How to Immigrate to the UK from Philippines
Known for its diverse culture, strong economy, and educational institutions, the UK attracts foreign nationals aiming for professional growth, higher education, and family reunion. For Filipino immigrants seeking new opportunities abroad, the UK long stands as a prominent destination.
If you are a Filipino citizen looking to enhance your career and life in the UK, Total Law is your ideal partner in helping you navigate the process of the UK visa application efficiently. Get in touch at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or through our online form for expert immigration advice tailored to your needs.
Immigrating from the Philippines to United Kingdom: An Introduction
Understanding the rules and procedures of UK immigration is essential for those planning to move to the UK. Prospective immigrants from the Philippines should be aware of the different types of UK visa from Philippines available to match the specific purposes of their visits, including tourism, studying, or working.
Each visa category has specific criteria and documentation requirements, so it is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to avoid complications such as legal penalties, detention, or deportation for overstaying. Proper adherence ensures a smoother transition and legal residence within the UK.
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Do you need a UK visa from the Philippines?
All Filipino citizens planning to travel, work or study in the UK require a valid visa tailored to the purpose and length of their stay. In addition to an appropriate visa, you also need sufficient financial means and detailed travel plans to meet the general visa requirements for your application.
Be mindful that the exact visa required depends on your specific circumstances. Each category has its own set of rules and application procedures, which are clearly outlined on the UK government’s official websites and dedicated platforms providing guidance tailored for Filipino applicants. You should always check the latest information to ensure compliance with current UK immigration laws and regulations.
Here are the types of UK visa you can apply for from the Philippines:
What we can help with
How can an immigration lawyer help you move to the UK from the Philippines?
Immigration law can be tricky to understand, and regular changes to the system can make it difficult to get peace of mind on an application. Particularly when the stakes are high, and you need to move quickly to secure your future in the UK, it helps to have the best possible guidance on your side.
At Total Law, we help you filter out the noise and understand your options clearly. Our immigration attorneys can assist with eligibility checks, application management, and document reviews. Whether you are looking to temporarily or permanently relocate to the UK to live, work and settle, we can support you every step of the way.
World-Class Immigration Services
- Thousands of applications approved worldwide
- Highly qualified & accredited UK immigration lawyers
- Fast and friendly lawyers ensure all applications are submitted on time
- Global offices offering expert assistance from anywhere
- Comprehensive visa and citizenship application services
- Legal representation for complex cases like refusals and deportations
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
UK Immigration Lawyers for Filipino Nationals
Total Law offers a full range of immigration services tailored to Filipino nationals who wish to visit or move to the UK. We guide you through every step, including eligibility checks, application support and liaising with the Home Office on your behalf. Total Law can help you navigate the UK immigration process with confidence.
- We can help you visit the UK on a Visitor Visa, as a tourist, to study short-term, for business purposes, or to get married
- We specialize in securing Student Visas and work visas for skilled professionals, including those in senior and skilled management roles, healthcare workers, and other sectors. Our expertise helps ensure you meet all the criteria for working in the UK.
- For families, we offer dedicated support to help you reunite and build a life together in the UK. Whether you’re married to or planning to marry a UK citizen or resident, have dependent children in the Philippines, or possess UK ancestry, we provide the assistance you need to obtain the appropriate family visa.
- We assist businesses in establishing, expanding, and thriving in the UK while ensuring full compliance with UK corporate immigration laws. Whether you require a business visa for yourself or need to hire overseas talent for your UK operations, our team is here to facilitate the process.
We Can Help Your Situation
Whatever your immigration objectives, we are committed to helping you achieve UK residency. Our experienced immigration lawyers have successfully guided thousands of clients through the complexities of UK immigration law, enabling them to settle in the UK or abroad.
- Personalized Guidance: Our legal experts offer tailored advice to help you choose the most suitable immigration pathway for your unique circumstances.
- Comprehensive Support: We handle every aspect of your visa application, from determining your eligibility to submitting your application, and we communicate directly with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Thorough Document Review: We meticulously review your documentation and application forms to ensure they meet all Home Office requirements, significantly reducing the risk of refusals and maximizing your chances of success.
