Visit Visa And Settlement Visa

[xybadog]

A bit of a double barrelled question here:

I want to bring my gf to the UK for a month's visit around the middle of next year then, if she likes it here, I would arrange for her to come back with her daughter on settlement visas later in the year. Currently she lives in Isaan with her daughter, at our home which is in her name and owned outright, and for work only helps out her parents on their farm. She's tried to get shop work locally but there's nothing going. I give her money and so does her mother, for helping out on the farm, so this is her only income.

She is going, in the next couple of days, to try and get work in one of the resorts in a hotel, shop or bar (not girlie bar!!!). She'll try Samui first then if she can't find anything suitable she'll try elsewhere (Phangan, Hua Hin or even Bangkok. She'll be staying well clear of Phuket and Pattaya). She's doing this purely to help with her case for getting a visit.

I now have a bit of a dilemma, after thinking about this situation. If she is moving away from home for work, therefore leaving her daughter in the care of her mother and father, could this jeopardise getting a settlement visa for her daughter next year?

If so, the only alternative would be for her to stay at home and for us to continue as we are now but then would she be likely to get a visit visa with no salaried, documented work?

I know I'm thinking well ahead here, and we are planning for our future but it appears that by ensuring we have all the pieces of the jigsaw fitting together for the visit visa this could create problems for the settlement visa.

Any well informed advice would be welcome.

[7by7]

Whilst having a job is a plus point in a visit visa application, many people obtain visit visas when they have no job.

If she presents an employers letter in her visit visa application saying she is being given a month off so she can visit the UK just after she has started work then the ECO is going to have doubts. How many UK employers in the service sector do you know who would do that?

If she shows that the relationship with you and therefore the reason for her visit is genuine, mentioning that if all goes well then she and her daughter will be applying for settlement shortly after her return, then this will probably be enough. It has been for many before you.

If she does work away from home leaving her daughter with her parents this should not be a problem; many Thais do just that. She will need to show that she has been exercising sole responsibility over her daughter during the seperation, though.

See UK Visit Visa Basics and UK Settlement Visa Basics for more details.

[xybadog]

Thanks 7by7. Put my mind at rest a bit.

[theoldgit]

In addition to the excellent advice given by 7b7, you have mentioned that your girlfriends home is owned outright and in her name, this in itself will go a long way to convince the ECO of her likelihood to return.

[apiwan]

" she will be staying away from Phuket and pattaya "

Don't take this the wrong way but , do you really think the P4P is only restricted to these areas ?

It's everywhere , The fallang sex industry is small compared to thai and thai

And the people at the embassy know this , they live here like us,

Your success obtaining a visa will be on evidence you've known each other

Her motives ,

[apiwan]

Do you mind if we ask , how long have you known her ?

Have you stayed here with her for a long time ? forgive the pun

How do you feel together ?

Think carefully mate , big move

[xybadog]

Do you mind if we ask , how long have you known her ?

Have you stayed here with her for a long time ? forgive the pun

How do you feel together ?

Think carefully mate , big move

I've been with her for 18 months now. I've visited her on 6 occasions in that time, spending much time at our home (I bought it but put it in her name) in Isaan. I know Koh Samui and BKK very well as does she through our travels together. I was going to Samui/BKK 4 times a year for a long time before I met her and know Thailand well, hence my, and her, hesitance at going to Pattaya/Phuket (more importantly she does not like these two places). Our relationship is solid so there are no worries for me or for her, otherwise I wouldn't even contemplate getting married to her.

We wouldn't be getting married for another 15/16 months yet anyway so we'd have been together over 2 and a half years by then. I'm wise to the "goings-on" in LOS I've even had steer friends in the right direction when they've been "lured" into questionable relationships with thai females.

In summary, I'm not a LOS virgin (no pun intended)

[Thongkorn]

We got a Visit Visa, with out the now wife having a job or money in the bank. it can be done.

[KunMatt]

Do you mind if we ask , how long have you known her ?

Have you stayed here with her for a long time ? forgive the pun

How do you feel together ?

Think carefully mate , big move

I've been with her for 18 months now. I've visited her on 6 occasions in that time, spending much time at our home (I bought it but put it in her name) in Isaan. I know Koh Samui and BKK very well as does she through our travels together. I was going to Samui/BKK 4 times a year for a long time before I met her and know Thailand well, hence my, and her, hesitance at going to Pattaya/Phuket (more importantly she does not like these two places). Our relationship is solid so there are no worries for me or for her, otherwise I wouldn't even contemplate getting married to her.

We wouldn't be getting married for another 15/16 months yet anyway so we'd have been together over 2 and a half years by then. I'm wise to the "goings-on" in LOS I've even had steer friends in the right direction when they've been "lured" into questionable relationships with thai females.

