Roblpl

Hello There

I was married in Thsiland a few years ago and in 2009 we decided to bring my wife's 2 children (to two different fathers) over to the UK. Like you I carefully read the rules and eliminated them as being satisfied one by one. The one that I straained over was the sole responsibility one. The rules for getting the child a passport are sort of similalr to that of getting a visa. A Thai child will normally have to have permission from the father to get the passport unless the child has been abandoned. The visa is similar but obviously the next stage higher sso we used the passport process as the first 'test' for success.

We tracked down the fathers, told them what our plans were and they agreed - so if you can get agreement then its much easier. In our case we asked them to meet us at the Amphur office at a pre-defined time, date where they were asked to agree to two thigs. 1. That they did not object to the children travelling to the UK to live and 2. That my wife was the sole custodian of the children. These were then written out at the Amphur office and then signed and stamped officially by the Amphur. Just prior to that we arranged with the Amphur (and a 1000 THB 'fee') to have the children's names changed back to her surname through the Amphur. The 'fee' just speeds things up but its important because it unusual for children not to be in their father's name so it suggests he has never had a substantial part in their lives if they have my wife's name.

These 2 documents together with the change name document we reckoned would carry some weight with the Thai and UK authorities and we were issued with the passport no problems. Then, onto the visa office. During my wife's time in the UK my wife was sending regular money over to Thailand 10000THB per month for about 18 months whilst she was settling into the UK. This was recorded as a standing order through the bank. We organised this by adding my wife's father as a second card holder onto a UK credit and then sent the card out to Thailand. My wife transferred the money to the credit card by standing order and her father withdrew it at the bank. The good things was that it was a faultless trail back to their because, of course, the location of the withdrawal appears on the credit card statement, and their is a faultless record of transactions right through from my wife's bank account.

Sole responsibility can be about financial support as well as emotional support but some key questions need to be answered and dropped into the visa documentation. Who makes decisions in respect of the child's life e.g which school they go to? What financial support has been given? Can you demonstrate in the documentation that the child's father abandoned him/her?

We did all this and the visa for settlement to the UK was issued in about 5 weeks without any further contact from the Embassy.

The por kor 14 is in itself not sufficient to pass the test of sole responsibility. You have to build up a whole life picture of sole responsibility but with a bit of planning it can be done with relatively little pain.

Hope this helps

RobLPL

I have heard many stories of Farangs falling in love with Thai girls after a relatively short period of time then preparing to bring them over to the UK.

My wife (g/f as she was) asked whether I would give her money to stay at home and wait for my return following my request for her to go home from working in the bar. It wasn't a great sum of money (potentially about £50 per month). She had lost an income and so I agreed to accept some responsibility for this. I thought about it for some time as I had heard stories of girls continuing to work in a bar whilst gratefully receiving money from their hapless Frang.

The solution I thought of:

I named my girlriend, as she was then, as a second card holder on one of my credit cards, at the same time as calling the bank to reduce the credit limit to a modest £300. I received the card and sent it out to her.

The benefit - I could see by my credit card statement exactly where the money was withdrawn from. It also allowed me to see patterns of withdrawals from the card and, of course was cheaper than Wester Union.

A slight risk but when she arrived in the UK she could pay it back herself

JUst one of the safety measures I put in place

I needn't have worried - Everything workd out great

RobLPL

Do not be too downhearted on getting visa's to the UK for a spouse.

I met my wife in a bar in the February of 2006, was married in July 2006 and got the visa, follwoing a 2 minute interview at the Embassy in August 2006.

The approach I took when preparing the documents was to ensure that I DID not tell a lie. I did not lie abut my wife's past but nor did I metion it. I just mentioned that she worked in Pattaya but by the time the application went in she had well left and was living at home with her parents. (Had documents to show it - SHe got a job locally)

Also I was using a pay as you go mobile and I put a freedom of information request to O2 to release the record of calls made. I too used the cheap phone services but the numbers are dedicated to the country

One thing I did do, which was very strong, was to spend time with her family, and we had photos to show. This clearly showed integration into the family, which can be seen as a big step for both a Thai girl and a Farang like me.

I looked at the Immigration riles and produced my application in order to answer each of the questions. MY thinking was that if I tick a box in each of those then I stand a very good chance. My wife arrived in the UK on the 18th Spetember 2006.

Meeting to Arrivval in the UK = 7 months

Remember - You don't have to tell the truth, just don't tell a lie

Best thing I ever did

RobLPL

Thanks Scouser,

Due to our viewing this site we have a fairidea of the logistical challenges involved. We have a reasonable income and my wife has already talked to the Amphur about the father issue. Thai Baht does help.

