Uk Tourist Visa

[Jett66]

hi guys

I am going to be applying for a tourist visa for my Thai girlfriend in the coming months but after reading many different posts on these forums, i have some concerns especially the part about her showing a reason to return to Thailand!!!!!

Basically we have been together for about 4 years and have a 2 year old daughter together, we've been in contact pretty much daily throughout, mainly through phone calls msn and texts but we occasionally email to we've sent cards for birthdays Xmas ect..ect.. and i visit usually twice a year between 4 to 8 weeks each time!!!

I can obtain a letter from my employers confirming my employment and provide payslips and bank statements. although i do not have big amount of savings in my account ( usually spent on my 2 visits each year) i do have more than enough to take care of all 3 of us each month!!!

I live with my brother who owns his house and is more than happy for my girlfriend and daughter to come and stay with us for as long as they like and will write a letter confirming this!!!

I will also write a invitation for her to come and visit me and meet my family here in the UK.

from what Ive read i feel all of this pretty much in line with what the Eco's would want!!!

now for my concerns firstly i have been married to Thai before who now lives in england and has a settlement visa we are now divorced and i will mention this to the embassy when we file the application!!!

secondly my girlfriend has no land or property and very little savings her sister who owns her own salon has said she will write a letter confirming employment and a job on her return but i feel really uncomfortable doing this as its gonna basically be a lie!!!

we do intend to adhere to the rules of the visa and this is just to see if my girlfriend would be happy to live in england permanently at which point we will marry and apply for a settlement visa.

any advice would be much appreciated

many thanks

JT

[theoldgit]

First of all, and I'm sorry if I seem pernickity, you don't apply for a visa for your girlfriend, she does, it's her application and it's her that must convince the ECO that the proposed trip is reasonable, affordable and, as you have indicated, that she will leave the UK at the end of her trip.

When she applies she needs to state why she wants to travel and for how long and that it's affordable, you have already indicated that you will be sponsoring her. You have hit the nail on the head in suggesting that the reason to return will be her biggest obstacle, she is a single woman of limited means, she has no job, no assets and has a young child. She has an English boyfriend, who is the father of her child and also provides support. On the face of it the ECO may suspect that she intends to uproot and re-locate to the UK to be with you, whilst I suspect this isn't the case it's up to her to to convince the ECO otherwise, that it is indeed a genuine holiday after which she will return.

All this said, if you can both prove that you are in a genuine and sustaining relationship and that maybe you have plans for the future which she doesn't wish to jeopardise by failing to comply with the conditions of a tourist visa, then others have succeeded by going down this route.

You have indicated that you will sponsorship your girlfriend, I'm assuming your child has a UK Passport, in your sponsorship letter you need to say why you are sponsoring your girlfriends holiday, it's obvious to you but you still need to do it, and that it's affordable, you seem to have sorted out the evidence required. You say that you live with, and your girlfriend will stay with, you brother, you need to provide evidence that the home is big enough to accommodate your girlfriend during her short holiday.

You have indicated that your girlfriends sister has said that she is willing to write a letter advising the UKBA that she works at her salon, indicating that it's a lie, I would advise against this, if she is found out she could be banned from applying for a visa for ten years.

Good luck.

[SantiSuk]

My girlfriend (now my wife) had very little money and no job; we said she worked in the family food vending business but provided no employment letter. I had plenty of dosh to support her and we had been to Laos and HK together, but neither of these have much bearing on whether or not she would return once you can get over the hump of demonstrating that there is enough money and accommodation around such that she will not throw herself on the state.

So, with a properly constructed invitation letter, I doubt you will have problems. Here's my one at the time.

She got the visa no problem but she did start to get the third degree at UK Border Heathrow. It was helpful that I was travelling with her and could go over to the desk to explain that her supporter was not a pimp/trafficker. I now know of course that it is best to go thru UK immigration together anyway if you are travelling together.

