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Posted

Dear all, any advice would be welcome.

I am applying for a settlement visa for my wife. She is Thai and I'm UK. We currently live in BKK and have 3 kids; 10 month baby, 4 year old and 7 year old.

I got a settlement visa for my wife in 2008 and moved back to Bangkok 18 months later.

We now wish to move back to the UK.

1) English language test - My wife can speak, read and write English very well but has never completed an A1 test. The current application form asks for A1 CEFR minimum. Is this correct as some posts in various places say more is required but if the application form only requests A1 then surely this is enough. Also, how much does this cost in BKK and where can I get it done near to Trendy Building on Sukhumvit?? I've seen the VAF guide but nearest one is simply stated as the landmark hotel??

2) I have a job offer in UK, what will they require for the offer letter etc. I'm aware of the financial requirements etc. but any additional advice would help.

3) Timing. I've noted that some applications don't take so long. I'm doing the application my self, no agency as before; what's the response time on application?

Any other advice would be helpful, thanks

Posted

1) A1 in English speaking and listening is the minimum requirement for the initial visa and for her FLR application after 30 months in the UK.

A higher grade, B1, plus the written LitUK test will be required for her ILR application after she has lived in the UK for 5 years.

You will find the approved test centres in Thailand on page 8 of the list of approved providers.

Sorry, but I don't know how much they each charge.

2) I assume that you have been working whilst in Thailand and so you come under 5.4. Category B: Less than 6 months with current employer or variable income – overseas sponsor returning to the UK of the financial requirement.

See that document for what is required, and the relevant parts of the specified evidence appendix for the documents you will need to provide.

3) Application processing time depends purely upon demand. The more applications they receive at any one time, the longer each application will take to reach a decision maker, the 'top of the pile' if you will.

Now is a quite time, so applications are being processed quickly. Later in the year they will be busier, especially when the student applications for courses starting in September start to come in, so each application will take longer.

I suggest you check Visa processing times nearer the time you want to submit the application; but remember past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

If you want to be sure, you can submit the application up to three months in advance and request a specific start date. The visa will then be valid from the requested date or the date it is issued; whichever is the later.

4) You may find the pinned topic UK settlement visa basics helpful; although it does need some updating; it doesn't mention the NHS surcharge for example.

See also Apply to join family living permanently in the UK.

  • Like 1
Posted

You say that your wife had a settlement visa in 2008. It is not clear which category and it is most likely to have lapsed.

If it is indefinite leave to remain and you can show that your wife has not lived outside the UK for a continuous period of 2 years or more then there is just the slightest chance it may still be valid. If an immigration officer believes that entry to the UK is for anything but residence then they might cancel or modify the leave.

Very much a long shot!

Otherwise you start all over again! The pinned topics are still a very good start.

Posted

Thank you both 7by7 and Bobrussell,

Every bit helps. I'm going to simply kick it off again with a very detailed account of our history and all my income etc. and get the English language A1 cert which I've found out will cost 7-9000 THB......ouch but will have to be done at some stage with the B1 etc to follow when in Blighty.

I'll no doubt post more questions etc as I jump through the UK bureaucratic hoops, barking all the way.

Tanks again and take care

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