In summary, I'm not a LOS virgin (no pun intended)

For me, I couldn't help but laugh at your "I'm no LOS virgin" after coming on holiday here a whole 6 times , already buying a house for your tilac, planning on marrying her after spending 6 holidays with her and recounting a story that was word for word exactly what I've seen told 1,000 times by men completely rolled over by a lovely innocent Isaan girl who they met here on their first trip. Anyways, I wish you all the best.

My gf got her first UK 6 month visit visa after we had been together for only 6 months. She was not working, had no major commitments in Thailand at the time, I was pretty much living in Thailand with her though and I had no plans to move back to the UK. We used a local visa agent just to make sure we had everything in order and the whole process was very smooth. Much cheaper and better than using the extortionate expat visa companies here that provide the exact same service for many, many times the visa fee. For her next UK visas we did them ourselves. You have to fill in the application form online now and submit paperwork in person, its honestly not as harsh as everyone makes out as long as what you write on your application is valid and honest.

Good luck in your endeavours.

[bobrussell]

Not on topic but as a response to the post above:

Don't forget thousands of men get 'completely rolled over' by lovely innocent girls the world over. It is what makes 'the world go round' and how thousands of good and not so good marriages start!

Thai girls are not that different to non-Thais in the grand scheme of things and not really our place to make judgements!

[xybadog]

Do you mind if we ask , how long have you known her ?

Have you stayed here with her for a long time ? forgive the pun

How do you feel together ?

Think carefully mate , big move

I've been with her for 18 months now. I've visited her on 6 occasions in that time, spending much time at our home (I bought it but put it in her name) in Isaan. I know Koh Samui and BKK very well as does she through our travels together. I was going to Samui/BKK 4 times a year for a long time before I met her and know Thailand well, hence my, and her, hesitance at going to Pattaya/Phuket (more importantly she does not like these two places). Our relationship is solid so there are no worries for me or for her, otherwise I wouldn't even contemplate getting married to her.

We wouldn't be getting married for another 15/16 months yet anyway so we'd have been together over 2 and a half years by then. I'm wise to the "goings-on" in LOS I've even had steer friends in the right direction when they've been "lured" into questionable relationships with thai females.

In summary, I'm not a LOS virgin (no pun intended)

For me, I couldn't help but laugh at your "I'm no LOS virgin" after coming on holiday here a whole 6 times , already buying a house for your tilac, planning on marrying her after spending 6 holidays with her and recounting a story that was word for word exactly what I've seen told 1,000 times by men completely rolled over by a lovely innocent Isaan girl who they met here on their first trip. Anyways, I wish you all the best.

My gf got her first UK 6 month visit visa after we had been together for only 6 months. She was not working, had no major commitments in Thailand at the time, I was pretty much living in Thailand with her though and I had no plans to move back to the UK. We used a local visa agent just to make sure we had everything in order and the whole process was very smooth. Much cheaper and better than using the extortionate expat visa companies here that provide the exact same service for many, many times the visa fee. For her next UK visas we did them ourselves. You have to fill in the application form online now and submit paperwork in person, its honestly not as harsh as everyone makes out as long as what you write on your application is valid and honest.

Good luck in your endeavours.

So glad I could make you laugh but maybe you should have read the post properly and not made assumptions!

I've been to LOS more than 6 times because if you read the post properly it says I've visited HER 6 times (2 months each time) in 18 months and I also state I've been going to Samui and BKK for a long time (9 years) before I met her. And I've only been in a relationship with her for 18 months but known her for around 3 years. I've also had a previous relationship with a thai gf. Regarding the house, not that I have to justify it but just so you can get some perspective, we started our relationship 18 months ago but I only bought the house (which she already lived in) back in April of this year.

Apologies that I've obviously not as much experience as yourself in Thailand but I think 9 years, spending on average 6 months per year in LOS, does qualify me as having "popped my Thailand cherry". Maybe not, please let me know!

[xybadog]

My gf got her first UK 6 month visit visa after we had been together for only 6 months. She was not working, had no major commitments in Thailand at the time, I was pretty much living in Thailand with her though and I had no plans to move back to the UK. We used a local visa agent just to make sure we had everything in order and the whole process was very smooth. Much cheaper and better than using the extortionate expat visa companies here that provide the exact same service for many, many times the visa fee. For her next UK visas we did them ourselves. You have to fill in the application form online now and submit paperwork in person, its honestly not as harsh as everyone makes out as long as what you write on your application is valid and honest.

Good luck in your endeavours.

...but thanks for this advice, though

Edited September 11, 2012 by xybadog

[KunMatt]

Not on topic but as a response to the post above:

Don't forget thousands of men get 'completely rolled over' by lovely innocent girls the world over. It is what makes 'the world go round' and how thousands of good and not so good marriages start!