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Letter dated 10 April 2008

Dear Sir/Madam

Ms [Name] – Letter of Invitation

I write in connection with x's application for a visa to visit the United Kingdom. I am willing and able to act as Ms x's financial sponsor for her visit. Ms x is my girlfriend. I met her in June 2006 and have made frequent visits to Thailand to see her and her family. We have travelled together in Thailand, Laos and Hong Kong. I now want her to visit the UK to see our country and meet my family. The visa application includes documents that will show that our relationship is long term, as follows:

- 'Screen shot' of my Hotmail e-mail folder showing regular e-mail correspondence since 2006

- Copy of an early e-mail You will also note an entry in the copy of my bank current account dated 16 October 2007 evidencing a transfer of money to Ms x.

I have been providing financial support to Ms x for the last 18 months – more recently in the amount of approximately x baht per month. I recently retired from full-time working in London as a [job] and I have substantial financial resources to continue to support Ms x. I confirm that I shall be paying all expenses of her visit including flight costs and expenses while she is visiting the UK. The visa application includes documents that evidence my net wealth, which is in excess of [x].

Yours faithfully

[Basil B]

As TheOldGit Say's it is you girlfriend who is applying not you .

You Ex should not come into it, she is here as a settled person, your girlfriend is applying for a visitor visa and should not be expected to answer for your previous failed relationship.

Your girlfriend should not lie, or anyone else on her behalf as if found out will almost certainly result in a 10 year ban.

I do hope your daughter has a British passport as this will save applying for a second visa and give more reason for the visit.

I also think she has a chance even if she has no permanent job to return to.

Best of luck

Basil.

[7by7]

From what you have said, the problem may be her reason to return to Thailand. You have a 4 year relationship and a 2 year old child together. The ECO may feel that she is attempting to use a visit visa to get round the settlement rules.

She has to convince them otherwise.

To help her, you should stress in your sponsor's letter that she knows that overstaying or otherwise breaking the visit rules will seriously jeapordise any future settlement application. You should also explain what your plans are should she decide she does not want to live in the UK; would you carry on as before......would you attempt to move to Thailand........what?

I agree that the letter from her sister may very well be seen as a lie, which it would be; especially if your partner says she will be visiting the UK for more than a couple of weeks; most Thai employers only give their employees 2 to 3 weeks holiday a year. If discovered using deception in an attempt to obtain a visa she not only may, as the OG says, be banned from visiting the UK for up to 10 years; she may also be banned from entering the UK in any category for life! Don't risk it.

[Jett66]

HI GUYS,

First off thanks for all the replies, and yes i do realize that it is her that will be making the application it just feels like me!!

I think what i will do is try to emphasize in my sponsors letter that this visit is basically to make sure my girlfriend likes england and feels she could settle here, with a view to applying for a settlement visa if this the case,

i mean the main reason we would not want to break the rules of the visa is it would jeopardies any future visa applications whether visit or settlement.

it is our intention to marry but having already been married i want to make sure its the right thing to do and don't think you can base this on 2 trips per year its not normal life being here in england is, with work bills and all the other everyday stresses that life brings!!!

i mean after reading some of the responses, do you think i would be better just applying for a settlement visa from the off??? i thought it would be better to show a bit of history together 1st and that we are trustworthy and adhere to all the laws set in the visa application!!!

one thing for sure what ever we apply for I'm just gonna be as truthful as possible even if that results in refusal, at least you can address concerns Eco may have but as people have said a 10 year ban or life would be disastrous!!!

anyway once again thanks for all the advice its all very helpful!!

JT

[Jett66]

Thanks for the template of the supporting letter although obviously our circumstances are different its good to have an idea of what to write!!

cheers

JT

My girlfriend (now my wife) had very little money and no job; we said she worked in the family food vending business but provided no employment letter. I had plenty of dosh to support her and we had been to Laos and HK together, but neither of these have much bearing on whether or not she would return once you can get over the hump of demonstrating that there is enough money and accommodation around such that she will not throw herself on the state.

