Help With Uk Visa Application...? Lost.

[RachelKoYaoNoi]

I don't know where to start with a UK visa application for my fella.

We've been together for about five years but never married. He was refused a visa to New Zealand a few years ago because he had no assets or children and they thought he would be a risk - plus his sponsor out there was a bit rocky.

We want to spend next summer in the UK (which is where I'm from). I just don't know which sort of visa to apply for or how I go about it. I'm a bit scared of doing the application myself as we lost the last case for NZ and we'd be gutted if we lost again. My friend tells me they now do all applications through an agency for the British Embassy? Is this true? If so, can they give me advice? Anyone got their details?

I think we only want to stay in the UK for about four months over summer. Ideally, he'd like to work but if a work visa is a mission to sort out then he could just get a tourist visa and work on the side (dodgy I know).

A million questions:

* Should I sponsor him myself? I have money saved, and am I high earner when in the UK.

* Should we go for a fiancee visa, a working visa or a spouse (common-law) visa?

* How much money should he have in his account before going?

* Do we need health insurance or anything like that?

* Do we have to buy the plane tickets before making the application?

* Will I have to supply lots of "evidence" of our relationship if we're not married?

* If all our property/businesses in Thailand are in his name and all the bank accounts are in my name (we have no joint accounts) is this going to be a problem?

Argh! Help!

I just want someone to sort it out for us but not charge an extortionate amount - any recommendations? My other problem is that we're very South so not near Bangkok at all which is where all the embassy stuff seems to go on. I could probably get to Phuket easily enough....

Any help greatly appreciated.

R

[Mahout Angrit]

You don't say where you are living permanently and if you are earning in Thailand or in UK or both.

First of all if he wants to visit UK then it's a visitors visa he should apply for, however on a visitors visa he is not allowed to work or claim any public funds. It would be inadvisable for him to try to work 'on the side' as there is plenty of activity currently by the immigration service to ferret out those working illegally.

All applications are made through UK Visa Application Centre in Bangkok from where you can download forms and guidance sheets. They do not advise you as they are purely a reception centre and ensure that the application is complete before forwarding it for a decision at the British Embassy.

To answer your questions

As for Sponsorship, if he has funds sufficient for his trip he doesn't need a sponsor but if he needs one then as his G/f (hope I've guessed correct) it would be best if it was you, provided you have the funds and can demonstrate there is sufficient suitable accommodation available in UK or you have the funds for the hotels and travel.

Go for the visa you require and for a 4 month trip that would be a visit visa. The other visas you mention are for if you intend to settle in UK.

There is no specific amount he need to have in his account if you sponsor him, between you you must show there are sufficient funds for the trip (accommodation, fares, living and travel expenses)

No health insurance required to apply but he is not eligible for NHS treatment whilst in the UK.

The embassy recommends you do not buy the air tickets before knowing the outcome of the application.

You should provide as much evidence as you can to prove the longevity of your relationship as that will help his application

You will need to provide a compelling reason that he will return to Thailand at the end of his trip, If you are based in Thailand and will be returning that will help, the fact that you are in a long term relationship it is likely he will return with you. If he has a job he should get a statement to that fact from his employer and a letter stating he is given permission to be away for the period of the holiday. If you have a business, give proof and explain how it will continue in your absence.

It's not so difficult to make the application yourselves, thousands have done it. Use the search facility on this forum using the words "visitor" or "tourist" and you will unearth experiences and links from others who have done it both successfully and unsuccessfully before.( you can learn from both) If you choose to use an agent you will still have to furnish the agent with all the evidence and proof required.

The application has to be made in person at the UK VAC in Bangkok but depending on where you are located the passports can be returned by courier, it can be returned to Phuket for collection for instance.

Edited November 25, 2007 by Mahout Angrit