My wife is currently in the UK on a visiting visa which expires on the 27th January 2012. She is Iranian and we are unsure of the process to apply for a UK spouse visa as the UK embassy is shut down in Tehran.
I understand that my wife will have to go to either Turkey or Dubai and apply there for a UK spouse visa but I don’t want to let her good there on her own in another country where she knows no one and cant speak the language.
I have seeked advice from many people:
Solicitors – I have spoken to three solicitors, two of which said that she should apply here in the UK before her visiting visa expires. The form she should fill is a FLR(o). The other solicitor said that he is 99.9% sure that if we went down this route that she would not be granted a visa and that we will be wasting our time and money.
Home Office – They originally told me to get some legal advice and then said that she would have to go to either Turkey or UAE as she is not allowed to apply within the UK. I asked them how long the application process will take and will there be any facilities in place for Iranian nationals. Was told to get in touch with VFS in Dubai.
VFS Dubai – When I called them they said the application process will take anything from 3-30 days. However, a day later I got a reply to my email stating it can take up to 3 months. Asked if my wife can send her application by post, they said no. Asked if she could return to Iran after submitting her application, they said no.
Local MP – They have investigated the matter and said that they could write a letter to the Home Secretary to ask if we could apply here in the UK but the time it will take to get a response would mean my wife’s visiting visa will expire – it will be too late..
I am really confused and have spent a lot of money to get the advice given so far and I am none the wiser. Ideally would not like to send my wife on her own to Dubai for upto 3 months so really looking for guidance, advice or something concrete.
I’m a UK citizen and in full time employement.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and any help is appreciated.
Ali
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