UK Spouse Visa Queries

[thamuangfarang]

I would be very grateful for some advice on applying for a spouse visa to the UK.

Background:

• My g/f has been granted two tourist visas to the UK in the last eighteen months. She has visited the UK twice for three weeks each time. She is currently in Thailand.
  
• We have built a new house in Thailand and the plan is for me to retire there in about three years time.
  
• My work is based in the UK but I travel extensively including Asia.
  
• We both want to live in Thailand.
  

The plan (or rather what we think we should do next):

• Apply for affirmation to get married in Thailand.
  
• Get married.
  
• Apply for a spouse visa.
  
• My g/f can then freely visit me in the UK.
  

Questions:

• What happens when the spouse visa expires? (Presumably this is after two years).
  • 
    I assume applying for ILR is not possible because she will not have the required number of days UK residency.
    
  • Are the options and possibilities when the spouse visa expires?
    

  [*]The UK Border Agency refer to 'living together'. As such we will not be 'living together' all the time, either in the UK or Thailand. How does this arrangement affect the next stage when the spouse visa expires?

  [*]Are there any other appropriate visa options open to us?

I presume applying for a fiance visa will not be appropriate because she does not want to stay in the UK after we marry. That is why we think getting married in Thailand will be better. However your advice will be gratefully received.

Many thanks. TF

[Boo]

A spouse visa is for the purpose of living full time in UK, unless you lie on the application one will not be granted on the basis of being used as a visit visa.

There are multiple entry tourist visas that can be applied for, I beleive even one that lasts for 10 years. I am not up on the requirements for them but a residency/spouse visa is not the way to go if you do not plan to live full time in UK until she is eligible for ILR.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

As advised if you do not intend to settle in the UK i see little point in applying for a settlement visa.

[7by7]

I presume applying for a fiance visa will not be appropriate because she does not want to stay in the UK after we marry.

As said, a spouse visa would also be inappropriate; for the same reason. Both are settlement visas for those wishing to live in the UK.

I would do as Boo suggests and apply for a longer term visit visa; which could be 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. She would still only be allowed a maximum of 6 months in the UK on any one visit and a maximum of 6 months in the UK out of any 12; but from what you have said this would appear to suit your purpose.

The requirements are basically the same as for a standard 6 month visit visa, with the addition that she will need to show a good reason for visiting the UK regularly and make sure that the ECO understands that she has no desire to settle. Given your circumstances as outlined, you should have that covered.

See VAT1.4 Visa validity - What period for a multiple entry visit visa? and Long-term visit visas

[thamuangfarang]

Thanks very much. This sounds so obvious now, but you helped me to get things straight in my head. I original thought my wife would apply for a spouse visa - its logical. But the multi entry is the way to go. Thanks again.

[thamuangfarang]

A happy ending to this story!

My g/f attended Regent House for an interviewon 1 February and by the 5 February she was the proud owner of a 5 year multi-entry visa.

Excellent result and worth the hard work.

Thanks again for the advice.