Traveling to UK with girlfriend and son

[Steps]

Hi all,

I will be traveling to the UK This April for 2 weeks, for a family wedding and have some questions regarding a visa for my girlfriend and son. I have the read the following post http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/ and am still non the wiser as to the questions i have.

FYI: We are obviously not married but have been together for 8 years. My (biological) son still has his mothers name but has my name on his birth certificate as the father. We will be staying at my parents house.

1. Does my son need a child visa?
2. will my girlfriend need to apply for a general visitor?
3. Does the letter from my parents need to be a letter? or can it be an email?

I think that is it for now. I am sure i will have other questions as i proceed through the process.

Many thanks

[ThaiVisaExpress]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

[Steps]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

Thanks for your response. So what you are saying is that i should and can apply for a UK passport even if the child has the mothers surname?

My understanding was that we would need an invitation letter from the owners of the property where we would be staying

"Accommodation can be in a hotel or similar, staying with the sponsor or staying with friends or family of the applicant or the sponsor. If staying in a private household the person offering accommodation should write an invitation letter briefly describing the property to show that at least one room is available for the exclusive use of the applicant; although sharing with their sponsor or a friend or relative of the same sex is fine. It will help if the person offering the accommodation supplies proof of ownership or a letter from their landlord granting permission for the visitor to stay; whichever is applicable." source http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/

Thanks

[ThaiVisaExpress]

Can you answer the questions please we process over 100 applications per year in Bangkok so we are fully aware of the requirements.

1. Accommodation can you fully explain where you intend to stay ?
2. If its a property you own supply photographs- Mortgage agreement- Land registry
3. If its your parents home a letter of invite and evidence the own the property
4. If you are renting a house supply a copy of the tenancy agreement
5. If you are intending staying in hotels then supply a booking or an intended reservation

The child does not have to have your family name to qualify for British citizenship as long as you are named on the birth certificate.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/eligibility/children/britishcitizen/bornabroad/

[Water Buffalo]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

Thanks for your response. So what you are saying is that i should and can apply for a UK passport even if the child has the mothers surname?

My understanding was that we would need an invitation letter from the owners of the property where we would be staying

"Accommodation can be in a hotel or similar, staying with the sponsor or staying with friends or family of the applicant or the sponsor. If staying in a private household the person offering accommodation should write an invitation letter briefly describing the property to show that at least one room is available for the exclusive use of the applicant; although sharing with their sponsor or a friend or relative of the same sex is fine. It will help if the person offering the accommodation supplies proof of ownership or a letter from their landlord granting permission for the visitor to stay; whichever is applicable." source http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/

Thanks

I got my daughter her British passport. She has my name, but that is not needed.

All they want is a translation of the Thai birth certificate into English. The get then translation stamped by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Chaeng Wattana (or get the translation company to go and do it for you for a few hundred baht fee) This certifies that the translation is correct. Next you need your original birth certificate.

That is all, apart from the application, a few photocopies, and the fee. (of course the photos of the applicant signed by someone)

You will have it in about 3 weeks.

Your Thai partner will need to get a General Visitor visa. No letter of invitation is required. My partner has been to the UK twice. Once with our daughter early this year.

P.S, i believe i used Fuji Translators next to Pleon Chit BTS, behind Language Express (i think they were called Fuji). They were very good. 300 baht for translation of birth certificate and 500 baht to go to Ministry of Foriegn Affairs for the stamp, but i didn't use that service and just went on my own instead.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

to apply for a British passport :

1. long UK birth certificate of the father
2. child's birth certificate & translation it does not need to be stamped at the ministry of foreign affairs
3. Form C2
4. 2 Photographs

[ThaiVisaExpress]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

Thanks for your response. So what you are saying is that i should and can apply for a UK passport even if the child has the mothers surname?

