iLOVEcrumpets

You need to do the TB test in the name she'll have on the visa. So you can't do it before she changes her name.

We just got married recently, no birth certificate for either of us. Maybe he was referencing someone who was in line for something else? Don't remember the MFA so well, just remember it was not fun. Bring a book or 2.

<br />To be honest, I don't know.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.vfs-uk-th.com/images/IOMInformationSheetEnglish.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>The information sheet</a> just says

<font size="2">Two 1.5"× 2" size photos (not older than 6 months)</font>

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No, it doesn't. One would assume that means just passport size, not all that other stuff the UKBA wants.

We have the TB test this week and need the 2 passport size photos. The ones we have are the right size but the head's off for the visa. Guess they're ok for the TB test! Glad to know it wasn't a total waste of time and money to get them. (Unless anyone knows differently...)

<br />If you can't find a photo booth or shop to take a photo which meets the requirements, you can get one at the UKVAC. <br /><br /> <a href='http://www.vfs-uk-th.com/services.aspx' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Additional Services </a>

Photograph Service<br />Applicants using this service can have their photograph taken at the visa application centre. This will ensure that the photographs meet UK Border Agency requirements. This service can be used for an extra fee of 250 Baht for 6 passport size photographs.

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Swell! Here's hoping the machine is working when we go haha...also been 3 places where the machine was broken. Somehow this doesn't surprise me.

For the TB test do the photos have to comply to the UKBA guidelines?

Where in Bangkok can I go for photos that fit the UKBA guidelines for a UK visa?

The UKBA site is really strict about their passport size photo guidelines, 45x35mm with the head at least 29mm (34mm at most) and the eyes in the center. Don't forget the white or light grey background only!

Seriously, you would not believe the number of places I have tried. Photo booths don't have the right background or size, the one pro shop I went to couldn't get the head size correct. I'm getting a bit ANNOYED here.

Any advice would be greatly be appreciated, cheers.

pay a motorcycle taxi to get it for you. its the cheapest courier + messenger services with no strings attached.

Not an option, there are none where I work.

Anyone else?

Hey, quick question:

I need to mail something before Friday and am unable to make to the Post Office before it closes at 4:30 bc of work.

Where else can I buy stamps? 7-11? Carrefour? Villa?

Hello

My question is regarding 90 day reporting by mail. I have to mail it because I'm going on vacation and need my passport to check into hotels.

One of the requirements is:

"Previous notifications of staying over 90 days "

I've also seen this worded as something similar but with the word "letter."

I'm curious, what is this? Is it the little slip of paper they staple into your passport or something else they give you?

We both carry copies of our passports at all times. It works, never had a problem. It would majorly stink if we lost our passport and then had to get replacement everything.

We did get Non-Imm B visas. Then we got extensions of stay. I might be confused but isn't an extension of stay stamp basically an extension of whatever visa you have, in our case non-imm B? At any rate there's a stamp that says we're good for one year and it appears we got that when we FINALLY got our work permits. Who knows what to believe from the garbage they tell us. /end rant

Our employer DOES handle our visa renewals as well as the work permit stuff.

The work permits are 1) proof of employment and 2) proof of eligibility to apply from Thailand. So there are 2 reasons why they are important. We certainly won't be getting any letter from them verifying employment for the purpose of this application! Our pay stubs have no info whatsoever on them, we don't have tax cards (or tax numbers or whatever, no taxes paid yet!!! ), and the contracts are a joke for reasons I can't put here. Though they look legit, if any ECO tries to verify certain parts...... not good. Can't explain more but trust me. Some shady mofos here!

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<br />Um, how small? 200 baht small or 12,000 baht small? And did it go well?<br />

<br /><br /><br />I think it was around the 500 baht range but no price was given, the wife is a bit generous in these situations as this is the same office that deals with our taxes <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif" /><br /><br />Everything went fine, I don't suppose they get as many foreigners there as Bangrak but as they are just across the road from the MFA they must get their fair share of marriages involving foreigners.<br /><br /><br />

Ah I have excellent news everybody! Gippy was right, the person on the phone didn't understand us. Bangrak it is as they do loads of foreigners.

I just found out Bangrak means "village of love!" Cute right?

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<br />When you stop to think that by Thai law my work permit must be on the premises of our work while we are working, we'd be breaking the law to send it out. Surely someone else has had to deal with this?

<br />As already said, most (all?) members of this board who have experience of applying to foreign embassies for visas either have Thai spouses/partners or are Thais themselves, so it is unlikely that you will get an answer to this here; sorry.<br /><br />However, from what you have said you do not fully trust your employer. Are you sure that the work permit has to remain with them? Maybe a question on this point in the <a href='http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/1-thai-visas-residency-and-work-permits/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Thai visas, residency and work permits</a> forum will provide you with some helpful information.<br />

Good point. And no we DO NOT trust our employer. If I were to get into it here in anyway (aside from being massively unprofessional) it would more than obvious who we are.

