theoldgit

14 minutes ago, superal said:

Can you please advise how to satisfy that a visitor can convince all concerned with the application , that they will leave the UK at the end of the permitted stay . I ask this because my lady was refused a tourist visa on the grounds that they believed she would not return to Thailand .

There’s really no guarantee that an application will be approved, however genuine the applicant is, the decision maker (ECO) has to make a judgement call based on the evidence submitted by the applicant, they use the “balance of probabilities” and don’t always get it right, and of course there’s no right of appeal.

If the sponsor is located in the UK, l note you’re posting from Thailand, the ECO may take the view, rightly or wrongly, that the applicant may decide to remain with their partner in the UK, so they need to convince the decision maker that they have strong ties to Thailand.

I’m afraid there’s no magic formula, the applicant has to show that there life in Thailand is such that it’s unlikely that they would overstay and remain with their partner in the “promised land”.

ECO’s are not based in Thailand, they can be anywhere, that hasn’t made it any easier.

Applicants should specifically address the reasons for refusals in subsequent applications, also mention in a short covering letter.

Good luck

She can apply to travel for any date, there’s no “time between visits” requirement for Standard Visit Visas for the UK, each application is treated on its own merit.

For each application your mother in law will need to satisfy the decision maker that she’s a genuine visitor who will leave the UK at the conclusion of her holiday.

The ECO may wonder if regular three month holidays are genuine, though they are perfectly legal.

On 5/27/2024 at 8:01 AM, phetphet said:

Proof of address: Went to both Kasikorn Bank and 3BB this morning to ask for a statement and a bill with my address in English. Both said "Cannot."

When I renewed my passport last year I ordered a statement in English via the K+ App and it was delivered almost instantly as a PDF and I was able to print it, VFS were fine with it.

Maybe check the app and see if that option is still available.

3 hours ago, Eddie45 said:

Theoldgit, if you are a UK Citiizen and returning to live in the UK on a full time basis there is no charge so nothing to worry about.

That’s right, you’re covered as soon as your feet touch home soil, you might be asked for proof of your residency by NHS Trusts, but l understand that’s hit and miss.

@Eddie45

This is the Guidance to NHS Trusts that I referred to in my earlier post. Guidance on implementing the overseas visitor charging regulations

1 hour ago, Eddie45 said:

I was looking to find out the actual rules on this situation so I know where I stand if I end up in a bad situation like Steady Eddie. Touch wood it doesnt happen. Whats that saying plan for the worst and hope for the best.

This is a summary of the rules, there is a far more comprehensive document available which details the instructions to NHS Trusts to make the appropriate charges and to check that those seeking ongoing treatment are actually resident in the UK and entitled to access the NHS without charging, whether NHS Trusts actually comply with these requirements is another matter.

Emergency life saving treatment is free for all.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care

VFS staff don’t have sight of the statements if the applicant uploads the supporting evidence themselves, only the UKVI decision maker will have access.

As the previous poster has rightly pointed out, there is no minimum figure required to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer that you have sufficient funds available, you and the applicant need to satisfy the ECO that there are sufficient funds available for the trip declared in the application, it’s affordable to you and that it’s reasonable for you to do so.

Off topic post removed 

1 hour ago, Letseng said:

How difficult or easy it is to get a Schengen visa also depends on which embassy you apply for it. I hope it won't be Germany or Austria.

You can’t pick and choose unfortunately, I realise you’re not suggesting you can.

You need to apply via the Consulate with jurisdiction for your main destination, or if touring and spending and equal amount of time in more than one member state, then you should apply via the Consulate’ with jurisdiction for your point of entry into Schengen.

You need to apply for Transfer of Residence Relief from the HMRC, quite a straightforward process, and is completed online, no tax was due when l made my application.

Removal companies will probably ask for the HMRC approval before they ship the goods.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/application-for-transfer-of-residence-relief-tor1

I used Sevenseas and was satisfied with their service.

21 hours ago, claffey said:

If you have an accident your insurance could be invalid if you don't have an IDP. Thailand requires one too but most people don't bother. Not worth the risk really as they are easily obtained. 

As others have pointed out there is no risk in using a compliant overseas licence do drive in the UK for up to twelve months.

Like many other members l have never had an issue using my Thai licence to rent a car in the UK.

3 hours ago, Negita43 said:

Slightly off topic but are people aware of the "Cascade System" for Schengen?

- The rules are slightly complicated but if you have had previous Schengen visas within a certain time scale you can ask for a longer validity than 1 year Visa

For example we have just got a 2 year validity Visa (Austria)  for my Thai partner (still 90 day max in 12 months) because she had a 1 year validity visa (Spain) less that two years ago.

