UK Visit visa, how much income to show? and Schengen

[mja1906]

I know this has probably been asked a hundred times, so apologies in advance.

I' m a British national applying for a UK visitor visa for my Thai spouse (husband). We will travel with our baby daughter (with British passport) to see my parents in the UK.

He has a small business, that brings in on average around 70,000bt /month. We’ll be staying at my parents, and trip will be partly funded by himself, and partly by my parents. (Airfare by him, living expenses by parents?)

So I just wondered for a 2 month visit, with average monthly income of 70k, then some savings of around 500k, will this be enough to show? We’d also be showing the chanote for 2houses he has under his name. And my dad’s bank account statements from UK.

On a separate note, we’re also thinking of visiting his brother in Holland during our visit. Not sure whether to apply for a Dutch tourist visa or the Schengen. The Schengen will give us flexibility to travel elsewhere if we want, is it easier/harder to get this than a Dutch visa?

Also, should we mention this in our UK visa app? Or does it not matter, because it’s nothing to do with the UK?

[7by7]

There is no minimum amount of available funds required for a UK visit visa.

However, your husband will need to show that he has enough available funds to cover all the costs of his visit. As you will, presumably, be staying with your family then his living costs in the UK will, of course, be minimal.

These funds can come from him, you, a third party or any combination of these.

You should explain in your sponsor's letter that he is paying the airfares and that your parents are paying your living costs while in the UK and he should provide evidence from both that the funds are available; last 6 months bank statements and/or pay slips or other proof of income.

Your parents should also write a letter of invitation offering to support and accommodate you all whilst in the UK and briefly describe their house and who lives there to show that there is room for you.

As he has a British wife and daughter, the main concern of the ECO will be that he will return to Thailand after the visit and is not using a visit visa to enter the UK and then remain there with you once his visit visa has expired.

So he should provide evidence of his business and land ownership and of your immigration status in Thailand to show that you all will be returning.

See Standard visitor visa from UKVI.

You may also find UK visit visa basics helpful; some of the links need updating, but the essentials haven't changed.

There is no longer any such thing as a Dutch tourist visa per se. As The Netherlands are part of the Schengen area, he applies for a Schengen visa. As his main destination will be The Netherlands he applies for it from them.

As you are an EEA national and he will be travelling with you then most of the requirements will not apply to him. Basically, all he needs to show is that he is your husband. Also, the visa will be free and should be processed with the minimum of delay.

For more see under "I am a family member (spouse, child) of an EU/EEA citizen" in the Schengen visa FAQ.

Note that FAQ is aimed at applicants in Thailand. Normally people should apply in their country of residence; however as your husband is the qualifying family member of an EEA national, you, he can apply whilst in the UK as a visitor.

Unfortunately, though, the Dutch embassy in London's website does not make any of this clear! In fact, sometimes it says the opposite! So it may be less hassle to obtain his Schengen visa in Bangkok.

Alternatively, you could always take the chance of not obtaining a Schengen visa for him at all.

From Your Europe: Travel documents for non-EU family members

Arriving at the border without an entry visa

It is always best for your non-EU family members to be well informed in advance and have all the necessary documents before starting their journey.

However, if they arrive at the border without an entry visa, the border authorities should give them the opportunity to prove by other means that they are your family members. If they manage to prove it, they should be issued with an entry visa on the spot.

If your family members are having difficulties getting a visa, you can contact our assistance services

But there are potential hazards doing this.

Not only will he need to satisfy Dutch immigration that he is your family member, which could take time, he may not even get that far! Your carrier may not be fully aware of the rules and so may refuse to carry him without a visa.

So my advice is to get one.

Edit:

Sorry, missed your final question.

It wont hurt to mention in the UK visa application that he intends to visit your brother in the Netherlands with you as well whilst in the UK; but it wont hurt to not mention it either. His UK visa will be multi entry, so he will be able to enter the UK again after this visit. Provided his UK visa hasn't expired, of course.

Edited August 13, 2015 by 7by7

[Donutz]

I have little too add to 7by7's excellent post. I too would apply at rhe Dutch embassy, check their website for details and fire off a short e-mail for an appoinment (though I think they tell spouses if EU nationals that they can show up without appointment, TheOldGit should be able to confirm

this but no harm in checking with the embassy). The Dutch in Thailand handle the guidelines on a swifly issued, free Schengen visa with minimal paperwork (passport Thai national, passport copy EU national, marital papers or proof of cohabitation that makes a relation akin to marriage plausible, passport photo's, application form and a brief letter explaining that the EU/UK national is taking the spouse on a trip to NL).

The embassy in London has downgraded it service, trying to falsly point people to VFS but if you inquire via mail and point out that VFS is optional they are quick to arrange an appointment for you. I files a complaint once but they did not really took it seriously and since I was not actually applying (I am Dutch myself and my darling lived with me here) the EU was of little help too. I do suggest people that apply from UK based embassies to complain and contact Solvit. First it was just the French, the Spaniards joined in and now the Dutch aswell in trying to trap people in chosing VFS. So an UK application for a Schengen visa would be my second choice if one can just as easily and more conviently apply in BKK.

