Ma And Pa Coming To Visit Us In Uk

[Thomas_Merton]

Ma and Pa want to come and visit my wife and me in the UK for a few months in 2006. I am British and my wife is Thai with a permanent visa for the UK. We both work in reasonably paid jobs.

Could anyone warn us about possible pitfalls we should be aware of as we seek visas for this visit?

My wife’s 12 year old sister hopefully will be travelling with Ma and Pa.

[GU22]

Obviously, Thomas, you will need visas for all three of them, so your first step should be to read:-

Application Forms and Guidance

Guidance - Visitors (INF 2)

Guidance - Sponsors (INF 3)

The main criteria for a successful application are:-

Is the reason for the visit genuine? Well, they're coming to visit their daughter who is resident in the UK, so I can't see a problem there.

Will they leave the UK when, or before, their visa expires? This is often the stumbling block. Do they work? Do they own property? If yes to one of these then should be ok.

Can the visit be funded entirely from the applicants and/or sponsors own resources? You will need to provide evidence of their income/savings if they are paying for it or your's and your wife's if you are paying, or both if sharing the cost.

Can they be accommodated in suitable accommodation. If staying with you then you will need details of your property to show that there is room for them. If you rent then you will need a letter from your landlord saying they have no objections to your visitors staying. If you own then you will need evidence of this, certified copy of the deeds for example.

As for the 12 year-old, as she is a minor accompanying her parents her visa will depend on theirs. If they are successful then she will be. However, you will need to supply her birth certificate to show that she is their daughter.

You are planning well ahead, so you should be able to ensure you have all you need before the application is made.

Edited March 13, 2005 by GU22

[Thomas_Merton]

You are planning well ahead, so you should be able to ensure you have all you need before the application is made.

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After 10 years experience of LOS (on my part; 35 years for my wife), we have learned there is no substitute for correct paperwork and timely planning.

Thank you for your well formulated advice.