My son-in-law will shortly be applying for a spouse visa. The first question on the form asks for 'Date of travel' to UK.

I understand it may take up to 3 months to process his application once it has been submitted.

Obviously he would like to return to UK to join his wife and daughter as soon as possible.

Is it necessary to give a date and if so can he give a date sooner than 3 months?

Seems this may belong in the other forum if trying to go to the UK, perhaps it could be moved by the moderators.

Moving this topic from Thai visas, residency and work permits to the forum Visas and migration to other countries.

He should put the date he would like to travel.

His visa will commence on the requested date or the date it is issued, whichever is the later. Note that he cannot use it until the commencement date.

The visa will be valid for 33 months, but he only needs to live in the UK for 30 months to be time qualified for the next stage. So he has plenty of time between the visa being issued and the latest he can first arrive in the UK.

You may find UK settlement visa basics of use.