General Visitors Visa for Girlfriend Advice

[Phillip999]

Hey

Last year I was volunteering in South Africa for 9 months were I met and starting going out with from girlfriend there. She is Zimbabwean but has temporary residency in South Africa with her family.

We were thinking about her coming during her winter break at University for her to visit me and see what life in like in England. We are planning to get married in a few years time once we are fully qualified.

I have seen the template on this site for a sponsor invitation letter but was wondering how to word it concerning my situation. My fear is that because I will fully funding the trip, accommodation, flights, visa etc as she has little money that may see this as either something illegal or that we were planning to get married once she enters.

She has no relatives in the UK and her main reason for coming is to visit me. I easily have more than enough money in savings to fully sponsor all costs and currently work as a waiter.

It seems crazy how complicated it is simply for someone to come over for a 3 week holiday!

My questions therefore are:

1. Do we need to have provide proof of our relationship?
2. Other than her continuing her studies do we need more prove that she will return especially considering she is my girlfriend.
3. I am currently living with my mum. Would she need to sign somr sort of declaration that my girlfriend is able to live at her house?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Phillip999]

Any advice?

[MPH80]

1. It will help
2. It will help yes - show how settled her family are
3. Yes - she should write a letter confirming it's OK. She should also provide proof she's living there - e.g. tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.

Other notes - if you're going to be providing financial assistance - make sure you're sending bank statements clearly showing how much you have available. They should be originals - internet print outs shouldn't be used.

You should both writing covering letters which explain your situations clearly, especially her reasons for returning - and make sure whatever you assert in your letters is accompanied by proof.