Should my girlfriend mention me on her application/interview

[sambessey]

Hi

My girlfriend is in Brazil and is currently completing an application for a UK student visa.

We have been together nearly a year now (Living in Spain for most of the time where she was a student), and were wondering:

Is it going to help or hinder her case if she mentions me during her application/ interview? I suppose we are wondering if the authorities might take the view that I am going to assist her in 'disappearing' into society and becoming illegal once she gets here (Which is most definitely NOT the case)

On the other hand, we can see how it might help, as it shows evidence that she is coming here for genuine reasons (I suppose).

I am a degree educated 25 Y/O with a well paid professional job if it makes any difference as to whether she should mention me.

She is aiming to submit the application tomorrow (We already have the LOA from her educational institution, etc), so would appreciate any quick replies

Thanks

[Christophe]

I don't know, but it would seem to me that mentioning you might make it seem more likely to the entry clearance officer that she will try to stay (legally or otherwise) in the UK at the end of her studies.

Generally, in straightforward cases, I think it's best to adopt the approach that if information is not asked for then don't give it. (If she were asked, for example, if she knows anyone in the UK, then of course she shouldn't lie about it.)

Others might have a different view...

[Cosmopol]

I would certainly agree with the above. If she is applying for a student visa, she either has a case for it (i.e., all the necesary admission papers from an approved institution) or doesn't. In either case having mentioned a boyfriend or a relative or a bunch of friends will not help, but might simply alert the ECO as to the real reasons she is coming (+ the likelihood of subsequent departure - or lack of such).

[sambessey]

So she got the following email today:

Your visa application has been been issued. Your application will be sent to our commercial partner, WorldBridge for collection by you (or delivery if you have paid for this option).

Does this mean her application was successful? (going by the word issued)

Thanks

[Christophe]

sambessey, I think that means that the application has been successful and the visa issued. (The wording is stupid.) Let us know, though...

[joe777]

but if she applies for another visa, and mentions you then, and that she knew you before she was granted her visa and failed to mention it, it could be used as reason to refuse her a future visa..

[sambessey]

Why? She was never asked if she knew anyone in the Uk at any stage.. If she had lied it would have been different.....

[Christophe]

but if she applies for another visa, and mentions you then, and that she knew you before she was granted her visa and failed to mention it, it could be used as reason to refuse her a future visa..

Unlikely, I think, unless she lied in some way either on her application form or in an interview.

[sambessey]

Well she got confirmation today- her visa has been granted!

[Christophe]

Well she got confirmation today- her visa has been granted!

You must be pleased.

Now we can just hope that the people in Brazil sort out the wording of their "your application has been successful" letter...

[luor]

Hi sambessey, congrates for the outcome My Brazilian girlfriend is also applying for the student visa at the end of this month. We have an English course booked and return ticket booked.

I too am wondering whether the mentioning of our relationship in my accommodation/sponsor letter will be counter-productive. So, in the end did you mention it? I would like to be as honest as possible and our plans do involve her returning at the end of the 1 year, but will the HO take us the wrong way? Please advise with any of your experiences. Many thanks