What is the easiest / quickest way to get a visa for my wife to visit the UK

[hotandsticky]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:01 AM, Millian said:

Just received the Wife's visit visa for UK, so thought it would be useful to list out exactly what we provided:
 

• Wife's Passport
• My Passport
• My Passport Copy
• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • Why I'm paying for the trip (Because I earn more than she does)
  • How long we have been together, how long we have been married, when child was born, that we own a house together.
  • Reason for UK visit (friends and family)
  • Very rough itinerary (visiting for approx. 1 month, staying with parents, might go on holiday to the coast -  that's as in-depth as it got)
• Letter from my Dad explaining:
  • He's my Dad
  • Will be providing food and accommodation for majority of our stay
  • Google map link to Address
  • Copy of his Passport Page
• My work contract (not a Thai company)
• My UK current account statement past 6 months (showing salary deposited each month)
• My Thai savings account statement past 6 months
• My UK Savings account statement past 6 months
• Marriage certificate
• Marriage certificate Translation

That's all we supplied, no other evidence, documents or photos.

This is the 3rd UK visit Visa she has had. However, when we applied for the first one 9 years ago we weren't married, didn't own a house nor have a child and supplied almost exactly the same documents. Only difference being that time I was working for Thai company so provided copies of my work Permit and only my Thai Bank statement.
 

 

A very useful post but just to clarify for those using it as guidance (and it is good for that).

 

The sponsor would not submit their passport. It is not required. A copy of the ID would be uploaded to confirm the sponsor's 'immigration status'.

 

Whilst there is more there than is actually needed, to satisfy UKVI key criteria, it does no real harm to throw in a few more assets or income details.

 

Over the years I have tried to make my applications as simple/brief as possible to make the job easier for the ECO who is assessing and making the decision on the application.

 

I try to limit it to 6 documents which are:-

 

My passport ID page 

My Bank statement 

Copy ID card (front) for the missus.....probably not required, the number is on her passport.

My sponsor letter

Translated copy of chanote.

A one page summary if how the application (and evidence provided) meets the 3 main UKVI key criteria**

 

** Which are:-

 

Genuine relationship and reason to visit.

Financial adequacy.

Reasons to Return to Thailand.

 

..and to reiterate the point made by @Millian NO PHOTOS 

[brewsterbudgen]

Just now, hotandsticky said:

 

A very useful post but just to clarify for those using it as guidance (and it is good for that).

 

The sponsor would not submit their passport. It is not required. A copy of the ID would be uploaded to confirm the sponsor's 'immigration status'.

 

Whilst there is more there than is actually needed, to satisfy UKVI key criteria, it does no real harm to throw in a few more assets or income details.

 

Over the years I have tried to make my applications as simple/brief as possible to make the job easier for the ECO who is assessing and making the decision on the application.

 

I try to limit it to 6 documents which are:-

 

My passport ID page 

My Bank statement 

Copy ID card (front) for the missus.....probably not required, the number is on her passport.

My sponsor letter

Translated copy of chanote.

A one page summary if how the application (and evidence provided) meets the 3 main UKVI key criteria**

 

** Which are:-

 

Genuine relationship and reason to visit.

Financial adequacy.

Reasons to Return to Thailand.

 

..and to reiterate the point made by @Millian NO PHOTOS 

An excellent summary.  

[Millian]

23 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Whilst there is more there than is actually needed, to satisfy UKVI key criteria

Which documents would you say were unnecessary?   (Apart from my original Passport)
 

Quote

Genuine relationship and reason to visit.

• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • Why I'm paying for the trip (Because I earn more than she does)
  • How long we have been together, how long we have been married, when child was born, that we own a house together.
  • Reason for UK visit (friends and family)
  • Very rough itinerary (visiting for approx. 1 month, staying with parents, might go on holiday to the coast -  that's as in-depth as it got)
• Letter from my Dad explaining:
  • He's my Dad
  • Google map link to Address
  • Copy of his Passport Page
• Marriage certificate
• Marriage certificate Translation

Quote

Financial adequacy.

• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • Why I'm paying for the trip (Because I earn more than she does)
• Letter from my Dad explaining:
  • Will be providing food and accommodation for majority of our stay [This supports the total amount she gave to spend on the Trip]
• My work contract (not a Thai company)  [This is evidence we We can pay for the trip]
• My UK current account statement past 6 months (showing salary deposited each month) [This is evidence we We can pay for the trip]
• My UK Savings account statement past 6 months [This is evidence we We can pay for the trip]

 

Quote

Reasons to Return to Thailand.

• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • How long we have been together, how long we have been married, when child was born, that we own a house together.
• My Thai savings account statement past 6 months

[Millian]

23 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

..and to reiterate the point made by @Millian NO PHOTOS 

Indeed, they specifically list them as things not to provide:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk

13. Documents you should not use as evidence
Some types of documents are less useful as evidence in visit applications. These include:

• bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
• credit card statements
• driving licence
• educational certificates that are not listed as required for your visa
• evidence of car ownership
• personal photographs
• notarial certificates
• business cards
• hotel bookings
• flight bookings (unless transiting)
• photocopies of bank cards
• certificates relating to leisure activities, for example sports trophies
• travel insurance
• sponsor’s utility bills
• sponsor’s council tax bills

 

When we first applied for UK visit Visa 10 years ago, some guys at work had a checklist they used to apply for their partners.  It was gigantic!  They were supplying loads of photos, print outs of text messages between them and partners, email exchanges, phone records, Hotels booking from holidays together in Thailand, flight records, travel insurance receipts, all sorts of stuff.  I saw one guy's stack of application documents and it was as thick as book.

I went online and started though the process and noted exactly what they asked for and only supplied just that. Told the guys at work what I provided and they sure we wouldn't be successful in our application.


 

[hotandsticky]

11 minutes ago, Millian said:

Which documents would you say were unnecessary?   (Apart from my original Passport)
 

• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • Why I'm paying for the trip (Because I earn more than she does)
  • How long we have been together, how long we have been married, when child was born, that we own a house together.
  • Reason for UK visit (friends and family)
  • Very rough itinerary (visiting for approx. 1 month, staying with parents, might go on holiday to the coast -  that's as in-depth as it got)
• Letter from my Dad explaining:
  • He's my Dad
  • Google map link to Address
  • Copy of his Passport Page
• Marriage certificate
• Marriage certificate Translation

• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • Why I'm paying for the trip (Because I earn more than she does)
• Letter from my Dad explaining:
  • Will be providing food and accommodation for majority of our stay [This supports the total amount she gave to spend on the Trip]
• My work contract (not a Thai company)  [This is evidence we We can pay for the trip]
• My UK current account statement past 6 months (showing salary deposited each month) [This is evidence we We can pay for the trip]
• My UK Savings account statement past 6 months [This is evidence we We can pay for the trip]

 

• Letter from Sponsor (me) explaining:
  • How long we have been together, how long we have been married, when child was born, that we own a house together.
• My Thai savings account statement past 6 months

 

 

Each situation is obviously different. In our case we are not married so, for example, we don't need/have a marriage certificate. In our case, after 20+ successful visa  applications(I have been involved in 40+ others) I wouldn't submit a marriage certificate even if we were married. However, if this was our first application (and we were married) I would include the marriage certificate to strengthen the 'genuine relationship' criteria. The point is that there is not a straight answer to your question because everybody's circumstances are slightly different.

 

An ECO is required to treat each application on it's merits and the detailed criteria to which they operate is available online. However, provide evidence to satisfy the 3 key criteria and it would be difficult, all things being equal, for an ECO to decline an application.

 

As a reminder those key criteria are:- Genuine relationship and genuine reason to visit, Financial adequacy and thirdly, Reasons to Return to Thailand.

 

The relationship is easier to prove if you are married and is evidenced by the marriage certificate. The introduction/sponsor letter will give a few more details to show it is not a 'sham marriage'......it is not for no reason that one of the application questions is whether the applicant has actually met their husband. In our case I did not make the first visa application until 4 or 5 years into our relationship so I had enough of a story/evidence to supply. NO photos**.

 

The financial adequacy part is black and white - you either have enough money that you can evidence, or you don't. For UK visas there is no published minimum, unlike Schengen visas for, say, Spain where you need to show something like EUR 77 per day (and have accommodation and flights booked).

 

Reasons to return to Thailand is the nebulous one with the only UKVI indication given towards showing "strong family ties". Owning property and land is almost a guarantee, returning to employment (with an employers letter confirming that) etc, etc....having kids apparently is not a strong case, whereas ageing/dying relatives is. 

 

I repeat everybody's story is going to be a bit different.

 

I am not trying to be a smart ar5e by only submitting 5 or 6 documents; I am genuinely trying to make it easier for the ECO to give me the decision I want. Some applicants will need to submit a lot more.

