VFS Bangkok - UK Visa application

[spinner343]

Are you able to pay at VFS for the return of your passport? I made a mistake and never choose this service online, so was hoping it can be paid for when they go to do the bio information

[Tony M]

29 minutes ago, spinner343 said:

Are you able to pay at VFS for the return of your passport? I made a mistake and never choose this service online, so was hoping it can be paid for when they go to do the bio information

 

Yes, you can. Also, if you go to the "manage appointment" section on the VFS website (link is on the confirmation email they sent) , I think you can also pay there before you go to the appointment.

 

This is the link you need to login to the VFS site :

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/gbr/login

 

[Moonlover]

48 minutes ago, spinner343 said:

Are you able to pay at VFS for the return of your passport? I made a mistake and never choose this service online, so was hoping it can be paid for when they go to do the bio information

The fee that HMPO charges includes the return of your new passport to VFS's office. You (or a representative) have to go and collect it.

[Tony M]

I think the OP is asking about a UK visa application, not a British passport application.  But I might be wrong.

[prakhonchai nick]

15 hours ago, Moonlover said:

The fee that HMPO charges includes the return of your new passport to VFS's office. You (or a representative) have to go and collect it.

That is correct. The new British passport has to be collected, either in person or by someone authorised to collect. The old passport has to be presented and is cancelled by VFS. VFS will NOT send the new passport to you

[Bangkok Barry]

15 hours ago, Moonlover said:

The fee that HMPO charges includes the return of your new passport to VFS's office. You (or a representative) have to go and collect it.

 

Yes. Easy if you live in Bangkok. But I had to make two 1300km round trips, to apply and then collect. Why they can't use EMS like everyone else does, I have no idea.

[spinner343]

9 hours ago, Tony M said:

I think the OP is asking about a UK visa application, not a British passport application.  But I might be wrong.

that's correct

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

Yes. Easy if you live in Bangkok. But I had to make two 1300km round trips, to apply and then collect. Why they can't use EMS like everyone else does, I have no idea.

I can order stuff on Lazada, pay direct from my Thai bank account, use a credit card or even pay COD, and for a small fee it is delivered to my door.

 

I can use email or a smart phone to talk to the seller world wide, but dealing with the UK government, none of this is permitted.

 

The UK embassy in Bangkok is of little to no help either.

[spinner343]

I do not want a new UK passport it is about a visa to the UK

[scottiejohn]

1 hour ago, billd766 said:

I can order stuff on Lazada, pay direct from my Thai bank account, use a credit card or even pay COD, and for a small fee it is delivered to my door.

 

I can use email or a smart phone to talk to the seller world wide, but dealing with the UK government, none of this is permitted.

 

The UK embassy in Bangkok is of little to no help either.

You can sign up and use;

HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account: Sign in to HMRC online services - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

for many services.

Not the easiest websites to get around but I often use them including getting Passport and pension advice/info etc.

[billd766]

3 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

You can sign up and use;

HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account: Sign in to HMRC online services - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

for many services.

Not the easiest websites to get around but I often use them including getting Passport and pension advice/info etc.

IIRC the last time I renewed my passport (not with VFS0 the UK passport office would not accept my application using my Kasikorn Bank Visa debit card.

 

Neither it seems will VFS accept it, take cash in Thai baht or a bank transfer.

[MyThai1]

23 hours ago, spinner343 said:

Are you able to pay at VFS for the return of your passport? I made a mistake and never choose this service online, so was hoping it can be paid for when they go to do the bio information

I'm sure you can pay for the extra services when you go to make the application. 

[OJAS]

18 hours ago, spinner343 said:

I do not want a new UK passport it is about a visa to the UK

 

A pity that you chose not to be clear about this from the outset, I think.

 

[Crossy]

Topic title edited for clarity.

[hotandsticky]

I am of the opinion that UKVI have been given a directive to harden up on visa applications. It will never be admitted and I certainly can't prove it....but, a friend just had a gilt edged application declined for his girlfriend of 10 years. All key criteria were met. 

 

The decision letter was waffle and unintelligible in parts.

