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General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 - Travel (824) - Nairaland

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Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Ayodele20484: 10:58am On Jun 11, 2025
@Cashmadam and #gisele

Please I need your input.

I am a frequent traveler, been to the UK few times and recently just got my UK visa renewed (Last week actually).
I have a son through surrogacy and plan on taking him along with me for my Mummy's 85th birthday in August as there is no one I can trust him with here in Nigeria.
Considering he was born through surrogacy, what do I need to provide and take note of while submitting the application?

Thanks in anticipation.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by readonenaire(m):
giselle237:
It appears to me that your primary motivation was to obtain a UK visa, especially since you have recently secured visas for the US, Canada. Emphasis on the recently because these ECOs act one way. - No, its not the "motivation"

If you haven’t used these other visas, and now you are applying for the UK visa in hopes that your recent visa history will overshadow your previous UK refusal— then I see what was on the ECOs mind. - I have used all visas that i have, inclusive of aforementioned.

We have to differentiate between “visa history” and “immigration history.” Without travelling on a visa, you’ll lack an immigration history, which is a key factor that ECOs consider in this 2025. - I have both

They look for evidence of travel and experience within 1st world countries first, essentially that you travelled, saw the level of good standard of living in these countries but still denied the urge and you return to your home country without overstaying your visa. When you do this, then you have shown a good imm history and can be very trusted. - Oh well

Very importantly you only just returned from the US last month as a first-time traveler, visa was obtained very recently, the urgency of another trip to the UK for a conference seems suspicious to the ECO. - Not a first time traveler

How many similar conferences have you attended overseas? - ...was not attending a conference

They may think— what kind of employee is securing all these travels within short time span and with a recent UK refusal already on your profile it flagged eyebrows with them when you reapplied. - An employee that has genuine professional reason to do so, also, refusal was a year ago

Has this employee taken time to work since they just returned from a trip and now they are going again? Hmm? How come? - My Travels did not stop work, was still writing briefs all the way lol.

With the above reasons- the ECO made a hasty decision without thoroughly reviewing your documents. All his or her eyes were seeing— deny, deny then deny. - I agree

If attending the conference is essential, I suggest you reapply & point out to them this erroneous mistake. Make sure to complain on how unfair it is to pay such ‘expensive’ fees and not receive appropriate service. - Not a conference, thank you so much

Your documents were not looked at etc.. write your points very convincingly and confidently. Ah lol i don't think the assessor of these visa applications are that bright

If not, it may be wise to wait out the complaint process which you have already started. i think i would do that indeed

Whatever process you follow in the end you would be entitled to the visa based on this technicality.- I sure hope so, thank you so much for your time.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Manmann: 11:03am On Jun 11, 2025
Cashmadam:
I would advise you to apply together as a family and state the reason for the joint application. Do you have any travel history?
Yes we have basic travel history.. ive been to morocco, rwanda and south africa. My wife has travelled to mexico, south africa and turkey. The south african trip was a family vacation with our child last december. This year  we plan to apply for the uk  towards christmas and newyear. 


Please If we are applying as a family do we all have to submit our application at the same time. my wife and child are ready to submit in october while mine will be in november but we have the same travel date.


Cc cashmadam Ashirioluwa giselle237 hunee
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by rennie121: 12:03pm On Jun 11, 2025
Hi everyone,

I applied for my UK visa on May 19th hoping that I could get it back in exactly 15 working days (estimated to be June 6th), in time for a trip on June 7th. What I didn't account for was the UK Bank Holiday which set me back a day back - so on June 2nd after sending a paid email to see if an early decision had been made, I opted for the keep my passport while applying option when they told me the decision wasn't made yet as the trip on the 7th was non-negotiable.

Fast forward, June 9th - officially 15 working days (UK calendar), I waited until 9pm at night to see if I would hear back for their decision. When I didn't, I sent a follow up on the paid email to see if the decision had been made. UKVI's contact centre responded at 5am June 10th with the templated email that they had made the decision and to wait for official comms from them on what the decision is.

P.S: I have previous refusals from the UK and they would usually have sent me the refusal email at night of the same day it was made or the next day (I know this because of the dates on the refusal letters they had shared), so I mentally braced myself for the worst as I made an assumption that the decision was made the day before.

However, it's been over 24hours since they have told me a decision has been made. I’ve received no refusal letter and also no request from VFS to submit my passport.

I’m a bit confused. If VFS wanted me to submit my passport, would they typically call, email, or both?
Also, I’m currently out of the country, so phone calls won’t go through.

I also tried to call the number they called me on when they asked me to come pick up my passport but no answers.