 

** My very first application - I submitted 3 folders each with over 50 pages including dozens of photos. I quickly learned that the bar stool advice I had received wasn't accurate.

 

 

[hotandsticky]

9 minutes ago, Millian said:

Indeed, they specifically list them as things not to provide:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk

13. Documents you should not use as evidence
Some types of documents are less useful as evidence in visit applications. These include:

• bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
• credit card statements
• driving licence
• educational certificates that are not listed as required for your visa
• evidence of car ownership
• personal photographs
• notarial certificates
• business cards
• hotel bookings
• flight bookings (unless transiting)
• photocopies of bank cards
• certificates relating to leisure activities, for example sports trophies
• travel insurance
• sponsor’s utility bills
• sponsor’s council tax bills

 

When we first applied for UK visit Visa 10 years ago, some guys at work had a checklist they used to apply for their partners.  It was gigantic!  They were supplying loads of photos, print outs of text messages between them and partners, email exchanges, phone records, Hotels booking from holidays together in Thailand, flight records, travel insurance receipts, all sorts of stuff.  I saw one guy's stack of application documents and it was as thick as book.

I went online and started though the process and noted exactly what they asked for and only supplied just that. Told the guys at work what I provided and they sure we wouldn't be successful in our application.


 

 

9 minutes ago, Millian said:

Indeed, they specifically list them as things not to provide:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk

13. Documents you should not use as evidence
Some types of documents are less useful as evidence in visit applications. These include:

• bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
• credit card statements
• driving licence
• educational certificates that are not listed as required for your visa
• evidence of car ownership
• personal photographs
• notarial certificates
• business cards
• hotel bookings
• flight bookings (unless transiting)
• photocopies of bank cards
• certificates relating to leisure activities, for example sports trophies
• travel insurance
• sponsor’s utility bills
• sponsor’s council tax bills

 

When we first applied for UK visit Visa 10 years ago, some guys at work had a checklist they used to apply for their partners.  It was gigantic!  They were supplying loads of photos, print outs of text messages between them and partners, email exchanges, phone records, Hotels booking from holidays together in Thailand, flight records, travel insurance receipts, all sorts of stuff.  I saw one guy's stack of application documents and it was as thick as book.

I went online and started though the process and noted exactly what they asked for and only supplied just that. Told the guys at work what I provided and they sure we wouldn't be successful in our application.


 

 

 

LOL.....you posted before I finished my reply to you. 😀 Absolutely, not everyone knows, or takes the trouble to find the information you posted. After making a tit of myself on my first application I resolved to learn a lot more about the process.

[Millian]

1 hour ago, hotandsticky said:

I am not trying to be a smart ar5e by only submitting 5 or 6 documents; I am genuinely trying to make it easier for the ECO to give me the decision I want. Some applicants will need to submit a lot more.

 

No don't worry, not taken that way.  I also share my experience and list of docs with friends and associates to help them understand what is needed, least with our application.

I was just interested in what you thought was unnecessary from my docs, as most people have the exact opposite reaction.

 

Quote

 I wouldn't submit a marriage certificate even if we were married.

I don't agree with that though, they state under the other documents you can provide can show "Evidence of the relationship, if any, between you and your sponsor".   It makes no sense not to include one if you are married.

[Millian]

Quote

it is not for no reason that one of the application questions is whether the applicant has actually met their husband.

That question is not on the online application though? Are they asked this by the person receiving the  application at VFS?

[hotandsticky]

42 minutes ago, Millian said:

That question is not on the online application though? Are they asked this by the person receiving the  application at VFS?

 

 

I will dig out the requirement when I get get chance....it may not be a question, it may be a statement.

 

I will come back on that one.

 

Absolutely no argument with you wanting to submit a marriage cert - I enjoy the discussion 🙏... Not necessary is my only point. If I don't need one (because we are not married) then neither should you - only for the first application.

 

Whilst an ECO treats each application on it's own merits, after my first I then stated that the genuineness of the relationship was accepted in application GWY12345678. There is no requirement to prove marriage, only the genuine relationship (unless a spouse visa application). Similarly I wouldn't submit birth certificates for children just to 'add' to the relationship because you would likely be submitting British passport ID pages. 

 

As we said, it is a debate with the intention of broadening/sharing knowledge and experience. If something works, fine (unless it really is a wad of superfluous paperwork) - a marriage certificate certainly does not fall into that bracket.

