How Do You Rate Our Chances Of Getting A Visa

[hungryhippo]

Comes down to this..

She has no record of income, however she has good reasons to return, her daughter, her house and if she works for her brothers business there is a job waiting for her. Get her to submit evidence of all of this making sure that the documents support each other to create a believable case for the officer in charge of your case.

Hi John at the moment i have £2400 saved by the time we apply for the visa this figure should be about £4500 , do you still think this is not enough ?

The immigration want to see records of your bank statement since you'll be the one providing everything for her. If you only have 2400 then that's all you have, they won't factor in that you'll have 4500 when she's there.

It's really hit and miss in my opinion. I'd suggest applying for a shorter time period at first; like a week or two.

[7by7]

Simple - the rules are you must have at least a minimum amount of money "spare" to support your gf per week - this is set at the level of income support, which is currently £65.45.

No, the immigration rules do not set any minimum figure.

The settlement guidance says that any amount below the income support level would be 'inappropriate' but there is no mention of any minimum figure in the visit guidance. It all depends on the circumstances of the visit; those staying in hotels will obviously need more than those staying with friends or relatives.

However, Razz is correct to say that the level of 'spare' income you have is more than enough. When my sister-in-law visited us we showed a 'spare' income of just £20 per week for her use. She got the visa.

[brian272727]

My GF came to Scotland last November for 5 weeks...

She loved it here and the weather, although cold, was fine, she described it as 'comfortable' and it made a change from sweating all day and constant aircon.

While I worked during the day she mostly cooked, watched tv and slept(she woke at 10.30am)... I was home for 4ish so it was not a major issue. She is planning to come for 6 months this time so I will be making sure she attends the a free ESOL course that the council runs which will improve her English, but more importantly give her confidence to get out and about. I will also be setting her English homework etc and books to read. From 4pm onwards we will spend time together socialising, food shopping, exercising and getting to know each other.

[Scott]

Raven0099: I missed a question you asked a while ago. It had to do with a girl friend vs. a fiancee. Some immigration officials get concerned that you will get married and then she will remain, sort of skirting the rules. I don't know the exact situation in the UK, but it is a concern.

As you can see by some other posts, people have gotten visas that would probably raise a few eyebrows with another officer. The point is, go for it. You've done your homework, got your stuff ready and as long as it is a genuine relationship, you've got a shot.

If you get turned down, just try again later.

Best of luck and do let us know how it works out.

[bobrussell]

My GF came to Scotland last November for 5 weeks...

She loved it here and the weather, although cold, was fine, she described it as 'comfortable' and it made a change from sweating all day and constant aircon.

While I worked during the day she mostly cooked, watched tv and slept(she woke at 10.30am)... I was home for 4ish so it was not a major issue. She is planning to come for 6 months this time so I will be making sure she attends the a free ESOL course that the council runs which will improve her English, but more importantly give her confidence to get out and about. I will also be setting her English homework etc and books to read. From 4pm onwards we will spend time together socialising, food shopping, exercising and getting to know each other.

Just be warned - with a visitors visa the holder is not allowed to work - paid or unpaid nor (correct me someone if I am wrong) study. This requires a different visa!!

Winter is not always a problem - I remember the expression on my gf's face when we walked to the car at Heathrow and she could see her own breath!!! Snow is a major treat even now and she has travelled to the UK (now lives here) for years.

[brian272727]

Just be warned - with a visitors visa the holder is not allowed to work - paid or unpaid nor (correct me someone if I am wrong) study. This requires a different visa!!

Thanks for the warning...

I am not sure if this would class as study, from initial investigations its more an informal drop in session that is designed to help people pass the Life in UK test.

The woman on the phone was pretty sure it was a "turn up whenever" arrangement, I don't think there was any qualification at the end of it. It was a free thing as well and she needed no ID or Passport. Just told her to turn up, sort of thing.

Will look into it further!

[RAZZELL]

Just be warned - with a visitors visa the holder is not allowed to work - paid or unpaid nor (correct me someone if I am wrong) study. This requires a different visa!!

Thanks for the warning...

I am not sure if this would class as study, from initial investigations its more an informal drop in session that is designed to help people pass the Life in UK test.

The woman on the phone was pretty sure it was a "turn up whenever" arrangement, I don't think there was any qualification at the end of it. It was a free thing as well and she needed no ID or Passport. Just told her to turn up, sort of thing.

Will look into it further!

Mmm..."informal drop in class" would still be studying.

I'd buy her a book to be on the safe side.

