dee_jai_maak_maak

Just wondered how difficult the process REALLY was and how long it took as I am doing the same thing soon? Was it really as difficult as some make out? Were you with g/f when she applied like I will be?

Thanks

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tintickles,

Since my gf got the visa OK to visit the UK I have been trying to get info out of her about the actual process that occurred. It would appear all didn't go exactly as expected.

She applied with her sister, who has visited the UK before. As such we believed that her sister would have no problem getting another visa, and perhaps my gf (applying for the first time) would be judged more favourably because she would be travelling with her sis.

The chain of events apparently went something like this:

Gf and sis presented applications and documentation at the British Embassy in Bangkok (I had Fedex'd a dossier of documents in evidence of my relationship with the gf, and to prove that I could sponsor her visit to the UK).

After a little while, they were interviewed that same day. Gf's sister gets the OK after a couple of minutes. No surprise there.

The sis leaves the interview and they continue to interview my gf. They question her about our relationship; why she wants to visit the UK; my work and family, etc.

Then they tell her that because she has only known me since November 04, we have had insufficient contact, and so the application is refused. [This is patently wrong. I have known my gf over a year, and had supplied evidence of this. I had also noted this fact in my covering letter.]

My mate, who is living with my gf's sister, had accompanied them to the embassy He decided that the reason for refusal was a mistake, and decided to try to intervene. They politely told him to go away. Nevertheless, he persisted, and waited around. After a while they agreed to see him.

He expained my relationship with my gf, in particular the fact we had known each other since just after thw 2003 Rugby World Cup. At this point, the ECO reconsidered her decision and awarded my gf a two-month visa.

I can only assume that, because they had processed my gf and her sis's applications so quickly (for which we are grateful ), they didn't get round to noting all the facts of the case . When my mate intervened they must have realised that something was amiss, and re-examined the documents. Everything he told them was borne out by the paperwork I had provided.

This is a happy ending to a worrying episode. If my mate hadn't been there to intervene, my gf wouldn't be coming to Blighty (which, judging by the current weather, she might not thank him for! ). And I supplied a heck of a lot of info in evidence, which no one apparently bothered to consider in full.

I'm not sure what use this info is to future applicants because the circumstances of my gf's application (ie. applying with her sister) seem quite unusual. Nevertheless, I would suggest you follow all the advice given on this forum. There are some very knowledgeable people on here, and I would not have even known where to have started without them.

I have decided to take a charitable view of events because, as I said above, the application was processed very quickly. But in doing so, maybe the odd corner was cut, which is unfortunate. Hopefully the ECOs learned a little from what is hopefully a rare ( ) error.

Cheers,

djmm

Play by their rules, and you will get what you want, eventually.

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Absolutley agree. However, it's hard to figure out what "the rules" are sometimes.

That's why this forum has proved a god-send.

Hi djmm,

In order to safeguard future applications your g/f should return at anytime within the 2 months. Subsequent applications should then be a doddle.

Cheers,

Scouse.

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On the subject of future applications, is there a restriction concerning when they can be made?

For example, if the gf returned home at the end of March, when could she apply for a visa to come to the UK again? I'd like her to see that the UK does have some decent weather during the year (it usually lasts for about 2 weeks, in August! )

How often is a visitor allowed to visit the UK?

Cheers,

djmm

Just to let you know, we are bracing ourselves for some serious snow, the forecast this morning said it could last for weeks, hopefully I'll be on a plane by Wednesday.

Wrap her up well, waterproof shoes would be a good idea for when it all gets slushy.

Maybe i'll bring some snow with me to show my Thai friends :-)

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I think she'd like to see snow, but I would imagine the novelty would wear off VERY quickly!

The camping shop is definitely a good idea, Digger. Cheers.

djmm

Normally the visa allows a visit of 6 months so I'm a little surprised that it appears to have only a 2-month validity. Anyway, your g/f can legitimately stay in the UK for as long as the visa is valid irrespective of whether she has signed a declaration saying that she'll remain for a shorther period.

