Uk Settlement Visa Application

[cptruff]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask a quick question.

We're in the process of putting the application together for my gf's settlement visa to the uk.

I've heard that it's a good idea to put my girlfriend's parent's ID cards in the application, is this true?

thanks.

[7by7]

No; not needed at all.

She doesn't need to include hers, either, as her passport is proof of her identity. But if she does include it then just a copy; under Thai law she must have the actual card about her person at all times.

You may find UK Settlement Visa Basics helpful.

[cptruff]

Thank you for the reply, that's good as it would be a hassle to get.

One more question, my girlfriend has some vocational certificates in Thai. I take it that it is necessary to get these translated?

Thank you for the help!

[7by7]

To be honest, unless you are relying on her finding employment in the UK to satisfy the maintenance requirement I don't see the need to include these certificates. However, if you are going to include them then I'd recommend having them translated.

Also, she will need to have them translated if she intends to use them once in the UK, and it will be cheaper to have that done in Thailand.

[cptruff]

ok thank you for that info.

I thought it might further reinforce what I've stated in my letter; that we both want to find work (not leeching from the state). I thought it might help, can't do any harm I suppose.

thank you again, you're a great help!

[cptruff]

I've been looking through the visa application form for the settlement visa.

My parents are sponsoring both of us, allowing us to stay at their house rent free and meeting our financial needs until we find employment and are able to be independent.

When the form asks for information about 'your sponsor' I'm a little confused. I take it we should be writing all the info about my parents as they're the ones who are sponsoring but some of the questions I feel we should be writing my information (the boyfriend).

Then again I suppose that is what the supporting docs are for, right?

Sorry for these most probably obvious questions but we really need to get it right first time, it's bloody expensive!

thank you!

[dracos]

It is possible to have more than one sponsor on the application. Just make sure that for each sponsor you provide the information requested. If you need extra space just mke reference to the covering letter for additional sponsors.

From your parents you will need:

• Invitation letter stating you can stay with them rent and other boarding costs for free
  
• Proof they own / rent the house
  
• Details of how your parents know your girlfriend (if she has met them before and they have photographs together include these - if your parents came to Thailand to visit you then provide copies of the entry/exit stamps from their passports)
  
• Proof they have sufficient funds (payslips, bank statements etc) to sponsor her
  

Also if you or your girlfriend are skilled workers or have professional qualifications then it will help demonstrate your willingness to seek employment by doing a bit of research of available jobs that you can do in the area you intend to live in the UK and maybe even submit a couple of applications and print out the details to give to them. This will look a bit better than just saying you are unemployed and going to seek work when you get there.

As you say it is very expensive and you want to make sure you give them everything that can help your application first time.

[cptruff]

brilliant, thank you very much for that, I seem to keep going round in circles worrying about this and that and not actually making progress.

Are scanned and emailed copies of documents showing my parents owning their house acceptable?

Thank you

Edited June 12, 2012 by cptruff

[VisasPlus]

You might need to look at this link to another thread. There are major changes to the requirements for settlement visas being introduced from 9th July. It sounds like you don't have a job in the UK, and that will be a big problem under the new requirements.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/561395-proposed-uk-settlement-visa-changes/.

You ca find more details on the UKBA website:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/june/13-family-migration

[cptruff]

Would it be problem that I/we don't have a job if my parents are sponsoring both of us?

I imagine its quite rare that people immigrating or returning back the uk after a long period away would have a job.

[VisasPlus]

Would it be problem that I/we don't have a job if my parents are sponsoring both of us?

I imagine its quite rare that people immigrating or returning back the uk after a long period away would have a job.

If you aren't applying before the 9th July, then it will be a problem. I suggest you read the information on the UKBA website link that I gave above. Under the new rules, from 9th July, your parents will not be able to offer, or give, financial support, but they can give accommodation.

[cptruff]

Would it be problem that I/we don't have a job if my parents are sponsoring both of us?

I imagine its quite rare that people immigrating or returning back the uk after a long period away would have a job.

