Guemlum

I have been looking through some older posts dating back to 2011, regarding the above topic, but was wondering whether anyone had some up to date info on obtaining a affirmation of mariage from the British Embassy. My questions are...

1. Do you have to make an appointment as suggested on the FCO website, or simply turn up to the embassy during consular hours as has been suggested by others?

2. I read one post that said the MOFA had relocated offices during the recent coup. Can anyone confirm if this is the case or are they back at their original address?

3. What are current costs in getting the translated affirmation of marriage authorised by the MOFA and expected turnaround times?

Thanks

Guemlum

That's great. Thanks guys.

Guemlum

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We never received an accompanying letter from the British Embassy when my partner was recently granted her tourist visa to visit the UK. They have done in the past.

Does she have to enter the UK within 90 days from the start date of the visa or can she enter at any time during the 6 month validity?

Guemlum

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Does anyone know if this will run into Tuesday? We are 3 passengers on a domestic flight from Udon to BKK.

Guemlum

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The visa is valid from 29/01/14 to 29/07/14 and we stated that she would visit in a May/June so I'm hoping no wellies will be needed.

In the past the British Embassy issued a letter which accompanied the visa, but we never received one? Is this normal?

Guemlum

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Well after a lot of hard work and a short but nerve wrecking wait, my partner was granted a tourist visa for her to visit the UK. Thanks to 7by7 and the old git and to everyone else who gave us support and encouragement over the past couple of months. We are both over the moon.

Guemlum

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I thought as much. Thanks guys. Only a few more days suspense.

Guemlum

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We received an email this afternoon saying that UK Visas and Immigration have made a decision on our visa application. However, when using the "Track your application" option on the VFS website, it simply says that our application has been forwarded to the British Embassy.

Does anyone know if this option will actually give you the outcome, or do they keep you in suspense until the documents are returned to us?.

Guemlum

250 baht for photos is just another rip off as it's 100 baht anywhere else

I agree, and I have had photos taken in the past only for them to be refused by the VFS, when they were taken by an authorised passport photo booth. It is a scam, and one that the VFS should stamp their foot on, but I couldnt be bothered with the hastle again so my partner paid for them herself.

Guemlum

I thought there were a few clues in the OP as to the country, but for those that don't know Regent House is for those applying to visit the UK and Canada.

As Santisuk says, there is a small bank in the lobby but it is now a requirement to pay online when filling out your application. However, the information on the notice board outside still implies you can pay by cashiers cheque. This does need removing by the VFS.

Guemlum

We took a taxi yesterday from Don Muang airport to Regent House and encountered no problems on the way. There are demonstrations at Lumpini park directly next to Regent House but it has not affected the VFS. They are still opening.

Regarding copies, I created a section at the back of the folder which contained all originals asking for them to be returned with everything else. For each original document you supply, I would provide a copy for them to keep.

Guemlum

Its been some time since submitting a visa application at the VFS, Regent House and I must say that they have certainly cleaned things up at Regent house.

Ther are no longer touts hanging around outside insisting on checking your application, which was a real nuisance in the past, and the VFS have located their office to the ground floor. There is a seating area outside where you can wait and are called in depending on your appointment time. We were there early and as a result of not many people being there, were called in an hour earlier than our appointment time.

Show your appointment confirmation and passport to the security guard sitting at the desk inside the entrance and then you are scanned using a hand held scanner by another guard before entering.

You are given a ticket which shows your counter number and then you wait until your turn appears on the screen. Prior to this, you have the opportunity to have your photos taken for your application at a cost of 250 baht and also use computer and printer facilities should you require.

Once you have submitted your application at the counter you are asked whether you want your documents couriered back to your partner which will cost you 275 baht. Upon completion you are handed back your application/documents in a pouch style folder, given another ticket where you wait to have your biometrics taken and submit the folder to a clerk. Thats it.

Your English partner is not allowed in to the centre, however if there is a problem you are allowed in. I was allowed to go in as the documents I submitted sponsoring my partner had to be taken out of the nicely presented folder I had put together and there was a query about some original documents which was resolved quickly. I was told that the British Embassy do not accept ring bound folders anymore. My folder was nicely presented, indexed, making it easy for the ECO to identify the information they require and the VFS just rip it all appart. My main concern is that it will now be mixed up giving the ECO a massive headache. Please be aware.

We will now wait and track our application on the internet with the reference number we were given.

All in all, a problem free experience which was not the case in the past. Hats off to the VFS for cleaning up their act. :-)

Guemlum

Hi all, does anyone know whether the airport or transport in surrounding areas will be effected by the shutdown on the 13th of this month?.

