| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. 09:52 - Oct 18 with 15490 views | BlindOptimism |
My girlfriend is Taiwanese. She lives in Taiwan, and was visiting the country for the first time, for a holiday, and to see me. Her plane landed at 4:30pm on Wednesday. After 11 hours of almost silence, aside from being asked a couple of questions about her on the phone, I was informed she had been denied entry into the country. I asked what the reason for her denial was, and they told me they couldn’t say, only that they have “criteria” and she didn’t match it.
1. She has all her documentation, including Passport and a signed “invitation” letter from me inviting her to stay at my home during her trip.
2. We have proof of our entirety of our relationship, from the moment we met, years of communication and photos of us together from my trip to Taiwan to see her.
3. We have proof that she would be staying at my home – a four bedroom house with mortgage fully paid off.
4. We have proof of my finances and that I would be sponsoring her entire stay. I am employed with regular income. I have 6-figure savings.
5. Our stories will have fully corroborated, as her visit was entirely genuine and legitimate.
After a 14 hour flight here, she now has 48 hours to sit in a an immigration centre, alone, before another 14-hour flight home. I was able to speak to her on the phone briefly at around midnight, and all she could do was cry.
I am crippled with despair for her. She hasn’t done anything wrong. We met all the publicly available criteria that we were able to find. How can we comply if they can’t tell us the reason for her denial? |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:04 - Oct 18 with 3540 views | BlindOptimism |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:02 - Oct 18 by stickymockwell |
Blinders. You're mortgage free, cash rich, support Town and fooking lazy. I think I'm in love.
I have enough children!
When do I move in? |
You can move in rent-free at the same time she does. Then we can all be happy. | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:07 - Oct 18 with 3534 views | BlindOptimism |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:04 - Oct 18 by ElderGrizzly |
On an initial visit, no matter the supporting evidence, they might view 6 months as too long.
There is so much leeway though in the interpretation of rules, that it can be one person's view on yes/no. |
Yes. In hindsight, it was a huge mistake planning such a long visit. I wish we had planned a shorter trip first. We were naive, but we didn't know any better. We just followed the rules as we understood them. | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:12 - Oct 18 with 3521 views | Ryorry |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 12:58 - Oct 18 by BlindOptimism |
To be honest, my primary feelings aren't about getting her here anymore, or what happens in the future. Right now, I'm just desperate for her to be okay. It seems like I might not hear from her until Saturday or Sunday, and it's eating away at me already. |
Fwiw - An elderly friend of mine in London was in a l-t relationship with a Philippines lass* and had similar problems - this was the 1980s. She was eventually given permission to come over, after a while they got married & spent many happy years together (until, sadly, he passed away a few years back).
*Tess, if by some weird coincidence you're reading this  , sorry to have lost touch, just PM me! |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:17 - Oct 18 with 3509 views | FrimleyBlue |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 10:22 - Oct 18 by BlindOptimism |
They did ring me a couple of times to corroborate our story. I told them everything, genuinely and honestly. Long term, long distance relationship, coming to UK for the first time, the address where she'd be staying, my financial situation, etc. I just don't understand how they can have all that information and still decline. |
Out of interest, did you meet online or over there? Just wandering if you'd been over there prior if that would had helped..
Also, please don't take offence, but with how easy it is from some to come into the UK, there must have been a reason for her to be declined, I know you said both stories would have been accurate, but maybe (and sorry to say) but maybe hers was different? |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:33 - Oct 18 with 3466 views | Ryorry |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:17 - Oct 18 by FrimleyBlue |
Out of interest, did you meet online or over there? Just wandering if you'd been over there prior if that would had helped..
Also, please don't take offence, but with how easy it is from some to come into the UK, there must have been a reason for her to be declined, I know you said both stories would have been accurate, but maybe (and sorry to say) but maybe hers was different? |
As BO seems to have gone offline -
From No. 2 of OP - "photos of us together from my trip to Taiwan to see her." | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:51 - Oct 18 with 3413 views | BlindOptimism |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:17 - Oct 18 by FrimleyBlue |
Out of interest, did you meet online or over there? Just wandering if you'd been over there prior if that would had helped..
Also, please don't take offence, but with how easy it is from some to come into the UK, there must have been a reason for her to be declined, I know you said both stories would have been accurate, but maybe (and sorry to say) but maybe hers was different? |
We met online, but we have met in person since then. I went to visit her first in Taiwan in May 2018. I accept it's not a traditional relationship, but that's why she was intending staying for 6 months and not immediately applying for a marriage visa. We're trying to grow the relationship as naturally as we can, rather than forcing it through.
I understand that our stories may have been slightly different. She would have been scared and tired, coming off a 14 hour flight, and with English as her second language. I don't believe she would have deliberately lied, because there's nothing to lie about. Our story is genuinely above board. | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:59 - Oct 18 with 3391 views | JimmyJazz |
My guess is that the length of visit was a concern, but if it's the maximum allowed on such a visa, then it makes no sense to deny entry for being close to the limit.
