Visitor Visa For Thai Girlfriend

[psib]

Hi

I will be applying to get my girlfriend a UK visitor visa for around 2-3 months for next summer. Weve been together 10 months and since i left thailand in march after living there for a year i have been back for 3 weeks to see her.

she has been employed by luxury resorts for about two years although she recently started at a new one. she also receives a little income as a batik artist. shes a graduate and has no trouble speaking english. by the time she comes to england she will have enough money for the flight and spending money.

reasons for her return include long term employment, the desire to start a masters degree in thailand and the fact that we dont wish to jeapordize the success of any future applications.

here's where it gets more complex, i am currently a student at university without a regular income capable of supporting her (she receives no money from me as she doesnt need it). her sponsor would be one of my parents (whose house we would be staying at for the duration), does this create problems seeing as the sponsor has never actually met the dependent?

essentially, i am uncertain whether it is wise to make it clear that she is my girlfriend. any advice?

there is a little more too, i am currently looking into how i could help sell her art in england. if she were to demonstrate an interest in investigating buisness oppurtunities for herself during her stay (but not actually sell/work), would she be more or less likely to get a visa?

thanks in advance for any help anyone can give, im a bit lost!

[vinny]

here's where it gets more complex, i am currently a student at university without a regular income capable of supporting her (she receives no money from me as she doesnt need it). her sponsor would be one of my parents (whose house we would be staying at for the duration), does this create problems seeing as the sponsor has never actually met the dependent?

See also Visitor/tourist Visa For Uk

Visitors (INF 2)

Sponsors (INF 3)

10.2 Requirements for a visitor under the Rules

essentially, i am uncertain whether it is wise to make it clear that she is my girlfriend. any advice?

Not mentioning this may adversely affect future settlement visa applications.

there is a little more too, i am currently looking into how i could help sell her art in england. if she were to demonstrate an interest in investigating buisness oppurtunities for herself during her stay (but not actually sell/work), would she be more or less likely to get a visa?

See also 10.6 - Business (or employment-related) visits

Edited September 30, 2007 by vinny

[the scouser]

Providing that your g/f has enough from her own resources to pay for the trip, your financial status becomes of less relevance. However, beware that the visa officer doesn't hit her with the old but-you've-spent-one-year's-salary-on-a-holiday argument. If you so wish, your parents may also act as financial sponsors.

As Vinny says, your g/f should declare that you are romantically involved. Indeed, this actually adds to her case, as it gives the visit a purpose which would otherwise be lacking. Make sure, though, that you can substantiate the claimed relationship through evidence of contact.

With regard to accommodation, you parents should provide a letter stating their willingness for your g/f to stay with them, and provide evidence of their ability to make this offer; i.e. mortgage letters/utility bills etc.

Scouse.