[Tony M]

3 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

I am of the opinion that UKVI have been given a directive to harden up on visa applications. It will never be admitted and I certainly can't prove it....but, a friend just had a gilt edged application declined for his girlfriend of 10 years. All key criteria were met. 

 

The decision letter was waffle and unintelligible in parts.

 

If that is so, PM the refusal notice (delete personal details).  Or forward it to an OISC registered visa agency, such as Thai Visa Express. The UKVI are issuing many "unlawful" decisions at the moment.

[brewsterbudgen]

4 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

I am of the opinion that UKVI have been given a directive to harden up on visa applications. It will never be admitted and I certainly can't prove it....but, a friend just had a gilt edged application declined for his girlfriend of 10 years. All key criteria were met. 

 

The decision letter was waffle and unintelligible in parts.

 As @Tony M suggests, can we see the redacted refusal notice?  It might be very useful to other BMs in a similar position.

[sandyf]

On 12/18/2023 at 8:40 PM, spinner343 said:

Are you able to pay at VFS for the return of your passport? I made a mistake and never choose this service online, so was hoping it can be paid for when they go to do the bio information

I have been doing my wife's applications for many years and never paid for any VFS service. My wife pays for the return of passport when attending the interview.

[hotandsticky]

13 hours ago, Tony M said:

 

If that is so, PM the refusal notice (delete personal details).  Or forward it to an OISC registered visa agency, such as Thai Visa Express. The UKVI are issuing many "unlawful" decisions at the moment.

 

Thanks Tony. I am in the UK at the moment but will try to take a picture of part of the decision letter.

 

I don't have your level of experience but I have been involved in 40+ applications so I know how to satisfy the criteria.

[hotandsticky]

12 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 As @Tony M suggests, can we see the redacted refusal notice?  It might be very useful to other BMs in a similar position.

 

Yes BB but I will send to Tony M first.

[hotandsticky]

21 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 As @Tony M suggests, can we see the redacted refusal notice?  It might be very useful to other BMs in a similar position.

 

 

Please see below. Can I add that this couple have lived de-facto for 12 years in Thailand. The proposed visit is to meet family and they will be staying at the male partner's UK house. They will travel together both ways.

 

The male partner, and sponsor, pays his partner 12,000 Baht a month and she is effectively a housewife. Evidence of sponsor income of £35k pa and bank balance £100k+ was submitted.

 

A Reasons to Return supporting paper included reference to 2 previous overseas visits (and return in accordance with any requirements), a chanote evidencing property and land ownership plus strong family ties to the area. Simplistically, this mature couple 63 & 57) would return to their established life after the UK visit. Absolutely no risk of flight and the 'balance of probability ' is heavily in favour of return.

 

The 3 key criteria were met and evididenced.

 

REASONS FOR REFUSAL

You have applied for a visa to visit the UK.

In deciding whether you meet the requirements of Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration 

Rules (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor), 

I have considered:

• your application and any additional relevant information you have provided with it

• your immigration history

The decision

I have refused your application for a visit visa because I am not satisfied that you meet the 

requirements of paragraph(s) V4.2 to V4.10 because:

You are applying to visit the United Kingdom for 3 months and 29 days to visit your partner. 

In order to assess your application I have to take into account your personal and economic 

circumstances. It is your responsibility to satisfy me that your circumstances are such that if 

granted leave to enter, you will comply with all of the conditions attached to any such leave 

and that you will leave the UK on completion of the proposed visit. 

You state that you will be staying with your partner and they will be meeting the costs of your 

visit. You state you are unemployed and spend 12,000 THB (£270.42) per month on living 

expenses. However you have not demonstrated with any additional information about your 

personal circumstances that would demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements 

of the Immigration Rules or that your finances as stated

Given the above, I am not satisfied that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit 

and that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor. Your application is therefore refused

[Denim]

The above refusal notice makes for grim reading and IMO states no clear grounds for the decision given. 

 

It appears to be based solely on the whim of a single adjudicating  officer.

 

Might just be another money squeeze and a repeat application might succeed.

