Which visa would be better: UK or EU?
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I am married to British citizen who is in the UK. I am in Pakistan and have been for the last 5 years. We are separated but we are still husband and wife. I was issued a 2-year UK visa but I left the UK before the expiry. Now my wife wants me to sit down with her and discuss whether we should stay together or go for a divorce. She doesn't want to come to Pakistan.
What should I do: should I apply for a UK visit visa or a Swiss visit visa so we can meet each other? I am only worried that about getting a refusal on my passport.
Travel history:
- 3 Dubai visit visas
- 1 Dubai work permit visa
- 1 Thailand visit
- 1 Malaysia visit
- 1 Belgium visit visa (not traveled)
- UK visa from 2006 to 2013
Can anyone please guide me?
schengen-visa standard-visitor-visas pakistani-citizens spouses
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
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up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I am married to British citizen who is in the UK. I am in Pakistan and have been for the last 5 years. We are separated but we are still husband and wife. I was issued a 2-year UK visa but I left the UK before the expiry. Now my wife wants me to sit down with her and discuss whether we should stay together or go for a divorce. She doesn't want to come to Pakistan.
What should I do: should I apply for a UK visit visa or a Swiss visit visa so we can meet each other? I am only worried that about getting a refusal on my passport.
Travel history:
- 3 Dubai visit visas
- 1 Dubai work permit visa
- 1 Thailand visit
- 1 Malaysia visit
- 1 Belgium visit visa (not traveled)
- UK visa from 2006 to 2013
Can anyone please guide me?
schengen-visa standard-visitor-visas pakistani-citizens spouses
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I am married to British citizen who is in the UK. I am in Pakistan and have been for the last 5 years. We are separated but we are still husband and wife. I was issued a 2-year UK visa but I left the UK before the expiry. Now my wife wants me to sit down with her and discuss whether we should stay together or go for a divorce. She doesn't want to come to Pakistan.
What should I do: should I apply for a UK visit visa or a Swiss visit visa so we can meet each other? I am only worried that about getting a refusal on my passport.
Travel history:
- 3 Dubai visit visas
- 1 Dubai work permit visa
- 1 Thailand visit
- 1 Malaysia visit
- 1 Belgium visit visa (not traveled)
- UK visa from 2006 to 2013
Can anyone please guide me?
schengen-visa standard-visitor-visas pakistani-citizens spouses
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I am married to British citizen who is in the UK. I am in Pakistan and have been for the last 5 years. We are separated but we are still husband and wife. I was issued a 2-year UK visa but I left the UK before the expiry. Now my wife wants me to sit down with her and discuss whether we should stay together or go for a divorce. She doesn't want to come to Pakistan.
What should I do: should I apply for a UK visit visa or a Swiss visit visa so we can meet each other? I am only worried that about getting a refusal on my passport.
Travel history:
- 3 Dubai visit visas
- 1 Dubai work permit visa
- 1 Thailand visit
- 1 Malaysia visit
- 1 Belgium visit visa (not traveled)
- UK visa from 2006 to 2013
Can anyone please guide me?
schengen-visa standard-visitor-visas pakistani-citizens spouses
schengen-visa standard-visitor-visas pakistani-citizens spouses
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
edited 4 hours ago
Giorgio
31.1k964176
31.1k964176
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
asked 6 hours ago
Ali
161
161
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Ali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
As the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply to any EU or Schengen country (other than the UK) for a free visa, provided your wife travels with you to that country or arrives there before you do. This is set forth in directive 2004/38/EC, the free movement directive, at Article 5(2):
Such visas shall be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure.
The visa can only be refused under very limited circumstances, as laid out in chapter VI (articles 27 through 33).
On the other hand, getting a visitor visa to the UK can be difficult, because you will have a difficult time overcoming the presumption that you intend to use the visa to remain in the UK indefinitely. A visitor visa costs £93, while a family settlement visa costs £1,523, so visa officers are very skeptical of visitor visa applications from people in your situation.
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I'll assume that you haven't overstayed any of your visas, in the same way you have not overstayed your UK stay.
You'll need to apply for a visa and getting the UK visa will be definitely easier than the Swiss visa. After all, your wife could sponsor you as a British citizen living in the UK. Add to it that you already got a visa in the past.
And assuming that your wife has financial resources and given you command of the English language, I'd say your chances are high.
Take a look at:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
for detailed and official information, including where to apply.
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
As the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply to any EU or Schengen country (other than the UK) for a free visa, provided your wife travels with you to that country or arrives there before you do. This is set forth in directive 2004/38/EC, the free movement directive, at Article 5(2):
Such visas shall be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure.
The visa can only be refused under very limited circumstances, as laid out in chapter VI (articles 27 through 33).