RAZZ

[RAZZELL]

Simple - the rules are you must have at least a minimum amount of money "spare" to support your gf per week - this is set at the level of income support, which is currently £65.45.

No, the immigration rules do not set any minimum figure.

The settlement guidance says that any amount below the income support level would be 'inappropriate' but there is no mention of any minimum figure in the visit guidance. It all depends on the circumstances of the visit; those staying in hotels will obviously need more than those staying with friends or relatives.

However, Razz is correct to say that the level of 'spare' income you have is more than enough. When my sister-in-law visited us we showed a 'spare' income of just £20 per week for her use. She got the visa.

I bow to your superior knowledge

Although, it's a question of semantics anyway as "rules", "laws" or "guidance" mostly end up being interpreted by people in the "real world" the same way!

RAZZ

[the scouser]

Within this thread, the OP has had sound advice off three (no less!) ex-employees of the UK Border Agency, yet seems to persevere in the belief that he must be right because their suggestions do not fit what he wants to hear.

In such a circumstance, it can only be suggested that the application is made 'as is', and the end result will be the arbiter.

Scouse.

[brewsterbudgen]

A couple of points:

1) You haven't said where you met..and yes it does matter.

Does it? I got a UK Visitor's Visa for my then TGF (2006) and I certainly didn't tell them where we met!

If the relationship is established to the ECO's satisfaction, where the couple met is irrelevant.

[raven0099]

Within this thread, the OP has had sound advice off three (no less!) ex-employees of the UK Border Agency, yet seems to persevere in the belief that he must be right because their suggestions do not fit what he wants to hear.

In such a circumstance, it can only be suggested that the application is made 'as is', and the end result will be the arbiter.

Scouse.

who are the ex border agents ?

i do value everyones advice and im listening to what there saying i know its not going to be easy !

[fishhooks]

With the highest respect, can I say that this part of the forum is for all countries associated with Thailand.

However, for some reason, the Brit's post here time after time with no indication whatsoever that the topic subject matter is of concern to themselves and their own country.

It took a lot of reading of the first few posts to determine that this topic is only dealing with "one" country. A couple of extra words in the topic title would hit it's mark of interest and save those of us with not so fast internet connections a lot of time.

[brian272727]

You earn £35-40,000 a year, but you have total savings of only £2,400. If you have £900 spare "every month after bills" I would have expected your savings to be rather more (as, far more importantly, may those considering your application).

I am in EXACTLY the same position as the OP financially, I have £1000 a month left over after bills yet minimal savings, the reason, well I use the £1000 a month for travelling to Thailand to meet my other half(I have been 6 times in 20 months). Since deciding 12 weeks ago she was coming here I have saved £2600, the UKBA will see this on my bank statement. If she is here for six months then I can support her and still save £500 a month. No problem.

I will of course detail this on my application.

[VisasPlus]

Within this thread, the OP has had sound advice off three (no less!) ex-employees of the UK Border Agency, yet seems to persevere in the belief that he must be right because their suggestions do not fit what he wants to hear.

In such a circumstance, it can only be suggested that the application is made 'as is', and the end result will be the arbiter.

Scouse.

who are the ex border agents ?

i do value everyones advice and im listening to what there saying i know its not going to be easy !

I am one of them.

[RAZZELL]

A couple of points:

1) You haven't said where you met..and yes it does matter.

Does it? I got a UK Visitor's Visa for my then TGF (2006) and I certainly didn't tell them where we met!

If the relationship is established to the ECO's satisfaction, where the couple met is irrelevant.

Mmm..

I agree that once the relationship is established to the ECO's satisfaction it is irrelevant...Although I would suggest that it "matters" as in so far as you have "physically" met and isn't purely an online or data agency job.

I'm sure you can put "introduced by friends"...or "we just got chatting" etc and leave out the specifics...

However, what did you put on your sponsors letter? Everyone "meets" somehow?

RAZZ

[raven0099]

Within this thread, the OP has had sound advice off three (no less!) ex-employees of the UK Border Agency, yet seems to persevere in the belief that he must be right because their suggestions do not fit what he wants to hear.

In such a circumstance, it can only be suggested that the application is made 'as is', and the end result will be the arbiter.

Scouse.

What have i said then thats arguing with other peoples points or advice its an open discussion and im taking in what im being told , so whats the problem ?

