Hi, looking for some advice. I am British and the wife is Thai. We both live here in the UK.

We have invited my wifes elder sister, age 36, to visit us here in the UK this summer if possible for 2-3 weeks. She would like to come but is not sure if she would be granted a 'holiday' visa.

She works from home at the family business(selling food), is not married, has no children, has a tidy sum in the bank and owns some of her own land in Thailand.

What do you think her chances of a visit are? She doesnt want to waste money applying only to see her application fail.

How can she improve her chances of success?

All constructive advice will be much appreciated, Andy.

Hi Andy,

As your sister-in-law would be applying to visit her sister at least if the worst comes to the worst she would have a right of appeal, it being a family visit.

You/your wife should provide a letter of invitation for the benefit of the visa officer and, if you are financially covering the trip, evidence of your ability to do so. Your sister-in-law should show evidence of her savings and land ownership. If she keeps accounts for the business then these should be submitted too. She should also state what's happening to this in her absence. Is she married? If so this can enhance her chances of getting the visa providing that her husband would be staying in Thailand. If she's single the visa officer may think that her sister has fixed her up in the UK.

Based on the information that you've posted there appear to be pros and cons. However, as there would exist a right of appeal should the application be refused the visa officer will be more generous in his decision than if there was none. I think the odds would be in her favour but only slightly.

Cheers,

Scouse.

Scouser, thanks very much for your reply, I appreciate it.