Anyone experienced something similar?
Any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Cc: @cashmadam @ashirioluwa @giselle237 and other gurus
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237: 12:06pm On Jun 11, 2025
@rennie121 they would send an email if they needed you to submit your passport… they would also send email if they have refused your application.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237: 12:12pm On Jun 11, 2025
@readonenaire

The ECO only goofed bad but like I said——
Cheers.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237:
sdee2k3:
I believe you didn't go through the guy refusal letter. None of what you stated was mentioned in the letter. He was simply refused because of a costly error by the ECO.
You may want to go through the guy refusal letter once again.
I mixed up the conference… .
I stand by the rest of what I said— the poster knows what I am saying although they are acting out the opposite.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by rennie121: 12:29pm On Jun 11, 2025
okay thanks for answering
please, do you know how long (on an average) before the outcome would be communicated to me?

giselle237:
@rennie121 they would send an email if they needed you to submit your passport… they would also send email if they have refused your application.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237: 12:33pm On Jun 11, 2025
rennie121:
okay thanks for answering
please, do you know how long (on an average) before the outcome would be communicated to me?
Nope. I have no idea. Standard timelines are 15 working days however this timeline is not set in stone.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Ashirioluwa: 12:36pm On Jun 11, 2025
They will notify you via email if your application is refused. Also, if your application is approved, you'll receive an email asking you to submit your passport.

@rennie121
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by readonenaire(m): 12:36pm On Jun 11, 2025
tyrant25:
Hello, please let me know when you get a response from then. I sent an email to their complaints team since the 12th of May, I have not gotten a reply.
I will.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Ashirioluwa: 12:53pm On Jun 11, 2025
Manmann:
Yes we have basic travel history.. ive been to morocco, rwanda and south africa. My wife has travelled to mexico, south africa and turkey. The south african trip was a family vacation with our child last december. This year  we plan to apply for the uk  towards christmas and newyear. 


Please If we are applying as a family do we all have to submit our application at the same time. my wife and child are ready to submit in october while mine will be in november but we have the same travel date.


Cc cashmadam Ashirioluwa giselle237 hunee
No, you and your wife do not have to submit your UK visa applications at the same time. However, make sure your wife mentions that you two are traveling together on her visa application, and make sure you do the same.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237: 1:11pm On Jun 11, 2025
Manmann:
Yes we have basic travel history.. ive been to morocco, rwanda and south africa. My wife has travelled to mexico, south africa and turkey. The south african trip was a family vacation with our child last december. This year  we plan to apply for the uk  towards christmas and newyear. 
Please If we are applying as a family do we all have to submit our application at the same time. my wife and child are ready to submit in october while mine will be in november but we have the same travel date.
With the recent spate of refusals— pls what are your incomes? Saying the whole family is travelling translates as japa to UK Ecos now. High earning income makes them reconsider their stance.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237: 1:15pm On Jun 11, 2025
Maryjane62:
I didn't understand this part "You also need to attach proofs of your husband will be in the country during the trip."
I'm not travelling with my husband, I'm going alone
Data page of his passport will enable them run his details via their system and see that he is not currently in the UK nor France or any country of their choosing waiting on using a boat to cross into the UK illegally. This along with his cover letter should do.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by jmoore(m): 1:18pm On Jun 11, 2025
Ayodele20484:
@Cashmadam and #gisele

Please I need your input.

I am a frequent traveler, been to the UK few times and recently just got my UK visa renewed (Last week actually).
I have a son through surrogacy and plan on taking him along with me for my Mummy's 85th birthday in August as there is no one I can trust him with here in Nigeria.
Considering he was born through surrogacy, what do I need to provide and take note of while submitting the application?

Thanks in anticipation.
If he's your son, method of birth is insignificant. Just a birth certificate is enough.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237:
Ayodele20484:
I am a frequent traveler, been to the UK few times and recently just got my UK visa renewed (Last week actually).
I have a son through surrogacy and plan on taking him along with me for my Mummy's 85th birthday in August as there is no one I can trust him with here in Nigeria.
Considering he was born through surrogacy, what do I need to provide and take note of while submitting the application?
Thanks in anticipation.
Provide evidence of everything— pls do not provide any fraudulent documentation. Birth certificate should have your name.
If they will grant the visa, they would. If they won’t they won’t.
The biggest challenge if your name is not on the birth certificate is making them see aforementioned child is actually yours and not stolen lol as they always think.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cashmadam: 1:41pm On Jun 11, 2025
Ayodele20484:
@Cashmadam and #gisele

Please I need your input.

I am a frequent traveler, been to the UK few times and recently just got my UK visa renewed (Last week actually).
I have a son through surrogacy and plan on taking him along with me for my Mummy's 85th birthday in August as there is no one I can trust him with here in Nigeria.
Considering he was born through surrogacy, what do I need to provide and take note of while submitting the application?

