Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would like to take my wife to the UK later this year. We intend to visit my father, mum and sister, staying in the UK for about a month. My father is in his 60s and mum also. I had hoped to sponsor her but I understand that to be a sponsor you need to be resident in the UK. I lived in the Philippines for around 5 years and now we both live and work in Thailand. I have a good job in Thailand and am fully able to pay for flights and accommodation in the UK. I can also prove savings in Thailand and in Peso bank account. I have been employed by the same international company for over 5 years and am in a managerial position.

 

My wife is a Filipina and currently working as a senior teacher here in Thailand and but next year October for a month (annual leave) and we intend to submit the application then or before so we can visit at that time.

 

She has approximately Baht 200,00 in her bank account and some savings in her peso bank account.

 

She will return to work 31st October 2020 to finish out her 2 year contract with a reputable government school here, but during that period she will take a month leave (October 2020).

 

She is able to obtain a letter confirming her employment and salary of approximately Baht 30,000. We have known each other for 4 years and got married early this year 2019 back in Philippines. We both dont want to live in the UK for the same reason its just not a goal for us and its too cold in all honestly. 

 

If I cannot issue a sponsorship letter, then my sister, who is a senior level at the NHS would be prepared to issue one.

 

BTW due to our times off are different, she will probably travel there (UK) first and I will be I will be flying there 2 days after (we have not completely decided on that yet.) We would then return together. All rather messy I know, but I would appreciate any pointers people with experience could give, such as whether I should submit a letter even though I may not be able to sponsor her, evidence that would be appropriate from me and her, etc.

 

 

PS I do not have any property in the UK and my last visit was about 6 years ago.

The main criteria for a visit visa to the UK are to show that you are in a genuine relationship, show you have the funds to pay for the trip and show your wife's ties to Thailand. From what you have said, it doesn't sound as if you will have any difficulty with this. There is no reason why you cannot sponsor her.

 

A letter from her employers showing that she can take a months holiday etc will be her main reason to return. Presumably you have a house together? Do you both own it or is their a lease/contract in both of your names?

 

If you are going to stay with your parents get a letter from them inviting the two of you to stay. If you are staying in hotels explain that and up the amount that the holiday will cost.

 

That is essentially it.

There is a lack of clarity over the term "sponsor". I was married in 2008 and made the first application for my wife in 2010 and with it included a letter titled "sponsor letter" and have done in 8 subsequent applications and it has never been queried. Back in 2010 I was in a similar position, living in Thailand and my wife had a good job with a European company. I included with the application a letter from the employer stating that she had been granted the time off from work and would be expected to return on a certain date and also indicating salary level.

On submitting the initial application my wife was interviewed for about 20 minutes at Regents House and at the end it was said there would be no problem with the visa as she had work to return to and I was living in Thailand. Many will try and contradict that statement but take it for what it is worth.

My wife retired in 2014 and has now done 9 applications and at no time have I ever submitted any documents relating to her financial position, I have always stated that I would meet all expenses incurred and provided bank statements. The sponsor letter is probably the most important document submitted with the application. It should be clear and concise giving an outline of the relationship and reasons for the visit. As suggested if staying with friends or relatives for any length of time an invitation letter would be beneficial, as also if travelling around a detailed itinerary. Good luck.