Visitors Entry Clearance for UK help

[mrmojo]

Hello all,

Was wondering if you could be as kind as to share your wisdom with me on Visiting Visas. Basically, my girlfriend would like to visit me from the US for say 3 months. We are planning to apply for entry clearance to avoid hassles she got at the airport last time.

I will be sponsoring her, and paying for everything as she has no money, she can live with me in my rented accommodation (rent free of course). She is currently out of work. Would she be in a better position if she had a job over there first? She would have to leave the job if she came for that long though? She can prove she has family ties at home if that supports the application.

Also about the process of applying. Am I right in saying, we apply online which books an appointment for biometric scan, at the appointment she will need to take both documents to be processed? Then we wait? Will she be interviewed there also?

Sorry for all the questions, they really dont make it an easy read on the official websites

Thanks in advance

[vinny]

Similar to visitors to the USA, she should show strong ties to her home country.

[ElenaW]

Maybe she can join a college course or something?

It wouldn't really help having a job if she's just going to quit when she goes to visit you for 3 months. As she would need a letter from her employer stating that she is expected to be back.

Only thing else I can think of is getting a job and then cutting the visit shorter. I know that sucks but it's better than getting refused.

[mrmojo]

What kind of strong ties? She's hot plenty of family there, her sister is also due a baby which she will return in time for. She can provide evidence for this. Not sure what else she csn provide evidence for... Suppose she lives with her parents.

Also about money, I'm not a big earner, no savings, but I have a guaranteed wage every month. Is there a set amount they wish you to have to support somebody?

[mrmojo]

Oh and college courses seem expensive at the moment. She really just wants to visit, even for a month. Think were gonna try for it anyway.

Oh and about the application. We don't plan to book tickets until after we get an approval is this a good way to do it? We can give estimated dates? Seems like an awful waste of money if its refused. And do you have any idea about the process of applying as mentioned above?

Thank you very much (again).