[theoldgit]

I too would apply at rhe Dutch embassy, check their website for details and fire off a short e-mail for an appoinment (though I think they tell spouses if EU nationals that they can show up without appointment, TheOldGit should be able to confirm this but no harm in checking with the embassy).

I initially fired off an email to their visa department, which is actually in KL, they responded that no appointment was necessary, actually saying "If you are spouse of a EU citizen (other than a Dutch citizen) you can submit your application from Mondays Thursdays between 14.00-15.00 hrs".

We did have an issue with the security guard who wasn't aware of this facility, but he did check and allowed my partner in.

The process itself was painless and the visa was issued promptly and free of charge. My partner and I aren't married, but a copy of our joint lease and travel plans was sufficient for them to issue a multi entry visa for the validity of her passport, actually for three before her passport expired.

We've just returned from our second trip to the Netherlands this year, and we did notice that the Dutch Immigration staff were more robust with the examination of travellers entering Schiphol, for the first time my partner was asked how long she was staying and whilst she wasn't asked for travel details many others were.

We were advised, by Eurostar, that the French has also implemented new immigration checks and to arrive at St Pancras station a little earlier, we did note that they also seemed more robust in their checks with one well dressed Chinese lady being taken away for an apparent secondary examination.

[mja1906]

Wow, that's amazing info thanks so much. I didn't realise Shengen was so easy, as I heard that we had to show proof of travel+accommodation bookings beforehand (which sounds crazy to me, bcos what if the visa is refused?). Also, if we were not visiting UK, and just applying for Schengen (Dutch), would it be just easy ? The Dutch aren't worried about staying on after your visa, like the UK are?

I guess its hard to know, if an average monthly income of around 70,000bt is enough to show that he has a stable income here, and will return.

Gosh, totally forgot about if he would be allowed back into the UK after a Holland visit, so thanks for pointing that out.

After the UK visa is issued how long is it valid for? And when is a UK visa valid from (date of issue, or date of entry to the UK)?

I'm trying to time it, as our visit from Chiang MAi to BAngkok, will be for his UK+Schengen visa, and we'd also apply for our baby's first passport.

[theoldgit]

If you're a spouse, or for some countries a long term partner, then you don't/shouldn't need to show evidence of affordability, where you are staying or insurance, or indeed confirmed flight bookings, other than to prove that you are travelling together.

This facility only applies to EU Citizens, irrespective of whether your country is in the Schengen Area or not, and you can only take advantage of this route if you're applying at a country other than your own.

Yes he can return to the UK providing that the visa is a multi entry visas, which they normally are. UK visas are valid from the date of issue, that date can be post dated on request, providing the ECO picks up on the request.

Income is only part of the reason to return, stable accommodation and evidence of employment and other provable ties to the home country will be taken into consideration. As 7by7 points out, there is no set figure for an income but the applicant needs to satisfy the ECO that the trip is affordable.

[Donutz]

This facility only applies to EU Citizens, irrespective of whether your country is in the Schengen Area or not, and you can only take advantage of this route if you're applying at a country other than your own.

Indeed, these sort of applications fall under " Freedom of Movement" (Directive 2004/38/EC) , which gives non-EU family members the right of joining their EU/EEA family member for either short or long stay aslong as they are not an unreasonable burden to the state concerned. So a UK citizen can take their Thai spouse to the Netherlands or any other EU/EEA (+Switserland) country under these favourable conditions. And a national from those countries can take their Thai spouse to the UK under the same relaxed conditions.

Member states are free to apply the same requirements to non-EU family members of their own nationals but most chose not to. So in a way countries are effectively discriminating their own citizens, wich in turn openend the Surinder Singh route (also called EU route) for migration under the relaxed rules that pretty much dictate that family members should be able to live and work in the EU/EEA if they are not a burden to the state.

So things such as 'sufficient reasons/certainty of a timely return' or 'trip is affordable' are not grounds they will or can check. Infact you could decide that NL is a lovely place and stay there together provided that you are not an unreasonable burden to the state (so any income would do aslong as you are self sufficient). But you're just going to enjoy a short holiday, so,have fun and be glad it is a hassle free thing, atleast with the Dutch in BKK/KL. Some embassies are a bit more reluctant...

Edited August 14, 2015 by Donutz

[mja1906]

If you're a spouse, or for some countries a long term partner, then you don't/shouldn't need to show evidence of affordability, where you are staying or insurance, or indeed confirmed flight bookings, other than to prove that you are travelling together.

This facility only applies to EU Citizens, irrespective of whether your country is in the Schengen Area or not, and you can only take advantage of this route if you're applying at a country other than your own.

Yes he can return to the UK providing that the visa is a multi entry visas, which they normally are. UK visas are valid from the date of issue, that date can be post dated on request, providing the ECO picks up on the request.