 

If I really wanted to pay I would make sure the missus had enough money to apply 100% in her own right and remove myself as sponsor. I think I could get away with submitting 1 x bank statement/passbook, 1 x chanote (arguably unnecessary given the immigration track record) and 1 x introduction letter. Possibly  add an invitation letter if the intention was to stay any length of time in the UK. 😏

[QPRFC]

For the reasons to return to Thailand, is it possible to just list ALL the reasons why you wouldn't want to stay in UK? 

Stabbings, scams, climate, poor service quality, expensive, racist etc

😁 

[theoldgit]

39 minutes ago, QPRFC said:

For the reasons to return to Thailand, is it possible to just list ALL the reasons why you wouldn't want to stay in UK? 

Stabbings, scams, climate, poor service quality, expensive, racist etc

😁

 

No

[theoldgit]

17 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

Whilst an ECO treats each application on it's own merits, after my first I then stated that the genuineness of the relationship was accepted in application GWY12345678. There is no requirement to prove marriage, only the genuine relationship (unless a spouse visa application). Similarly I wouldn't submit birth certificates for children just to 'add' to the relationship because you would likely be submitting British passport ID pages. 

 

As we said, it is a debate with the intention of broadening/sharing knowledge and experience. If something works, fine (unless it really is a wad of superfluous paperwork) - a marriage certificate certainly does not fall into that bracket.

 

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 

[sandyf]

21 hours ago, Millian said:

When we first applied for UK visit Visa 10 years ago, some guys at work had a checklist they used to apply for their partners.  It was gigantic!  They were supplying loads of photos, print outs of text messages between them and partners, email exchanges, phone records, Hotels booking from holidays together in Thailand, flight records, travel insurance receipts, all sorts of stuff.  I saw one guy's stack of application documents and it was as thick as book.

I went online and started though the process and noted exactly what they asked for and only supplied just that. Told the guys at work what I provided and they sure we wouldn't be successful in our application.

I think it was about 2012 that VFS took over, prior to that it was done at the embassy.

A friend of mine tried to get visa for his wife in 1999 and any reference to a book would be an understatement, more like a volume set. They wanted records of all communication and a multitude of photos along with all sorts of financials, and then the visa was rejected.

He registered a complaint with the embassy and we had to stay in Bangkok for another couple of days to sort it out. After another couple of interviews with other embassy staff she was finally granted the visa.

Past experience will always influence the perspective of some, particularly if it was a one off. I have been doing it almost every year since 2009 and there has been significant changes since then. When my wife first applied she had a 20 minute interview at Regent house and then about 5 minute phone call from the embassy to check her English.

I  fully expect to be  pushing up daisies before they stop asking repetitive questions, people only die once and you only travel on a certain date once. Data storage seems to be an alien concept. 

 

[hotandsticky]

56 minutes ago, sandyf said:

I think it was about 2012 that VFS took over, prior to that it was done at the embassy.

A friend of mine tried to get visa for his wife in 1999 and any reference to a book would be an understatement, more like a volume set. They wanted records of all communication and a multitude of photos along with all sorts of financials, and then the visa was rejected.

He registered a complaint with the embassy and we had to stay in Bangkok for another couple of days to sort it out. After another couple of interviews with other embassy staff she was finally granted the visa.

Past experience will always influence the perspective of some, particularly if it was a one off. I have been doing it almost every year since 2009 and there has been significant changes since then. When my wife first applied she had a 20 minute interview at Regent house and then about 5 minute phone call from the embassy to check her English.

I  fully expect to be  pushing up daisies before they stop asking repetitive questions, people only die once and you only travel on a certain date once. Data storage seems to be an alien concept. 

 

 

 

My gripe is also with the visas granted and travel history. 

 

I think it is the visa history that is limited to 10 , but the travel history isn't....my missus has probably made 40+ other country visits in the last 15 years.

 

I commend the Schengen system where they just grant longer validity periods once you build up a history - my missus was granted a 3 year Schengen in 2023. Hopefully, next year she will get 5 years.

[MangoKorat]

As you will have realised by now, the main thing you have to do is to convince the ECO who handles your application that your wife will return to Thailand before her visa expires.

 

Therefore, evidence of a settled life in Thailand is required.  She doesn't need to be working or have any money in her bank account - if she doesn't work just state why........housewife, retired etc. As it seems you will be paying for the entire trip, you do not have to provide any evidence of her finances, only that you have enough money to pay.

 

I don't have time to read this entire thread and some/all of these points may have been covered already so I'm just going to make a few suggestions as to evidence you might provide to support your wife's application.  I don't know your personal details so I'm making a few assumptions - adjust to suit if they don't fit you.