Can I just clarify the circumstances when the visa is free or not free...

Does this mean that in order to get the visa for free, the children would have to go on the visa application at the same time as my wife applies. If this is the case, how is the fact that the children are in Thailand and she is here, factor in?

Or,

Does it mean that the children can be added to the ILR visa once it has been issued in the UK? Which,in effect, means that she travels out to THailand and ask the British Embassy to add them on at no cost? (Presuming we have satisifed the responsibility criteria)

Thanks for that really quick response Scouser.

Not a problem with that as I just wanted to be clear.

Incidentally, you'll se my original set of documents for the 2 year Visa was pinned at the top.

I'm preparing the ILR documentation, which is a bit bigger, and would be happy to supply that also if it would help

Regards

RobLpL

Hi All,

I wonder if you guys would mind providing some advice.

My wife is approaching the last stages of her 2 year visa and we have almost finished our preparation. She has expressed a desire to bring her children over from Thailand. which we may well prepare for in the next few months.

My question is, what would be the immigration status of the children. My wife by then should have ILR and maybe, if we delay a bit, British Citizenship.

I am presuming that the children will not be entitled to gain immediate British citizenshp passed on from my wife. If this is the case, does it mean the children would fall into the category of the 5 year rule before gaining British citizenship?

Or, if my wife has ILR, does that mean the children will gain the same status?

Thanks Guys

RobLpl

Hello All,

Some help if you wouldn't mind

I am currently having a house built in Thailand and have got to the stage where the ceiling is going in.

I have just been quoted a price of THB 40,000 for a 50 m2 area which I think is completely rediculous considering the cost of the rest of the project.

Anyone out there know the approximate cost of materials and installation prices for these suspended ceilings

Many Thanks

Rob LPL

Introduction.docThanks All

Answer to Jockstar's question - Your ###### right it does. Plus relief and satisfaction

Answer to Ollies question - She asked to be interviewed in Thai so they brought a translater in. This was just in case she got lost with the English when answering under pressure. The interview started in Thai and then melted into English as my wife relaxed and the ECO realised she understood English.

The ECO was asking questions based exclusively on the Paperwork. She told me that he looked down at the papers and then asked a question, she answered and then he looked down at the papers again, for each of the questions asked.

He also said that if he hadn't had all original papers he would not have believed this and would have refused the Visa. Remember, this was my life in the Embassy, pay slips, credit card papers, Mortgage papers - everything (all originals). I got the impression that the fact that I had left so much valuable paperwork in my wifes hands 6000 miles away was a real sign of Trust. Something to think about.

Chaps I said I would give something back and I now attach electronic version of the paperwork I submitted as the evidence. I took out a full copy of all the documentation, including the Appendices both in hard copy and on CD so I could make changes using an Internet cafe when I was out there. I did make some changes so what's attached to this is slightly different to the evidence submitted (such as wedding photos)

Anyway, anonymised documents attached which may help someone

Regards

Roblpl

Section_1.doc

Section_2.doc

Section_3.doc

Section_4.doc

Section_5.doc

Section_6.doc

Section_7.doc

When my wife went into the compound she told me that she was asked where her husband was and seemed surprised that she was on her own. Not sure whether this means anything but she did tell me that there were only people waiting to be interviewed in the waiting area.

Roblpl

Well Chaps,

We did it - We got the Settlement Visa

First thing to do is to thank you all for your help. Couldn't have done it without all your expert help

Second thing to do is to pick up from Ollies previous point and maybe answer a few other points along the way.

In answer to Ollie's further question in the previous post around timescales. Just to remind you - We submitted the application on the 5th July and got an interview date given to us for the 29th July (today). I wasn't able to attend so my wife went alone (a brave step for anyone). She was interviewed for 10 minutes - 5 questions - Finished.

She was told that she could have the Visa and was then told to wait outside in the waiting area. 30 minutes later the ECO came out and handed her the Passport with the Visa inside.

My wife took great pleasure in telling all those people hanging around outside the Embassy who tried to scare her before she went in that their tactics didn't work.

Some feedback from this experience that may help others:

The ECO said that the documentation "had never been done like this before" (in a positive way may I add). I used a chronological approach outlining our whole history and attached each piece of evidence as an Appendix to this summary, referencing that Appendix where necessary.

Questions asked:

How many children has your husband?

What are their names?

What is your husbands job?

Where does he live?

When did you last see him?

My thoughts in advance of this interview:

I figured that if I focus on what I can do from this end, with respect to the documentation, then this will ease the pressure on my wife at interview because I can hopefully answer some questions in advance (such as when we met etc).

I also figured that if I focused on making sure the documentation was clear, concise and well referenced then we would be making the job of the ECO easier and so this would cast a positive light on the whole process.