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I have a little more info to add to this:

My mate (who lives in Thailand, and is seeing my gf's sister) has taken a look at my gf's passport, and he tells me this:

"She has signed an undertaking, which is attached to her passport and

invalidates her visa if not present, to say that she will be out of the

country by 1 May ie 2 months from 1 March, which is when it [the visa] starts."

So, still bearing in mind that I don't want to jeopardise future visa applications, have my options changed? Can she stay for 2 months or only 2 weeks?

I'm still leaning towards 2 weeks, just to be safe. Her sister signed a similar undertaking to the one described above when she visited the UK last year, and abided by the restrictions. Her latest visa application proved to be a simple formality and she was granted the full 6 months.

Cheers,

djmm

Nignoy,

sounds good. I'd like to do that trip too and go the length of Java but info is very scarce about Indon trains, even Googleing it

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I've taken the train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta. Not the best journey I've ever taken. The train was packed, and many of the other passengers made no secrert of the fact that they were very interested in my baggage.

But like many train journeys, it is a great way to see a beautiful country. The journey took about 13 hours if I remember right. Can't remember the price though.

djmm

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.

I'll get her to pick up a sweater or two in BKK, and I'll have some warm clothes waiting for her at the airport.

As Gazza pinted out, Thais seem to have no real comprehension of cold. She thinks a long-sleeved shirt will suffice to wear in the UK!! Luckily, her sister has been to the UK before, so she can make sure she buys suitable garments.

Withnail, very wise words about the food. Now, how do I explain to her what a pie is?!!

Just to clarify about the undertaking to return. I had occassion to query exactly what this means with the embassy last year, and the relevant points from their reply are:-

1) The visa is only valid for the length of time as stated in the letter. Although legally once in the UK you can stay for the duration of the visa, doing so would look bad for future applications. It would be highly unlikely you would be issued another visa because of the lack of trust.

2) If the letter of undertaking is abided by this will be very positive for future applications.

3) Upon the next application the letter will be removed from the passport and entry / exit stamps will be checked to make sure the applicant has not overstayed.

4) A letter of undertaking to return is only issued when there is some doubt in the eco's mind as to the application even when all the evidence gives no reason for doubt. (In my case the application was for my step-son, who is at university in Bangkok. Reading between the lines the eco may have felt that once in the UK with his mum he might want to stay.)

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Thanks, GU22,

That confirms my suspicions. I will be making sure we play by the rules due to the second point highlighted in your post.

And thanks to the other posters for their feedback re the time frame for the visa's validity.

LaoPo, Yes I do feel a lucky man. Cheers.

Cheers,

djmm

Djmm,

Congratulations on your g/f getting her visa. Please can you provide an address to which I can send my invoice  .

It sounds as if your g/f has had to sign an undertaking that she won't stay in the UK longer than stated at interview. They normally do this when they are not totally happy with the applicant but can't think of a good enough reason to refuse the application.

Normally the visa allows a visit of 6 months so I'm a little surprised that it appears to have only a 2-month validity. Anyway, your g/f can legitimately stay in the UK for as long as the visa is valid irrespective of whether she has signed a declaration saying that she'll remain for a shorther period. If the visa is valid for only 2 months your g/f could extend this once in the UK to the maximum of 6. Basically such declarations are uneforceable in law. However, should your g/f not abide by her undertaking she will find it more difficult to get a subsequent visa. The embassy would want to know why she said she'd stay only 2 weeks but remained for longer. If she sticks to her promise a repeat visit visa will be a proverbial piece of cake.

Cheers,

Scouse.

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Scouse,

The cheque's in the post!!

It would appear that the gf has signed an undertaking to stay for 2 weeks only. That's not a problem. But why issue a 2-month visa? Is the visa valid from today (when her passport was returned to her)?

Cheers,

djmm

Gazza..I reckon she would need something more than that to get her through an english winter. Couple of mink coats and maybe one of those hats the Russians wear, for starters.