 

Settled life in Thailand:

 

Evidence of your marriage.

 

Your visa/extension of stay. State how long you have been in the country and provide evidence if you can.

 

Describe and provide evidence of your accomodation, house/flat, owned/rented. How long you've lived there. Tabien Bahn copy, electric/water bills in yours or your wife's name.  Bank statements or similar for you both to prove same address - not finaces.

 

If your wife has close family ties in Thailand - give details. This one often crops up so it is clearly on the ECO's checklist.

 

I'm assuming that you are retired (as you say you don't work) and maybe your wife is middle aged? State this + how long you've been together.  If your wife is 40+ she is in a lower risk category - one thing that I know (from an ECO) is that with younger women they consider the likelihood of them disappearing after entry to work in certain 'professions' in the UK.

 

Describe the purpose of the visit - there is nothing out of the ordinary about a husband and wife visiting their family abroad.

 

British visas are nowhere near as difficult to obtain as people often state they are.  That is often caused by people telling lies on their applications and being caught out or failing to provide the key points of evidence to suit their particular circumstances.. People may tell you your wife needs to be working to be successful - this is not true. I know one guy who has helped his wife with 3 UK visa applications over the years - beginning when she was in her mid 20's.  Apart for a part time job (cash in hand) she hasn't worked since they were married. In a letter supporting her application he simply stated that they are a married couple and his wife takes care of the house and her children - she dosn't need to work as he is the breadwinner.

 

I hope the above gives you some ideas of what you need to do to convince an ECO that the application is for a genuine visit - adjust or add to the information to suit your circumstances.

 

I am a big believer in a supporting letter - used one many times and never had a visa refused.  However, you need to keep it concise - you want the ECO to actually read it. Many years ago a friend of mine provided vital financial evidence, it was missed and the visa refused on the grounds of lack of financial evidence! The application was massive with pages and pages of pointless so called 'supporting evidence'.

 

So, describe your circumstances along the lines that I have suggested, give the reason for this visit etc.etc.  Then edit it and edit it again - several times if necessary.  Paragraph it and try to keep it to just 1 A4 sheet. Make sure anything you state is truthful.

 

I have not mentioned everything as others have covered much of what's needed - like a letter from any friends or relatives stating that they are happy for you both to stay with them during your visit. You should also provide details showing that they have sufficient accommodation - not always needed but it helps.

 

Finally, I would advise against using an agent unless they come well recommended - there really is no need for one in a straightforward case.  More than once I've heard of agents telling lies that the applicant then becomes responsible for.  Significant lies told on an application can lead to a ban on future applications - a 5 year ban I seem to remember.

[sandyf]

15 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

My gripe is also with the visas granted and travel history. 

 

I think it is the visa history that is limited to 10 , but the travel history isn't....my missus has probably made 40+ other country visits in the last 15 years.

 

I commend the Schengen system where they just grant longer validity periods once you build up a history - my missus was granted a 3 year Schengen in 2023. Hopefully, next year she will get 5 years.

When I did the one for Canada, some information was separate so it could be used in subsequent applications.

[hotandsticky]

3 hours ago, sandyf said:

When I did the one for Canada, some information was separate so it could be used in subsequent applications.

 

Excellent.

 

Much of the static data doesn't change; parents names, DoB, ID card,  visa/travel history and often the address. 

 

 

If I was a smart IT guy at UKVI I would develop a way of bringing forward any previous input, with the ability to edit certain sections if appropriate.

[Millian]

23 hours ago, sandyf said:

I think it was about 2012 that VFS took over, prior to that it was done at the embassy.

A friend of mine tried to get visa for his wife in 1999 and any reference to a book would be an understatement, more like a volume set. They wanted records of all communication and a multitude of photos along with all sorts of financials, and then the visa was rejected.

He registered a complaint with the embassy and we had to stay in Bangkok for another couple of days to sort it out. After another couple of interviews with other embassy staff she was finally granted the visa.

Past experience will always influence the perspective of some, particularly if it was a one off. I have been doing it almost every year since 2009 and there has been significant changes since then. When my wife first applied she had a 20 minute interview at Regent house and then about 5 minute phone call from the embassy to check her English.

I  fully expect to be  pushing up daisies before they stop asking repetitive questions, people only die once and you only travel on a certain date once. Data storage seems to be an alien concept. 

 

 Yeah i think the checklist and volume of documents my pals used to use must have been left over from the previous requirements years back.