When applying for a visit visa for my g/f to join me in Portugal (She is Thai, I am a UK resident working and living in Portugal) how should I describe her on the letter of sponsorship – as my partner, my friend, my girlfriend?

I was also wondering what was a realistic visit period – we were thinking of 3 weeks, which allows her time to return to Thailand to begin her new job (we have a letter confirming this from her future employer.)

Finally, I was wondering as I have only just moved to Portugal (2 months) I have included bank statements for the past 4 months from my English bank account, and 2 months from my Portuguese bank account. Will this be acceptable?

Thank you for your expertise,

Rich

Rich,

Tell it how it is. If she's your g/f, then say so. A 3-week visit is perfectly acceptable, especially if you can show that she has to return to work. A mixture of British and Portuguese bank statements should be OK and also chuck in a letter from your employer in Portugal if possible.

Cheers,

Scouse.

I hope this isn't a completely trivial question but it was something which crossed my mind.

If I successfully get my girlfriend a visit visa for Portugal.....

I can't get a direct flight for her from Bangkok to Portugal, there's a stop-off at Heathrow, a change to Gatwick and then another flight from there. Do I need to sort something out regarding this? I'm afriad she'll be stopped at UK customs, and sent home. I fear the water works will begin to flow if she's confronted.

Sorry if it's a completely stupid question.

Rich,

Your g/f will see an immigration officer at Heathrow, but providing she has a visa for Portugal and a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours, she should be given a stamp for 24 hours to enable her to transit through the UK.

Scouse.

Thanks Scouse, you've been a fantastic source of infomation during my time preparing for our application. I wish I could buy you a beer. But I thank you kindly.

My folder has been put together...here is the front sheet

Contents Of Folder:

1. Sponsorship Letter

2. The Applicants Documents

A1 - Current passport

A2 - Applicants Family Document

A3 - Employment history

A4 - Evidence to support a return to Thailand

A5 - Bank statements for six months

A6 - Medical Insurance

3. Ticket Reservation

4. The Sponsors Documents

S1 - Fiscal Number

S2 - Confirmation of employment

S3 - Bank Statements for six months and Savings Account

S4 - Payslips for six months

S5 - Evidence of accommodation in Portugal

5. Evidence to support relationship between Sponsor and the Applicant

- Letters and photos

- Emails

- Phone Bills

- Bank transfers

You think that covers everything?

Edited December 13, 200520 yr by Rich05

Finally my girlfriend was granted a 3 week visit visa to travel to Portugal!

Just to reiterate, I am UK passport holder and she is Thai. I live and work in Portugal (moved here November.) She starts a new job in March (reason to return) and I've known her 16 months (we had proof of relationship).

The embassy seemed particulaly impressed with our well presented folder of documents (see above), and even though I could only submit two months worth of bank statements and no payslips (they couldn't accept any of my English documents) I had enough to cover it.

They frequently asked my girlfriend if she wanted to marry me and what our plans for the future were, but she told them it was just a holiday for her, to see where her boyfriend lived and spend some time with him outside Thailand to see how things would work out.

The embassy also kept asking her why we were applying so early (applied in Dec for visa in Feb).

They gave her passport back yesterday and can you believe this...spelt her name wrong on the visa document. So then they had to write a letter for her to show immigration confirming this. Bit annoyed about this but at least she got the visa. Our plan is to try for a 3 month visit visa for June if everything goes well.

So thanks to everyone who gave me advice and helped with my barrage of questions - especially Scouse. I'd be happy to answer any questions for anyone in a similar situation.

Edited January 26, 200620 yr by Rich05

Just as a matter of interest, how did your G/f present all the paperwork? Was it all in see through plastic sheets contained in a folder, or just loose?

ps, Congratulations

Through plastic sleeves in a ring-bind folder, with a contents page at the front.

Well done with the visa, Rich.

Scouse.