UK Visit Visa For Chinese Partner Finally Approved!

[jimjim]

Having been rejected twice over the years I can understand the struggle getting a visa for your partner can be. It can be a stressful process especially since your intentions are genuine although no one seems to believe you.

The third time we got lucky. Below is an account of our experiences. It is hoped that perhaps it may benefit others in their future applications.

UK citizen living in China (Zhuhai), wishing to take his Chinese female partner / wife with him for travel to the UK.

Application for Visit Visa no. 1 (2015)

Read through the UK Embassy website detailing the requirements and it seemed pretty straight forward. Applied online and submitted relevant documents including sponsorship letter from myself stating that I will cover all costs with supporting bank statement records.

Result - Rejected by the visa office:

“...I am not satisfied that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor, or that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit…I am not satisfies that you will be able to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately in the UK, or that you have sufficient funds to meet the cost of your proposed visit…”

I think bottom line was that my partner did not have a lot of financial assets (house, car, capital in the bank etc) and therefore this was the main cause of being visa rejected.

She had to rely solely on me to cover her costs although my sponsorship letter stating that I would cover all her expense didn’t seem to have much weight.

Application for Visit Visa no. 2 (2017)

This time we did more research on the issue. Asked a few agencies in China and found a specialized agency online in Guangzhou. The agency charges a fee (about 500 RMB) and provides advice, document translation and will book the appointment online for you.

This submission was similar to the first time but more detailed. We provided bank statements, employment letters, financial sponsorship letter and letters from family members in the UK indicating where we would be staying along with home ownership property documents.

Also a months ago we registered our marriage (in Hong Kong) so we also provided relevant documents. Verbally, many agencies have advised that being married greatly increases the chances of getting a visa for your spouse as opposed to just a partner.

Result - Rejected by the visa office. Similar reasons to the first time. Again I think the financial assets were the issue.

“…your spouse will fund the costs of your visit…however I must take into account your personal and economic circumstances.…it is your responsibility to demonstrate that your personal circumstances in China are such that if granted leave to enter…, you will leave the UK on completion of the proposed visit….I am not satisfied that you have submitted documents to demonstrate your employment or income as you claim…I am not satisfied that your circumstances are as claimed..I am therefore not satisfied that you are a genuine visitor and will leave the UK at the end of your visit”

Application for Visit Visa no. 3 (2017)

Immediately after the rejection we tried one last desperate attempt. After more online research we found another specialized agency in Beijing which seems to competent. They charged a much higher premium for their service (about 4000 RMB) although apparently they specialized in getting visa for those with difficulties.

We went through a similar application as attempt no 2. The agency provided some additional information, notably hotel bookings, flight confirmations and a travel agency letter detailing the trip and itinerary.

RESULT - WE GOT OUR VISA!

I don’t know why, maybe it was the additional information, maybe we just got lucky or maybe the costly agency had some special method or “relationship” to get the desired results.

Either way, count your blessings and those still struggling, do not despair, there is always hope to be found.

Best of luck to all of you.