My understanding was that we would need an invitation letter from the owners of the property where we would be staying

"Accommodation can be in a hotel or similar, staying with the sponsor or staying with friends or family of the applicant or the sponsor. If staying in a private household the person offering accommodation should write an invitation letter briefly describing the property to show that at least one room is available for the exclusive use of the applicant; although sharing with their sponsor or a friend or relative of the same sex is fine. It will help if the person offering the accommodation supplies proof of ownership or a letter from their landlord granting permission for the visitor to stay; whichever is applicable." source http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/

Thanks

I got my daughter her British passport. She has my name, but that is not needed.

All they want is a translation of the Thai birth certificate into English. The get then translation stamped by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Chaeng Wattana (or get the translation company to go and do it for you for a few hundred baht fee) This certifies that the translation is correct. Next you need your original birth certificate.

That is all, apart from the application, a few photocopies, and the fee.

You will have it in about 3 weeks.

Your Thai partner will need to get a General Visitor visa. No letter of invitation is required. My partner has been to the UK twice. Once with our daughter early this year.

P.S, i believe i used Fuji Translators next to Pleon Chit BTS. They were very good. 300 baht for translation and 500 baht to go to Ministry of Foriegn Affairs for the stamp, but i didn't use that service and just went on my own instead.

Your Thai partner will require a letter from the sponsor detailing the intention of the visit as per the UK/BA own website. To say an applicant does not require a covering letter is wrong information and the applicant is likely to be refused.

• information about you
• information about your finances and employment
• your accommodation and travel details
• information about your visit to the UK

visitors guidance.pdf

[Steps]

Can you answer the questions please we process over 100 applications per year in Bangkok so we are fully aware of the requirements.

1. Accommodation can you fully explain where you intend to stay ?
2. If its a property you own supply photographs- Mortgage agreement- Land registry
3. If its your parents home a letter of invite and evidence the own the property
4. If you are renting a house supply a copy of the tenancy agreement
5. If you are intending staying in hotels then supply a booking or an intended reservation

The child does not have to have your family name to qualify for British citizenship as long as you are named on the birth certificate.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/eligibility/children/britishcitizen/bornabroad/

Hi,

1. We will be staying with my parents in their home which they own.
2. N/A
3. My initial question was: does this letter need to be a signed letter or can it be an email sent to my girlfriend from my parents?
4. N/A
5. N/A

I will look further into British Citizenship for my son. Thank you

[Water Buffalo]

You don't need a letter from your parents or proof they own the place.

Both times my partner traveled she stayed at my dads place. No such documents were ever submitted. However, a utility bill was.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

The letter will need signing by your parents & evidence the accommodation is available, land registry- mortgage statement - photographs .

We have a client who prepared the application themselves walk into our office with a refusal as the ECO was not satisfied the accommodation was available.

• Insert evidence of accommodation on offer

I attached the guidance earlier take note :

If you are visiting a friend you may wish to include a letter of invitation from

them as well as their financial documents, as outlined in the finances and

employment section above.

Ensure you fully explain the reason for the visit and some background about your relationship etc.

[Water Buffalo]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

Thanks for your response. So what you are saying is that i should and can apply for a UK passport even if the child has the mothers surname?

My understanding was that we would need an invitation letter from the owners of the property where we would be staying

"Accommodation can be in a hotel or similar, staying with the sponsor or staying with friends or family of the applicant or the sponsor. If staying in a private household the person offering accommodation should write an invitation letter briefly describing the property to show that at least one room is available for the exclusive use of the applicant; although sharing with their sponsor or a friend or relative of the same sex is fine. It will help if the person offering the accommodation supplies proof of ownership or a letter from their landlord granting permission for the visitor to stay; whichever is applicable." source http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/

Thanks

I got my daughter her British passport. She has my name, but that is not needed.

All they want is a translation of the Thai birth certificate into English. The get then translation stamped by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Chaeng Wattana (or get the translation company to go and do it for you for a few hundred baht fee) This certifies that the translation is correct. Next you need your original birth certificate.