It clearly worked

The one big lessong from this chaps is that I never once went to an Agency to help with this process(only translation agencies) so there really is no need if you research what you need and approach it in a logical and thorough manner

The one thing I said to my wife is NEVER tell a lie. She didn't intend to but, in the end, didn't have to

This experience was against a back drop of a relationship where we were married, and submitted the application, only 5 months after we met. It seems that this went against the grain as I had got the impression that anything less than 6 /7 months would be darn difficult.

Anyway, Job Done, All Over Now

I do intend to post electronic versions of the documentation I used in this application as soon as I have anonymised it all. Maybe it will help someone struggling with the Porfolio of evidence

Cheers and Thanks Again

Roblpl

HI Ollie,

Thought the following may be useful.

I had exactly the same experience as you did.

We got a call from VFS 2 days after submitting the documentation for the SV. She was asked to return to VFS to collect the documentation and to schedule an appointment. I then phoned and asked if this could be done by phone. They confirmed yes and so it was done. The documentation will be collected on the morning of the interview

They confirmed that no further documentation was required.

The application was submitted on the 5th July

The called on the 9th July about the appointment

The interview has been schedules for the 29th August

Roblpl

When you enter VFS you will get a ticket from the machine which will be a queue number. This is the very first thing you do and establishes your place in the queue. You then go to the cashiers desk and get the Bankers Draft while you wait.

When you submit your application the clerk will ask for the Banker Draft and wil then ask for the 450B in cash there and then.

The payment process does not delay you in any way

Hope this helps

Roblpl

Hi Don,

I had the same problems with my own band account being battered by the constant trips to the far east and now providing financial support for my wife whilst we wait for the Visa. I solved it by making my wife a second card holder on one of my minor credit cards (£500 limit) and then sent it to her. This got over the problem of paying huge transfer fees for Western Union as the charge by the bank for using the ATM is only £2 and the exchange rate is quite reasonable. It also allows my wife some freedom in finance showing Trust and allows me to transfer large sums of money if need be such as any unforseen financial hits surrounding the Visa(no need to pay transfer fees to Thailand cause its UK based). Also good for a credit rating when she gets to the UK.

This also allows me some time to avoid the large financial hit cause there is, of course, a delay in having to deal with the payment. Perhaps when she gets to the UK my wife can pay it herself when she gets into work

Hope this helps in some way

Roblpl

So you've got married, submiitted the SV application and are waiting patiently at home for the approval for the visa and for you wife to join you in the UK.

I'm now giving some thought to the issue of a potential refusal and I admit I am struggling with this.

Some questions for the experts.

Is it fair to say, IYHO, that the majority of applications for SV are because of technicalities such as missing documents/evidence?

If you submit all the documents correctly and are legally married, what, typically could the reason for a refusal be?

In other words, under these circumstances, what more can a person possibly do to show a relationship with someone than to get married?

If this was the scenario what could a person do to fix it?

This may sound a bit up in the air but any thoughts on this would be helpful cause if my wife is refused I'm not sure what else can possibly be done to fix any problem

Thanks all

Roblpl

There has been some criticism as well as interest in the new system since VFS took over Visa processing in LOS and I thought the information would be helpful for people considering co-ordinating applications with visits to Thailand.

The Settlement Visa application was processed in 2 days cause someone at the Embassy had established that an interview was required. By any sandards 2 days is quick.

Its better to have information and not need it rather than not have information when you need it dont you think

Roblpl

Hi All,

Thought this information may be useful to someone

Have just (today) got back from Thailand where I got married and submitted the SV application.

Went to VFS with the application on the Wednesday 5th July

Received a phone call on the 7th saying my wife had been scheduled for an interview by the Embassy

Interview scheduled for the 29th August (This was the first they had available)

Was told no more documentation was needed

Took the whole process from start to finish - Phew!

Roblpl

Hi Chaos,

Some advice please if you would't mind

I'm off to Thailand for a third time on Friday and, whilst there, I will be getting married and immediately submitting the SV application.

Question:

Do I need to have the Marriage Certificate translated back into English for the purposes of submitting it with the Visa Application?

How do I deal with the fact that hew name will name will now have changed and so all the documentation will be in her old name but she will now have a new name. Does it make any difference?

Thanks

Roblpl

Some advice on process please everyone

I'll soon be going to Thailand to get married and, during the same visit, sillw be submitting the settlement visa application.

Can I ask what the timescales are around process. For instance, is the waiting time of (? 3 months) the time between submission and interview or is the interview set up quick and the related decision (? 3 months)?

Just an idea of what happens when.

Also, do I need to be in Thailand to support her at the interview?

