theoldgit

For the avoidance of doubt, VFS only capture the biometric details, upload supporting evidence if the applicant hasn't uploaded it themselfs, and retain the applicants passport until a decision has been made by a directly employed ECO in either the UK, India or China, I think that's what you meant.

There are no quotas for the issuing of Standard Visit Visas, why would there be? If an applicant can satisfy the ECO that they are a genuine applicant, who can afford the trip, and also satisfy the decision maker that they will return home at the conclusion of the proposed visit, then Entry Clearance will be approved. Like all of us, ECO's make mistakes.

Indeed, the vast majority of applications are successful, the UKVI publish a spreadsheet, your number isn't far off the mark.

So the Minister didn't overturn the decision, or did he? When you say that "There were many cases of UK nationals who were refused their wife's visa" the person who told you would no doubt be aware that it would be the applicant who was refused, not the UK National.

That wasn’t my my experience, my 65th birthday was in late March, I deferred drawing my State Pension until April and was paid the new rate for that year. The State Pension isn’t calculated by when you retire but by age, I retired at 60 and had already been drawing my Civil Service Pension for five years when l became eligible for my State Pension.

OP has resolved his issue, thread closed.

Responses to old thread, closed

Maybe for the same reason as a number of posters on this and other forums, she's retired from the Immigration Police/Service and either want to help others or maybe she wants to earn some extra cash.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/proposed-changes-to-passport-application-fees

I submitted my application on Friday 23rd December, and have just received notification that it's available for collection. So less than three weeks, pretty good when you take into account the Christmas and New Year breaks. The downside for me is that I'd already factored in a trip to Bangkok in March, when I have a medical appointment there, not complaing though.

I think BB has explained what you need to prove, but if you're providing financial support you should include your bank statements and evidence of the source of your income, it's you that proving affordability. You also need to satisfy the decision maker that it's appropriate for you for you to provide financial support, as BB says that you've actually met, provide some details, and evidence of your relationship. The applicant will need to provide evidence that she's likely to return, details of her life of Thailand, emmployment, accomodation etc. Visitor visa guide to supporting documents/guide to supporting documents visiting the UK

A previous Home Secretary told me that he intended to ensure there would be a linking of various Government IT systems to allow a more joined up Government, including the ability to keep a record of UK Nationals leaving the country. It's been almost 22 years since Jack Straw was Home Secretary, he never achieved it during his time in harness, and I don't think it's been achieved since.

Troll post removed

Maybe you might be wise to make contact with the HMPO and put this them. hm-passport-office/contact/hm-passport-office-webchat or via phone +44 (0)300 222 0000 I cannot find the rule regarding the posting of UK Passports overseas, but I know there is one, HMPO don't post overseas, they have a secure contract via DHL. As I indicated earlier whilst it's against HMPO rules to apply in the UK when you're in Thailand, I'm aware that some people do, though I'm not sure that those who have lost passports have done so, it might be a problem if they decide to make contact with you. Your countersignatory will need to countersign the photo and confirm that they know you personally and have done so for more than two years, also supply a copy of their passport and contact details. As part of their work HMPO will check that the countersignatory is genuine. This may include checking their passport and other records to confirm their identity and their profession or professional qualification. You will be asked to ensure that your countersignatory knows that HMPO may contact them and carry out their checks. Good luck with whatever you decide to do, please let us know how it goes.

Troll post, and responses, removed.

Off topic post removed, this thread has nothing to do with US political views.

This topic is in the news forum, please discuss there if you need to.

It's also useful to read the guidance issued to Overseas visitor managers and their teams, Frontline staff providing relevant services and Providers and commissioners of relevant services Overseas NHS visitors charging regulations - guidance December 2022 The advice for visitors, including expats, might be of interest: Visiting or moving-to-england/how-to-access-nhs-services-in-england-if-you-are-visiting-from-abroad/ It's worth noting that a referral from a GP is only required for non urgent hospital treatment, and is chargeable at 150% of cost for visitors, including non returning expats.

Yes, good point, I'd missed that.

What you're suggesting is actually illegal, or at least goes against HMPO rules rather than breaking the law. HMPO has a rule that passports cannot, or at least shouldn't be sent by regular post internationally, that said I believe a number of people do so, and don't encounter a problem. You've reported your passport lost and intend to apply for a new one to be delivered in the UK, they may well be aware that you haven't applied for an Emergency Travel Document and may possibly ask questions as to why you're applying in the UK and not following their requirements. that's just an educated guess. Obtaining the letter asking for your visa to be transferred could be an issue as I believe they are issued automatically with the new passports issued via VFS, however some people apply for a new passport whilst visiting the UK, and I believe the UK Embassy will issue the letter via e-mail in those circumstances, I think it's a template, maybe that might be an option.

You’ve posted in the wrong forum, I’ll move it for you.

@kimameyYou could pay for applications from Thailand in Baht back in the day, I remember needing to obtain draft from a specific bank in Baht, that all changed when you needed to pay online. Applicants from most, if not all, EU countries are charged in Euros.

Sorry, l meant to add that, though as it’s lost, you might need to attend an interview.

There are agents up and down the country who offer this service, maybe your lawyer friend might be able to do so for you. The use of an agent doesn’t speed up the process, it just saves the double visit to Trendy, the forms still need to be completed and submitted. Be aware that some agents retain the old passport during the process, which can cause problems.

As a follow up l’ve just checked my online bank statement for the account used to pay for my new passport and l note that the card has already been debited, that’s a week after l handed in the authorisation form with my application. Not sure that means anything, but at least I know the application has been received, and allays my fears due to the card expiring in February.