That is all, apart from the application, a few photocopies, and the fee.

You will have it in about 3 weeks.

Your Thai partner will need to get a General Visitor visa. No letter of invitation is required. My partner has been to the UK twice. Once with our daughter early this year.

P.S, i believe i used Fuji Translators next to Pleon Chit BTS. They were very good. 300 baht for translation and 500 baht to go to Ministry of Foriegn Affairs for the stamp, but i didn't use that service and just went on my own instead.

Your Thai partner will require a letter from the sponsor detailing the intention of the visit as per the UK/BA own website. To say an applicant does not require a covering letter is wrong information and the applicant is likely to be refused.

• information about you
• information about your finances and employment
• your accommodation and travel details
• information about your visit to the UK

I didn't say he doesn't need a covering letter.

I said letter of invitation (from his parents)

[ThaiVisaExpress]

You don't need a letter from your parents or proof they own the place.

Both times my partner traveled she stayed at my dads place. No such documents were ever submitted. However, a utility bill was.

And how many visa applications have you submitted you are giving poor unqualified advice as per the UK/BA :

Accommodation and travel details

You may wish to submit the following documents to help show us your accommodation and travel arrangements in the UK

and on which date you intend to leave the UK. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel

and so on until you have received your visa.

Details of accommodation and return travel bookings

This could be:

• hotel booking confirmation (usually email)
• travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)
• travel agent confirmation of both
• accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that you are able to stay there

we have numerous GV51 refusals from clients who have failed to include evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK.

[Water Buffalo]

Okay, okay, it wouldn't hurt to get a letter from his parents and proof they own the place etc etc.

But, i never knew it was necessary, i never submitted these docs (twice), and twice she got the visa.

I did, however, submit a utility bill from the address i claimed she would be staying at.

[Steps]

You don't need a letter from your parents or proof they own the place.

Both times my partner traveled she stayed at my dads place. No such documents were ever submitted. However, a utility bill was.

And how many visa applications have you submitted you are giving poor unqualified advice as per the UK/BA :

Accommodation and travel details

You may wish to submit the following documents to help show us your accommodation and travel arrangements in the UK

and on which date you intend to leave the UK. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel

and so on until you have received your visa.

Details of accommodation and return travel bookings

This could be:

• hotel booking confirmation (usually email)
• travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)
• travel agent confirmation of both
• accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that you are able to stay there

we have numerous GV51 refusals from clients who have failed to include evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK.

I believe that the information ThaiVisaExpress is correct as this is what i have read on the UK Boarder Agency website. Noby has answered my initial question though. Does the letter need to be just that and signed, or can it be an email?

[Water Buffalo]

You don't need a letter from your parents or proof they own the place.

Both times my partner traveled she stayed at my dads place. No such documents were ever submitted. However, a utility bill was.

And how many visa applications have you submitted you are giving poor unqualified advice as per the UK/BA :

Accommodation and travel details

You may wish to submit the following documents to help show us your accommodation and travel arrangements in the UK

and on which date you intend to leave the UK. We advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation, travel

and so on until you have received your visa.

Details of accommodation and return travel bookings

This could be:

• hotel booking confirmation (usually email)
• travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)
• travel agent confirmation of both
• accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that you are able to stay there

we have numerous GV51 refusals from clients who have failed to include evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK.

I believe that the information ThaiVisaExpress is correct as this is what i have read on the UK Boarder Agency website. Noby has answered my initial question though. Does the letter need to be just that and signed, or can it be an email?

Sorry, i can't answer that questions since my partner didn't need such a letter to stay at my parent's home.