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Fair point. And I reckon she would look great in a Russian hat. Not sure about the mink coat though.

I would rather she bought everything she needed in Thailand if she could. LOS is a ###### sight cheaper than UK, and I can't imagine where they would stock clothes in her size over here.

Not sure if this counts as a travel question, but my Thai gf will be travelling to the UK soon to visit me. Bearing in mind that the UK is ever so slightly colder than LOS I have told her to get some warm clothes.

Where in BKK can she buy suitable clothes for a cooler climate?

Thanks,

djmm

Firstly, a big thank you to all of the contributors on this forum, especially the Scouser for his peerless knowledge and patience.

My gf went to see the British embassy in Bangkok on Monday and was granted a tourist visa to visit me in the UK. To say I am happy is an understatement. Now I really am dee jai maak maak! Without the help provided on this forum I very much doubt the outcome would have been so favourable.

But just to show what an ungrateful sod I am , I'd like to fire yet more questions at you, if I may. The gf has been granted a visa for two months. There is also a note in her passport that stipulates that she has stated that she "will not extend". I am trying to get a transcript of the exact wording, so for now these are the only details I have.

She intends to visit the UK for 2 weeks with her sister and my mate. Does the note in her passport indicate that she cannot extend this length of stay, or does it mean that she cannot extend the 2-month visa limit?

We have no intention to extend her visit at this time, but it'd be good to know what our options are. And we want to do everything by the book, so that future visa applications are as close to a formality as possible.

Cheers,

djmm

What kind of questions can she expect at the interview?

I don't want her to lie, but I do want her to prepare her answers, like you would do for any interview.

I know they will ask her about me: how we met, what I do, about my family, what do we like to do, where I live, etc.

But what other questions can she expect, and will there be any trick questions?

Cheers,

djmm

Have a look at Bringing a visitor or fiance to the UK, FAQ and Tips

About halfway down the page you will find "Tips and advice: Questions that may be asked in the interview."

Very useful.

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GU22,

Thanks for the link. A very thorough checklist of do's and don'ts. I thnk I've managed more do's than don'ts. Let's hope the gf does the same .

Cheers,

djmm

djmm,

There will be no trick questions but if there appears to be a flaw in her knowledge of you they will press the point. They can basically ask about anything to do with your life together and your circumstances. I'd make sure your g/f has a sound knowledge of your family, what you do, how you met, etc.

I know it sounds daft, but don't submit any dodgy e-mails. It's not unheard of for people to support their application with an e-mail from their loved one saying, "Don't worry, love, when you get here the woman at the restaurant has said she'll fix you up with a job...."

Scouse.

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Thanks Scouse.

No dodgy emails, thankfully.

I have sent her a crib sheet of my details, so she should be up to speed soon. And I'll bet she's memorised my bank statements!!

When they question her about me, how would they know if there was anything wrong with her answers? For example, she could say my brother is 22, but they would not know that this is incorrect.

Cheers,

djmm

djmm,

As with most things there are 2 ways of looking at it. The first is that the relationship must be genuine if you are sending her money and the second is if the hand that feeds your g/f is in the UK, what incentive does she have to return to Thailand at the end of her holiday?

Which route the visa officer goes down will be depend upon all of your g/f's circumstances. So, to answer your question, it's can have either a positive or adverse effect upon the application depending upon the applicant's situation.

Cheers,

Scouse.

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Cheers, mate.

My gf is off to the embassy next week to hand in her application and then hopefully be given an interview date. What kind of questions can she expect at the interview?

I don't want her to lie, but I do want her to prepare her answers, like you would do for any interview.

I know they will ask her about me: how we met, what I do, about my family, what do we like to do, where I live, etc.

But what other questions can she expect, and will there be any trick questions?

Cheers,

djmm

Thanks to the efforts of the good people on this board I have sent my documents in support of my gf's visit visa application to her, and thanks to Fedex, it has been received.

A huge thanks to the Scouser for providing detailed guidance on here.

