Hi can anyone give me some advise on an ELR Visa

and the rules.

I have been married to my Thai wife for just over 3 years.

She has visited me on a Visit Visa and i have been going to Thailand

to spend time together with her.

We have considered the Settlement Visa leading to ILR,

But in 11 months we would be married for 4 years,

I know she will have to get the life in the UK Test in the UK at some point,

So what i'd like to know is could we make an application for the ELR in 11 months even though we have had periods living apart?

or do we have to satisfy the UK Embassy with the ELR... that we must of been living together in one country.

I would appreciate any help.Thanks, Pomchob.

Unless she is an asylum seeker granted 4 years exceptional leave to remain in the UK prior to 1 April 2003, your wife does not qualify for ELR.

Do you mean ILE, that is Indefinite Leave to Enter? See Uk Settlement; Spouse Visa Or Ile? Have you been married for 4 years or more?

I don't think that your wife would qualify as she has been resident in Thailand and you in the UK and the rules state that you must have been living together outside the UK for the last 4 years. Short periods apart, e.g. for work reasons, is obviously allowed under the rules, but not each of you being resident in different countries.

However, she would not apply for ILE or a spouse visa, she would apply for settlement. If she does qualify for ILE then this is what she will be given (subject to KOL unless she first passes the LitUK test). If she doesn't qualify for ILE then she will be given a 27 month spouse visa instead; assuming the other criteria are all met.

I believe he is referring to ILE.

Sorry..., yes i meant the ILE Visa Indefinite Leave to Enter.

Thank-you for your excellent reply 7by7 I'm much clearer now

on this issue, thanks for your help.

Thanks also to Thai Visa Express,

Much appreciated Good Luck.. from Pomchob.

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