My friend has just heard from his Thai girlfriend that the fiancée visa has been issued but it can only be used if he comes back to Thailand to marry her first.

Is this for real or some kind of con?

My understanding is that it entitles her to come to the UK to get married.

I think there must be a misunderstanding somewhere. (Not by you, knorty.)

A fiance visa is valid for 6 months and allows the holder to travel to the UK to marry her/his sponsor. The marriage must take place within the 6 month life of the visa. After the marriage the holder applies for Further Leave to Remain, which lasts for 2 years and at the end of that, assuming they meet all the criteria, they apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If they have not married by the time the fiance visa expires then the holder must leave the UK. It can be extended; but only in exceptional circumstances.

So, one could say that it is issued on condition that the marriage takes place; but in the UK, not Thailand.

Yes 7by7 explanation is what was expected but according to the girl she can not use the visa unless he comes back to marry her in the amphur in Thailand, this is what the she says the embassy have told her - so it sounds like a con then

I think there must be a misunderstanding somewhere. (Not by you, knorty.)

A fiance visa is valid for 6 months and allows the holder to travel to the UK to marry her/his sponsor. The marriage must take place within the 6 month life of the visa. After the marriage the holder applies for Further Leave to Remain, which lasts for 2 years and at the end of that, assuming they meet all the criteria, they apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If they have not married by the time the fiance visa expires then the holder must leave the UK. It can be extended; but only in exceptional circumstances.

So, one could say that it is issued on condition that the marriage takes place; but in the UK, not Thailand.

Yes she is confused.

Applying for a fiance visa means that they must have already decided to marry. Why would she be trying to 'con' him into marriage when he has already agreed to marry her?

I'm still inclined to think she has misunderstood something; but I don't know this couple; you do.

I suggest your friend explains to her exactly what a fiance visa means and sees what she says.

Tell your friend to tell his girlfriend to pull the other one. It's got bells on!

Communication when understanding and speaking the same language is part of problems encountered in courtship. This sounds like one of those little wrinkles to iron out