Photos for uk visit visa

[Tombuk]

Hi can any one help me? I am going to send photos as evidence of mine and my girlfriends relationship for her UK general visit visa. If I send photos that I got developed will they send them back with her passport and stuff? Or is it okay to just print them out on to A4 paper and send them? Thanks

[bigyin]

I have done both successfully so you can do either. If you send the actual photos they will send the originals back and they will also send back A4 paper copies. They don't care about the format only the evidence so don't worry and do what is easy. But if you are worried then send the originals..they will return them.

[Tombuk]

Okay, thanks bigyin

[rawhod]

Just a small point...

But do ensure that the photo's have the date stamp on them.

[bigyin]

Helpful to have the date but not necessary. I have made 2 successful visa applications without the date. It is much more important that they show a normal life together.

[Tombuk]

Okay thanks we have lived together for the past 15 months so have plenty of photos but most are just saved on the computer so will send paper copies.

[bigyin]

Just a quick further point that they don't mind if you put 6, 8 or 10 on the 1 page. I did this recently for a successful settlement visa application for my wife and step daughter. They just need enough information to be able to see the evidence of your relationship. Lots of different locations is a good idea and obviously some home pictures.

[7by7]

They don't care about the format

Except they will not accept photos, or anything else, on electronic media such as a disc or memory stick in case it corrupts their system.

But, as said above, a selection printed on A4 paper is fine, with or without dates.

To be honest, I think people place too much importance on photographs. Yes, they can be evidence that applicant and sponsor have met and have a relationship, but I have never included them in any application I have personally been involved with; including my wife's settlement application.

[bigyin]

Yes 7by7 that is true. My statement was a little too broad and I really meant as long as it was paper based. I agree as well about not getting too hung up on photographs. If the application is well presented and all the requirements are met then nothing to worry about but they can just add a little bit extra and possibly remove any doubts. I included them both times I have successfully applied and always would I think but more emphasis should be on the meat of the application and meeting all the requirements. I spent about 10 minutes on photographs but in excess of 20 hours I should think on the meat of the application for my wife and step daughter's settlement application. If the application is sound then either way should be OK

[Tombuk]

Yeh we are just going to send a few photos on A4 paper. Also, am I wright in thinking that the sponsorship letter has to be handwritten? Or can I just type it up then print and sign it?

[bigyin]

Just type it on the computer, print it out and sign it. I know how worrying all of this is and you want to get it right but they are not looking for ways to reject your application. If you can show that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship, can fund the trip without recourse to public funds and perhaps most importantly that your girlfriend will return to Thailand at the end of the trip then you will be fine. The appearance of things like the letter are not really important but do make sure you sign the letter. Also if you live in Thailand with your girlfriend and will be staying with family or friends make sure that you get a signed letter of invitation from them confirming an invite and that they have room to put you up.

[7by7]

Indeed.

Tombuk, if you've not already read it, you may find UK visit visa basics helpful.

[bigyin]

Yes essential reading for every first time applicant.

[Tombuk]

Thanks guys. We applied a few months back but she was refused for several reasons some of which I agreed on and some I didn't. But we kind of rushed into it so she could come to the uk when my Thai visa expires. So checking we have everything correct this time.

[wooloomooloo]

When my wife applied for settlement back in 2010, I purchased a small and cheap photo album and populated it with about 30 snapshots for good measure. The album was duly returned unblemished. My wife regularly pulls out the album and reminisces, even now.

I like to think that my good looks and honest face added another facet to the application, sort of. Ha ha.

Joking aside, from my first visit to meet my then future wife we regularly had photos taken together and for good reason.

We met online on 29 August 2009 and kept up regular email / internet contact until our first meeting in person for two weeks in December 2009. I revisited for a further two weeks in March 2010 and on the third visit August 2010 we married and applied for my wife's settlement visa a week after our wedding. I knew we were sailing close to the wind with such an apparent limited relationship so was of the opinion that photos were nigh on essential in this instance. Whether the photos did the trick, we'll never know, but my wife is a British citizen and asleep next to me on the sofa in true impromptu Thai style.

A few photos wouldn't do any harm.

Edited April 19, 2015 by wooloomooloo