[sandyf]

4 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

However you have not demonstrated with any additional information about your 

personal circumstances that would demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements 

of the Immigration Rules or that your finances as stated

This is the crux of it and pursuing "your personal circumstances"  appears to me a distinct difference between married and unmarried.

In view of the current climate in the UK it wouldn't be out of the question for a tightening up as you suggested on visitor visa applications.

[brewsterbudgen]

4 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Please see below. Can I add that this couple have lived de-facto for 12 years in Thailand. The proposed visit is to meet family and they will be staying at the male partner's UK house. They will travel together both ways.

 

The male partner, and sponsor, pays his partner 12,000 Baht a month and she is effectively a housewife. Evidence of sponsor income of £35k pa and bank balance £100k+ was submitted.

 

A Reasons to Return supporting paper included reference to 2 previous overseas visits (and return in accordance with any requirements), a chanote evidencing property and land ownership plus strong family ties to the area. Simplistically, this mature couple 63 & 57) would return to their established life after the UK visit. Absolutely no risk of flight and the 'balance of probability ' is heavily in favour of return.

 

The 3 key criteria were met and evididenced.

 

REASONS FOR REFUSAL

You have applied for a visa to visit the UK.

In deciding whether you meet the requirements of Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration 

Rules (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor), 

I have considered:

• your application and any additional relevant information you have provided with it

• your immigration history

The decision

I have refused your application for a visit visa because I am not satisfied that you meet the 

requirements of paragraph(s) V4.2 to V4.10 because:

You are applying to visit the United Kingdom for 3 months and 29 days to visit your partner. 

In order to assess your application I have to take into account your personal and economic 

circumstances. It is your responsibility to satisfy me that your circumstances are such that if 

granted leave to enter, you will comply with all of the conditions attached to any such leave 

and that you will leave the UK on completion of the proposed visit. 

You state that you will be staying with your partner and they will be meeting the costs of your 

visit. You state you are unemployed and spend 12,000 THB (£270.42) per month on living 

expenses. However you have not demonstrated with any additional information about your 

personal circumstances that would demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements 

of the Immigration Rules or that your finances as stated

Given the above, I am not satisfied that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit 

and that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor. Your application is therefore refused

 

Thanks for posting.  I look foward to @Tony M or @theoldgit comments.

 

It does seem unfair that if you have demonstrated that you, as her sponsor, have the funds to support her for the duration of her visit (3 months 29 days) why her income is relevant.

[Tony M]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Thanks for posting.  I look foward to @Tony M or @theoldgit comments.

 

It does seem unfair that if you have demonstrated that you, as her sponsor, have the funds to support her for the duration of her visit (3 months 29 days) why her income is relevant.

I have replied to the OP in private message, but I am happy for him to post my comments if he wishes to  do so (he sent me a PM, and I replied to same).

[The Cobra]

If this was a young bar-girl situation I can totally get the "reson to return" issue, but an established 12 yr relationship,a 57 yr old woman escorted both ways, returning to their established Thai lifestyle after the visit, it all seems very unreasonable and unfair in my opinion not to let them proceed.

 

Hardly likely to be going on the game or running off with others is she. (no offence intended)

 

Edited December 23, 2023 by The Cobra

[hotandsticky]

3 hours ago, Tony M said:

I have replied to the OP in private message, but I am happy for him to post my comments if he wishes to  do so (he sent me a PM, and I replied to same).

 

Tony, very happy for to post the comments in full, or part, as you see fit. As mentioned, I am currently visiting the UK without my computer.

 

Can I add that I included a covering letter outlining how the application met UKVI criteria - this included a personal recommendation because I have known the couple for 10 years.

 

The sponsors letter (composed by me) covered details of the relationship and the proposed visit. It included details of his strong financial position - backed up by a P60 showing over £35k p.a. and a bank statement evidencing over £100k.

 

I submitted a separate sheet headed Reasons to Return to Thailand that referenced returning from 2 previous overseas visits, house and land ownership (copy chanote supplied) and family Thais..

