returning passport and using tourist visa while waiting for decision

[andrewbarrett83]

Hi,

We applied for a spouse visa in China for my Chinese wife last week. As it seems the decision process can take 2-3 months can she request for her passport back from VFS and use her UK tourist visa which still has 1 year remaining to visit me in the UK? If so will this affect her application? And when her visa is granted does she need to go back to China for the visa or can she get the visa in the UK?

Many thanks,

Andy

[Casa]

If your wife requests the return of her passport the application will be considered as withdrawn. She is also unlikely to be permitted entry as a visitor by UK Border Control, due to her prior intention to settle which will be flagged on the UKVI system.

Visitors are unable to switch to any other visa category while in the UK as a visitor.

You'll just have to wait for the decision on her settlement application.

[andrewbarrett83]

Thanks Casa. Not what I wanted to hear but thanks for your response.