If you aren't applying before the 9th July, then it will be a problem. I suggest you read the information on the UKBA website link that I gave above. Under the new rules, from 9th July, your parents will not be able to offer, or give, financial support, but they can give accommodation.

I've read through the official link you gave me a few times, maybe I'm being rather blind but I can't see anything stating that my parents wouldn't be able to sponsor us.

Could you show me where please?

Thanks

[VisasPlus]

Would it be problem that I/we don't have a job if my parents are sponsoring both of us?

I imagine its quite rare that people immigrating or returning back the uk after a long period away would have a job.

If you aren't applying before the 9th July, then it will be a problem. I suggest you read the information on the UKBA website link that I gave above. Under the new rules, from 9th July, your parents will not be able to offer, or give, financial support, but they can give accommodation.

I've read through the official link you gave me a few times, maybe I'm being rather blind but I can't see anything stating that my parents wouldn't be able to sponsor us.

Could you show me where please?

Thanks

Go to the webpage ( the link ). On the right hand side of that page there are two downloads. You need the first one - Family Migration Statement of Intent . It's a big PDF file ( 71 pages )

Edited June 12, 2012 by VisasPlus

[cptruff]

Just found it thanks.

That makes things a lot harder.

The way I read it, my parents could gift me 16,000 and that would be enough. Very strange

[VisasPlus]

Just found it thanks.

That makes things a lot harder.

The way I read it, my parents could gift me 16,000 and that would be enough. Very strange

I'm not sure, but I don't think you can be reading it right. If you have 62,500 GBP in savings for 6 months, then you won't need a job to go to. If they have that sort of money to gift you, you will be okay !

[dracos]

Depending upon when you are intending to relocate don't forget that you can request in your application that they forward date the visa by up to 3 months.

Thus if you apply on 8th July you can rquest that the visa start date is anytime up to 8th October and your girlfriend can enter the UK any time from this date up to the expiry date of the visa

The visa is also valid for 27 months of which (under the old rules) only 24 need to be spent in the UK to qualify for the next step visa. Therefore in theory you can apply under the old rules with the intention to travel any time within the next 6 months without significantly impacting upon the next visa as long as she does not leave the UK once she gets there for 2 years.

If you can get your application ready before the new rules apply you will have a much better chance of being approved.

Also in relation to your comment about depositing money into your bank account - you should supply 6 months bank statements and explain any significant deposits over those 6 months with supporting evidence. Specifically designed to stop this scenario!

[cptruff]

right, I think we need to get our visa in before the 9th.

Thanks again for the info everyone.

[cptruff]

back again with another question, sorry!

I am going to include a letter from my landlord confirming that my girlfriend and I have been living together for just over 2 years. What I'm a little confused about is:

is a letter written by me in English for him and he signs acceptable?

Or should it be a bilingual letter with both thai and english signed by him? or;

One Thai letter and a translation of it.

thank you!

[7by7]

If the letter is written in English and the ECO wishes to speak to the signatory, your landlord, then they will expect to do so in English. If the signatory, your landlord, is unable to do this then the ECO will assume that the letter is a forgery.

So, unless your landlord can speak and read and write English, have him write it in Thai and then submit it together with an English translation.

If she is applying as your unmarried partner, I hope that you have more than this letter as evidence that you have been living together for at least 2 years; by itself i don't think it will be enough.

See SET5.13 What types of evidence might demonstrate living together and a relationship akin to marriage / civil partnership?

[cptruff]

thanks for the answer.

Yes we have more, photos together over a 2 year period on various holidays, photos of parents visits over 2 years with photos of them and my girlfriend together, emails when I've gone home for a visit to the uk, and emails between my mother and my girlfriend, letters from my Grandmother which are addressed (in the letter) to both of us, birthday and christmas cards to my girlfriend from my family.

I think (I hope!!) we have it covered but I thought every little bit helps so I thought why not get a letter from the landlord, it won't hurt. Plus the application needs to be watertight as it's about 800 sterling and of course those new visa rules which would scupper our plans in a rather large way.

thanks again.

[7by7]

With respect, all of that is evidence of your relationship, but is it evidence of you living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least the last 2 years?

