Letter For Sponsoring My Thai Gf'S Visit Visa Uk

[irlguy1]

I don't know about Australia or Ireland, but this is a topic on a UK application and the UK does not require the actual contents of messages and phone calls; just evidence that they have taken place.

A four inch thick file of evidence is, in my opinion, way over the top for a UK visit visa application. As I said elsewhere, the ECO is not going to wade through all that and so may easily miss something vital!

Well it would appear they did wade through it as the previous poster proved.

[7by7]

He applied for an Australian visa, I am talking about a UK one.

I thought my use of the phrase "for a UK visit visa application" would have made that clear; apparently not.

[tw25rw]

I don't know about Australia or Ireland, but this is a topic on a UK application and the UK does not require the actual contents of messages and phone calls; just evidence that they have taken place.

A four inch thick file of evidence is, in my opinion, way over the top for a UK visit visa application. As I said elsewhere, the ECO is not going to wade through all that and so may easily miss something vital!

And what would the evidence be if not the print outs ??

A word from his priest to say he saw them and it's all true ?555

Put them all in a folder and print the listing. And do it in both directions so they can see it's a 2 way chat.

[7by7]

Indeed.

A print out of email headers, a copy of the phone bill etc.

Don't even need all of them; the last 3 to 6 months will do fine.

They just want to see that communication has taken place; the actual contents of that communication is none of their business.

This applies to the UK; I cannot speak for other countries.

[wimtomlinson]

I have a question. The first question on the application form asks :Which type of Visitor Visa are you applying for? Tourist Visit friend(s) Other (please specify) >

What would I answer to that? She will be a tourist, she is visiting a friend (me), or in the other box we could put visiting Boyfriend/Partner.

OK, so I have spent the morning sorting out evidence.

Phone: I downloaded an App so I can show all SMS messages sent to and from me and my girlfriend since December 2011, by the time we apply that will be 13 months worth. I also have itemised phone statements for phone calls made from November 2011.

Emails: I have 10 emails from when we first met until now, even though the last email was from March this year.

Skype: I use my iPad for the video Skype chats and there is no way of being able to show records of them. But I can show records from my PC Skype history but that only shows incoming calls and written messages which are mainly single words, ie I'm explaining something and she doesn't understand a word so I write it so she can look it up in a dictionary.

Photo's: I have photos of us together from both of my holidays, I also have photos of me with her family so that is covered.

[7by7]

You should tick "Visit Friends."

[wimtomlinson]

You should tick "Visit Friends."

Thanks

[khunPer]

To OP:

Normally most important for European visas are, that your GF have stronger ties to her homeland (Thailand) than staying in your country (UK). (I have had visa for a Thai several [6] times for though Denmark [schengen] and once a tourist visa for UK).

I would omit any information about financial support - which reads like: »My GF cannot make a living from her business, so she may wish to stay and work in UK.« If she has a business partnership (with her mom) and that business is good, she both need and wish to return to Thailand.

A good advise is, that your GF has a bank account in her own name, and that she save up some money on regular basis. She may need to show her bank statement and prove, she have some funds of her own.

Your financial support is important only during her stay in the UK.

Her child (and family) is also important to focus on, in my experience, as a left behind child means, she have to go back to Thailand.

I wish you good luck.

[Tigger01]

I met my GF last November and visited again in March to submit a Visa application, only 4 months, her appIication was successful and I returned in May to bring her back to the UK, I was concerned about the length of time I'd known her as I read numerous horror stories on the net. I would agree with other comments, perhaps the letter is a little long but it does contain all the right info, you will finance her, proof of owning your house, proof of relationship. My GF did put her fathers house in her name and I think this probably helped the application. When I've looked at visa refusals, it always seems to be because people dont PROVE something, ie no bank statementor payslip, proof of house or partnership or something similar!! I reckon you'll be successful in your application as you seem to be up to date with what you need to supply!

