theoldgit

The issue will likely be the increase in nett migration that the independent panel suggests may be the result of the suggested lower income thresholds. Reform and their followers are creating a song and dance about the so called boat people, but number wise they fall into insignificance compared to those arriving into the UK using the legal routes. The legal routes are very much abused with social media awash with “legal advisors” offering the dodgy paperwork for non existent jobs and education places, once visas are issued and the holders “through the door” they disappear into the black economy or seek asylum. Spouses and partners are very much near the end of the line number wise with applicants mostly being genuine, but they could get caught up in any backlash.

Serco are certainly seeking landlords with properties to rent, though l don’t know what the contractual rates are, they will normally be “commercial in confidence” https://www.serco.com/uk/sites/serco-aasc/landlords I’m currently in the UK for an extended period, and here on the South Coast there are certainly beggars in abundance, some begging quite aggressively. There are certainly some shops and services that will only accept contactless payments but there are others where “cash is king”. The NHS is of course pretty good if you can get through to a surgery to make an appointment, it took me 35 attempts to reach the queue to request an appointment last week, though once in the queue l only waited 20 mins to get an appointment and was seen the same day. I was previously referred to a consultant by the GP and as it’s an urgent referral I’ve been informed that it’s only a 48 week wait.

This is in the wrong forum, it’s been answered but I’ll move it anyway.

H&S, you're of course spot on, there is absolutely no requirement for an applicant to submit a marriage certificate for a Standard Visit Visa. It's probably worth noting that the Decision Maker only needs to be satisfied that, on the balance of probabilities, the applicant will leave the UK at the conclusion of their proposed visit, so evidence of a stable life in their home country will be what they're looking for. I've attached the official guide to supporting documents Visitor Visa - Guide to supporting documents I've also attached the Guidance for the Caseworkers who make the decision on the application Visit

No

The UK Government has published their long awaited White Paper on Immigration. It’s a Policy Document so not in law yet, no doubt there will be some debates, and probably some amendments, before it becomes so. Happy reading Restoring control over the immigration system - White Paper

The overseas students were charged higher fees and kept many universities and colleges afloat, many have closed or reduced the courses available, and of course tutors have lost jobs, or moved overseas.

Yes it seems to be automatic now, my wife applied for a visa to visit the Netherlands for a week and was issued with a visa with a five year validity. The rules for the maximum time allowed in Schengen in a set period still apply, as they do for UK Citizens and other third country nationals.

Unhelpful troll post removed, along with measured response.

Whilst I’ve always purchased flight tickets before assisting my wife with her visa applications over the years, and have thus ignored the published advice by the UKVI not to purchase non refundable tickets prior a visa being issued, it maybe worth sharing the instructions to caseworkers/ECO’s that evidence of flight tickets are not to be considered when reaching a decision on the application. It’s also worth reminding members that ECO’s have a very limited time to make a decision, so may not be minded to wade through unnecessary documents.

As BB has pointed out there is no problem entering the UK using a passport with limited validity or even an expired passport, your son is a British Citizen so not subject to UK Immigration Controls, his passport may be close to expiry but not his citizenship. I personally would renew his passport whilst in the UK, though it depends how long you are there for. I note the post regarding leaving Thailand using his Thai Passport, but keep in mind that he should leave Thailand using the passport he entered on.

Yes you’re right, but there is far more legal migration than those arriving illegally. There is a large black market in non existent jobs, social media is awash with dodgy job offers, many entering the country via these routes subsequently seek asylum. Many others are students who do not take up their courses and then disappear into the black economy. HMG are bringing in legislation to address these routes, though a massive reduction of overseas student visas being issued is severely affecting colleges and universities. The language tests are pretty easy, it’s the Life in the UK tests that many struggle with. Of course the boat people are an issue because they’re in the public eye, ideally they would build more Immigration Detention Centres, but there is a massive NIMBY movement making this difficult, hence the use of expensive hotel accommodation.

A doctor can sign if they know the applicant well enough to recognise the applicant from a photograph, l think you’ll find it’s the GP’s themselves that have decided that they don’t want to be bogged down with this sort of bureaucracy, as they don’t want to sign a form confirming that they recognise an applicant from a photo, not unreasonable given that GP’s generally have well in excess of 2,300 patients. Ministers of religion can countersign applications, including vicars and priests. I don’t know who originally drafted the guidelines they’ve been around for decades, they’re pretty extensive.

The rules who can, or cannot, countersign a passport application are clearly detailed in the application guidelines, including the restrictions on family members, the list of those who can is pretty extensive.

As the OP’s question refers to entry into Thailand, rather than from Thailand to another country, to prevent any confusion I’ll the question I’ll the question to the appropriate forum.

I’ve used for both and it worked fine.

Not that simple I’m afraid, whilst the Visa does give the maximum duration of stay permitted, it also shows the expiry date of the visa, it’s that date which the visa holder must leave the UK by.

As this post asking advice in respect of Immigration requirements I’ll move the post to the appropriate forum.

Yes, the rules in Thailand are very different to most other countries.

She needs to leave the UK on or before the expiry date of her visa.

Troll post removed

Most UK Visa application fees are being increased from 9th April. Immigration and Nationality fees 9 April 2025

Yes, as clarified in the original post this is for visitors who do not require a visa.

Forget the London Eye, this viewpoint in the city is probably the highest in London and free. https://horizon22.co.uk/visit/ Maybe not for you BB, but others may find it interesting.

As the post is in respect of a visa for Thailand, I’ll move the post to the appropriate forum.