Now my main worry is how my gf's circumstances can be shown in the best light. She and her sister will be toddling off to the UK embassy soon to apply for their visas. Obviously I would expect my gf to be interviewed.

I worry about her details. Her, and her sister's earnings right now, are pretty low due to a decline in tourist numbers. I am helping her out, naturally , and I insist she puts the money I send into her bank account. (Bless her, she really can't understand the concept of saving: why wait to spend money when there are so many shoes to buy now? )

I expect tourist numbers to pick up eventually, and then I would like her to open a shop so that she can earn more money, and I'll have somewhere to stay on my visits.

Anyway, right now the only money going into her bank account is from me. Her earnings from her sis include rent and accommodation, but none of the actual mnoney part seems to hit her account (that'll be the shoes again ).

But does it look bad if there is a regular income (well, for the last few months) from me? I don't know WHY it would look bad, but the visa process doesn't always seem completely logical. Let's face it, I'm not the first guy to send money to their honey in LOS, but how do the wonderful ( ) people of the UK embassy's visa section regard such matters?

Thanks.

djmm

You should submit the statement that lists the transactions as the visa officer will want to know where the money is coming from and where it's going. In the past people have borrowed, for example, ten grand from a friend, put it in their bank and turned round to the visa officer saying, "but look I've got ten grand in my account". Needless to say once the visa was issued the money was returned.

Scouse.

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Do I need to submit my passport also?

djmm

No, you're right, she should submit her bank book too. Sorry for the oversight.

Scouse.

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No problem, mate. I like to keep you on your toes!

Regarding bank statements, mine usually come in two parts: a list of transactions for the last month, and a summary page showing a starting balance, the net change of balance, and a current balance.

Can I get away with sending just the summary sheets or do they want to examine the financial minutiae of my amazing jet set lifestyle?

Same goes for my phone records, except that here I would like to send the list of transactions (obviously they want to see some evidence that I have phoned my gf's number consistently), but hold on to the summary sheets.

Basically, I want to send the minimum amount of documents that I can get away with, in case they get lost.

Much obliged.

djmm

"Only".

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PvtDick,

Thanks for the fast reply.

djmm

I cannot find the meaning of Thaonan (hope that's a good approximation of the spelling) in my dictionaries. Does anyone know what it means?

thanks,

djmm

Djmm,

As far as possible all documents should be originals. Alternatively have copies of the originals certified/notarised as such by a solicitor. You should submit:-

1. Bank statements for about the last 6 months;

2. Wage/salary slips for the last 8 weeks/3-4 months;

3. A copy of your tenancy agreement and if necessary a letter from the landlord allowing your g/f to stay there;

4. Proof of your relationship; i.e. letters, e-mails, phone bills/cards, photos, greetings cards etc.; and

5. A covering letter as outlined in my previous post.

You can send these to the embassy once your g/f has lodged her application but they are predisposed to losing stuff. I recommend that you send it to your g/f and let her present it to the embassy.

Your g/f should submit:-

1. The application form (you can download this, fill it in and send it to her with the other stuff. She then only needs to sign it);

2. Her passport;

3. 2 x passport-sized photos

4. The fee (about 3000 baht for a single visit visa);

5. A letter from her sister detailing your g/f's employment, what's happening to the business in their absence, the fact that she's a fine, upstanding citizen who is already the proud possessor of a UK multi-entry visa who has not transgressed whilst in the UK and who will ensure that her sister does not besmirch the otherwise unsullied family name (I wouldn't write it in those terms    but I'm sure you get my drift. Just dress it up as best you can.); and

6. Proof that she and her sister are related as claimed (birth certificates should do).

Cheers,

Scouse.

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Scouse,

I just noticed that your checklist doesn't include my gf's bank records. Do the visa people not worry about this because I am footing the bill for her visit?

djmm

Can anyone advise a reliable way of sending my documents to Thailand so that they actually arrive at their intended destination?

