UK tourist visa for your Thai wife

[Harvey1903ch]

Has anyone applied for a uk tourist visa lately for their thai wife?

Myself & my thai wife are heading back for Xmas and were wanting to know the process in applying for a visa without using an agent.

Can anyone offer some information?

Many thanks

Chris

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[liveforever]

Hi chris. It was not so recently but 5 years ago, we applied for a tourist visa initially. We did not use an agent also and if you prepare everything properly you will be fine. I had everything index filed for them, if in doubt put more input that not enough, and make sure you write a thorough letter to back your application up. Its got us through right up to ilr so the best of luck to you.

Regards

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[The Fat Controller]

On the latest version of the UKVI website, there is a box that you can tick to say you are applying on behalf of the applicant.

Alternatively, as I did, I let my wife register and fill in the form as she is pretty good at English, then she gave me her login details and I corrected the small mistakes.

You have to pay online when submitting the application and your wife will have to attend the VFS office in Bangkok to submit her supporting documents and get her biometric details taken.

From appointment at VFS to collecting the passport was 14 working days for my wife.

[DMC1]

Just to add, you can have your partners passport sent to your home address rather than make another trip to collect it.

From submitting documents in BKK to receiving 6 month UK visitor visa (this year) took 3 weeks.

[cornishcarlos]

Hi,

There have been lots of posts about this recently, more specific the issues with VFS office (moved to Trendy building).

Better to apply for a 'Family visit' visa rather than a tourist visa.

Not much to it really, follow the online application, pay your fee and get an appointment to submit application.

You don't have to go back to BKK to collect, there is a return by post service that costs about 200 baht.

Make sure you have adequate supporting docs with your application, DO NOT let the VFS staff interfere with this supporting material, it is up to your wife what she submits and not them.

As long as you include an invitation letter from yourself or family in U.K, some form of financial documentation, plus evidence of intent to return to Thailand, there should be no issues.

Lots of people have had issues but that has either been through lack of supporting docs or VFS incompetence.

Lastly, apply as far in advance as possible to save any last minute stress before travelling. We got issued my wifes visa 4 days before flying in May, again due to VFS muppetry.

Good luck

P.S you do not need an agent to do it.

[7by7]

Better to apply for a 'Family visit' visa rather than a tourist visa.

Since the abolition of the right of appeal for a family visit was abolished, there is no real difference between the two.

Lastly, apply as far in advance as possible to save any last minute stress before travelling.

UK visas routinly start from the date of issue; unless the applicant requests a specific start date. This can be no more than 3 months in advance.

If asking for a specific start date, check it immediately the visa is recieved as mistakes cannot be rectified later.

OP, you may find UK visit visa basics helpful.

[cornishcarlos]

So why do they have the 2 different visas still then ??

I would have thought that a Family Visit application would instantly hold more credit than just a general Tourist visa application.

Up to the OP what he applies for, was just my opinion.

[7by7]

Good question; I don't know the answer, maybe ask UKVI?

Strictly speaking, the OP's wife should apply for a family visit, but if she applies for a general visit it wont have any adverse effect on her application.

[theoldgit]

Offensive post removed, I do think it was a poor attempt at humour.

Also a response removed.

[wgdanson]

Can I use exactly the same documents that I successfully used two years ago?

[theoldgit]

Can I use exactly the same documents that I successfully used two years ago?

Not exactly the same no, they would need to reflect the current position.

Bank statements would need to be recent and the reasons to return current.

The purpose of the visit would need to demonstrate current plans.

All applications are considered on their own merit.

[bobrussell]

Until very recently family visas had the right to appeal whereas that right was removed some time back for standard visit visas. It may be that in time there will only be one visa. As the applicant has to state the reason for the visit there does not seem to be much point in the two types!

If you are going to stay with family apply for a family visa, if she is coming over as a tourist a standard visa would be logical. Judging by other comments on this site there does not seem to be much of an issue as far as the ECO is concerned.