So, with a properly constructed invitation letter, I doubt you will have problems. Here's my one at the time.

She got the visa no problem but she did start to get the third degree at UK Border Heathrow. It was helpful that I was travelling with her and could go over to the desk to explain that her supporter was not a pimp/trafficker. I now know of course that it is best to go thru UK immigration together anyway if you are travelling together.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter dated 10 April 2008

Dear Sir/Madam

Ms [Name] – Letter of Invitation

I write in connection with x's application for a visa to visit the United Kingdom. I am willing and able to act as Ms x's financial sponsor for her visit. Ms x is my girlfriend. I met her in June 2006 and have made frequent visits to Thailand to see her and her family. We have travelled together in Thailand, Laos and Hong Kong. I now want her to visit the UK to see our country and meet my family. The visa application includes documents that will show that our relationship is long term, as follows:

- 'Screen shot' of my Hotmail e-mail folder showing regular e-mail correspondence since 2006

- Copy of an early e-mail You will also note an entry in the copy of my bank current account dated 16 October 2007 evidencing a transfer of money to Ms x.

I have been providing financial support to Ms x for the last 18 months – more recently in the amount of approximately x baht per month. I recently retired from full-time working in London as a [job] and I have substantial financial resources to continue to support Ms x. I confirm that I shall be paying all expenses of her visit including flight costs and expenses while she is visiting the UK. The visa application includes documents that evidence my net wealth, which is in excess of [x].

Yours faithfully

[Danielson2702]

Settlement. Seeing as there is a child involved I'd say it's best all round.

[theoldgit]

it is our intention to marry but having already been married i want to make sure its the right thing to do and don't think you can base this on 2 trips per year its not normal life being here in england is, with work bills and all the other everyday stresses that life brings!!!

i mean after reading some of the responses, do you think i would be better just applying for a settlement visa from the off??? i thought it would be better to show a bit of history together 1st and that we are trustworthy and adhere to all the laws set in the visa application!!!

You seem to be very level headed, and after a failed marriage I think you are absolutly correct in being 100% sure before going down the settlement route again. That said you have a child together and that does show a level of comitment.

I would only go down the settlement route at this stage if that's what you both want, I certainly wouldn't do it just to make it easier for your girlfriend to get her visa.

You mentioned in your first post about your previous relationship, I suppose it depends how long ago it was but the fact that you will have already have sponsored somebody for a settlement visa will be on record, and I'm pretty sure they check, I would agree that it's probably best to declare it and explain the circumstances, rather than let the ECO think you have something to hide.

[Jett66]

You seem to be very level headed, and after a failed marriage I think you are absolutly correct in being 100% sure before going down the settlement route again. That said you have a child together and that does show a level of comitment.

I would only go down the settlement route at this stage if that's what you both want, I certainly wouldn't do it just to make it easier for your girlfriend to get her visa.

You mentioned in your first post about your previous relationship, I suppose it depends how long ago it was but the fact that you will have already have sponsored somebody for a settlement visa will be on record, and I'm pretty sure they check, I would agree that it's probably best to declare it and explain the circumstances, rather than let the ECO think you have something to hide.

Hi OG,

Thanks I'm trying to be as level headed as I can not always easy though!!!

Yes I would say that we are totally committed to each other!!

I am going to declare that I was married before and that we are divorced and that my ex is settled in the uk, as I can't see it having any effect on my girlfriends visa application!!

What I wanted to ask you was in your opinion what visa would we be more likely to be successful with??

I personally thought that if I applied for a tourist visa as I said previously the main problem was the "reason to return" but that if the Eco could see it was solid and true relationship they may overlook that particular guideline!!! Based on the fact we have a child and have been together for so long and would know that if we didn't adhere to any of the rules it would surely jeopardise any future visa applications!!!

