Here's A Good One

[MisterRay]

Hello All,

Im new to this forum and could do with a bit af a hand, Ive had a look for this query but cant really see anything about it.

My g/f and I are applying for her settlement visa in the forthcoming weeks.

Im wondering if she could apply for a visitors visa at the same time and therefore come to UK slightly earlier? All be it she would return in 3-4 months but then the major reason for to return would therefore be to attend the interview for her settlement visa.

Does anyone know if this has been done before?

Cheers R

[GU22]

Not sure if there is anything in the rules about this, maybe Scouse can advise.

However, I would say that it is a non starter. For the vv she will be saying that she does not want to remain in the UK, but for the sv she will be saying that she does want to remain in the UK. Also, as the waiting time for an interview, if required, for both settlement visas and non-settlement visas is the same it wouldn't work anyway.

[MisterRay]

I was under the impression that visitor visas could be issued in a few days?

Why wait and extra few months apart when she could take a holiday here and then go back for the interview. Also, we are getting married in Thailand early next year, yet another reason for her to return.

Surely the confliction of intention on both applications is obvious but then I suppose that we are fighting up a very steep hill here.

I realise that this is a highly unlikely possibility, Id love to know if it could be done though.

Mr Ray

[GU22]

I was under the impression that visitor visas could be issued in a few days?

If all the supporting documents are submitted with the application and if those documents satisfy the ECO that the necessary criteria are met so that the ECO is "minded to grant" the visa then the applicant may be called in for a short interview (for a vv it is possible that this will be the same day as the application, provided the application is submitted in person). At the interview the applicant will be asked a few questions and provided the answers are consistent with the documents then they will be told to return the next working day (but not a Friday) to collect the visa.

If the supporting documents are not included with the application or if they don't fully satisfy the ECO then a full interview will be required.

Not getting a short interview does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the application, merely that the ECO wishes to go into some aspects of the application in more detail with the applicant.

This applies equally to settlement and non-settlement applications.

My g/f and I are applying for her settlement visa in the forthcoming weeks..........we are getting married in Thailand early next year

With respect, it is difficult to give worthwhile advice if people don't give all the info!

Apply for a visit visa now. Include all the necessary documents and hope for a short interview.

Current waiting times for an interview are 16-20 weeks, so about 20 weeks before your marriage complete the settlement form (you can download one here) and send it to the embassy with a covering letter saying you will be marrying on (date) and asking for an interview shortly after that date. You can do this from the UK.

Include in the visit visa application a letter to say that the reason for the visit is so your g/f can meet your family and get a taste of the UK prior to your marriage and that you will be returning to Thailand to marry. Say that she will be applying for settlement in due course.

[MisterRay]

Yes, thats one particular reason why I would like her to visit here first, so that my family can meet her before we take the plunge.

I think that this may then be a possibility. I have all of the supporting documentation already prepared for the settlement visa, all she will have to do is fill out a visitors form, write a covering letter and hope for the best. Its only a few extra quid but hey whats that when you already keep the worlds airlines in business!

It will help that we have set the date and location for the wedding in Thailand.

All we can do is fill out the form and ask on the day. I intend to get my affirmation of freedom to marry sorted out at the same time so hopefully they will let me in the embassy and this will allow me to speak to an ECO.

Its an exciting time, yet it still makes me feel quite nervous....

[GU22]

Although the wedding is a reason to return, if you can show another one as well then that would be better. Does she have a job and will her employer confirm she will still have a job when she returns? In your circumstances, unlikely I know, but every little helps. Does she own property?

I intend to get my affirmation of freedom to marry sorted out at the same time so hopefully they will let me in the embassy and this will allow me to speak to an ECO.

You may be allowed to speak to someone at the counter, but, unfortunately, except in very exceptional circumstances, you will not be allowed to speak to the ECO. It is her application and it will be her they will want to speak to.

[the scouser]

Mister Ray,

There is nothing in immigration legislation preventing you from applying for a settlement visa and visit visa simultaneously with the intention of sitting out the waiting time in the UK, but it is likely the visit visa would be refused because your g/f, by applying for a settlement visa, has already stated her intention to settle in the UK. A mere statement to the effect that you intend to marry in Thailand next year is unlikely to carry any weight with the visa officer, who would expect to see some evidence of the intended nuptials.

Furthermore, by submitting visit and settlement application at the same time, you are ensuring that the visit visa approval will be subject to a full interview, thereby obviating any benefit to otherwise be had.

Scouse.

[MisterRay]

Thanks for your comments fella's, I thought that it would be too good to be true.

The last thing we want is for her to get a refusal stamp in her passoprt, not for the sake of a 3 month wait anyway.

R

[GU22]

Mister Ray,

It will cost you £36 to apply for a vv. If refused you wont get your money back, but it wont affect a subsequent sv application in any way. Many people, my wife included, have had a vv refused and then gone on to make a successful sv application.

If you apply for a vv and they want a long interview it will make it impracticable for you both, so she can always withdraw the application.

Your choice.

[gerrryuk]

Thanks for your comments fella's, I thought that it would be too good to be true.

The last thing we want is for her to get a refusal stamp in her passoprt, not for the sake of a 3 month wait anyway.

R

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The very last thing you want to do is antagonise the embassy and if they suspect you are bending any rules at all they will look unkindly at the application. (this, from my costly -in time & money - experiance). We tried this last september and November and it cost us 10 months lost time. Do the correct things and be patient...... The signs in the embassy, as at 3 weeks ago, were saying that interviews are now backlogged to 21st December

[the scouser]

It will cost you £36 to apply for a vv.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

£50.

UK entry clearance fees.

[GU22]

My mistake, apols.