My wife has had a number of Schengen Visas and applied for a visa for a four night trip to The Netherlands.

In her covering letter she requested another longer term visa, her last one had a two year validity, and they issued her with a visa with a five year validity.

6 hours ago, Merrill said:

I will get the Visa from France, last time i did it I saw no border into Spain.

 

That’s fine but the French will require details of the accommodation during the trips through France as well as in Spain, and the applicant will need to satisfy the decision maker that they’re spending longer in France than Spain, or at least an equal length of time.

She should apply for a Schengen Visa via the Consulate for the country with jurisdiction for her main destination, ie where she intends to spend the longest time.

If she is traveling and spending an equal amount of time in two or more Schengen States she should apply via the Consulate with jurisdiction for her port of entry into the Schengen Area.

It really depends how much time she expects to spend in total traveling through France and how long she expects to spend in Spain.

As she’s legally resident in the UK she can apply there.

3 hours ago, kwilco said:

Good point.  Officially, you don't necessarily need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the UK with a Thai driving licence, as long as your Thai licence is valid and in English.

However, there are a couple of points to consider:

 

Rental companies: While it's not a legal requirement, some car rental companies in the UK may require you to have an IDP to rent a car.

Police discretion: While unlikely, a police officer could ask for an IDP if they are unsure about the validity of your Thai licence.

 

However - there is the condition of designated countries of which Thailand is not. You can drive in the UK for up to 12 months on a licence issued in a ‘designated country’ (Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Republic of North Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. 

 

You might also need to check if your travel insurance covers you.

 

After 12 months you need a UK licence.

 

So, an IDP can help avoid any confusion or delays.....

 

 

Not quite correct, as brewsterbudgen has correctly pointed out, a Thai licence can be used in the UK for twelve months, there is no need for an IDP.

The designated countries to which you refer is for those who wish to exchange your overseas licence for a UK licence without taking a test in the UK, Thai licences can’t be exchanged.

l suspect that British police officers will be aware of the rules applying to holders of overseas licences, along with the fact that holders cannot be given a fixed penalty notice, but would need to go to court.

Whilst your experience may be different, l have never had an issue renting a car in the UK after presenting my Thai licence, l’ve rented many cars over the years without question.

Of course check your travel insurance, but accidents in hire cars have never been excluded in travel cover l’ve purchased, but it’s always worth purchasing Excess cover.

31 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Meanwhile, the petition is a waste of time as the government doesn't care. Which is why they brought in the rule in the first place. Why would they then do a U-turn?

Sadly the government brought in this rule to satisfy many UK citizens who fully support it, l don’t think there will be a U-turn.

The new requirements only affect new applicants, and are being brought in in stages.

15 hours ago, mommysboy said:

 

Pension rate starts at the time your pension becomes payable as far as I know.

 

(Some people can choose to delay and get a little extra).

I deferred mine when l reached pension age and l received the higher pension rate which was in force when I applied to draw it, not the lower rate which was in force when l became eligible.

As you point out l also got a little bit extra.

it was a calculated risk as l hoped l’d live long enough to make a profit.

11 minutes ago, FruitPudding said:

How long do you have to be "back" before you can use the NHS for free like everyone else?

I don’t think there is a set time, but you might need to satisfy the NHS Trust that you’re resident in the UK.

You might need to prove that you live in the UK, property ownership or rental details, tax and/or DWP letters etc etc.

As l’ve said  NHS Trusts are required to carry out these checks for non emergency treatment, but whether they do so or not is another matter.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care

1 hour ago, FruitPudding said:

Can't you go back for holidays to use the NHS?

Not for free you can’t, expats can receive free emergency life saving treatment if they’re taken ill during their visit, but any ongoing treatment is charged at 150% of the actual cost.

NHS Trusts are required to implement these rules, whether they do so or not is another matter.

With the long waiting lists for NHS treatment, or even to be seen by a GP, l don’t think the NHS is of much use for holidaying expats.

This is a Thailand related issue, I’ll move to the correct forum.

1 hour ago, Mike Teavee said:

Could you leave the UK on a Thai Passport if you didn't enter using it? 

There are no embarkation controls leaving the UK, but you would be better showing the carrier the Thai passport to satisfy them that you can enter Thailand without restrictions or need a return ticket.

8 hours ago, Wobblybob said:

A link was all I asked for, I wasn't looking for a sermon. 😀

https://britishpensions.com/are-you-receiving-a-uk-state-pension/

https://www.canzukinternational.com/2023/02/canadian-mp-urges-canada-uk-to-negotiate-end-of-frozen-pensions.html

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024-02-19/debates/24021975000085/FrozenBritishPensions

https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-if-you-retire-abroad/rates-of-state-pension

However, pensioners resident in the USA receive the annual increases