But some of the responses on here have made me think this is a negative thing and that because we have a child that the Eco might think we are trying to use the tourist visa as a way around the settlement visa!!! In which case I would just apply directly for a settlement or fiancé visa!!!

And just to add my daughter does have a British passport.

Thanks for all your help so far!!!

Cheers JT

[theoldgit]

JT, I'm going to duck directly answering your question, Iwould hate for it to come back and haunt me, but both routes have their merits.

I certainly think your girlfriend would have a good chanceof obtaining a tourist visa providing it's properly evidenced and presented.You have had a failed relationship, you have been together for four years, andwhilst you do have a child, you have spent a relatively short time together. Iwould be explaining that having spent time together in Thailand you want tohave a holiday together in the UK before you make a firm commitment as to yourfuture plans, and as you have said, your girlfriend does not want to jeopardiseyour future plans by failing to comply with the terms of a visa, and this needsto be explained.

On a personal note, I was married to a Thai woman, in fact Istill am as I don't know where she is, she got two tourist visas before wesplit. I am with a new partner and she successfully applied for a tourist visa,at the first attempt, to travel with me to the UK, in my letter of sponsorshipI provided the details of the failed relationship.

You have indicated that you don't want to rush intoanything, and I think that's very sensible. I think your girlfriend wouldprobably get a fiancé visa, but don't go for it just because you think it'seasier. It would cost more, probably take longer and would require a differentlevel of evidence. It's really for you two to decide which visa category suitsyour plans, not which is easier to obtain.

As I say, I'm sorry if I'm ducking your question, you willprobably get differing advice on this forum, you need to plough through it alland work out what's best for you.

Good luck

[ThaiVisaExpress]

Some good advice here I see no reason why you would not get a Tourist visa.

[Jett66]

JT, I'm going to duck directly answering your question, Iwould hate for it to come back and haunt me, but both routes have their merits.

I certainly think your girlfriend would have a good chanceof obtaining a tourist visa providing it's properly evidenced and presented.You have had a failed relationship, you have been together for four years, andwhilst you do have a child, you have spent a relatively short time together. Iwould be explaining that having spent time together in Thailand you want tohave a holiday together in the UK before you make a firm commitment as to yourfuture plans, and as you have said, your girlfriend does not want to jeopardiseyour future plans by failing to comply with the terms of a visa, and this needsto be explained.

On a personal note, I was married to a Thai woman, in fact Istill am as I don't know where she is, she got two tourist visas before wesplit. I am with a new partner and she successfully applied for a tourist visa,at the first attempt, to travel with me to the UK, in my letter of sponsorshipI provided the details of the failed relationship.

You have indicated that you don't want to rush intoanything, and I think that's very sensible. I think your girlfriend wouldprobably get a fiancé visa, but don't go for it just because you think it'seasier. It would cost more, probably take longer and would require a differentlevel of evidence. It's really for you two to decide which visa category suitsyour plans, not which is easier to obtain.

As I say, I'm sorry if I'm ducking your question, you willprobably get differing advice on this forum, you need to plough through it alland work out what's best for you.

Good luck

Hi OG,

thanks for the sound advice, I'm going to stick with the tourist visa and apply for a settlement after I understand why you would'nt want to tell me exactly what to do!!!

I'm hoping that they will see the strength our relationship and the time we've been together and understand that we really want to obtain a settlement visa in the future!!! and that based on this will not refuse the visa because of the reason to return!!.

at the end of the day we have a child and would not want to spend all our lives with her being here illegally it wouldn't work, i also work for the government so i would be easily traced and she depends on me for everything.

ill let you know how it all goes come January

once again thanks for taking the time to give this advice its much appreciated

many thanks

JT

[theoldgit]

I also work for the government so I would be easily traced

So did I, now living in Thailand enjoying my index linked pension

Do you think the government is that joined up that they could keep tabs on their staff?

I think you are making the right decision, I wish you and your family all the best.