Fiancee Visa Granted

[qpgwmh]

We're planning to leave Thailand together in a couple of weeks and I'm just trying to make sure that we do everything that we need to before we head back to blighty.

I think we need to take all of the documents that we supplied for her visa application in hand luggage for questioning by an ECO at Heathrow(?).

Also, are there formalities or legalities that we should know about in terms of her leaving Thailand? I can think of potential issues relating to her ID card, hospital card and maybe banks, but perhaps there are other things that I've overlooked?

Thanks

[the scouser]

By all means carry the visa documents for presentation to the IO on arrival, but it is unlikely that he will ask to see them. The visa itself is evidence that your fiancée meets the requirements of the immigration rules, and it can only be withdrawn in certain, limited circumstances.

All the best,

Scouse.

[GU22]

I think we need to take all of the documents that we supplied for her visa application in hand luggage for questioning by an ECO at Heathrow(?).

As she has a valid visa in her passport then she should not need to show all these documents again at immigration.

However, all visa nationals entering the UK are subject to a medical on entry. So she may be sent to the medical centre before passing through immigration. She should therefore have her TB certificate available to show to the medical officer.

This is an area currently under dispute. As she had to get a TB certificate in order to apply for the visa, why should she have to see the medical officer on arrival? Unfortunately current rules say that the IO cannot accept the certificate and it has to be shown to the MO.

All the other documents will be useful for when she applies for FLR after the marriage and translations of her birth certificate will also be useful for applying for NI number etc., so bring them with you.

Remember, too, that when she applies for ILR you will need to provide documents showing that you have been living together for the past 2 years. You will need 10 such letters covering each of the 2 years.These take the form of quasi official letters such as utility bills, bank statements, letters from the DWP re NI number etc., medical cards etc. So get all your utility bills put into joint names, and remember to keep all such letters addressed to one or other or, preferably, both of you.

Also, are there formalities or legalities that we should know about in terms of her leaving Thailand? I can think of potential issues relating to her ID card, hospital card and maybe banks, but perhaps there are other things that I've overlooked?

Not that I'm aware of. She should keep her ID card as she will need it when you go to Thailand for holidays etc. Up to you if she wants to keep an active bank account in Thailand.

[vinny]

Most important - check that she has the correct visa! See Fiancee Visa, Wrong visa given by Embassy and Entry clearance endorsements.

See also What happens on arrival in the UK.

Edited April 23, 2006 by vinny

[qpgwmh]

Thanks all, very useful advice once again.