Help! Uk Fiance Visa Advice Needed

[ZOD]

Hello.

I have tried finding this topic but can only find similar items.

I have worked full time in the TV Industry in London for 14 years. After 10 years straight at MTV I quit and came to Thailand to write and generally take it easy. I have been here on a tourist visa for nearly 2 years. I am finally running out of cash and need to go back to London. I will return just before Christmas and will stay there permanently and work. I can guarantee some freelance work with my old employers in London before I leave Thailand. Between £3000 - £5000 in the first month. More likely the upper end of the scale as it is Christmas.

I have been with my Thai girlfriend for a year and a half. She comes from a fairly well-off family in Bangkok. She got her master's degree in America. She travelled for a bit after that - US, Greece, Japan, Hong Kong and so on. She has never broken any visa laws or anything. She is currently a manager for a publishing company and earns a very respectable salary.

A week ago we got engaged. For family reasons (and probably visa reasons too) I will go back to London first (in December) and get a full time job after a month of freelance. She will then hopefully join me in late January.

Before I go back we are going to apply for a fiance visa. Given all the above, will we have any problems? I have effectively been unemployed for 2 years and will be going back to work freelance for at least a month. I own a house with over £100,000 equity and have £6000 in premium bonds that I will sell as necessary as a 'start up' fund. I have been reading that payslips are required, as are letters from employers. This is worrying.

Am I doomed? Will I have to hold down a full time job for several months? I can make more freelance than if fully employed but will opt for the latter if it looks better. Any advice about what would be the best course of action would be appreciated.

Cheers

[the scouser]

In relation to maintenance, the Immigration Rules state only:-

the parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds

You will note that there is no compulsion to be in employment providing that the visa applicant and fiancé/spouse have access to alternative sources of support. Additionally, the visa officer is compelled to consider the ease with which both the applicant and partner will be able to find employment in the UK. Consequently, properly argued, there is no reason why your fiancée should not apply for a visa with a view to her accompanying you back to the UK.

You may wish to consider marrying in Thailand as this will obviate an application for an extension to the Borders and Immigration Agency, thereby saving £395.00.

Scouse.

[ZOD]

In relation to maintenance, the Immigration Rules state only:-

the parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds

You will note that there is no compulsion to be in employment providing that the visa applicant and fiancé/spouse have access to alternative sources of support. Additionally, the visa officer is compelled to consider the ease with which both the applicant and partner will be able to find employment in the UK. Consequently, properly argued, there is no reason why your fiancée should not apply for a visa with a view to her accompanying you back to the UK.

You may wish to consider marrying in Thailand as this will obviate an application for an extension to the Borders and Immigration Agency, thereby saving £395.00.

Scouse.

[ZOD]

Sorry about that last post. New to this site.

Thanks a lot for your help Scouse. You have put my mind at rest. My parents would be happy to send a letter saying they will support us no matter what. I will also be able to guarantee a load of work on my arrival and can prove that before she arrives.

We can't get married yet. She comes from a wealthy old fashioned family. They only know me as a shiftless freelance writer in Bangkok and are very dubious about the whole thing. I need to work and live in my house in order to impress them.

Cheers though.