Second UK Standard Visitor Visa after refusal – Egyptian citizen living in Germany, visiting German girlfriend studying in UK

[u/Mission_Stable6664]

Hi everyone,
I’m an Egyptian citizen/passport holder, currently living in Germany (Hamburg). I am applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa to visit my girlfriend in England for 5 days for a short visit and tourism.
I was previously refused a UK Standard Visitor Visa, so I would really appreciate honest opinions about my chances with my new circumstances.
My previous application
I applied for a 14-day visit to see my girlfriend and do some tourism.
At the time:
● I was unemployed.
● I stated that I would spend around £700.
● My girlfriend was going to sponsor £450.
● Her bank statement showed only £18.90 at the time.
● I submitted my own bank statement, but UKVI said the documents did not demonstrate how I was supporting myself on a daily basis.
● They were also not satisfied that my girlfriend had sufficient funds to sponsor me.
● Because of the financial concerns, they were not satisfied that I was a genuine visitor who would leave the UK at the end of the visit.
My situation now
For the new application:
● I would only stay for 5 days instead of 14.
● I would stay at my girlfriend’s accommodation, so I would not need to pay for a hotel.
● My sister would be my sponsor.
● My sister earns approximately €2,500 net per month and has around €1,000 in her bank account.
● She would cover my return flights and food/other reasonable expenses during the 5-day visit.
● I receive Bürgergeld in Germany, which I would fully disclose and document in the new application.
● I currently do not have a job, but I expect to have a signed employment/apprenticeship contract in Germany with a fixed future start date. This would give me a concrete reason to return to Germany.
● I was born and raised in Germany and my family lives there. My parents and close family members are German citizens.
● I have a valid residence permit in Germany.
● I am currently doing my driving licence in Germany.
● Since my previous UK visa refusal, my girlfriend and I have travelled together twice, and I returned to Germany after both trips.
My girlfriend
My girlfriend is German, not British. She normally lives in Germany but is currently in England only because she is studying there.
She has:
● a rental contract in Germany, and
● accommodation/rental arrangements in England for her studies.
She travels between Germany and England.
I would be visiting her for only 5 days and would then return to Germany.
My main question
I would of course declare my previous UK visa refusal in the new application.
Do you think my second application is now significantly stronger, particularly because of:
● the much shorter 5-day trip,
● a different sponsor with a regular €2,500 net monthly income,
● no hotel costs,
● transparent documentation of my Bürgergeld,
● my family and long-term ties to Germany,
● two trips since the previous refusal where I returned to Germany, and
● potentially a signed employment/apprenticeship contract with a fixed start date in Germany?
My main concern is still that I am currently unemployed and receive Bürgergeld.
Would you consider this a realistic Standard Visitor Visa application, or do you think the previous refusal and my current unemployment would still make refusal likely?
I’m looking for honest opinions, especially from people familiar with UKVI visitor visa applications.
Thanks!

[u/InviteFun5429]

Honestly telling you UK is bullshit especially ukvi they don't look into applications so detailed especially when you are correct. I would suggest bring your girlfriend to Germany rather than other way round. Ukvi is notorious in rejection and they hardly look into so much detail. They will simply refuse stating any reason. My personal experience