[raven0099]

Hello and good morning

Thats it for me i wont be posting anymore info or posts on this forum , at the moment im going to work away and save some money and put the visa to the back of my mind for the time being , likely to go for application in april after songkran , this gives me more time to save and build up evidence , Thanks to all the people who have helped , and to the rest up to you !

Cheers

Raven0099

[raven0099]

We got the visa !

[kennkate]

Well done and good luck

if she copes with the UK at this time of year she will be fine if you do decide to get married and she comes over to settle.

Snow this AM that will be a novelty for her if she is comming soon. All the best to you bouth.

[RAZZELL]

We got the visa !

Congratulations

And welcome back

It would be really beneficial for other members if you could explain what you put in your application (money-wise...how you got around "reason to return" etc)

RAZZ

Edited January 4, 2011 by RAZZELL

[Basil B]

Congratulations.

I too have a girlfriend who does casual work, sometimes she works for her brother who has a small business sewing baby garments, or other casual work she can find.

She has a daughter who has been for the last year living with her in and now goes to school in Bangkok, before then the daughter lived with my girlfriend's mother at the family home in Surin province; she also has a son who lives with her stepfather and his current wife who she has contact with but accepts that her son sees her stepfather and his wife as his parents and there is no bond with her.

I send her money, I have always made a point of what I send her is to supplement her income and not instead of her working, I now send money to my Thai bank account in large amounts and transfer in smaller amounts to my girlfriends account at the end of the month, birthdays and xmas.

My problem now is I was made redundant last November and as yet have not been able to find work, I am hopeful of finding work soon but will probably not be able to go out Easter as intended so would like for my girlfriend to come here, she has been asking to come (as my wife) so hopefully as soon as I get a job I will start to help her make the application for visitors visa (without permission to marry).

As pointed out the biggest stumbling block is the "reason to return", also I do have some proof of our relationship, though I could probably only find some of the many texts she sent and I sent her, and phone bills but I doubt I could go back 3 years but I do have a copy of e-ticket from Air Asia when she came with me to the F1 in KL nearly 2 years ago and both of us have stamps in our passports for that trip, again with photographic proof I have many photos of my girlfriend and many she took of me but have very few of us together and they are not date stamped .

So Raven0099 please I would be most interested to hear more of your experience.:jap:

Edited January 4, 2011 by Basil B

[RAZZELL]

Congratulations.

I too have a girlfriend who does casual work, sometimes she works for her brother who has a small business sewing baby garments, or other casual work she can find.

She has a daughter who has been for the last year living with her in and now goes to school in Bangkok, before then the daughter lived with my girlfriend's mother at the family home in Surin province; she also has a son who lives with her stepfather and his current wife who she has contact with but accepts that her son sees her stepfather and his wife as his parents and there is no bond with her.

I send her money, I have always made a point of what I send her is to supplement her income and not instead of her working, I now send money to my Thai bank account in large amounts and transfer in smaller amounts to my girlfriends account at the end of the month, birthdays and xmas.

My problem now is I was made redundant last November and as yet have not been able to find work, I am hopeful of finding work soon but will probably not be able to go out Easter as intended so would like for my girlfriend to come here, she has been asking to come (as my wife) so hopefully as soon as I get a job I will start to help her make the application for visitors visa (without permission to marry).

As pointed out the biggest stumbling block is the "reason to return", also I do have some proof of our relationship, though I could probably only find some of the many texts she sent and I sent her, and phone bills but I doubt I could go back 3 years but I do have a copy of e-ticket from Air Asia when she came with me to the F1 in KL nearly 2 years ago and both of us have stamps in our passports for that trip, again with photographic proof I have many photos of my girlfriend and many she took of me but have very few of us together and they are not date stamped .

So Raven0099 please I would be most interested to hear more of your experience.:jap:

Not quite sure what you mean by this? (highlighted sections)

Just apply for a Visit Visa.

RAZZ

[Basil B]

She want us to marry but I do not until I know she will be happy to live in the UK, that why I would like he to visit first, I think if she knew that she could apply for visa to marry she would want to.

[aland2012]

She want us to marry but I do not until I know she will be happy to live in the UK, that why I would like he to visit first, I think if she knew that she could apply for visa to marry she would want to.

I thought the same thing, to get my GF here first on a Vistor Visa to see if she likes it here, Dates ( Nov 2010 - Jan 2011 )..... She Loves it here, she has made so many Thai freinds, she has all the same thai food to eat, and Som Tam.. She is happy....... But now I think I should of gone for the Spouse Visa first...... Got Married and then moved back to the UK. Would of saved time..... But how is one too know.

Alan