Second Student Visa Rejected?

[Wanderer]

GF is Russian and a student. To cut a long story short the (Russian) student Education acency that arranged her visa for a course last year said she could come again on a similar or advanced course and this time no horrendous visa interview requried as it was group tour.

Great we though, might as well while we think about long term student visa or spouse visa or fiancee visa or God know what. Lemme say at this point we have no intention of marrying on this visa. If we did we'd get the proper visa. Anyway this ed agency have been doing this a long time so we go with them. However....

She got a call from the consulate saying she would be required for interview. We dunno why.

But we think it could be cos last time, although the course is a short one, she stayed here for three months. Visa was a six month one so she hasn't overstayed.

Although UK doesn't record exits from country we are assuming Russian Customs records u coming in?

Any idea how to circumnavigate this? She's 22, and has a US and UK visa in her passport and has overstayed neither. She's provided all the usual docs the Consulate wants, as per last time, ties to her flat she owns, job she has, one more year at uni still still needs to attend, etc....

Needless to say, she's got the willies.

I think she should say she met some russian friends in London as stayed with them? I dunno - I know she should not admit the me being in the picture or the Consulate will assume marraige.

Thanks

Steve

[John]

Steve, so notwithstanding the heading you have put on this topic the visa has not actually been rejected? Right? You just suspect that it might be? Simply because she has been called for interview.

It is not clear how long a student visa she is applying for? The length of her intended course? Which is what by the way?

[Kayalami]

Answer this and I'll let you know why ECO wants an interview.

1. What course is it?

2. Where - institution?

3. Duration?

4. Why the UK and not in Russia if offered there?

5. Cost?

6. Who is funding?

7. Source of funding in 6?

7. If 6 not immediate family who?

8. From 7 why?

9. From 8 source of funding?

10. Where will she stay?

11. How will 10 be paid?

12. If friends what are they doing in UK?

13. Do they have evidence of their immigration status and ability (to include authority) to provide said accomodation?

[Wanderer]

Yes sorry - I'm in panic mode! I'll clarify.....

No, visa has not been rejected, maybe we are worrying too much, but they've obviously spotted sth needing clarification otherwise they would have 'rubber stamped' it like the others on the 'group' as they call it.

The visa is a six month one, course is the usual two weeks or so.

To Kyalami:

1. What course is it?

Anvanced english - last year she did intermediate at same place

2. Where - institution?

London - Stanton School

3. Duration?

Not sure but prolly two weeks

4. Why the UK and not in Russia if offered there?

Native english

5. Cost?

£200 for course - total inc everything flights etc £600. Because this is a 'group' was a lot cheaper.

6. Who is funding?

Herself

7. Source of funding in 6?

Her own income froom work and Family

7. If 6 not immediate family who?

n/a

8. From 7 why?

n/a

9. From 8 source of funding?

n/a

10. Where will she stay?

In student dorm, West London

11. How will 10 be paid?

By her

12. If friends what are they doing in UK?

n/a

13. Do they have evidence of their immigration status and ability (to include authority) to provide said accomodation?

n/a


This is exactly same school as last year, more advanced course. The same information/docs have been provided to consulate as last time except we r missing the certificate she got last time - it's being faxed over now.

She did have interview last time too but we were advised this time she wouldn't. Interview was ok she said but in front of everyone, personal questions, and very snotty attiude. This is Ekaterinburg consulate.

Hope this help you help me!

cheers

Steve

[Kayalami]

Pros

1. College on DFES register as per new Home Office requirements.

2. She went home after her course last time and did not overstay her visa.

Cons

1. The outlay for a 2 week trip is on the high side.

2. She was here for 3 months last time given the course was for 2 weeks - what did she do the rest of the time?

Summary

I expect the ECO to enquire why she deems it necessary to travel all the way to the UK for a 2 week english course given the outlay and potential limited benefits thereof. I have personally undertaken extensive language training and two weeks is barely a scratch. This further in light of the short term 'language' student category being of highest target for abuse (into employment) as per HO policy (this from a reliable source). She should have a solid explanation for this to include what her plans are in Russia upon return and whether they are feasible. Would she be on a summer break from uni?

[Wanderer]

Pros

1. College on DFES register as per new Home Office requirements.

2. She went home after her course last time and did not overstay her visa.

Cons

1. The outlay for a 2 week trip is on the high side.

2. She was here for 3 months last time given the course was for 2 weeks - what did she do the rest of the time?

Steve> Reality here was she was visiting me. but we can't admit to that can we? How can we best answer this?


Summary

I expect the ECO to enquire why she deems it necessary to travel all the way to the UK for a 2 week english course given the outlay and potential limited benefits thereof. I have personally undertaken extensive language training and two weeks is barely a scratch. This further in light of the short term 'language' student category being of highest target for abuse (into employment) as per HO policy (this from a reliable source). She should have a solid explanation for this to include what her plans are in Russia upon return and whether they are feasible. Would she be on a summer break from uni?

Steve> She's is on summer break from Uni, back in september. She's studying English Language and to be honest her English is very very good. However, and this is the truth, she wants to improve her pronounciation and diction, and tune to UK accents and dialect. She has one year left on her degree. She also works as an English teacher and does translation work and interpeting so she's not penniless.

So we should emphasise her future in russia (to be honest again I would love to move there with her - I love the place and spk ok russian), the fact she wants to perfect her accent and diction, she has a life in russia to return to, and the fact she has been abroad and never overstayed?