Although the comment on family members following behind was in poor taste, given her age does she have children? If so, could that have been a red flag somehow?
Assume she got her visa from the UK embassy in Taiwan? I would say that's your first port of call. They approved a visa, so see if they can advise why she was still denied entry and ask for further guidance on how to proceed again. Presumably you will try again, wonder if it would make any difference to travel to Taiwan first and then both of you come over together, for maybe a 3 month visit? |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 14:01 - Oct 18 with 3386 views | Deano69 |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 12:44 - Oct 18 by Ryorry |
No, I'll be his girlfriend if he wants ..! |
I saw him first 
(Sorry, not really making light of an appalling situation) |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 14:02 - Oct 18 with 3378 views | BlindOptimism |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:12 - Oct 18 by Ryorry |
Fwiw - An elderly friend of mine in London was in a l-t relationship with a Philippines lass* and had similar problems - this was the 1980s. She was eventually given permission to come over, after a while they got married & spent many happy years together (until, sadly, he passed away a few years back).
*Tess, if by some weird coincidence you're reading this , sorry to have lost touch, just PM me! |
I'm glad it worked out for her and she was able to come over here and live happily with her partner. I guess part of our problem is that we're still growing our relationship, so we're not ready for a marriage visa, fiance visa or anything like that. It was genuinely just intended to be a long trip so we could spend time together.
I missed your earlier question, but no, she doesn't appear to have any phone or online access at all. I've tried calling, texting and sending messages online and nothing gets through. Before she moved to the detention centre, she told me she had a bench to sit / lay on, so I guess that describes the conditions she's in. | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 14:02 - Oct 18 with 3374 views | Lanky |
I am sorry to hear of your situation. If you have not already, I would recommend that you contact your MP - they should be able to assist. |  | | |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 14:04 - Oct 18 with 3361 views | Clapham_Junction |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:17 - Oct 18 by FrimleyBlue |
Out of interest, did you meet online or over there? Just wandering if you'd been over there prior if that would had helped..
Also, please don't take offence, but with how easy it is from some to come into the UK, there must have been a reason for her to be declined, I know you said both stories would have been accurate, but maybe (and sorry to say) but maybe hers was different? |
It's not easy for people to come here and the Home Office have a track record of rejecting people for visas and entry on spurious grounds preumably to try and meet targets.
My partner's family are rarely able to visit her in the UK due to difficulties getting visas; one of her cousins is seen as a risk despite having a well-paid job because she's unmarried. A few years ago her parents applied but her Mum was refused because she's retired (and consulate staff turned up unannounced at her Dad's workplace to check on him). Now they're both retired, it's almost impossible for them to get a visa so they've given up on the idea of visiting.
It's easier for them to get visas to the Schenegen zone and means the UK misses out on a fair amount of tourism income because people go to Paris instead of London. |  | | |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 14:06 - Oct 18 with 3357 views | BlindOptimism |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:59 - Oct 18 by JimmyJazz |
My guess is that the length of visit was a concern, but if it's the maximum allowed on such a visa, then it makes no sense to deny entry for being close to the limit.
Although the comment on family members following behind was in poor taste, given her age does she have children? If so, could that have been a red flag somehow?
Assume she got her visa from the UK embassy in Taiwan? I would say that's your first port of call. They approved a visa, so see if they can advise why she was still denied entry and ask for further guidance on how to proceed again. Presumably you will try again, wonder if it would make any difference to travel to Taiwan first and then both of you come over together, for maybe a 3 month visit? |
She has no children or dependants. We're not as old as perhaps we come across, we're both just incredibly boring.
Taiwanese citizens require no visa for a stay of up to 6 months in the UK (same in reverse, but only for 90 days I believe). That's why we decided on a 5 month 3 week visit in the first place. Why allow for 6 months if you don't actually allow for it? [Post edited 18 Oct 2018 14:08]
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 15:25 - Oct 18 with 3260 views | Pinewoodblue |
You need to consult an immigration lawyer. A dutch friend was stopped from entering the US and sent back on the next available plane.. He was told later that having been refused entry he would be blacklisted and this would last five years. It took six months to get himself off the blacklist and he has been to US several times since.
They were not satisfied he had the right visa, he is a musician and had a guitar with him, They were not satisfied with his explanation as to why believing he was looking for work. He had a return flight booked for two weeks later.
Reading your most recent comment it is possible they thought she saw her visit as a trial marriage, test of compatability, and suspected she would overstay her welcome.
Hindsight is a wonderful hing but really her first visit should have been for weeks rather than months. |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 15:36 - Oct 18 with 3244 views | abingdon_blue |
I had I very similar experience a few years ago. My girlfriend was from Taiwan and visiting me in the UK (her 2nd visit here) for a few months. She was detained in immigration and asked about our relationship. They also questioned me in person. It was like being interrogated by the police. Luckily I did bring along some supporting evidence of our relationship, just in case, and just answered all the questions truthfully. After a few hours of anxious waiting she has finally given the green light to enter the country.