The work permit thing, eh, haven't found a clear answer yet. I know that by law if the work place gets inspected every foreign worker must produce one at that moment. Surely it's easier for HR to have them? I can't imagine they'd hunt down each individual foreign worker. Not that this happens a lot but who knows?

Are there no farang/farang couples who post here? I know it's mostly guys with thai birds but we do see farang/farang couples. None of which have our situation from what we know. We've tried so many other forums but still...

Wow, where to begin?

I spend so much of my free time scouring the internet for info on this, trust me I'm thinking this through. I would give more info so you would understand but then it'd be easy to tell who we are. But some basics: we have some savings, degrees, and backgrounds that are in demand. I assure you getting work will be no concern. But here in Thailand? Sure it's cheap to live here but we took a hit in salary to be here. Suffice it to say the original plan isn't working out and we're not happy here. We might not be older and retired with loads of savings but we're young and have several years left in our careers.

Our application will not be a straightforward one. I've lived abroad in a few different countries and if what I hear about checks is correct (should the ECO care to do them), it could take a while. I expect maybe 3 months. Losing my job, would screw everything up. I'd have to withdraw the app, lose the fee, and start over. No thank you.

Do you have any idea what it's like in the US right now? Getting a job where I'm from would be tough and the expense of going back would be costly. Also there's the time thing. We just want to apply here, get it done, and get the eff out here. Additionally, one of us has a medical problem. Do you have any idea what a headache the healthcare situation is there? We'd be broke.

I am qualified to apply here. I know this. However, if I lose my job I have to leave and start over. Doesn't make much sense do it? Just keep our mouths shut, get the visa, and get out of here.

Husband and wife? Haha. Not yet, soon. We haven't lived together long enough for long enough to get in that way.

And as someone mentioned, we have a place to live in the UK. No worries.

Our worry is our employer knowing either by 1) contact from ECO or 2) absence of my work permit due to its leaving the country.

When you stop to think that by Thai law my work permit must be on the premises of our work while we are working, we'd be breaking the law to send it out. Surely someone else has had to deal with this?

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<br />Ah gippy, very smart! <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> In all this hoopla we hadn't thought of that. Haha. Makes sense.<br /><br />We went to Laksi in person and the boss lady speaks some English. My other half and I are discussing whether to go to Laksi or Bangrak. If not one then surely the other and we will post the results for inquiring minds.<br />

<br /><br />We got married at Laksi almost 4 years ago, if it's the same boss lady she acted as translator for me in exchange for a small 'donation' <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif" /><br />

Um, how small? 200 baht small or 12,000 baht small? And did it go well?

<br />1) My wife wasn't working when she applied, so no. As I said before, I think it is unlikely that they will do so, but as they ask for this information there is always a chance that they might.<br /><br />2) Can't answer this, I'm afraid, as my wife is Thai. You may find a couple on here who are both non Thai and who have obtained a UK settlement visa in Thailand, but I think it unlikely.<br /><br />3) <a href='http://www.vfs-uk-th.com/images/SpouseAndCivilPartner.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>The supporting document checklist</a> asks for " Current valid passport <i>(showing current Thai immigration status)</i>.................." I don't know much about Thai immigration and visas, but is your work permit not inside your passport? As you are not a Thai national you will have to supply evidence that you are legally resident in Thailand in order to apply there. I doubt very much that copies would be acceptable.<br /><br />4) As your intention is to settle in the UK, an employer's letter or other proof of any employment in Thailand is not necessary; you wont be returning to that job. However, employment details are asked for on the application form, and of course that should be completed truthfully and accurately.<br /><br /><br />

Ahah,

1)Dang...not sure how to explain that one if the boss asks but oh well...any ideas? Sick relative? (Yes, we really need the job until we leave and can't risk this!)

2)Agreed, still trying though! I have yet to find a forum with foreign couples getting married/applying from outside both of their countries, let from in Thailand.

3)No. The work permit is a blue book separate from our passports. Can show it to the VFS people and copy it to send, BUT our employer would notice as they keep our work permits if we send them off for however long. Not good.

4)I agree with that, sounds about right. But...risky?

I can't say too much about our actual work situation because I know my boss and coworkers read this site. At work! It's that slow that they can spends heaps of time on the net. Also, as our situation is rare it might be easy for them to guess who we are if we give too much info about our work scenario. Paranoid? Yep. It's that important to us that we get the YES that we aren't risking anything.

Ah gippy, very smart! In all this hoopla we hadn't thought of that. Haha. Makes sense.

We went to Laksi in person and the boss lady speaks some English. My other half and I are discussing whether to go to Laksi or Bangrak. If not one then surely the other and we will post the results for inquiring minds.

