UK Family Visitors Visa or just Visitors Visa?

[confused88]

Hi people,

I plan to take my wife and two children back to the UK for a holiday at the end of the summer.

Both my wife and eldest daughter have been to the UK with me previously on several occasions without any problems.

However it has been a couple of years since our last trip and it seems that something’s are a little different.

Firstly I would like to ask, should we apply Family Visitors Visa or just a Visitor’s Visa?

What I mean is, are my mother and father seen as ‘family’ in the eyes of the UKBA with regards to my wife and children (the applicants)?

To clarify my wife and I are legally married in Thailand and our eldest child is legally adopted under Thai law.

Secondly with regards to passport copies, should I copy our entire passports (including blank pages) for submission or just the biometric pages and any pages that have visa stamps?

Lastly, I have read that all Thai language documents need to be translated into English. If this is the case, is there a list of qualified translators that are accepted?

Thank you in advance for any help or assistance.

[theoldgit]

It really makes no difference if you apply for a Family or General Visit Visa these days, the standard of proof is exactly the same and the Family Visit Visa no longer carries the right of appeal.

I suppose that if you're travelling as a Family, then the Family Visa might be appropriate, but it will make no difference to the person considering the application.

When my partner has applied she obviously sent her current and previous passports, together with a copy of the bio page. She includes copies of my passports bio pages, plus copies of pages with visa stamps for Thailand, and any travels we have made together, crossed referenced with her passport.

Yes, all documents in Thai need to be translated into English, but there is no approved list. Just don't overdo the documents.

The most important thing to do is demonstrate your joint ties to Thailand, the reason for the trip and its affordability, just make sure everything is properly evidenced, and don't overwhelm the Entry Clearance Officer.

[7by7]

That she is travelling with you means that she qualifies as a family visitor, even if your weren't visiting your family. However, since the abolition of the right of appeal for family visit refusals there is no real difference between applying as a family visitor or a general one.

Your wife, and daughter if she is also applying, should submit their actual passports.

You should submit copies of the bio-data page of your passport and all other pages which have entry/exit stamps and/or visas on them. Personally I think it is also a good idea to submit copies of blank pages as well to show that they are blank.

You can self certify these copies thusly "I (full name) certify that this is a true copy of page (number) of passport (number). Signed.........."

The guidance says

If you submit a document that is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office. Each translated document must contain:
 confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
 the date of the translation;
 the translator's full name and signature; and
 the translator's contact details.

Edit: theoldgit types faster than I do!

Edited June 30, 2014 by 7by7

[confused88]

ok thanks for your help guy's. Points noted.

If any more questions arise i'll be sure to post another thread.

Thank you.