The irony of all this parlarver is we are trying to AVOID being forced into marriage for a visa, and it seems if you lie to EO u will be denied, if u tell the whole honest truth you will be denied, so u have to tread this neary line or just rush into a marriage.

Sorry, I'm a bit fraught!

Steve, already planning on selling up and moving to russia cos I'm panicking!......

[John]

Steve, are you making this overly complicated? Why doesn't she just apply for a visitor's visa?

It seems to me that should be granted given the good "reason to return" evidence you have listed.

[Wanderer]

We thought about that but I have heard so many horror stories. Plus I would most likely have to be her 'sponsor' which would mean possibly admitting to a relationship and more intrusive questioning from the consulate. It's all anecdotal but all the Russian tourist visa to UK stories we've heard have been nightmarish.

This situation arose by chance, we felt the 'no interview required' made this a no brainer but it's all going pear-shaped! The attraction of no interview!!

How would it look if we applied for tourist visa soon after a student one?

Steve

[Kayalami]

Steve,

Position more clearer with details of her study and financial aspects. With respect to John it is best to stick to the student visa that has been applied for which is the better option in the circumstances you describe. Do not change your application to a visitor one - it will only raise flags.

I see no problems with the visa being granted subject to your g/f emphasising the diction aspects as clearly as possible. She needs to explain how such can be achieved in 2 weeks - I'm not a linguist so I'm not sure how this is best handled. Likewise she msut have a concrete plan on her return which the course more or less takes care of - has she enrolled in her uni back home?

In regards to her previous stay she can state that she decided to undertake some tourist activities in support of her educational development. If her funding back then was o.k. then ECO will be satisifed she did not work illegally. It is best to overprepare than under prepare.

Good luck

[Wanderer]

Steve,

Position more clearer with details of her study and financial aspects. With respect to John it is best to stick to the student visa that has been applied for which is the better option in the circumstances you describe. Do not change your application to a visitor one - it will only raise flags.

I see no problems with the visa being granted subject to your g/f emphasising the diction aspects as clearly as possible. She needs to explain how such can be achieved in 2 weeks - I'm not a linguist so I'm not sure how this is best handled. Likewise she msut have a concrete plan on her return which the course more or less takes care of - has she enrolled in her uni back home?

In regards to her previous stay she can state that she decided to undertake some tourist activities in support of her educational development. If her funding back then was o.k. then ECO will be satisifed she did not work illegally. It is best to overprepare than under prepare.

Good luck

Thanks mate - I'll pass on to her. Wish I could do the interview for her! I is true re diction etc, although her English is really good - we found to hard to speak initially because Soviet English is not Real English. So few native speakers go to her part of the World.

Yes she has re-enrolled at uni - we provided the document from uni to the consulate. Funnily enough the uni wouldn't give it to us - insisted they were 'closed' (this is Russia remember!) but we persisted and got it. Nearly gave up tho - might turn out to be the most important document!

We also have a letter from her employer, and companies she does work for. And the deeds to her flat.

Another thing is the peolpe in Student Travel Agency in Russia have told her not to admit to having 'friends' in the UK. Over cautious? Perhaps they mean romantic interest friends ie me?

If the ECO when she intends to leave after the course what should she say? Immediately or shortly after, or admit to visiting a few friends? Terrible u have to second guess so much....

Thanks for the help, can you sense me calming down now!?

Steve

[Kayalami]

If the ECO when she intends to leave after the course what should she say? Immediately or shortly after, or admit to visiting a few friends? Terrible u have to second guess so much....

I would anticipate the ECO not to expect her to return a day after her course ends but of course a realistic timeline IMHO no more than the proportion of her study = 2 extra weeks and at max 1 month after. ECO may ask for travel itinerary to show this matches given dates.

Thanks for the help, can you sense me calming down now!?

Indeed. Hope John and I have been of some help - we do place advance bookings on any wedding cake (J sorry if got into your thread )

[Wanderer]

One more question guys - the ECO, which I presume is Entry Clearance Officer, is he the guy who says yay or nay at the consulate in E-burg or the guy who checks the docs at the airport here?

My g/f got the grilling at the eburg consulate - nothing at all at Heathrow.

Are we talking about the same thing here?

Sorry for any confusion!

Steve

PS reread the thread - I thnk we must mean the same guy - the one at the Eburg consulate!

[Wanderer]

Just got news, she had the interview and they are gonna give her a 'restricted visa' for the two week period of the course. Great, two bloody weeks, they mustn't have liked her staying on last time. Can we extend the visa in country if we find another course - with it being two weeks doesn't leave much time.

Anyone know what this is? I thought all visas where six month min?

Steve

[John]

Steve, what do you expect? She applied for a student visa to come to the UK and study for two weeks.

It might have been more honest for her to apply for a tourist visa and admit she was really coming to see you.

Extend in the UK? You mean the length of her course might get extended?

With respect to John it is best to stick to the student visa that has been applied for which is the better option in the circumstances you describe. Do not change your application to a visitor one - it will only raise flags.

Sorry, yes, I agree. Just a shame that the application was not for a visitor's visa rather than a student one.

[Wanderer]

Well to be honest same as last year - 6 month!

But I see ur point.

But If I become her sponsor for tourist visa, romantic interest is suspected and no visa!

So, looks like either split up, forced marriage or relocate to russia for a while!

Thanks guys anyway.

Steve