We will be staying at a hotel local to the airport and assume local transport will not be effected and the protests/shutdown will be aimed more at central Bangkok.

Guemlum

Nothing....no option to select "other". Nothing

Guemlum

We are currently filling in the online visa application and in the section "Have you ever travelled outside your country of residence, excluding the UK, in the last 10 years?" we have selected yes.

However, on the drop down menu it does not include Laos. My partner has stamps in her passport for these visits and if we do not declare these we are concerned we will be deemed to be lying. However, if Laos does not appear in the list, what are we to do?

Guemlum

Can anyone tell me whether the VAC at Regent house are still pulling the passport photo scam and whether the British Embassy are doing anything to combat this?. Recently heard they were telling applicants that photos must be on a white background and not as per...

https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

Thanks 7by7. Will update on the outcome closer to the time of application. And thanks for the up to date advice.

Guemlum

150 pages of screenshots!

Yeah, cut back on that by about 145.

If all you have for her reason to return is her job and your desire not to adversely effect future applications, then that's all you can show. You can't prove the latter, just stress it in your sponsor's letter.

On the subject of the sponsor's letter, keep it short and to the point; two pages max.

I do believe that it is better to give the ECO too much than miss something vital; but you do seem to be going over the top. From what you say this is not her first application; did you really provide all this previously?

I've cut back on 148 pages so far so looking slimmer. Yep, its basically job and not wanting to jeopordise future applications. We have stressed that in mine and her covering letters.

This is her first application. I was once married to a Thai before. We had successful tourist and spouse applications in the past (1 off each) and honoured the rules and regs back then. Unfortunately, 5 years ago she passed away whilst residing in the UK. We were true to our words in her returning to Thailand, however it was not in the manor we expected. It has taking me 4 years since the loss of my wife to start dating again, and over the past year I have been able to do so with a very special lady. It is her that we are applying for a Tourst visa.

Guemlum

That's a great comparison...maybe it's just me but I like to include as much info as possible. I have probably over done it with the screen shot photos of video calls (probably 150 pages, so will cut back on that.

Item 10 is a tough one. She owns property on her parents land but the home is not shown on the Chanote.

We really cannot prove something we have not done yet. We both understand the problems that can arise of not returning to Thailand and have every intention of returning, especially as we plan to get married later in the year and do not want to jeopardise future applications. We have mentioned that in a few sections to our document.

Guemlum

That's a great comparison...maybe it's just me but I like to include as much info as possible. I have probably over done it with the screen shot photos of video calls (probably 150 pages, so will cut back on that.

Item 10 is a tough one. She owns property on her parents land but the home is not shown on the Chanote.

We really cannot prove something we have not done yet. We both understand the problems that can arise of not returning to Thailand and have every intention of returning, especially as we plan to get married later in the year and do not want to jeopardise future applications. We have mentioned that in a few sections to our document.

Guemlum

In fact 7by7, I've used your very helpful link "UK Visit Visa Basics" when compiling the document.

Hmmm, I am going to be sponsoring her visa application so I'm only including what I have done on past experiences. I've heard of instances where the ECO has rejected an application based on the strength of the relationship. I have included 1 years worth of video call screenshots using the application Tango (perhaps too much?). Heres a breakdown of how I have organised my documents, but it really does cover the basics...

Introduction letter

1. Our relationship history.(Includes a covering letter as well as Tango video screenshots).
   
2. Photos together, photos with my parents / her parents, and passport stamps/bookings/flights. (Exactly as it says)
   
3. About Mr Jo Bloggs. (Includes passport identification page, proof of address)
   
4. About Miss Jo Bloggs. (Includes passport indentification page, ID card, proof of address)
   
5. Details of where Miss Jo Bloggs will stay in the United Kingdom. (Address details, photos of property, deeds to property, utility bills, sponsoring letter from my parents)
   
6. My employment status. (Employer details and references, qualifications)
   
7. My income. (Payslips, end of year accounts 2012-2013)
   
8. Miss Jo Bloggs employment and finances. (Photos at work, qualifications, letter from employer, bank books)
   
9. Suplementary documents. (Letter from her parents, letter from her son)
   
10. Documents supplied by Miss Jo Bloggs supporting her return to Thailand.
    
11. Original documents for returning. (Exactly as it says)

Guemlum

Totally agree with you...I try to make the whole application as simple for ECO as possible. The folder I have combined so far totals 294 pages and climbing. Don't want to miss anything out.

When you say certified by "the translation bureau" I assume you mean the bureau of ones choice?

Whilst we are on the topic, do we also have to get birth certificates, and divorce certificate translated. They see these documents daily so they must recognise them. Never got them translated in the past.

Guemlum

The visa is for the UK.