bestvue

Actually you don't. Sounds daft but true. Even so you as a British can sponsor any visitor. You have money to show the government they won't suffer financially. I also know several UK based Brits that have brought "fiancee" to the UK on a fiancee visa then married them and on the route (5 years) to ILR.
easy to say. But you have many many possible options. Just don't bury your head in the sand.
I like the idea of an Asian tour for you to see more of the world.
good luck anyway.

Millhouse

spouse of scouse

and volunteer work, keep fit classes, running/walking group - heaps of opportunities to meet people if we look around.b

scrubbedexpat142

Climate change activism...

Crystal Dale

we should have gone down the fiance visa route but she wanted marriage in PH and asap. I. remember we were sat in a mall on just my first visit there and she was already talking about marrying. I replied by saying that we have to get to know each other well first and it shouldn't be rushed into. Her reaction was to start crying. I should have studied the visa requirements rather than let her dictate matters but it's all water under the bridge now. However it still hurts and for as long as it hurts..... As for an Asian tour, I'd love to visit Japan, HK, mainland China and Thailand but not Bangkok. Anyone care to fund it....?

Crystal Dale

All Filipinos should get involved with climate change because unless something is done, PH is just going to get hotter.

Crystal Dale

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread so far.

nonthaburi

Probably a good idea re Bangkok. Think you'll be eaten alive on so many levels.

BTW, none of my business really but since you're divulging, when she started crying wasn't that a massive red flag? Or even talking about marriage on the first trip.

Took me five years together, two minimes and nine years in country before I tied the knot.

spouse of scouse

As a woman I get really angry when I see other women use tears as a form of emotional blackmail. You're obviously a nice bloke and a bit of a softy, they're qualities your partner should cherish in you instead of taking advantage.

Gazza-d

I thought the UK government stopped that now, if you are on a work visa the time doesn't count towards citizenship.

Crystal Dale

Hmm, that's interesting if you are right?

Crystal Dale

she wrote the gospel on emotional blackmail. Thanks for saying I'm a nice guy and yes she should have appreciated me more even though I couldn't get her over here. After all. I was the only person who went to PH to meet her as I'm sure she chatted to many other foreign guys online before me and maybe also since in the last couple of years or so

Crystal Dale

Yes and friends warned me about being hasty but I didn't want to lose her and still don't. Love is blind.

nonthaburi

Or Cupid's stupid.......

Thairetired2016

Bangkok is a great place to visit and to live. Great mix of modern and tradition, much cleaner than many European cities I know apart from presently air quality. Cost is more affordable than a trip to Japan