mikek1

I am in the process of applying for a 13a visa, but have hit a problem. Myself and my Filipino wife went to the local bureau of immigration to check that our documents were in order before applying. To our dismay we were told that everything was in order except....... we needed our uk marriage certificate to be authenticated. When we were in the uk we paid for a apostille stamped certificate which-cost us £120 thinking this would save us any trouble should the original certificate not be good enough proof.
We were informed that our marriage should have been registered and authenticated with the Philippines embassy in London.As this it no longer an option (crazy to travel back to the uk for something so simple) any suggestions.

A footnote, last week we were in Manila applying for my wife’s dual citizenship, and produced the same apostille marriage certificate and no questions were asked.

We could try another BI office and maybe they will not question the authaticity of our marriage certificate.

Any suggestions?

Stokkevn

1. As you suggest, try a different BI office
2. Have the required documents couriered to the Philippine Embassy in London and get them to authenticate it
3. If 2 is not allowed, courier to friend to take in on your behalf.
4. If 1, 2 & 3 are a no go, try the P1,000 under the table.

Gazza-d

5. Have a quick civil service in the Philippines.

Stokkevn

Good one, and to keep it very low key, just invite the 500 nearest family members.