[crazydrummerpauly]

I must say I am disappointed that the so-called experts have not contributed to this thread, if they want to use the forum for self publicity then they should be prepared to do a little pro bono work too.. its only fair.

With respect, that's incredibly unfair. Check the forum threads to see how much "pro bono" work I have contributed, as has my colleague at Thai Visa Express.

I have not contributed as I have nothing really to add to the many comments already submitted. There are positive and negative comments, and this is only to be expected when considering the background ( including the sponsor's letter) to the application. Members have said that it is necessary to have a relationship of some substance. Others have said that the length of the relationship doesn't matter. Both are correct in their own way. I could rewrite the letter in my own words, but would that change the substance of the relationship ? Would it provide emails where there are none ? To be honest, I think the supporting letter could be a little stronger, and could do with some more positive ":evidence" of the applicant's reasons to return, but that does not mean that it is not sufficient to support the application. Unfortunately, I think that it will depend on the ECO who looks at the application. One might see it as good enough, another might not. But, as I'm sure you are aware, many applications depend on the whim of the ECO when it comes down to it.

Quote: "many applications depend on the whim of the ECO when it comes down to it." - so you charge fees for a gamble ?

[VisasPlus]

I must say I am disappointed that the so-called experts have not contributed to this thread, if they want to use the forum for self publicity then they should be prepared to do a little pro bono work too.. its only fair.

With respect, that's incredibly unfair. Check the forum threads to see how much "pro bono" work I have contributed, as has my colleague at Thai Visa Express.

I have not contributed as I have nothing really to add to the many comments already submitted. There are positive and negative comments, and this is only to be expected when considering the background ( including the sponsor's letter) to the application. Members have said that it is necessary to have a relationship of some substance. Others have said that the length of the relationship doesn't matter. Both are correct in their own way. I could rewrite the letter in my own words, but would that change the substance of the relationship ? Would it provide emails where there are none ? To be honest, I think the supporting letter could be a little stronger, and could do with some more positive ":evidence" of the applicant's reasons to return, but that does not mean that it is not sufficient to support the application. Unfortunately, I think that it will depend on the ECO who looks at the application. One might see it as good enough, another might not. But, as I'm sure you are aware, many applications depend on the whim of the ECO when it comes down to it.

Quote: "many applications depend on the whim of the ECO when it comes down to it." - so you charge fees for a gamble ?

Did I say that we charge fees for a gamble ? No. I said "many applications depend.............". If you pay a fee for a service, then you should expect to get a good service. But, thank you, for giving me the opportunity to say that, in the two and half years that I have been providing this service, EVERY visa application for the UK has been granted. Now, that's not a bad record for "a gamble", is it ? Thank you again for the opportunity to clarify my earlier comments.

[crazydrummerpauly]

I must say I am disappointed that the so-called experts have not contributed to this thread, if they want to use the forum for self publicity then they should be prepared to do a little pro bono work too.. its only fair.

With respect, that's incredibly unfair. Check the forum threads to see how much "pro bono" work I have contributed, as has my colleague at Thai Visa Express.

I have not contributed as I have nothing really to add to the many comments already submitted. There are positive and negative comments, and this is only to be expected when considering the background ( including the sponsor's letter) to the application. Members have said that it is necessary to have a relationship of some substance. Others have said that the length of the relationship doesn't matter. Both are correct in their own way. I could rewrite the letter in my own words, but would that change the substance of the relationship ? Would it provide emails where there are none ? To be honest, I think the supporting letter could be a little stronger, and could do with some more positive ":evidence" of the applicant's reasons to return, but that does not mean that it is not sufficient to support the application. Unfortunately, I think that it will depend on the ECO who looks at the application. One might see it as good enough, another might not. But, as I'm sure you are aware, many applications depend on the whim of the ECO when it comes down to it.

Quote: "many applications depend on the whim of the ECO when it comes down to it." - so you charge fees for a gamble ?

