In the information I have about settlement visas it states

281. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as the spouse of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or who is for settlement are that:on the same occasion being admitted

In my case, I might have to go to England on my own due to some business and have my wife go over with a family member - is that possible?

it should be okay right? Because at that time I could say that I am living in England (it's true but previous to that I will have been living and working in thailand)

In terms of UK immigration law "settled" means having no restricitons on your stay and as a British citizen whenever you are in the UK you are deemed to be such. Consequently, as you will already be in the UK when your wife arrives you will be "present and settled" and if you were to travel with your wife then you would be "on the same occasion being admitted for settlement".

If your wife were to travel with a family member the immigration officer may want to speak to you before admitting her, just to make sure she's not being smuggled in for ulterior purposes but, generally speaking, nothing to worry about on that front.

Scouse.

Scouse

So if i have been out of the country for the past 18 months but have a letter for a job and accomodation and she is granted the visa, does that mean i could return with her at the same time?

Just a query thanks.

Chris

Yes. As a British citizen you can settle in the UK whenever you wish.

Scouse.

Yeah I'd be meeting her at the airport so if they needed to speak to me for confirmation I would be there.