Best Options Re Visa For Uk

[CharlieH]

I am looking for some options or suggestions regarding taking my (Thai) wife to the UK, previously we have simply applied and received 6 month multi entry visa based on "visiting family". I want to know if there is something else that we could use rather than applying for a 6month visa of this type each time.

Is there a longer visa or different category a 2yr or 5yr multi entry as an example. We live in Thailand and have no intention of settling in the UK but it would be nice not to have to jump through visa hoops everytime we want to visit for a few weeks.

Thanks

[7by7]

If the intention is to just make visits to the UK then a long term visit visa is the best option. This can be for 1,2,5 or 10 years.

As you are both, presumably, settled together in Thailand there is no reason why she should not apply for and receive a 5 year one, or even a 10 year one. Particularly if she has visited the UK several times before and complied with her visa conditions.

She will still only be allowed a maximum of 6 months in the UK on any one visit and, usually, a maximum of 6 months out of any 12.

Be aware, though, that the longer the term applied for, the higher the fee. If for some reason the ECO decides to issue a shorter term than that asked for you will not receive a refund of the difference in fees!

See VAT1.4 Visa validity - What period for a multiple entry visit visa?

[CharlieH]

Excellent that just what I needed, many thanks, we have been married awhile now and she has visited with me every year for 2-4 weeks for the last 5 years.

So, we'll give it a go for the 5 year.

Astounded by the fee's for long term visa, what a rip off !

Short-term visit (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry)£78

Long-term visit (up to 2 years)£270

Long-term visit (up to 5 years)£496

Long-term visit (up to 10 years)£716

Edited August 23, 2012 by CharlieH

[7by7]

They do seem high (sod it, are high!) although the 10 year one is less than the cost of ten 6 month visas.

One consideration is that visa fees are increased each April, usually well above inflation. Who knows how much a visit visa will be next year, let alone two, three or more years hence!?

[tw25rw]

You would think that longer term visas would cut down their admin work and be cheaper..I don't understand their logic at all.

[VisasPlus]

You would think that longer term visas would cut down their admin work and be cheaper..I don't understand their logic at all.

Especially when you compare it to, for instance, the US visa. Normally, the USA issues a 10 year multiple entry visa at a cost of around $160,

[Kiggs]

You would think that longer term visas would cut down their admin work and be cheaper..I don't understand their logic at all.

Especially when you compare it to, for instance, the US visa. Normally, the USA issues a 10 year multiple entry visa at a cost of around $160,

Let's not forget its the English government and they are always looking for another way to make money.

There is no way on earth they can justify why a 10year rubber stamp cost 600 quid more than a 6mth stamp!!! Makes me sick.....

[theoldgit]

You would think that longer term visas would cut down their admin work and be cheaper..I don't understand their logic at all.

Especially when you compare it to, for instance, the US visa. Normally, the USA issues a 10 year multiple entry visa at a cost of around $160,

Let's not forget its the English government and they are always looking for another way to make money.

There is no way on earth they can justify why a 10year rubber stamp cost 600 quid more than a 6mth stamp!!! Makes me sick.....

They justify by saying that they lose money on the six month visas and in effect the longer term visas are actually subsidising the shorter term visas, not sure that I really buy that though.

Edited August 25, 2012 by theoldgit

[UbonOz]

We visit my mother in the UK every year, she will be ninety in October.

This year my wife was granted a two year/multi entry/maximum six months stay per visit.

I did not feel that a request for any longer would be granted considering my mother's age.

At least if my mother has any problems we can leave at a moments notice without worrying about a visa which has possibly expired.

My wife has had several six month visas and always complied.

I think the longer the visa request the less chance of being granted.

Maybe start with two year request and then try five years when it expires.

[theoldgit]

I think that's right Oz, the benefit is that you can just jump on a plane to the UK as the need arises without going through invasive, in my opinion, hassle of the visa process, though you do pay for the privilege.

My girlfriend and I plan on visiting the UK next year and I suggested that she apply for a two year visa, she's not keen, given the price and the fact there are plenty of other places she's interested in visiting.