Goodluck

[Richie1971]

I have used e-mail letters from parents, sibling etc in support of accommodation in the UK - better if the letter looks a bit more formal, eg - not a simple e-mail but a proper letter sent as an attachment (signature not necessary) accompanied by a scanned utility bill or even better mortgage agreement - worked 3 times for me - 2 x 6 month visa + 1 x 5 year family visitor visa

Always better to overdo the documentation rather than underdo it - pain in the a$$ revisiting and reapplying

Cheers

[Steps]

I have used e-mail letters from parents, sibling etc in support of accommodation in the UK - better if the letter looks a bit more formal, eg - not a simple e-mail but a proper letter sent as an attachment (signature not necessary) accompanied by a scanned utility bill or even better mortgage agreement - worked 3 times for me - 2 x 6 month visa + 1 x 5 year family visitor visa

Always better to overdo the documentation rather than underdo it - pain in the a$$ revisiting and reapplying

Cheers

Excellent!

Thank you for the good advice

[Steps]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

Thanks for your response. So what you are saying is that i should and can apply for a UK passport even if the child has the mothers surname?

My understanding was that we would need an invitation letter from the owners of the property where we would be staying

"Accommodation can be in a hotel or similar, staying with the sponsor or staying with friends or family of the applicant or the sponsor. If staying in a private household the person offering accommodation should write an invitation letter briefly describing the property to show that at least one room is available for the exclusive use of the applicant; although sharing with their sponsor or a friend or relative of the same sex is fine. It will help if the person offering the accommodation supplies proof of ownership or a letter from their landlord granting permission for the visitor to stay; whichever is applicable." source http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/

Thanks

I got my daughter her British passport. She has my name, but that is not needed.

All they want is a translation of the Thai birth certificate into English. The get then translation stamped by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Chaeng Wattana (or get the translation company to go and do it for you for a few hundred baht fee) This certifies that the translation is correct. Next you need your original birth certificate.

That is all, apart from the application, a few photocopies, and the fee. (of course the photos of the applicant signed by someone)

You will have it in about 3 weeks.

Your Thai partner will need to get a General Visitor visa. No letter of invitation is required. My partner has been to the UK twice. Once with our daughter early this year.

P.S, i believe i used Fuji Translators next to Pleon Chit BTS, behind Language Express (i think they were called Fuji). They were very good. 300 baht for translation of birth certificate and 500 baht to go to Ministry of Foriegn Affairs for the stamp, but i didn't use that service and just went on my own instead.

Thank you for this information. I am now looking into British Citizenship for my son. I am a little curious about my birth certificate. I have one at home but i am not sure if it is this long form birth certificate??

Will keep you posted. Thanks

[Steps]

I am just curious, will we need to visit the embassy in Bangkok at any time for the visa application? as this may be an issue.

Thanks

[7by7]

You will need to visit the embassy for your son's passport application and the visa application centre to submit your partner's visa application.

Both are in Bangkok.

Your long form birth certificate gives full details of your parents, the short version doesn't.

[Water Buffalo]

You should apply for a British passport for the child as you are named on the birth certificate ( subject to satisfying the criteria).

Your partner will need to fill in a general visitors visa application form, why do you need a letter from your parents ?

Do you have your own accommodation ?

Thanks for your response. So what you are saying is that i should and can apply for a UK passport even if the child has the mothers surname?

My understanding was that we would need an invitation letter from the owners of the property where we would be staying

"Accommodation can be in a hotel or similar, staying with the sponsor or staying with friends or family of the applicant or the sponsor. If staying in a private household the person offering accommodation should write an invitation letter briefly describing the property to show that at least one room is available for the exclusive use of the applicant; although sharing with their sponsor or a friend or relative of the same sex is fine. It will help if the person offering the accommodation supplies proof of ownership or a letter from their landlord granting permission for the visitor to stay; whichever is applicable." source http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/

Thanks

I got my daughter her British passport. She has my name, but that is not needed.

All they want is a translation of the Thai birth certificate into English. The get then translation stamped by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Chaeng Wattana (or get the translation company to go and do it for you for a few hundred baht fee) This certifies that the translation is correct. Next you need your original birth certificate.

That is all, apart from the application, a few photocopies, and the fee. (of course the photos of the applicant signed by someone)

You will have it in about 3 weeks.

