UK Visa Application for Filipinos

Your Ultimate Guide to UK Visa Application for Filipinos

Hey there, fellow Wander Junkies! 🌍 Dreaming of exploring the charming streets of London, soaking in the history of Edinburgh, or catching a football match in Manchester? I travelled to the UK twice last year on a Short Term Standard Visitor Visa. The UK is calling, and we’re here to help you answer that call with a smooth visa application process. Let’s dive in!

1. Choose Your Adventure: What Type of Visa Do You Need?

First things first, figure out which visa suits your travel plans. Here are the most common types:

• Standard Visitor Visa: Perfect for holidays, visiting friends and family, short-term studies, business trips, or even private medical treatment. You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. We chose this visa-type as we are travelling as a family and we are visiting my sister who lives there.
• Student Visa: Heading to the UK for your studies? You’ll need this visa if you’re enrolled at a licensed college or university.
• Work Visa: Got a job offer in the UK? There are various work visas depending on your skills, qualifications, and sponsorship.
• Family Visa: Joining your spouse, partner, or family member who’s settled in the UK? This is the visa for you.

2. Get Your Docs in a Row

Next up, gather all the necessary documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
   • Current Passport:
     • Copies of the Bio page, Travel Stamps and valid and expired Visas
   • Copies of old passport with Travel Stamps and valid and expired Visas
2. Visa Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately. This will be part of the Visa Application Form, so ensure that you have your 10-year travel history ready when you’re filling out the form.
3. Proof of Financial Capacity: Show that you can support yourself during your stay.
   • Bank Certificates with 6-mos ADB
   • Bank SOA for 6-mos
   • Property Titles (proof of ownership)
4. Travel Itinerary: Provide details of your travel plans, including accommodation and contact info in the UK. 
5. Supporting Documents: Depending on your visa type, you might need an invitation letter, proof of enrollment, or an employment contract.
   1. Employment Evidence
      
      • 6-mos Payslips
      • Certificate of Employment
      • BIR 2316
      • No Objection Letter/Leave of Absence – provided and signed by the HR of your company
   2. Proof of Relationships – As a travelling family, we need to ensure there’s proof of that.
      • Birth Certificates for all applicants including the sponsor.
      • Marriage Certificates for my parents
   3. Sponsorship Documents – Since we were travelling as a family under my sister’s invitation, we provided these additional documents:
      • Sponsor’s Invitation Letter – which states that we are invited to the UK and she will partially sponsor our trip and provide our accommodation.
      • Sponsor’s COE
      • Sponsor’s Bank Statement of Accounts
      • Copy of Sponsor’s Passport Bio page
      • Birth Certificate

3. Submit Your Application

Ready to roll? Follow these steps to submit your application:

• Online Registration: Register on the UK visa application website and complete the online form.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required fee online.
• Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest UK Visa Application Centre to submit your documents and biometric information. We booked at our appointment at VFS Global. They are located at Shangri-La at The Fort BGC.

4. Ace Your Appointment

The VFS staff will inquire about the key details of your application, such as your travel purpose, itinerary, intended duration of stay, and personal background.

On the day of your appointment:

• Bring All Documents: Have all required documents, including your appointment confirmation.
• Biometric Information: Provide your fingerprints and photograph at the Visa Application Centre.

5. The Waiting Game

After your appointment, your application will be processed. The waiting time can vary, but you’ll typically get a decision within a few weeks. You can track your application status online. In our experience, we got our results in less than 10-days. 

6. Celebrate Your Visa Approval

If your application is approved, you’ll receive your visa vignette in your passport. Check the details carefully to ensure everything is correct.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Application

• Be Honest and Accurate: Provide truthful and accurate information in your application.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Double-check all documents to ensure they meet the requirements.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about any part of the application, consider consulting a visa expert or legal advisor.

Travel Tips for Your UK Adventure

Now that you’re all set with your visa, here are some handy travel tips to make your UK trip even more enjoyable:

• Pack for All Weather: The UK is known for its unpredictable weather. Even in summer, it’s wise to pack a jacket and check the weather forecast regularly. We went during the summer and it was very cold!
• Mind the Queues: Brits are serious about queuing. Always wait your turn and be polite in lines.
• Train Travel: Train prices can be steep, so book in advance for the best rates. Alternatively, consider coaches like National Express or Megabus for cheaper travel options.
• Currency and Power: The UK uses Pound Sterling (GBP) and has 230V AC electricity with three rectangular prongs. Bring a universal travel adaptor to keep your gadgets charged.
• Explore Beyond London: While London is a must-see, don’t miss out on other gems like Edinburgh, the Lake District, and the Welsh countryside. We stayed in Cornwall for 4-days to explore the countryside. It was gorgeous there!
• Local Etiquette: Engage in small talk about the weather—it’s a national pastime! Also, be mindful of local customs and manners.
• Safety First: The UK is generally safe, but stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. My anxiety was very high in London, so before the trip, I bought phone cords to ensure ours is tethered to our bodies for safety.

Embarking on your UK adventure is super exciting! With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can navigate the visa application process with ease. Pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Safe travels! ✈️