Did I say that we charge fees for a gamble ? No. I said "many applications depend.............". If you pay a fee for a service, then you should expect to get a good service. But, thank you, for giving me the opportunity to say that, in the two and half years that I have been providing this service, EVERY visa application for the UK has been granted. Now, that's not a bad record for "a gamble", is it ? Thank you again for the opportunity to clarify my earlier comments.

A great record indeed. Maybe the use of the word 'whim' was inadvisable and - in the case of correctly completed and valid applications (such as from your office) - inaccurate ? This is not to play with words - it is genuinely important to the morale and determination (or lack of it) of applicants.

[VisasPlus]

I really don't think that the use of the word "whim" is wrong. For example, in the Independent Chief Inspector's latest report, on UKBA visa sections in Africa, the ICI discusses a decision by an ECO, which he considered to be wrongly assessed. The UKBA responded as here :

The UK Border Agency:

• Accepted the refusal wording was not based on evidence but on personal opinion.

• Accepted that positive evidence had been disregarded

When ECOs make decisions based on personal opinion, and not on evidence, or even by disregarding evidence, then in my mind the decision has been made on a whim. You may not agree with this, but not all decisions are made in a balanced and fair manner, unfortunately.

[crazydrummerpauly]

I really don't think that the use of the word "whim" is wrong. For example, in the Independent Chief Inspector's latest report, on UKBA visa sections in Africa, the ICI discusses a decision by an ECO, which he considered to be wrongly assessed. The UKBA responded as here :

The UK Border Agency:

• Accepted the refusal wording was not based on evidence but on personal opinion.

• Accepted that positive evidence had been disregarded

When ECOs make decisions based on personal opinion, and not on evidence, or even by disregarding evidence, then in my mind the decision has been made on a whim. You may not agree with this, but not all decisions are made in a balanced and fair manner, unfortunately.

I didn't say it was 'wrong' - don't mis-quote - i said it was 'inadvisable' and that point about terminology was meant to be useful feedback for you in terms of inspiring confidence in your service, not an attempted refutation of the facts. One just can't help some people......signing off this topic now.

[VisasPlus]

I really don't think that the use of the word "whim" is wrong. For example, in the Independent Chief Inspector's latest report, on UKBA visa sections in Africa, the ICI discusses a decision by an ECO, which he considered to be wrongly assessed. The UKBA responded as here :

The UK Border Agency:

• Accepted the refusal wording was not based on evidence but on personal opinion.

• Accepted that positive evidence had been disregarded

When ECOs make decisions based on personal opinion, and not on evidence, or even by disregarding evidence, then in my mind the decision has been made on a whim. You may not agree with this, but not all decisions are made in a balanced and fair manner, unfortunately.

I didn't say it was 'wrong' - don't mis-quote - i said it was 'inadvisable' and that point about terminology was meant to be useful feedback for you in terms of inspiring confidence in your service, not an attempted refutation of the facts. One just can't help some people......signing off this topic now.

I have no desire to prolong this either. But, you actually said "inadvisable and inaccurate". Surely "inaccurate " means "wrong" ? Let it end here.

[7by7]

An off topic post has been deleted.

[Satcommlee]

This evidence of communication is ridiculous..

Having been with the Mrs for 6 years now, with the exception of being married and having a child, there is no way I could come up with any documentation to prove I was in regular contact!

It is a relic of the 80's when we all had phonebills and did actually write letters.

They do like photo's though, plenty of them are good!

[irlguy1]

This evidence of communication is ridiculous..

Having been with the Mrs for 6 years now, with the exception of being married and having a child, there is no way I could come up with any documentation to prove I was in regular contact!

It is a relic of the 80's when we all had phonebills and did actually write letters.

They do like photo's though, plenty of them are good!

Are you saying its ridiculous as an opinion or fact?

If not fact then please say so as I know for a fact that they do require evidence of a relationship through emails,Facebook,phone bills which are still issued in print and online its called a mobile phone bill

The letters we write are called emails and again are very easy to track.