Income is only part of the reason to return, stable accommodation and evidence of employment and other provable ties to the home country will be taken into consideration. As 7by7 points out, there is no set figure for an income but the applicant needs to satisfy the ECO that the trip is affordable.

Thanks, but how do we prove that we will be travelling together? Other than us saying so....how do we show this?

[Donutz]

If you're a spouse, or for some countries a long term partner, then you don't/shouldn't need to show evidence of affordability, where you are staying or insurance, or indeed confirmed flight bookings, other than to prove that you are travelling together.

This facility only applies to EU Citizens, irrespective of whether your country is in the Schengen Area or not, and you can only take advantage of this route if you're applying at a country other than your own.

Yes he can return to the UK providing that the visa is a multi entry visas, which they normally are. UK visas are valid from the date of issue, that date can be post dated on request, providing the ECO picks up on the request.

Income is only part of the reason to return, stable accommodation and evidence of employment and other provable ties to the home country will be taken into consideration. As 7by7 points out, there is no set figure for an income but the applicant needs to satisfy the ECO that the trip is affordable.

Thanks, but how do we prove that we will be travelling together? Other than us saying so....how do we show this?

A short letter (if possible also with your signature?) from you should be enough. If you do happen to have proof of transport (ticket reservation) or proof of accommodation you are free to include it but it is not a requirement. A few embassies (The French and Spanish?) do ask for such things by default but per EU instructions they really should not! The Dutch do a more proper job at executing the rules.

[sandyf]

Wow, that's amazing info thanks so much. I didn't realise Shengen was so easy, as I heard that we had to show proof of travel+accommodation bookings beforehand (which sounds crazy to me, bcos what if the visa is refused?). Also, if we were not visiting UK, and just applying for Schengen (Dutch), would it be just easy ? The Dutch aren't worried about staying on after your visa, like the UK are?

The biggest factor with a Schengen visa is establishing the legality of the marriage. If you have a Thai marriage certificate you may need to have it legalised.

Once established the visa cannot be refused unless criminal activity or security issues are raised.

As the family member of an EU national it should be fairly straightforward but their does seem to be variations in the requirements. Fortunately you have one or two members that are familiar with the Dutch.

I recently returned from a trip to the UK which included visits to Canada and Germany. We went to Cologne for 3 days and the Germans issued the visa for 4 days. The Canadians issued the visa for the remainder of my wife's passport, about 3 and a half years.

[mja1906]

Wow, that's amazing info thanks so much. I didn't realise Shengen was so easy, as I heard that we had to show proof of travel+accommodation bookings beforehand (which sounds crazy to me, bcos what if the visa is refused?). Also, if we were not visiting UK, and just applying for Schengen (Dutch), would it be just easy ? The Dutch aren't worried about staying on after your visa, like the UK are?

The biggest factor with a Schengen visa is establishing the legality of the marriage. If you have a Thai marriage certificate you may need to have it legalised.

Once established the visa cannot be refused unless criminal activity or security issues are raised.

As the family member of an EU national it should be fairly straightforward but their does seem to be variations in the requirements. Fortunately you have one or two members that are familiar with the Dutch.

I recently returned from a trip to the UK which included visits to Canada and Germany. We went to Cologne for 3 days and the Germans issued the visa for 4 days. The Canadians issued the visa for the remainder of my wife's passport, about 3 and a half years.

Yes that won't be a problem, as for his UK visa we have to translate our marriage certificate anyways. Can't believe other countries are so much easier than the UK !

[7by7]

Only because you are an EEA national travelling with your non EEA national spouse to an EEA state other than the one of which you are a citizen!

Were you Dutch then it would be the other way round. He would need to satisfy the full Schengen requirements for his Dutch visa, but could obtain a UK one using the EEA regulations.

[mja1906]

If you're a spouse, or for some countries a long term partner, then you don't/shouldn't need to show evidence of affordability, where you are staying or insurance, or indeed confirmed flight bookings, other than to prove that you are travelling together.

This facility only applies to EU Citizens, irrespective of whether your country is in the Schengen Area or not, and you can only take advantage of this route if you're applying at a country other than your own.

Yes he can return to the UK providing that the visa is a multi entry visas, which they normally are. UK visas are valid from the date of issue, that date can be post dated on request, providing the ECO picks up on the request.

Income is only part of the reason to return, stable accommodation and evidence of employment and other provable ties to the home country will be taken into consideration. As 7by7 points out, there is no set figure for an income but the applicant needs to satisfy the ECO that the trip is affordable.

Thanks, sorry and just to clarify ... Does he also have to exit the UK before the expiry date of the visa? Or just that he should enter the UK before the visa expires?

[theoldgit]

Thanks, sorry and just to clarify ... Does he also have to exit the UK before the expiry date of the visa? Or just that he should enter the UK before the visa expires?

He needs to exit the UK on or before the expiry date of the visa.