General visit visa, invitation letter need advice! Anyone?

[Andrex3]

Hello one and all and thank you for reading!

I am inviting a Russian Girlfriend to stay with me this summer. It is very important to me for her to visit me so that we can get to know each other better. I have already visited her in Russia, and in order to strengthen her application we have also recently spent a week in Paris together, so that she has travel history in Europe. Being aware that any romantic intent will almost certainly result in refusal of a visa, I have written the invitation letter to ensure that this does not appear to be the case, although also strictly making sure that no lies are told, as I am aware of the possible ramifications should a lie be discovered.

I am separated - my Ukrainian Wife of 8 years has left me for another man. However we are technically still married and on amicable terms. With her agreement, I have written an invitation letter on behalf of both of us, including a copy of her passport - she is a British Passport holder, the stated reason for my G/F visit is that she is a friend and is coming to help look after my 7 year old daughter during her stay. It is also mentioned that it will help improve her English which is to benifit her as she is studying Law, and my G/F will supply details of her course which she must Return back to Russia in order to complete. All of the above is 100% true.

I am hoping that I have covered everything - good reasons for her to come, good reasons for her to go, and as a husband and wife are inviting, no suspicion of romantic intent (hopefully!!).

So what are our chances of success? Anything else I can do to improve the chances?

[Andrex3]

In addition, I have also filled in the sponsorship undertaking form SU07/01, although I am not sure if it is necessary for a general visit visa, I do not see that it will do any harm. But I need to know who signs the certificate that goes with it - do I have to get it signed by an official in the UK, and if so who and where? or can it be signed by an official in Russia?

[Andrex3]

I have all the documents ready to go, would like to get it in the post tomorrow!

[bani]

A sponsorship letter is good, I don't think you should mention that she will help look after your daughter. It makes it sound like you are going to hire her as a nanny, which they have a specific visa for and strict rules for. The other parts of the letter (her being a friend of the family, visiting to improve her English) are good.

Good luck.

[Andrex3]

Many thanks, letter edited to say that she is to meet our daughter rather than specifically look after her.