Thanks in anticipation.
Legally, he is your child. Kindly submit his birth certificate. If he is old enough to attend school, provide receipts of schools fees you have paid to date. You don't need much else really. As long as your name is on his birth certificate as his Mother, you are good.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cyberknight: 1:44pm On Jun 11, 2025
Ayodele20484:
@Cashmadam and #gisele

Please I need your input.

I am a frequent traveler, been to the UK few times and recently just got my UK visa renewed (Last week actually).
I have a son through surrogacy and plan on taking him along with me for my Mummy's 85th birthday in August as there is no one I can trust him with here in Nigeria.
Considering he was born through surrogacy, what do I need to provide and take note of while submitting the application?

Thanks in anticipation.
I can't speak specifically for the Nigerian situation, but the general process here is that there needs to be a transfer of legal parenthood of your child from the surrogate mother to you. If you've done that, then you will obviously have to include the birth, adoption certificate or whatever legal custody document you have in the application as part of the normal process of showing a parent's relationship to a child.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cashmadam: 1:46pm On Jun 11, 2025
chetaraph:
omo...this life no balance.

I got refused yesterday on the basis that i didnt provide enough information on the training i was going for. I plan on reapplying and using priority but worried that I might not get my feedback on my application before june 27. I need the passport for another visa application.

Please house, do you think I should run priority application or just reschedule my training and reapply after 27th?
So sorry! I advise that you reschedule the training..
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Manmann: 1:47pm On Jun 11, 2025
noted. thanks for your response
Ashirioluwa:
No, you and your wife do not have to submit your UK visa applications at the same time. However, make sure your wife mentions that you two are traveling together on her visa application, and make sure you do the same.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Manmann: 1:48pm On Jun 11, 2025
giselle237:
With the recent spate of refusals— pls what are your incomes? Saying the whole family is travelling translates as japa to UK Ecos now. High earning income makes them reconsider their stance.
Thanks for your response. Im not sure the income threshold ecos consider as high earning but i have a disposal income of 760 monthly and my wife 690. We both have stable employment.

Should i perhaps apply with my wife alone, then possibly apply as a family with my son in future. what will you suggest.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cashmadam: 1:55pm On Jun 11, 2025
Oluwabusolamiii:
@cashmadam and gurus in the house . Please I will appreciate your input . Kindly assist

I am a nigerian fashion vendor. I sell african outfits and I have recently applied to be an exhibitor for a fashion event in London

I am a business owner with about three small businesses but my fashion business is one that has grown in the last 5 years and i’ve started paying myself salary of 1 million monthly with a monthly expense of 300k just to keep my account clean for this visa application

I’m concerned about the type of visa to apply for . If to apply for a tourist visa without including the exhibition or I should apply with the sole reason of travel being the exhibition show.

Please I will appreciate if you can guide me to a success application

I’m a business owner and I don’t pay tax because my profit is less than 25m. My CAC is active also.
I intend providing my business statements and personal statements.

Which is safe for less scrutiny please

Also to mention I have received an invitation letter from the exhibitions organisers. I don’t know if home office frowns at exhibitions like this one because there’s a possibility of making sales etc

Please indulge me.

Thanks
Apply for a standard visitor visa. Then explain your motive for the trip and provide all the documents relating to your business and the exhibition.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cashmadam: 1:57pm On Jun 11, 2025
Manmann:
Yes we have basic travel history.. ive been to morocco, rwanda and south africa. My wife has travelled to mexico, south africa and turkey. The south african trip was a family vacation with our child last december. This year  we plan to apply for the uk  towards christmas and newyear. 


Please If we are applying as a family do we all have to submit our application at the same time. my wife and child are ready to submit in october while mine will be in november but we have the same travel date.




Cc cashmadam Ashirioluwa giselle237 hunee
Best you apply together as a family.

All the Countries you have visited don't add much value...
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by giselle237: 2:02pm On Jun 11, 2025
Manmann:
Thanks for your response. Im not sure the income threshold ecos consider as high earning but i have a disposal income of 760 monthly and my wife 690. We both have stable employment.

Should i perhaps apply with my wife alone, then possibly apply as a family with my son in future. what will you suggest.
Self employed or employed pls?
If employed then you can try as a family. Employed/PAYE are more straightforward to explain.
Pls address why you are travelling as a family in your cover letter. Do not wait for them to think it in their head and then translate their fears into a denial for your whole family even though this is their default thought.
They need to be able to trust that everyone will return as a visitor visa is given based on probability.
Provide evidence about your child and how they are returning to school etc
Everyone needs a strong convincing story and profile.
I generally hate refusals and would not touch a country with a 50m barge pole except I were pretty pretty sure of an approval.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cashmadam: 2:04pm On Jun 11, 2025
Cyberknight:
I can't speak specifically for the Nigerian situation, but the general process here is that there needs to be a transfer of legal parenthood of your child from the surrogate mother to you. If you've done that, then you will obviously have to include the birth, adoption certificate or whatever legal custody document you have in the application as part of the normal process of showing a parent's relationship to a child.
For the purpose of a visit visa for a short trip to the UK, I believe a birth certificate is adequate. She should not start what she cannot finish.