I would not normally suggest marrying just to get a visa; but the two of you have been together for some time and are surely committed to each other (why else would she want to live in the UK with you?). So unless you have some official documents to prove you have been living together for at least the last 2 years, such as those in the link, then maybe marrying each other really would make the application watertight.

See Guidance for British nationals wishing to marry in Thailand

It is, of course, your decision.

[cptruff]

I understand what you mean regarding the documents but we don't really have much choice. We have been living together for the past 2 years and yes marriage is a strong possibility but not before the 9th of July.

I imagine that would actually weaken the application if we get married a week or two before we submit the visa. Is that the case do you think?

these new visa rules have messed everything up.

[7by7]

I imagine that would actually weaken the application if we get married a week or two before we submit the visa. Is that the case do you think?

Not really, no.

I know of many people, myself and my wife for example, who have married just before submitting the application; although in our case it was 12 years ago!

The ECO will look to see if the relationship, and therefore the marriage, is genuine and you seem to have plenty of proof of that. The only problem as I see it is evidence of the two of you living together for the required 2 years minimum. You do, I hope, have the appropriate visa stamps in your passport to show you were living in Thailand for that time, not just staying with her whilst there as a tourist.

SET5.12 Assessing whether the relationship has subsisted for two years

'Living together', should be applied fairly tightly, with a couple providing evidence that they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership which has subsisted for two years or more.

Periods apart for up to six months would be acceptable for good reasons, such as work commitments, or looking after a relative as long as:

• it was not possible for the other partner to accompany; and
  
• the applicant can show evidence that the relationship continued throughout that period, for example, by visits, letters, logged phone calls.
  

If you do decide to get married it is the ampur registration which is the legal marriage under Thai law and so this is all that is required for a UK spouse visa. This can be done in a few days, a week at most leaving time to get the application in before 9th July. You can always have the ceremonial marriage later.

But it is your choice.

[cptruff]

something to consider indeed!

I've been living here for 5 years working so I've got no problems proving I've been here all the time we've been together except for 2 weeks in New Zealand visiting my brother and 2 weeks back in the uk to visit my family.

I was going to submit a copy of my work permit, point out my visa stamps in my passport and hopefully some contracts from work to prove I've been here.

Do you think that might help our statement of living together seem stronger?

[7by7]

It certainly shows that you have been living in Thailand for the required time.

[cptruff]

I hoped with that info and the letter from the landlord that would carry enough weight.

I have pic of her moving in with me with all her stuff in the living room, I'm sure that doesn't really prove much but it can't do any harm, right?

[7by7]

They want documentary evidence. Do you really have no letters, bills etc. addressed to either of you, no official documents showing that you both live there (she is presumably on the tabien baan)?

It is only my opinion, and hopefully VisaPlus or ThaiVisaExpress will see this and comment, but a letter from your grandmother, a letter from your landlord and a few photographs seems very flimsy to me.

Edit;

Or you could PM one or both of them to ask.

Edited June 13, 2012 by 7by7

[cptruff]

no we don't have any bills, the only bills we get are

1. internet bill that is addressed to me at our address.

2. we don't get an invoice for rent, it's basically a receipt with electricity and water included

3. we have the KET test certificate envelope addressed to my girlfriend at our address

My girlfriend's Tabien Baan is registered in Chainat at her family's address and we live in Chiang Rai so that isn't any good or is it?

Edited June 13, 2012 by cptruff

[7by7]

Internet bill, good. Include it.

Does the rent receipt have a name and the address on it? If so, include it.

Test certificate envelope, good. Include it

Remember that if in Thai you should include an English translation.

I am not sure about the requirements of Thai law, but shouldn't she be registered where she lives, not where her parents live? No good anyway as it shows her living somewhere else.

[cptruff]

I'm not sure either about Thai law, not a clue, either way as you say, it's not good anyway.

Ok I'll include those things then and hope that along with evidence that I live here will be enough.

One last question (for now!) when we do the form online do we (or can we) book an appointment before we complete the online form or do we have to book once we've completed the form?

Thanks again.