My mate had his girls visa refused for lack of all of the above even though he had hundreds of photos.

I am in the same process now and to be honest as annoying a rule as it is I have no problem providing the evidence. What kind of person in this day and age doesn't communicate with there loved ones at least a few times a week. I talk and text and Skype mine about 20 times a day.

[tw25rw]

This evidence of communication is ridiculous..

Having been with the Mrs for 6 years now, with the exception of being married and having a child, there is no way I could come up with any documentation to prove I was in regular contact!

It is a relic of the 80's when we all had phonebills and did actually write letters.

They do like photo's though, plenty of them are good!

Do you have any record of money transfers or of being at the same address? Or even passport stamps to show you were in the same country at least?

[theoldgit]

They do like photo's though, plenty of them are good!

Again is this fact or an opinion?

There is no need to overwhelm the ECO with "plenty" of photos, by all means the applicant should include a few relevant photographs as part of the overall application, they should just provide a snapshot of the applicant and the sponsor, if that's what is trying to be proved. Certainly there is no need to provide loads of simply meaningless photos that won't be looked at.

[irlguy1]

They do like photo's though, plenty of them are good!

Again is this fact or an opinion?

There is no need to overwhelm the ECO with "plenty" of photos, by all means the applicant should include a few relevant photographs as part of the overall application, they should just provide a snapshot of the applicant and the sponsor, if that's what is trying to be proved. Certainly there is no need to provide loads of simply meaningless photos that won't be looked at.

Sorry to disagree here but again experience has shown me and also my current agent/solicitor has drummed it into me often enough that pics of things like her family and me together and plenty of trips etc go a long way to showing your serious about the relationship. They also need to show a timeline. Having a load of photos with you in the same shirt won't help the case

[7by7]

Having been with the Mrs for 6 years now, with the exception of being married and having a child, there is no way I could come up with any documentation to prove I was in regular contact!

You have been married for 6 years and have a child together, so presumably also live together.

The ECOs do not, obviously, expect evidence of contact between sponsor and applicant when they bothy live at the same address!

[wimtomlinson]

I would like to thank everyone for there help and support. My girlfriend recieved her visa on Monday and will be travelling with me to the UK in February.

I think the best advise I can give is to be honest in the application. If you are honest and have a true relationship that can be documented then anyone should be fine.

As for the time frame for the visa. I had some conflicting reports. I was told you could apply 3 months in advance and the visa would be dated from when we wanted it to start and others told me the visa started on the day the visa went in the passport.

I had bought my girlfriend her flights which were from the start of February until the end of June. So we played it safe. I sent all my documents to my girlfriend using signed for mail in December, when my girlfriend had all the documents she made an appointment for the 20th December. She had a call from the embassy department on Friday the 11th and we collected her passport plus documents on Monday 14th. Her visa starts on the 11th and not the day her flight is booked for.

Her flights eticket was included in the application so they did know her dates.

Thanks again to all those that helped the forum in general.

[thonglorjimmy]

As for the time frame for the visa. I had some conflicting reports. I was told you could apply 3 months in advance and the visa would be dated from when we wanted it to start and others told me the visa started on the day the visa went in the passport.

I had bought my girlfriend her flights which were from the start of February until the end of June. So we played it safe. I sent all my documents to my girlfriend using signed for mail in December, when my girlfriend had all the documents she made an appointment for the 20th December. She had a call from the embassy department on Friday the 11th and we collected her passport plus documents on Monday 14th. Her visa starts on the 11th and not the day her flight is booked for.

Her flights eticket was included in the application so they did know her dates.

Glad she got her visa OK, hopes she enjoys the trip.

For the avoidance of doubt, and to help others with a similar question, the ECO's will date the visa on the date it was processed and issued. However, you can request that the visa is post dated for up to 90 days, note you have to request it, the ECO's will not plough through looking for flight details.