Your Thai partner will need to get a General Visitor visa. No letter of invitation is required. My partner has been to the UK twice. Once with our daughter early this year.

P.S, i believe i used Fuji Translators next to Pleon Chit BTS, behind Language Express (i think they were called Fuji). They were very good. 300 baht for translation of birth certificate and 500 baht to go to Ministry of Foriegn Affairs for the stamp, but i didn't use that service and just went on my own instead.

Thank you for this information. I am now looking into British Citizenship for my son. I am a little curious about my birth certificate. I have one at home but i am not sure if it is this long form birth certificate??

Will keep you posted. Thanks

I don't know anything about long form or short. My parents only kept one (or only have one) and that is what we used.

You only have to visit at the time of application, no other time. (unless there is an issue, of course)

[Steps]

I don't know anything about long form or short. My parents only kept one (or only have one) and that is what we used.

You only have to visit at the time of application, no other time. (unless there is an issue, of course)

My birth certificate is definitely the short form version and according to my farther, this is the only one we were given??? Will this cert be OK?

Thanks

[7by7]

No; it must be your long form as this will show whether you are British by descent or British otherwise than by descent (see here).

If you were born in England or Wales you can order a copy via this page.

If born in Northern Ireland or Scotland then follow the appropriate link from that page.

[Steps]

No; it must be your long form as this will show whether you are British by descent or British otherwise than by descent (see here).

If you were born in England or Wales you can order a copy via this page.

If born in Northern Ireland or Scotland then follow the appropriate link from that page.

Hi,

I have found this on the official web site: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/nationality/guide_mn3.pdf Page 16

"of the parents’ citizenship

l Please send any birth, naturalisation or registration certificates or passports which show their citizenship"

Nowhere on the website does it mention a long form birth certificate.

Thanks

[7by7]

That is not the guide to making a passport application; it is the guide to obtaining British citizenship for a child who is not currently British.

Form C2 is the guidance notes for child passport applications.

You will see from the section on documents to be supplied if the child was born outside the UK that your long form birth certificate is required; unless you have previously supplied it in order to register the child's birth at the British embassy in which case the child's consular birth certificate can be used instead.

[Water Buffalo]

No; it must be your long form as this will show whether you are British by descent or British otherwise than by descent (see here).

If you were born in England or Wales you can order a copy via this page.

If born in Northern Ireland or Scotland then follow the appropriate link from that page.

My birth certificate (which i successfully used) doesn't make any mention of how i became British (descent or otherwise)

I still have no clue about long and short forms. I just have one. Presumably the short.

[7by7]

A birth certificate is actually a certified copy of an entry from the register of births, either that held by the local Register office or at the relevant General Register Office.

A long form certificate is a full copy of the entry, showing the child's surname, forename(s), date of birth, sex, place of birth, the parent(s) name(s), their address and occupations at the time of registration.

Thus it shows, among other things, whether or not the child is British otherwise than by descent.

A short birth certificate only shows the child's name, sex and where and when they were born and so cannot be used to establish this.

If you have successfully used the certificate you hold to establish that you are British otherwise than by descent and so a child(ren) of yours born outside the UK is/are British, either in order to register their birth at a British embassy and obtain a consular birth certificate or to apply for a British passport for them, then it must have been your long form birth certificate which you used as a short one is not acceptable for this purpose.

Of course, if your child(ren) is/are born in the UK then this would not be needed as regardless of whether you are British otherwise than by descent or British by descent, they will be British otherwise than by descent themselves.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

You can order the long term birth certificate online do a Google search.

[7by7]

You can order the long term birth certificate online do a Google search.

If you were born in England or Wales you can order a copy via this page.

If born in Northern Ireland or Scotland then follow the appropriate link from that page.

[Steps]

This may sound dumb to some people but can i apply for a passport for my son if i have not yet applied for British citizenship for him even though he is eligible.

Thank you