 

I don't pretend to be an expert but having done 12 applications for my wife (plus assisting 30+ friends and acquaintances) I am no idiot....

 

This was a bullsh1t decision and I just want to alert readers to what may be a change of mood and hardening of decision making. I have never subscribed to the 'quota' conspiracy theory but I can believe that a directive may have been issued.

[hotandsticky]

5 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Thanks for posting.  I look foward to @Tony M or @theoldgit comments.

 

It does seem unfair that if you have demonstrated that you, as her sponsor, have the funds to support her for the duration of her visit (3 months 29 days) why her income is relevant.

 

BB, just to clarify, I am not the sponsor, I assisted my friend with the application.

 

It was clearly stated the applicant was effectively a housewife (she plays at farming) and her partner fully financially supports her. 

[Sigma6]

Did they submit her statements proving 12k per month? (its likely cash)

 

You state you are unemployed and spend 12,000 THB (£270.42) per month on living 

expenses. However you have not demonstrated with any additional information about your 

personal circumstances that would demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements 

of the Immigration Rules or that your finances as stated.

 

This is the flimsy reason for denial as far as I can see.

 

One thing I do with every application is, in my cover letter say I will transfer 40k as an emergency fund, should anything happen to me, and then submit her statements showing said transfer.
 

 

Edited December 23, 2023 by Sigma6

[Tony M]

1 hour ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Tony, very happy for to post the comments in full, or part, as you see fit. As mentioned, I am currently visiting the UK without my computer.

 

Can I add that I included a covering letter outlining how the application met UKVI criteria - this included a personal recommendation because I have known the couple for 10 years.

 

The sponsors letter (composed by me) covered details of the relationship and the proposed visit. It included details of his strong financial position - backed up by a P60 showing over £35k p.a. and a bank statement evidencing over £100k.

 

I submitted a separate sheet headed Reasons to Return to Thailand that referenced returning from 2 previous overseas visits, house and land ownership (copy chanote supplied) and family Thais..

 

I don't pretend to be an expert but having done 12 applications for my wife (plus assisting 30+ friends and acquaintances) I am no idiot....

 

This was a bullsh1t decision and I just want to alert readers to what may be a change of mood and hardening of decision making. I have never subscribed to the 'quota' conspiracy theory but I can believe that a directive may have been issued.

This is my earlier response to hotandsticky. As far as I am aware, there is no change of mood or hardening of decision-making. I think it is because decisions are now made anywhere in the world, not in regions as previously. So, a Thai national applying for a visit visa might have the decison made in UK or UAE, etc. There will be less local knowledge than previously in the decision making.  Also, ECOs are aware that their decisions are unlikely to be challenged in any way, so they tend to try to get away with poor decisions. Sometimes it is "easier" to make a new application, but if there is nothing to be added to the original application, then it may well be refused again on the grounds that the appplicant's circumstances haven't changed ! Also, be aware that the complaint process can be long (I have one complaint that is approaching 18 months, with no final decision as yet), and may not produce any change in the original decision. :

 

 

"A poor refusal, with little, if none at all, reason(s).  Having said that, it would be good to know what documentation was submitted with the application that support the applicant's" personal circumstances that would demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements  of the Immigration Rules or that your finances as stated".  If, as I would assume, the sponsor provided evidence of sufficient funds, then the refusal is nonsense. If the applicant submitted evidnce of reasons to return to Thailand, eg house, land, family, savings, evidence of financial support from sponsor, then the decision is even more nonsensical.

It is worth a complaint at minimum, but the UKVI complaint process is likely to say that the ECO's decision was correct.  It is, after all, a decision made "on the blanace of probabilities".  If the UKVI reply (and they often don't), and state in their response that the response is their final response, then the complaint can be escalated to an independent examiner of Immigration decisions. If that cannot be done, then it might be possible to go further on the grounds that the decison was unlawful. That would depend on the documentation submitted with the application, etc.

If you would like me to have a go at a complaint on behalf of the applicant and sponsor, then I would need to see the submitted documentation, and the applicant would have to give me a letter of authority to act on her behalf."