- Fast track service: If you have an urgent visa application and need to process your permissions quickly, we can help expedite the process.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Immigration from the Philippines
We provide an overview of the eligibility criteria for various pathways to immigrate to the UK from the Philippines, ensuring you have a clear roadmap for your journey based on your circumstances.
Come to the UK for Work
If you aim to work in the UK, the type of visa required depends on your job and skill level. Work visas vary from Skilled Worker Visas to Health and Care Worker Visas, catering to different professional needs and qualifications. The UK operates a points-based system, so getting a UK work visa can be complicated. At Total Law, we help you navigate the requirements and understand your visa options. Typically, you’ll need
- A job offer from a UK employer.
- To meet English language requirements.
Come to the UK to Join Family
A Family Visa might be necessary for those looking to move to the UK to be with family members who are already settled there (such as British citizens or those with permanent residence). You’ll need to prove your relationship and that your UK family can support you financially. This visa category covers:
Coming to the UK for Business Purposes
There are reduced pathways available for business individuals to enter the UK market. Typically, if you want to start a business in the UK, you will need an Innovator Founder Visa.
- Innovator Founder Visas are designed for those establishing a business in the UK, requiring an endorsed business idea.
Come to the UK for a Short Visit
If you plan to visit the UK for a short period, you’ll likely need a Standard Visitor Visa. This is suitable for:
- Vacations, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.
- Short business trips or participating in certain events and conferences.
- Short-term studies or medical treatments.
UK Standard Visitor Visa Process
If you are coming to the UK from the Philippines to visit, you can apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa to stay for up to 6 months. The Visitor Visa, also known as the Tourist Visa, does not permit work but will allow you to visit family and friends, visit for tourism, for some business activities, study or get married if you plan to return without staying in the UK after your visa expires. The visa is not extendable, and it’s not possible to transfer from a UK Visitor Visa to another visa type, such as a work visa.
To apply, you will need to include your intended travel date. You must provide supporting documents showing your return flights, and bank statements to prove you have enough money for your stay. You will need to provide evidence to support your reason for travel including if you plan on visiting family or engaging in business-related activities. You may need to show your previous travel history with any current and previous visas and previous passports, along with a current valid passport. There are also checks to show you have no immigration offences or criminal convictions that might mean you are not eligible for UK entry clearance.
Coming to the UK to Study
A Student Visa is necessary for educational pursuits longer than six months in the UK. For this visa type, you will need:
- An offer from a recognized educational institution.
- To meet the English language standards.
- Sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
There is also a Child Student Visa for minors attending independent schools, catering to the educational needs of younger learners.
You can study at a qualifying institution for up to six months on the Standard Visitor Visa or up to 11 months on a Short-Term Study Visa if you want to study an eligible English language course specifically.
Coming to the UK to Settle Permanently
Permanent settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, depends on your visa type and time spent in the UK. Generally, you must:
- Pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language requirements.
- Have lived in the UK for a specific period, typically 5 years on eligible visas
Citizenship is a further step following settlement, usually requiring an additional 12 months of residence.
Each path to entering the UK from the Philippines has specific requirements, and it’s crucial to understand which one applies to your situation. Ensure all your documents and information meet the UK’s standards to avoid delays or issues with your application process.
How to immigrate to the UK from the Philippines?
Choosing a Visa
Embarking on your journey from the Philippines to the UK should start with identifying the right visa. This depends mainly on the purpose of your travel: working, studying, family reunification, or tourism. It’s crucial to pick the correct category to align with your travel plans.
Understanding Requirements
Once you have identified the visa you need, the next step is to verify that you meet all requirements. This includes having a valid Philippine passport and meeting specific conditions, such as a UK employer’s job offer for work visas. Gaining knowledge of these prerequisites should help you streamline your application process.
Preparing Documents
Gathering your documents is next on the list. This typically includes your passport, evidence of financial stability, and any visa-specific documents such as work sponsorship or university admission letters. When compiling these documents, you must ensure they are all up to date.