Thanks in advance

Roblpl

I've just got back from Thailand and when I was there I went across to Lao with my Thai girlfriend via Nong Khai. We also went to Cambodia as well and, let me tell you, when they were processing the Visa for us ($20US) the border officer asked for the money for the Visa, which I paid and then said, quite openly "and 100 Baht for me". I tried to play ignorant and asked what this means. He said "for my vodka". Then someone told me 20 Baht for "quarantine" also. It got worse as the 2 days went on. So Cambodia is the place for a rip off.

So, in comparison, Laos immigration was a breeze and although $30US maybe a little steep but I enjoyed Vientiane. A good idea is to get your girlfriend to get a passport which is very straightforward for Thai people. That way she could avoid the very large queue at the Border Control and join the shorter passport queue.

Roblpl

I'd be interested in your views on the following issue chaps as I've just got back from a visit to my girlfriend in LOS. We decided not to go for a VV but wait for a while and go for settlement instead. Anyway, I am aware that European Legislation, as defined by the Social Chapter, makes it unlawful for "a sovereign state of the European Union to interefere with family life".

Question - Doesn't this mean that if the criteria for a "family" has been satisfied i.e. you have a genuine married, then then UK Government cannot refuse a Settlement Visa?

What do you think - perhaps food for thought for some people?

Roblpl

Thanks for that. Just some clarification on the document process for a visa application if one of you guys wouldn't mind.

When I submit my pack of evidence, i know that I should take along as many original documents as possible which means they cant keep them.

Does the Embassy then copy and keep the documents, do they read the documents and just give you them back without keeping a copy for themselves or should you take along a duplicate set copied documents for them to keep?

Thanks

Roblpl

Anyone know what implication this will have on the Visa application process. I am looking to submit a visa application on, or about the 26th April for VV for my girlfriend. I see that visa applications have to be submitted to an outsource company.

Does this mean that the BE will no longer accept them and all will have to be submitted by post?

Thanks

Roblpl

Basically the top and bottom of this is that the aim of this is to simply continue as we are. I dread to think that the month will go great and then I am placed in the terrible position of not having options available to me cause the application was refused. I would imagine many farang have rushed head long into relationship because they thought they could only get their girlfreind in on a settlement visa and got married.

Her parents own a farm in Isaan so it probably wont help the application in itself. As for land in her name, the issue of her travelling back to the UK with me is quite a recent development so I dont yet have the details of what inheritence she has.

My senses tell me to focus very much on the strength of the relationship itself and build the evidence accordingly which will hopefully satisfy the reason to return. If I can convince the ECO that the relationship is genuine then I suppose that should be half the battle won.

You've all been very helpful guys and a bit more if you dont mind.

I've prepared a colour copy of my passport id page and the pages with date stamps in. How do I attest them, can I do this myself or do I need to have official verification that they are genuine copies?

Thanks Again

Thanks Scouse,

I thought that would be the case. The employment is a problem but so long as I know what I'm dealing with I can try and make preparations.

My thoughts are very much in the realm of emphasising the relationship aspect and so trying to convince the ECO that we would not want to damage any future applications, thus the reason to return.

My understanding of Thai culture is that if a Farang was to meet a girls parents then this is seen as quite a step for the girl and is good evidence of a genuine relationship. I have the option of visiting her parents when I go back on the 14th. Do you think evidence of this sort is helpful or could it be a hindrence?

Cheers

Hello Everyone. Some advice from all you wise people on here.

I met my girlfriend through a mutual friend and then made contact via the Internet September 2005. We corresponded via E-Mail until I was able to meet her in February just gone. After that, our contact was by phone. I am now travelling back to Thailand to spend a month with her and, if all goes well, am looking to try and secure a Visit Visa for her to return to the UK with me for an extended stay.

I have the E-Mail evidence that passed between since September, photos of us together during February and have phone records showing many, many phone calls between us (about 5 contacts per days either by text or voice). This includes 2 calls at 1 hour duration each. Of course I will have even more evidence when I go back.

Unfortunately, the evidence threshold for the 'reason to return' part is weak as she does not have a secure job or any assetts to speak of.

My thoughts were to try and emphasise the relationship side as I think this I have quite good evidence to show this. Sponsorship is not a problem as I earn over £30,000 per year and live alone in a family sized house.

Is it better for her to say to the ECO that she wanted a holiday in the UK or that she intends to continue the relationship with me in the UK?

Is her saying that she wants a holiday seen as misleading because its not really a holiday cause she wants to be with me, potentially damaging for her chances?

or

Is it better for her to say it the way it is and that she wants to visit to be with me, thus potentially damaging any argument around her intention to return?

Thanks Guys