On the other hand, getting a visitor visa to the UK can be difficult, because you will have a difficult time overcoming the presumption that you intend to use the visa to remain in the UK indefinitely. A visitor visa costs £93, while a family settlement visa costs £1,523, so visa officers are very skeptical of visitor visa applications from people in your situation.
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
As the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply to any EU or Schengen country (other than the UK) for a free visa, provided your wife travels with you to that country or arrives there before you do. This is set forth in directive 2004/38/EC, the free movement directive, at Article 5(2):
Such visas shall be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure.
The visa can only be refused under very limited circumstances, as laid out in chapter VI (articles 27 through 33).
On the other hand, getting a visitor visa to the UK can be difficult, because you will have a difficult time overcoming the presumption that you intend to use the visa to remain in the UK indefinitely. A visitor visa costs £93, while a family settlement visa costs £1,523, so visa officers are very skeptical of visitor visa applications from people in your situation.
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
As the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply to any EU or Schengen country (other than the UK) for a free visa, provided your wife travels with you to that country or arrives there before you do. This is set forth in directive 2004/38/EC, the free movement directive, at Article 5(2):
Such visas shall be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure.
The visa can only be refused under very limited circumstances, as laid out in chapter VI (articles 27 through 33).
On the other hand, getting a visitor visa to the UK can be difficult, because you will have a difficult time overcoming the presumption that you intend to use the visa to remain in the UK indefinitely. A visitor visa costs £93, while a family settlement visa costs £1,523, so visa officers are very skeptical of visitor visa applications from people in your situation.
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
As the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply to any EU or Schengen country (other than the UK) for a free visa, provided your wife travels with you to that country or arrives there before you do. This is set forth in directive 2004/38/EC, the free movement directive, at Article 5(2):
Such visas shall be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure.
The visa can only be refused under very limited circumstances, as laid out in chapter VI (articles 27 through 33).
On the other hand, getting a visitor visa to the UK can be difficult, because you will have a difficult time overcoming the presumption that you intend to use the visa to remain in the UK indefinitely. A visitor visa costs £93, while a family settlement visa costs £1,523, so visa officers are very skeptical of visitor visa applications from people in your situation.
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
answered 2 hours ago
phoog
67.3k10147215
67.3k10147215
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
add a comment |
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
Another reason a UK visa would be problematic is the personal circumstances of the applicant. They'll make the UK visa authorities think the visa-holder won't leave the UK: after all, his wife lives in the UK, the UK visa authorities won't know the marriage is coming apart, and they'd think he'd want to stay. On balance, a visa is more likely to be granted by the Swiss than it is by the UK, and the OP said he wanted to avoid a visa refusal on his record. I agree with phoog that a Schengen visa makes more sense here.
– David
51 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I'll assume that you haven't overstayed any of your visas, in the same way you have not overstayed your UK stay.
You'll need to apply for a visa and getting the UK visa will be definitely easier than the Swiss visa. After all, your wife could sponsor you as a British citizen living in the UK. Add to it that you already got a visa in the past.
And assuming that your wife has financial resources and given you command of the English language, I'd say your chances are high.
Take a look at:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
for detailed and official information, including where to apply.
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I'll assume that you haven't overstayed any of your visas, in the same way you have not overstayed your UK stay.
You'll need to apply for a visa and getting the UK visa will be definitely easier than the Swiss visa. After all, your wife could sponsor you as a British citizen living in the UK. Add to it that you already got a visa in the past.
And assuming that your wife has financial resources and given you command of the English language, I'd say your chances are high.
Take a look at:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
for detailed and official information, including where to apply.
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I'll assume that you haven't overstayed any of your visas, in the same way you have not overstayed your UK stay.
You'll need to apply for a visa and getting the UK visa will be definitely easier than the Swiss visa. After all, your wife could sponsor you as a British citizen living in the UK. Add to it that you already got a visa in the past.
And assuming that your wife has financial resources and given you command of the English language, I'd say your chances are high.
Take a look at:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
for detailed and official information, including where to apply.
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
I'll assume that you haven't overstayed any of your visas, in the same way you have not overstayed your UK stay.
You'll need to apply for a visa and getting the UK visa will be definitely easier than the Swiss visa. After all, your wife could sponsor you as a British citizen living in the UK. Add to it that you already got a visa in the past.
And assuming that your wife has financial resources and given you command of the English language, I'd say your chances are high.
Take a look at:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
for detailed and official information, including where to apply.
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
answered 4 hours ago
Pierre B
31717
31717
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
add a comment |
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
That link is for settlement visas, but the question is asking about visit visas. And in fact, under EU freedom of movement, it will be far, far easier for Ali to get a visa for the Schengen area or another EU country than for the UK.
– phoog
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Ali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Ali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Ali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Ali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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