Were you at the airport to meet her? It might help if you could request an interview with the immigration officials there rather than just that phone call. Seems very harsh they are refusing her entry.
Skip forward 8 years and we are now happily married with 2 boys.
Good luck mate. |  | | |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 17:36 - Oct 18 with 3177 views | JimmyJazz |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 14:06 - Oct 18 by BlindOptimism |
She has no children or dependants. We're not as old as perhaps we come across, we're both just incredibly boring.
Taiwanese citizens require no visa for a stay of up to 6 months in the UK (same in reverse, but only for 90 days I believe). That's why we decided on a 5 month 3 week visit in the first place. Why allow for 6 months if you don't actually allow for it? [Post edited 18 Oct 2018 14:08]
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Interesting about no visa being required from Taiwan. Might have actually made it easier if it was, you would have known before flying if she would have been accepted.
You said in another comment you weren't ready for the fiance visa, is that an option even when a visa isn't required? Fiance visa allows a stay of up to 6 months. Generally that is a suitable time to see if your partner likes being here, in the cold of winter as well. If she does, you may then want to take it further, but if she really doesn't then at least she gave it a fair try? It can be viewed as a loophole, but usually is a genuine trial run of someone moving to a different country. | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 17:53 - Oct 18 with 3154 views | strikalite |
In your financial position could you not consult a good lawyer?
It beggars belief really, we had yet another Illegal Immigrant make a guest appearance from a trailer this week, only for our wonderful Police force(not their fault really)to once again instruct us just to release him, they just haven't the time, shocking but true..
So your awful situation just makes my blood boil even more... |  | | |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 19:19 - Oct 18 with 3095 views | Pecker |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 10:07 - Oct 18 by BlindOptimism |
No right to appeal. They didn't give us anything to appeal. She had all the documentation she needed. |
She obviously didn't or they would have let her visit. |  | | |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 19:26 - Oct 18 with 3085 views | Darth_Koont |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 19:19 - Oct 18 by Pecker |
She obviously didn't or they would have let her visit. |
It doesn't work like that. They go case by case even when all the documentation is there. |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 19:49 - Oct 18 with 3056 views | JimmyJazz |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 19:26 - Oct 18 by Darth_Koont |
It doesn't work like that. They go case by case even when all the documentation is there. |
No visa required, but can still be turned away upon entry. Doesn't that just add up to a whole lot of uncertainty? Crazy situation. | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 20:28 - Oct 18 with 3022 views | Ryorry |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 13:04 - Oct 18 by ElderGrizzly |
On an initial visit, no matter the supporting evidence, they might view 6 months as too long.
There is so much leeway though in the interpretation of rules, that it can be one person's view on yes/no. |
Very, very worrying that one person's personal interpretation can make the difference between entry or not - obviously something that will have huge impact on individuals' and their families' lives. Can see why it would be good to build in a bit of wriggle room, but surely a panel of at least 3 should/could be on standby for such instances? | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 20:44 - Oct 18 with 2998 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
Nothing to add other than to agree that this is appalling. People not politics! |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 20:53 - Oct 18 with 2982 views | m14_blue |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 10:18 - Oct 18 by GeoffSentence |
Mrs May's hostile environment strikes again. Though why anyone would think it is better to be seen as hostile rather than welcoming is beyond me. |
Quite.
What a depressing state our country is in when creating a 'hostile environment' is seen as a vote winner. | | | |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 20:54 - Oct 18 with 2977 views | caught-in-limbo |
I hope this all gets resolved quickly for you both.
The fascists of the future will come in the name of anti-fascism. |  |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 10:18 - Oct 19 with 2845 views | Pinewoodblue |
| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 20:54 - Oct 18 by caught-in-limbo |
I hope this all gets resolved quickly for you both.
The fascists of the future will come in the name of anti-fascism. |
Just clicked on thread to see if any developments and there is an advert for an immigration lawyer. Big brother or what? | |
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| My girlfriend has been denied entry into the country. on 12:20 - Oct 19 with 2796 views | ChiefXL |
Really feel for you on this one.
Went through a similar thing myself fifteen or so years ago.
Met a girl who was a foreign national and eventually we started dating. After six months her visa expired and she had to return to her country. Then when she tried to return on a new visa she was rejected on the basis that they believed we would get married when she was over here in an attempt to stay.
We had no intention of getting married as we'd been together for such a short time. However after consulting with an immigration lawyer I was advised that the only course of action rather than going our separate ways was to actually get married over there and bring her back on a spouse visa. So we did just that, which was idiotic because we were forced by the Government to do exactly what they said they suspected us of doing in the first place.
But fifteen years and two kids later we're still together and we're happy. Well I am, you'd have to ask her really....
The upshot is pretty much what others have said. Consult a lawyer if you can, speak to your local MP, and if you come through this sort of adversity and you're still together you know it was meant to be.
Plus we got married on a beach instead of a registry office.
Keep the faith brother. |  | | |
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