Inclusion Of Children On Uk Vaf1 Visa Application

[doctormann]

Hi Folks

A question concerning the inclusion of children on the UK visitor's visa application form.

I am trying to get a visitors visa to the UK for my TGF. I'm pretty certain that we meet all of the criteria for this type of visa so it's just a matter of getting all of the paperwork in order.

One of the questions on the VAF1 form is 'Do you have any children?' In our case the answer is 'Yes' and I will also state that they will not be travelling to the UK. I can provide the usual information on names and dates and places of birth but what I do not have is any documentary evidence to prove that the children actually exist and 'belong' to my TGF.

One of the children lives with my TGF and myself, and is included in the Tabien Baan for my house so I definitely must include him on the application form. The other child lives elsewhere and I have no documents whatsoever that relate to him. I suspect that birth certificates might be available from the relevant Amphur offices but this would mean making trips up-country to two different places, with no guarantee of success, so I don't want to do it unless I have to.

Does anyone know if the ECO will require to see documentary evidence relating to the children? As they are not travelling it seems a minor point but we are dealing with the UK Embassy and they can be a bit picky, or so I believe.

I have posed the same question directly to the Embassy but, as yet, no reply has been forthcoming. So, any advice, relevant experience or opinions would be gratefully received.

Thanks

DM

[the scouser]

As your g/f is applying for a visit visa, there should be no requirement for her to provide her chidren's birth certificates, especially as they won't be travelling. I would deem any request by the embassy for such documents in relation to a vist application as being obstructive. I would include all children on the form, though, as if you ever apply for a settlement visa and seek to take the kids with you, then the embassy would enquire why only one was declared on the initial visit application but 2 are now seeking to go to the UK.

Cheers,

Scouse.

[doctormann]

As your g/f is applying for a visit visa, there should be no requirement for her to provide her chidren's birth certificates, especially as they won't be travelling. I would deem any request by the embassy for such documents in relation to a vist application as being obstructive. I would include all children on the form, though, as if you ever apply for a settlement visa and seek to take the kids with you, then the embassy would enquire why only one was declared on the initial visit application but 2 are now seeking to go to the UK.

Cheers,

Scouse.

Scouse

Thanks for the advice. It was what I was hoping to hear.

Still no reply from the Embassy - busy people I guess.

We have now managed to dredge up some documentation for one of the children so I shall probably include this for the h*ll of it. I don't suppose that it can hurt anyway.

DM