Thai girls are not that different to non-Thais in the grand scheme of things and not really our place to make judgements!

No judgement intended by me about the OP's Thai girlfriend or their relationship (I thought I was being very supportive!), I just found the OPs over-confidence and certainty amusing.

[KunMatt]

My gf got her first UK 6 month visit visa after we had been together for only 6 months. She was not working, had no major commitments in Thailand at the time, I was pretty much living in Thailand with her though and I had no plans to move back to the UK. We used a local visa agent just to make sure we had everything in order and the whole process was very smooth. Much cheaper and better than using the extortionate expat visa companies here that provide the exact same service for many, many times the visa fee. For her next UK visas we did them ourselves. You have to fill in the application form online now and submit paperwork in person, its honestly not as harsh as everyone makes out as long as what you write on your application is valid and honest.

Good luck in your endeavours.

...but thanks for this advice, though

You'll be fine and wonder why you worried so much once you are successful. I think the most important thing to show when applying is:

She has enough money or support from you to not need to burden the UK at all, and that she has a place to stay while in the UK.

Proof of relationship; emails, Skype logs, photos of you together, with her family etc.

That you support her; bank statements, online transactions etc showing funds being transferred to her every month.

And that she has some reason to come back, I think the fact she owns a house in her hometown would be quite a good reason now. Also, state any land or vehicles she owns on the application too.

Good luck.

[xybadog]

Thanks all. It's just a shame it's such an involved process.

[KunMatt]

Thanks all. It's just a shame it's such an involved process.

So, it's been a month since you started this thread, how did you get on in the end?

[xybadog]

So, it's been a month since you started this thread, how did you get on in the end?

I haven't tried yet. We'll probably try for the visa in about 6 months with a view to her coming to the UK around August.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

You should include the following :

1. Assets House/Land ( translated documents)
   
2. Family ties birth certificates of any children + family members (strong family ties to Thailand)
   
3. Evidence of a relationship (email-money transfers-photographs)
   

We have been successful in obtaining numerous visit visas for unemployed Thai nationals the applicant already has a child already which is a plus point. And she is currently taking care of on a daily basis I cant see any real issues if you put a strong application together.

[xybadog]

Thanks for all the advice, certainly a lot of help.

Now, thinking ahead a bit, how do I find a list of centres for the English language test for the settlement visa? I'd prefer this to be taken care of as soon as possible in case there's a need to resit.

Preferably centres in Udon Thani, Nongbualamphu, Koh Samui or BKK (in that order).

[ThaiVisaExpress]

We only use vantage siam in Bangkok.

[7by7]

From UK Settlement Visa Basics:-

Visa Plus also posted earlier in that topic

I have now received further clarification from the British Embassy in Bangkok............

...........Just to clarify, the list of test providers in Thailand changed from 18th July and we currently have the following test centres in Thailand:

PEARSON Pearson Professional Center Bangkok Business Building Level 10, Unit 10-10 54, Thanon Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok Thailand, 10110

TOEIC Center for Professional Assessment - Bangkok Suite 1907, Bangkok Business Building 54 Asoke Road, Sukhumvit 21 Bangkok 10110 Thailand +66 (0) 2260 7061 +66 (0) 22664 3122 Center for Professional Assessment - Chiang Mai Nawarat Building 3rd Floor Kaeo Nawarat Soi 3 Amphur Muang Chiangmai 50000 Thailand

BULATS Vantage Siam Co. Ltd. 65/213 Chamnan Phenjati Building, 25th Floor, Rama 9 Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok. 10310

That was posted in August 2011, so may not be up to date.

[VisasPlus]

From UK Settlement Visa Basics:-

Visa Plus also posted earlier in that topic

I have now received further clarification from the British Embassy in Bangkok............

...........Just to clarify, the list of test providers in Thailand changed from 18th July and we currently have the following test centres in Thailand:

PEARSON Pearson Professional Center Bangkok Business Building Level 10, Unit 10-10 54, Thanon Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok Thailand, 10110

TOEIC Center for Professional Assessment - Bangkok Suite 1907, Bangkok Business Building 54 Asoke Road, Sukhumvit 21 Bangkok 10110 Thailand +66 (0) 2260 7061 +66 (0) 22664 3122 Center for Professional Assessment - Chiang Mai Nawarat Building 3rd Floor Kaeo Nawarat Soi 3 Amphur Muang Chiangmai 50000 Thailand

BULATS Vantage Siam Co. Ltd. 65/213 Chamnan Phenjati Building, 25th Floor, Rama 9 Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok. 10310

That was posted in August 2011, so may not be up to date.

I think the list is still up to date. We also use Vantage Siam in Bangkok. But she could do the test in UK while she is there on her visit, of course.