Need some help on visa choice.......... have waded through here and the http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk website and not 100% sure.

My partner is a Lao citizen, we have been living together continously in Thailand for almost 6 years where I have been in full time employment. We have two children both born here with both of our names on the birth certificates.

The two children both have UK passports as do I, my partner has a Lao passport.

We are planning a three or four month trip back to the UK to investigate schools for the kids now that they are getting older and also just to have a holiday.

The plan was to apply for the "family visit" visa through Bangkok, have the holiday (assuming visa is granted) return to Thailand after the holiday and if all went well look at the visa options for a definite return to the UK.

However, if we wanted to return now what would the options be? Do we still need to have a tourist visa first, leave and then reapply agin for a different visa the 2nd time round?

If we can apply for some sort of longer / more permanent visa which should it be? I have no international phone call records or bank transfers as we have lived together continuously, I do have the birth certs, all immigration stamps, proof of holidays, many many pictures of us, kids with grandparents etc. There is an empty house waiting for us in the UK, there is no issue with funds for covering cost of living etc etc once there.

Any sensible advice much appreciated.

If you was married you can apply for a settlement visa subject to the applicant meeting the requirements.

You may also qualify for an unmarried partner visa :

• You should have been living together for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage. You will need to provide documentary evidence confirming that you have been living together for this time.

SET05 - Unmarried and same sex partners

If you require professional help feel free to contact me.

If your partner does want to apply for settlement in the UK, there is no need for her to have had a visit visa beforehand.

As well as the link provided by TVE, you may find Maintenance and accommodation helpful.

thanks for the suggestions and the links.

Also, if we apply online for the visa how do we submit all the supporting documents, do we need to email copies initially or do we simply take the copies and the originals to the appointment that is made and the application online is simply just the application form itself with no supporting docs at all?

thanks for the help

**edited to add**

its says "You will need access to a computer, a personal email address that you can use and have the ability to print your form and any other information. When applying online you should have your passport to hand."

Does my partner need to have her own email address or can we use mine? Its actually me that is is completing the forms on her behalf......

Edited March 21, 201115 yr by smartecosse

1 - Also, if we apply online for the visa how do we submit all the supporting documents, do we need to email copies initially or do we simply take the copies and the originals to the appointment that is made and the application online is simply just the application form itself with no supporting docs at all?

2 - it says "You will need access to a computer, a personal email address that you can use and have the ability to print your form and any other information. When applying online you should have your passport to hand."

Does my partner need to have her own email address or can we use mine? Its actually me that is is completing the forms on her behalf......

1 - Your partner takes her documents to Regent House when she goes for her appointment.

2 - I think they say a personal email account to get round any confidentially issues, why don't you simply open a Hotmail or Gmail account in her name. I suppose you could use your email address, I doubt if it would be an issue, and though you are completing the forms on her behalf it's her application.

thanks for that......

more questions....

from entering the application online to actually getting an apointment to hand in all the original documents does anyone know how long this normally takes? Is it just a few days or is there quite a wait?

It shouldn't normally take long to get an appointment, I have just looked and there are appointments available this Friday, 25th March, and every day between 5th to 12th April inclusive.

I have actually made an appointment the day before, it can vary, but don't forget to factor in the closures for the Songkran and Easter holidays.

You don't need an appointment to submit an application for a visit visa, you can actually just pitch up and wait your turn, but arrive early and prepared for a long wait.