Application Form Filing
The application is typically filled out online, and with this step, accuracy matters the most. You must ensure all your answers are truthful and complete to avoid potential setbacks. After completing the application form, you must also pay the fee. You should prepare accordingly since fees differ based on visa type and stay duration.
Biometric Information
Biometric information is vital to your application. This involves providing fingerprints and a photo at a designated visa application center. It is a straightforward process but crucial to your application’s progress.
Possible Interview
Some applicants may need to attend an interview. This isn’t always the case, but if required, it is your chance to confirm the details of your application and intentions in the UK. Even if all applicants do not necessarily have to go through this step, you should be prepared just in case.
Waiting for a Decision
The final stage of this process is your wait for the application’s outcome. Standard visa decisions typically arrive within three weeks, although this can vary. Expedited processing is available for some visa types for those in a hurry, albeit at an extra cost.
Fees and Processing Time
Visa Application Fees
The cost of applying for a UK visa for Filipino nationals varies significantly, depending mainly on the type and purpose of your visit. Fees for visa applications outside the UK range from £39 for a Transit visa (direct airside transit) to £3,029 for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
You should use the UK government’s online tool to calculate an accurate fee. This will give you the exact cost according to your visa type and situation. Meanwhile, you should know that some visas may have extra costs, such as the health surcharge or collecting your biometric information.
Expected Processing Times
Visa applications usually take about 3 weeks to complete processing. If you need a quicker decision, faster processing time is available for some visa types. However delays can happen if you need to submit additional documents or attend an interview.
Meanwhile, family visa applications, notably for partners or spouses, take longer due to the need for more extensive documentation and verification processes. The standard processing time for these visas is around 24 weeks. However, if there are complications, such as the need for additional documents or verification, this time may be extended.
How Can Immigration Lawyers at Total Law Help?
The complexity of immigration to the UK can often seem overwhelming, especially given the different visa categories and rigorous application processes. Total Law is at the forefront of providing comprehensive legal support to those looking to move to the UK from the Philippines. Whether it’s career development, education or family reunion, our expertise covers the full spectrum of immigration needs.
Our experienced immigration lawyers understand the importance of accurate documentation and compliance with UK immigration regulations and will personally assist you throughout the application process. This includes selecting the most appropriate visa type, carefully preparing the necessary documents and guiding you and your family towards achieving your immigration goals in the UK.
Embarking on a new life chapter in the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting journey full of uncertainties. Total Law is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — realizing your ambitions and building a fulfilling life in the UK. Reach out to Total Law today at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or through our online contact form for tailored immigration advice that caters specifically to your professional and personal aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Filipino immigrants in the UK need to pay the NHS healthcare surcharge as part of their visa application. The NHS healthcare surcharge for UK visas depends on the applicant’s age and visa type. Adults and children under the age of 18 not applying as students or on a Youth Mobility Scheme will need to pay £1035 per year. Students, their dependents, and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders pay £776 per year. For stays of 6 months or less from outside the UK, no surcharge is needed. Inside the UK, half the annual cost applies for this duration.
Filipino immigrants in the UK can bring their dependents, including a spouse, partner, or children under 18. Each dependent must apply for their own visa, and you need to prove your relationship and adequate financial support for them. However, not all UK visas allow you to bring family members. Those who are on standard visitor visas for tourism or short stays, and on short-term study visas for courses less than six months cannot bring family members to the UK – they must apply separately. Also, students are no longer permitted to bring family members. Only international students on research postgraduate programs can bring dependents under the UK student visa.
Filipino immigrants can secure UK permanent residency by living legally in the UK on a qualifying visa for a certain period, typically five years. After this, they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Citizenship can be applied for one year after receiving ILR, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria, including knowledge of English and passing the Life in the UK test.
Filipinos seeking asylum in the UK must apply upon arrival or as soon as they feel unsafe in their home country. They should explain why they fear persecution and provide relevant evidence. The UK evaluates each case individually, offering protection if needed.
