Hello

I am going to apply for a visa for my girlfriend this month, we have sorted (we hope) all the paperwork side banking ,collage stuff, etc etc. My main question is in my sponser letter would it be beneficial to mention that i am a non UK resident and have been for 10 years ? I work on yachts on a rotation and have lived in Thailand for year and 3 months with her, i have family in the UK who we will stay with when there but have no ties re ; house ,banking anything at all, Shall i mention that or will that be more of a hinderance than help ? I have a letter from my mother saying we will be staying at her house during our visit, Also with the photo evidence we shall submit do you print them off or present them with a memory stick so they can see the dates etc ? and any thought on getting her travel insurance when she is in the UK to show if she falls ill or has an problem she is insured any companies any one can recommend for that. Many thanks

It wouldn't be any use giving them a memory stick, they probably wouldn't be able to read it. I expect the firewalls on the systems they have in Entry Clearance Offices are much the same as in UKBA, which prevent reading/uploading from memory sticks and CDs.

In your sponsor's letter, and the entire application, you should tell the truth. That is explain your work/residential situation and if possible some evidence that when not working you are resident in Thailand; e.g. appropriate Thai visas.

Whether a visitor's sponsor lives in the UK, Thailand or elsewhere should make no difference. However, that you do not live in the UK may serve to 'tip the balance' if the ECO has concerns about her overstaying; i.e. if you are resident in Thailand then she will not want to stay in the UK to be with you.

Your mother can provide accommodation. She should write a letter of invitation briefly describing the accommodation available. If she owns the property then some evidence of this such as a mortgage statement is advisable, if she rents then a landlord's letter confirming that you and your girlfriend can stay there.

Photographs should be prints, not on a memory stick or other digital media.

Travel insurance is not a requirement for a visa, but you should of course consider it as she will not be eligible for any NHS treatment except initial A&E care. As you have not been resident (and so paying tax) in the UK for 10 years I think the same applies to you!