If she is the natural birth mother, will she submit more than birth certificate?

While I understand the need to prove she is the child's mother, providing too much information can backfire.

For me, as long as her name is on the child's birth certificate as the Mother, she is good to go. Provided the BC was obtained legally...
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by HapiNna: 2:05pm On Jun 11, 2025
giselle237:
Unfortunately it was denied. Check spam and junk folders please.
Send a paid email urgently and ask for the refusal letter/reasons.
Thanks for your response.
It's not in my spam folder. I have contacted them as advise. Waiting for their response.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Cashmadam: 2:06pm On Jun 11, 2025
rennie121:
Hi everyone,

I applied for my UK visa on May 19th hoping that I could get it back in exactly 15 working days (estimated to be June 6th), in time for a trip on June 7th. What I didn't account for was the UK Bank Holiday which set me back a day back - so on June 2nd after sending a paid email to see if an early decision had been made, I opted for the keep my passport while applying option when they told me the decision wasn't made yet as the trip on the 7th was non-negotiable.

Fast forward, June 9th - officially 15 working days (UK calendar), I waited until 9pm at night to see if I would hear back for their decision. When I didn't, I sent a follow up on the paid email to see if the decision had been made. UKVI's contact centre responded at 5am June 10th with the templated email that they had made the decision and to wait for official comms from them on what the decision is.

P.S: I have previous refusals from the UK and they would usually have sent me the refusal email at night of the same day it was made or the next day (I know this because of the dates on the refusal letters they had shared), so I mentally braced myself for the worst as I made an assumption that the decision was made the day before.

However, it's been over 24hours since they have told me a decision has been made. I’ve received no refusal letter and also no request from VFS to submit my passport.

I’m a bit confused. If VFS wanted me to submit my passport, would they typically call, email, or both?
Also, I’m currently out of the country, so phone calls won’t go through.

I also tried to call the number they called me on when they asked me to come pick up my passport but no answers.

Anyone experienced something similar?
Any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Cc: @cashmadam @ashirioluwa @giselle237 and other gurus
Well, you will just have to wait and see the outcome.

It is neither here nor there. The delay doesn't mean you didn't get the visa. Neither does it mean you got it.

You will receive an email to drop your passport if you got the visa.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by luiginho2xl(m): 2:12pm On Jun 11, 2025
Just got this. Is this their usual way of notification?
Dear Customer,

A decision for GWF reference number GWFxxxxx was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 06/11/2025 14:07:08.

If a courier return service was purchased from VFS, your passport and notification of the decision will be delivered to the chosen address.

If not, your passport can be collected from the UK Visa Application Centre during the designated passport collection times (Please check our website for details).

Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.

Regards,
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by luiginho2xl(m): 2:14pm On Jun 11, 2025
And then this, some minutes later. What does it indicate?

The passport and notification of the decision for GWF reference number GWFxxxxxxx was dispatched via courier on 06/11/2025 14:07:37.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Ayodele20484: 2:17pm On Jun 11, 2025
[/b]
jmoore:
If he's your son, method of birth is insignificant. Just a birth certificate is enough.
[b]


Many thanks, he is my son. He is only 1 year old.

Appreciate!
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Ayodele20484: 2:21pm On Jun 11, 2025
giselle237:
Provide evidence of everything— pls do not provide any fraudulent documentation. Birth certificate should have your name.
If they will grant the visa, they would. If they won’t they won’t.
The biggest challenge if your name is not on the birth certificate is making them see aforementioned child is actually yours and not stolen lol as they always think.
[b][/b]

Many thanks Giselle.

I was just worried they may be asking for letter of consent from the supposed mother or family picture.
I also want to believe that declaring he was born through surrogacy wont raise any concerns, after-all, it's legal here and even there in the UK.
Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Ayodele20484: 2:23pm On Jun 11, 2025
Cyberknight:
I can't speak specifically for the Nigerian situation, but the general process here is that there needs to be a transfer of legal parenthood of your child from the surrogate mother to you. If you've done that, then you will obviously have to include the birth, adoption certificate or whatever legal custody document you have in the application as part of the normal process of showing a parent's relationship to a child.
Many thanks Cyberknight.

I think I have something in this regard.

Appreciate!
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