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Fedex/UPS

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Actually - UK to Thailand, you're better off with DHL (as long as there's usually someone at the delivery address...)

Last time I sent something by Fedex, it went the long way around (via the US, so took a day longer than DHL). I always avoid UPS because, in the past, when I ordered stuff from the US to be delivered in the UK, they always wanted you to be in to pay the VAT (where Fedex simply bill you). It's not so useful when you rely on the security guard signing for things while you're at work (no issues signing for packages, but handing over money is a different matter).

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bkk_mike / britmaveric,

Thanks for the advice .

djmm

About your finances, even if you send the details directly to the embassy they will return the documents to your g/f at the end of the process. One way or another she's going to get a pretty good idea of your nett worth. "Oh, you rich man. I want stay you long time."

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Exactly! I want her to love me for my mind. I guess I'll have to try a tactical bank account transfer.

Scouse,

You've been a great help. I think I can finally stop asking you questions now. Cheers.

Can anyone advise a reliable way of sending my documents to Thailand so that they actually arrive at their intended destination?

Djmm,

As far as possible all documents should be originals. Alternatively have copies of the originals certified/notarised as such by a solicitor. You should submit:-

1. Bank statements for about the last 6 months;

2. Wage/salary slips for the last 8 weeks/3-4 months;

3. A copy of your tenancy agreement and if necessary a letter from the landlord allowing your g/f to stay there;

4. Proof of your relationship; i.e. letters, e-mails, phone bills/cards, photos, greetings cards etc.; and

5. A covering letter as outlined in my previous post.

You can send these to the embassy once your g/f has lodged her application but they are predisposed to losing stuff. I recommend that you send it to your g/f and let her present it to the embassy.

Your g/f should submit:-

1. The application form (you can download this, fill it in and send it to her with the other stuff. She then only needs to sign it);

2. Her passport;

3. 2 x passport-sized photos

4. The fee (about 3000 baht for a single visit visa);

5. A letter from her sister detailing your g/f's employment, what's happening to the business in their absence, the fact that she's a fine, upstanding citizen who is already the proud possessor of a UK multi-entry visa who has not transgressed whilst in the UK and who will ensure that her sister does not besmirch the otherwise unsullied family name (I wouldn't write it in those terms    but I'm sure you get my drift. Just dress it up as best you can.); and

6. Proof that she and her sister are related as claimed (birth certificates should do).

Cheers,

Scouse.

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Scouse,

Thanks a lot for the check-list. Much appreciated.

My gf has already completed the application form (we did that the last time I was over there), so I've no need to send her that. Although I wouldn't mind betting she's lost the bloody thing.

The reason I asked about sending the documents to the embassy rather than the gf is that I don't really want her seeing the details of my bank account and earnings. My finances are now a bit healthier than I tell her, and I'd like to keep that information to myself. She generally never asks for money, but why tempt her!

Also, the tenancy agreement may be a problem. I stay in a cheap and cheerful rented place. They're generally rented out on a weekly basis as short-term accommodation (one or two months or so). I pay a weekly rent, I receive a receipt, and that's it. The place is cheap, but it is clean and tidy, and a decent size. I'd rather stay there for the time being because, being so cheap, it allows me to save money. I could get a note from the landlord confirming I stay there and that my gf can stay. Is that OK?

Incidentally, why is my accommodation such an important point when she is only coming over here as a short-term tourist? Is it just a case of them knowing where I am, and hence where she will be?

Thanks,

djmm

You'd also need to send your g/f your bank statements and proof of your relationship for her to presen to the embassy in support of her application. Also some evidence of your ability to accommodate her; e.g. your mortgage statement.

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Can I send copies of my documents? She's still waiting to receive a letter I sent her 6 weeks ago, so I have limited faith in the Thai postal service! Is it standard parctice to send such documents to the gf or to the embassy?

I don't own a place yet. I'm renting. There's no problem for her to stay at my place though, and I can show rent payment receipts. Is that good enough?

Cheers,

djmm