hi

I'm trying to get together all evidence to take my Thai wife to the UK on a tourist visa. Her 1st visit. She is 18, we were legally married 4 months ago, been living together over 2 years. She does not work. She has a bank account with some money but not enough. My parents (who were at the wedding) are happy to write a sponsers letter for her and include their bank statements. I will also write a sponsers letter. I will include photos, and house rental contracts. My and her bank statements, marrage certificate, copy of my passport.... is this enough. I'm worried they could think she has no desire to come back to Thailand. Should i include in my letter that when she is over 21 we plan to apply for a marriage visa so any problems with this visa would jepodise future applications.

also

At an Agents today, (who quoted B9500 + B3500 visa fee). They said, as she is only 18 she needed her parents official written permission. Does any one know if this is true? surely not.

any advice is much appreciated.

It does not matter how much she has in the bank When I applied for a settlement visa my wife had about 3500baht.its the banking , As for her age yes you will need a letter from both parents, if I am wrong then you will get your answer from 7by7. You have to be older than 21 now.

Children under the age of 18 require proof that their parent or guardian in their home country agree to the travelling, your wife is not under 18 so, as far as I can make out, will not require this.

This is a quote from the ECO guidlines

All applicants who are under the age of 18 must show that

• They have adequate travel, reception and care arrangements for their stay in the UK;
• they have a parent or guardian in their home country or country of habitual residence who is responsible for their care; and
• their parent/guardian agrees to them travelling.
  

The restriction for under 21's applies to those applying for a settlement visa, though if somebody is under 21 and already married there can be some descretion, but this does not apply in your case.

I certainly wouldn't be paying this agent 9500 Baht for a seemingly pretty straight forward application, as they don't seem to know the rules.

Are you living in Thailand?

Many thanks for your replies. That's how i read it, but the agency had gotten me worried.

yes I live here in Thailand. over 4 years now.

Have the agency recommended a family visit visa ?

As already said, the information being given to you by the agency seems to be incorrect.

You say that you have been living together for over 2 years, is this in Thailand? Are you currently living in Thailand?

If so, then you can be her reason to return, and should provide evidence of your status in Thailand, visa stamps, employment etc.

Don't waste your money using an agency. provided you provide all the relevant paperwork you should have no problem.

Last year my wife applied for a 5 year multiple entry visa and we had no problems at all even although it was her first trip outside Thailand.