Applying For A Settlement Visa For My G/f's Baby

[JohnnyBigmilk]

Hi All

Losing my ThaiVisa cherry here so apologies if this is posted in the wrong place and if my query has been answered a thousand times!

I would appreciate some help with a Settlement Visa application I am making for my G/F when I next visit in January. She has a daughter from a previous relationship (Thai man who scarpered when she was two months pregnant) and, having been together for 14 months (baby is now 19 months old), I would like to bring her over to the UK with the baby. Initially I was going to apply for a six month visit visa for the two of them, with the intention of them staying with me for six months to see how things go and if both settle. However, I have been advised that as a baby is involved, the Visa Office in Bangkok may not grant a visit visa.

My G/f has sole responsibility for the baby and the birth certificate shows this, plus the family book etc. I really want to make a go of things, as does the missus, so am happy to apply for the settlement visa if needs be, with a view to getting hitched in the UK before the six months is up.

I guess I have two questions ;

• I believe I need to complete a seperate settlement visa application for the baby (plus another £500!) How do I complete this as the form is really all about the G/F and the sections about how we met etc all seem a bit irellivant for a baby? Do I need to provide duplicate paperwork for the baby and I assume the G/F would sign the form? If anyone has done this before your help is greatly appreciated.
  
• Has anyone applied for, and been successful, in getting just a visit visa for a G/F with a baby, or is the settlement visa the best idea?
  

Sorry for going on but its all a bit of a minefield it seems and i just want to get everything right, expecially at a grand a pop for the settlement visa. Any advice is warmly welcomed!!

Cheers

JB

Edited November 26, 2007 by JohnnyBigmilk

[the scouser]

If your g/f and her daughter wish to apply for settlement visas, you're correct that you need to fill out two forms, completing the bits that are relevant to each party, and pay 2 x £500.00 application fees. You will need to show that you can financially support and accommodate both your g/f and her daughter, in addition to demonstrating that you intend to live together, and that your g/f has sole responsibility for her child's upbringing. The visa officer will also expect to see that you have made marriage plans.

Scouse.

[Mahout Angrit]

Do I need to provide duplicate paperwork for the baby and I assume the G/F would sign the form?

Make a joint application, both g/f and baby have to submit an application form and fee but you need only include one sponsorship package. The parent signs on behalf of a child.

How do I complete this as the form is really all about the G/F

See Guide for completion of VAF4 for a settlement visa

Initially I was going to apply for a six month visit visa for the two of them, with the intention of them staying with me for six months to see how things go and if both settle. However, I have been advised that as a baby is involved, the Visa Office in Bangkok may not grant a visit visa.

There is no reason why they shouldn't apply for a visit visa if that is what you want, (having a baby should not negatively affect the application) however your g/f would have to give a compelling reason to return at the end of the visit. For a settlement visa you will need to prove your relationship and your intentions. No visa application is a certainty if not properly prepared.

Edited November 27, 2007 by Mahout Angrit

[JohnnyBigmilk]

Thanks guys, appreciate your responses and advice.

My intentions are for us to settle down together so I will go for the settlement visa. The only compelling reason for her to return is to visit her family in the village so guess this would go against us.

I assume it would be a good idea for us to bring the littl'un to the application centre so they can confirm she exists? I am likely to have returned to the UK before any follow-up interview takes place but I hope I am OK to be at the application part.

Thanks again

JB

[Mahout Angrit]

I assume it would be a good idea for us to bring the littl'un to the application centre so they can confirm she exists? I am likely to have returned to the UK before any follow-up interview takes place but I hope I am OK to be at the application part.

The application centre is only a reception point, the decision is made at the B.E. so pointless both you or the child being there except for moral support. The child's evidence of existence will be the littl'un's passport which his mother will be submitting.

[the scouser]

The only compelling reason for her to return is to visit her family in the village so guess this would go against us.

If she's applying for a settlement visa, she does not need to demonstrate an intention to leave the UK/return to Thailand.

Scouse.

[JohnnyBigmilk]

Thanks again fellas, much appreciated.

Guess it is easy to over-worry a bit when its all new but sure we will be OK!

Cheers

JB