Thank you 7by7 for replying!  Not to clear, agreed, but it's all new to me so I'm not sure what to ask. So here goes anyways:  

If you've applied for a UK settlement visa,  

1. Did they contact your employer?

2. Were you or do you know any foreign couples who did this in Thailand? Care to share your experiences? Advice?

3. Can we just show VFS our work permit, send a copy and not send the original? Our employer would brick if we sent the original, ask why (they keep it at work), and fire us.   Going back to America to apply is not an option. The reasons why are personal and  I won't get into but there is also the issue of a tight budget.

4. Is a letter of employment necessary? We won't likely be able to get one...

<br />You need an affirmation to get married in a foreign country from your embassy.<br />This must be translated to Thai and the translation must be confirmed by MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).<br /><br />Then you can go to any amphur office and get the marriage registered.<br />You need to bring two Thai witnesses.<br />

We have done the embassy affidavits, the translations, and gotten it all authenticated. We just need to go to the amphur and register the marriage. Sorry I didn't clarify that for you all.

2 Thai witnesses? We don't know anyone! I heard you don't really need to bring anyone as the staff or others at the place can suffice. And why would they need to be Thai? Our friend is coming because we've known him for years and it will help our visa process later.

I can understand the part about understanding what is written before you sign it. However I keep seeing packages for 12,000-15,000 baht. No way, too expensive for what is essentially less than 5 minutes work. Seriously, are there no offices with staff who speak English? It's not like we plan to live in Thailand forever so if any of the vows apply to Thai law then we'd disregard them. One would think signing a piece of paper to be married would be easy! We're doing it here so the visa process will be easier and then having ceremonies outside of Thailand. We're on a tight budget here and time isn't on our side. Laksi spoke very limited English, surely they would agree to do it without a translator? Our friend (foreign, doesn't speak much Thai) will be there to witness it. Maybe he can fake it...

Hello,

Not finding too much info here on foreign couples getting married in Thailand WITHOUT a translator. We called Bang Rak only to be told "Agh, no speak English!", very disappointing start as that was the one place we kept hearing about.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Which amphur speaks English? Is there a list somewhere?

<br />

<br />If I am not mistaken you would be able to spend 6 months in the UK as a US citizen without a visa as a visitor and come straight from Thailand. But for a &quot;settlement Visa&quot; for the UK you would have to apply in The USA not Thailand Me Thinks.<br />Check out UKborder agency website ! Good Luck<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Aha, good catch. For a settlement visa one must apply from their home country OR they can apply from the country where they are normally a resident. In this case if you live in Thailand and have a work permit you can apply. <br /><br /><a href='http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/supportingdocssettlement' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ukvisas.g...gdocssettlement</a> (had a better link, Thailand specific, can't find it)<br /><br />If I lose my job I lose my work permit and have to leave. And all that other rigmarole referenced in my initial post. But I can apply while here IF I have a work permit. Will post the link/info if I find it should this thread be useful to other expat couples applying from Thailand. <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

*BUMP*

Does ANYONE here have any helpful info? Did they contact your employers?

<br />If I am not mistaken you would be able to spend 6 months in the UK as a US citizen without a visa as a visitor and come straight from Thailand. But for a "settlement Visa" for the UK you would have to apply in The USA not Thailand Me Thinks.<br />Check out UKborder agency website ! Good Luck<br />

Aha, good catch. For a settlement visa one must apply from their home country OR they can apply from the country where they are normally a resident. In this case if you live in Thailand and have a work permit you can apply.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/supportingdocssettlement (had a better link, Thailand specific, can't find it)

If I lose my job I lose my work permit and have to leave. And all that other rigmarole referenced in my initial post. But I can apply while here IF I have a work permit. Will post the link/info if I find it should this thread be useful to other expat couples applying from Thailand.

Hello all, I am new here and have searched through this and other forums but have not a seen a poster whose situation mirrors my own. So here goes.

My boyfriend and I came to Thailand, got jobs at the same school, and have decided we've been traveling/teaching ESL for a few years now but we're done. We want to get married and go back to England. He's English and I'm American.

The problem is that on the settlement visa application they ask for employer contact details. Which we wouldn't mind providing EXCEPT that our employer will fire us both if they find out we plan to leave. Suffice it to say the school has not been honest with its foreign staff, we just want to leave without drama.

Who knows how long the application will take. 90  days? 30 days? If we get fired we must leave the country within 7 days. And if we do that it means my passport will be with the UKBA and I'll need to get an emergency passport which means I can only go back to America. And we lose the application fee which is like pissing away $1000 for nothing. And my application will essentially be null because of the emergency passport thing. Awesome.

We might get lucky and maybe they won't contact them. Or we can ask nicely that they don't verify employment but that just doesn't seem smart, they might get suspicious. The risk is too great for this to go wrong we feel!

So, I ask of you out there on this forum: any advice? experience?