Marry To A Thai Citizen

[slinkydonkey]

Hello All

Im really sorry if this has been asked a million times before but ive searched google so many times now its left me with information overload!

Ok here's the scenaio:

If I married a Thai women (notice how i only said if!!) in Thailand following the procedure started on your website.

I read I would need to get her to apply for a one year extension visa. I also read on (the BrtishEmbasy website) here that "A foreign national does not automatically acquire British nationality through marriage to a British national" and that " If you are marrying a Thai national, he or she will require a visa to visit or settle in the UK."

I understand this is an american website aimed at american visa's? but it looks like even if I really liked a Thai girl and married her that I would still have to go through all the VISA process? and she could quite easily be refused the VISA.

I can understand why this is in place but has what I have said been correct? I take it I would have to prove im in a realationship with the lady for at least 6months and she would have to have a reason to return and the rest of it?

Thanks in Advance

[lopburi3]

Well this is not an American website about American visas but it seems you want information on UK visa procedures and will move this post to that forum.

[Mahout Angrit]

You only talk about marrying a Thai lady but don't say where you want to live after that. If it's Thailand you will need the Visa (not her), if it is UK then she will surely need to apply for a settlement visa (and yes, it can be refused)

To apply for British citizenship she will have to be married to a UK citizen, have unrestricted leave to remain in UK (and in normal circumstances that will take her at least 2 years), prove competency in the English language and have lived in UK 3 years. She cannot obtain British citizenship simply by marrying a Briton.

If granted a settlement visa she can, however, live in UK,work and use facilities like NHS and schools but not claim public benefits. She can travel in and out of UK but she will retain her Thai nationality and not need to seek a further visa to enter UK during the 2 year validity of the settlement visa.

There are numerous threads on this forum (search on the word 'settlement') with guides and links. Obviously she wont need a 'reason to return' if she is intending to settle (This is a requirement for those intending to visit only)

Edited November 4, 2007 by Mahout Angrit

[slinkydonkey]

Thank you for your reply mahout yes it was for her to come to UK I shall search the forum some more cheers! I never new it was soo hard to even get a VISA !

[vinny]

See also Advice On Thai Girlfriend Coming To Uk.