We're going back to the UK for Christmas (me, my British son and my Lao wife), leaving on 20 December and returning on 1 January.  The flights were booked back in March.  My wife will need a Visitor visa, which I don't anticipate being a problem as she got a Marriage Visitor visa last year.

 

My Extension of Stay expires on 30 November and both my wife and son are attached to it, as my dependants.  I was proposing to get the Extension (and my work permit) renewed in early November and then apply for the Visitor visa, so that we all have Extensions until 30 November 2018.  In view of any Christmas backlog, is it going to a close-call if I book an appointment for the Visitor visa application submission for mid November?

Is there a reason you're waiting until the end of November before applying for your wife's UK Visa, is it because you think that her application would be more robust if you include your ties here, or is there another reason?

 

If I were in your position, and I accept I'm not, I'd be applying now with the premise that it's one less thing to worry about. I would demonstrate that you both have had ties here for some years and tell them in your covering letter that you will applying for your extension as normal in November and include your work details, there's no right or wrong answer I'm afraid. 

2 hours ago, theoldgit said:

Is there a reason you're waiting until the end of November before applying for your wife's UK Visa, is it because you think that her application would be more robust if you include your ties here, or is there another reason?

 

If I were in your position, and I accept I'm not, I'd be applying now with the premise that it's one less thing to worry about. I would demonstrate that you both have had ties here for some years and tell them in your covering letter that you will applying for your extension as normal in November and include your work details, there's no right or wrong answer I'm afraid. 

Thanks.  Yes, I was planning to wait until after we have our Extensions until 2018 as it will demonstrate firm ties to Thailand.  I guess I'm worried that they might think that with our Extensions ending in November 2017, we're planning on returning to and remaining in the UK.  Maybe I am being over-cautious!