly things in there too including at least one misspelling/grammatical error ( what a good example as home of the English language) not to mention inconsistent and redundant questions. Admittedly, this a general questionnaire for all EEA citizens but why, oh why don't they just have a simple one for us ex-pats bringing our wives back which is our right regardless of 90% of the answers to the question in there?  

And they say it's free; I guess they don't count the time off and travelling expenses to Oslo so they can fingerprint her.

[inlove2012]

Hello all first wanna start by saying this is a great forum and any advice ppl can give me i will be very thankful and special thanks to dazzler for sharing ur story and i wish u all the best for the future

My story is

I am from the uk and me and my fiance have been dating for 3 years now in the uk but not living together. he is on a work permit and has been getting it renewed every year and last year they change the rules so he must go back to change it on his current visa he has 2 months left we decided the time is right in our life to get marryed also he  speaks almost perfect english and we have just moved in together in a shared house we have a big room and there is 2 other ppl living in the house that are my closed friends.

so i wanted to know whats the best thing to do marry in the uk or go ukraine ???
and were already living together and him being in the uk for 3 years help our situation ??
what things do we need to prove and if we get marryied in ukraine what will i need how long can it take to get a visa for him to come back ?

thanks in advance for advice