theoldgit

Indeed, from the VFS website: “You must collect in person. If you’re unable to, someone else can go on your behalf: Your friend will need to have your passport in their possession to enable VFS to cancel it, they can then courier it to the passport owner.

Thread closed at OP’s request.

Assuming she want to visit and not settle, she will need a Standard Visit Visa.

Sheryl is spot on when she says that having a UK sponsor could be detrimental to the applicant, as the ECO may assume, rightly or wrongly, that the applicant intends to stay in the UK with their sponsor and bypass the Settlement process, most people understand the dangers of that approach. Many Thai ladies visit with their sponsors who live in Thailand, either as a spouse or long term partners, it’s unlikely, though not impossible, would be using the Visit Visa route to uproot and both settle in the UK. The applicants who sometimes face problems are those who live in Thailand with their spouse, partner or sponsor living in the UK, who sometimes support their partners in Thailand. The ECO may reach the conclusion, again rightly or wrongly, that the applicant intends to stay in the UK with their benefactor, it’s these that face problems, you’re fully aware. l have to admit that l have never encountered groups of Thai tourists in the UK, especially unaccompanied ladies, I’m sure there probably are some though, it’s not a easy route to remain as an overstayer and subsequently be removed and face a lengthy ban from applying from even applying for a visa. l understand that applicants from Thailand with sponsors or spouses in the US face similar problems, probably more so.

Certainly many Thai ladies are successful with their applications for various categories of UK visas, l have no idea if many of these have no credible ties to their home country or have falsified evidence, I’ll have to take your word for that, but no doubt you can substantiate your claim. I’m certainly not aware of any reputable agent who would guarantee a visa for a fairly high fee, l think you’ve been misinformed, given applications are processed remotely, the claim isn’t really credible. Regarding your specific issue, it’s difficult to give a view without knowing the full facts, including the actual reason for the refusal, but l would add the suggestion of joining a tour group and simply remaining in the UK isn’t a good idea, it would give her many problems.

A number of unhelpful posts removed

Offensive troll post removed.

@jimnl note your experience of a few years ago, but the fact remains that there is no such rule in the UKVI guidelines, the guidelines l posted the link to are very clear. That said ECO’s will always make a judgement call based on each applicants personal circumstances, based on their travel history and their life in their home country, amongst other things.

One option is to register for a proxy vote, that’s what l do. https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/voting-by-proxy

This is not correct, there's no such rule, it's a pretty common mistake by posters. Whilst the Guidance to UKBA Decision Makers advises them that they must be satisfied that applicants aren't attempting to make the UK their home through "frequent and successive visits", and outlines the checks they should make, the guidance specifically reminds decision makers that "There is no specified maximum period, which an individual can spend in the UK in any period, such as ‘6 months in 12 months’ (as long as each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit, normally 6 months). However, if it is clear from an applicant’s travel history that they are seeking to remain in the UK for extended periods or making the UK their home you should refuse their application". You may find the attached Guidance to Staff helpful Visit guidance

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.