Can someone clarify a few points for a UK visa application?

[nong38]

I am expecting to apply for a UK visa for my Thai partner ( lady) in a few months time and I wonder if someone could clarify some things for me.

The visa is for a General visa, we will be seeing the sights and touring around. We have been offered two weeks with a friend one at the begining of the visit and one at the end, so we can leave our large cases there, I will ask the friend to write a letter stating this. I have an idea which hotels we will stay at but not the dates as I will not book them or the flights until the visa has been granted, am I right to this this way?

I am looking at a form that I have to fill in where I guarantee to pay any bills that might occur, hospital etc but the form is aimed at a UK resident as its asking for utility bills etc, mortgage details, employer. I am retired in Thailand and only have utility bills in Thai with partner's name on it, how do I deal with this? I do intend to arrange travel insurance as well.

Regarding evidence of our relationship. We were going to take hotel bills and the tablet computer ( as it has all our photos on it ) but I see in the notes for security that she might not be able to take the tablet into the appointment for "security reasons" am I reading this correctly?. She will also provide blue and yellow books, joint bank account, my passport with stamps in.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Edited January 18, 2016 by nong38

[Upnotover]

You do not need to fill in a guarantee form for a general visit visa. You can simply write a letter explaining your relationship, purpose of visit and reason for her to return - sounds like that would be because you live in the same house here (blue and yellow books)? The current guidance says do not submit photo's, if you do decide to you need to print them, she wont ever meet any embassy staff to show anything, only the VFS checkers at Trendy.

No need to book flights/hotels in advance.

Letter from friend should be fine, we always get a letter from my Brother who we stay with at the beginning of our trips (letter emailed to me and printed here has always been fine)

[nong38]

You do not need to fill in a guarantee form for a general visit visa. You can simply write a letter explaining your relationship, purpose of visit and reason for her to return - sounds like that would be because you live in the same house here (blue and yellow books)? The current guidance says do not submit photo's, if you do decide to you need to print them, she wont ever meet any embassy staff to show anything, only the VFS checkers at Trendy.

No need to book flights/hotels in advance.

Letter from friend should be fine, we always get a letter from my Brother who we stay with at the beginning of our trips (letter emailed to me and printed here has always been fine)

Thanks very much, I can now start to put things in running order. Yes we do live in the same house.

Edited January 18, 2016 by nong38

[Hornell]

upnotover is quite right. Having jumped through this UK visa hoop for my Thai wife quite a few times now, I have learned that it is best not to dot i's and cross t's as regards the details of your visit to UK. Keep it really simple. I'm not saying lie, just don't stick your head above the parapet. Oh yes, and you may well find that when you get to the Trendy Bldg you won't be permitted to accompany your wife, so make sure she understands what you (no doubt) have written on the form.

[theoldgit]

Uptonotover is spot on in his advice about the letter from friends and family, that's what we've always done, and also correct that there's not need to book hotels, though you will need to prove affordability, and it's always a good idea to include a draft itinerary.

You're right that she will not be allowed to take a tablet computer into the application centre, nor will the decision makers at the UKVI consider any electronic evidence.

Always include original documents and copies of evidence that you need returning.

Standard Visitor Visa - documents you must provide

PS - when you're in the UK remember to advise the pension people so they can pay you the proper rate during your stay.

[nong38]

As always other questions are always coming up as well, a bit more advice please.

With supporting documents I will show my passport with retirement visas in it, I dont expect them to keep the passports and they will be returned on the day? Copies of the retirement visa, just the current will do?

Regrading the blue and yellow books, again to be shown but not retained? Copies of the important pages, but they are in Thai do i need to get them translated or are they accepted as seen?

Thanks again.

[theoldgit]

Just include a copy of your passport showing the bio page and relevant pages, current extension is fine. They don't need/want the original, I normally just sign the pages.

As for the blue book, the UKVI actually say that anything not in English should be translated, there is anecdotal evidence that people have just included them and been issued with a visa, that's really your shout.

Bare in mind that the VFS staff do not check and certify documents as being seen, they're a glorified mail drop.

[nong38]

Another question!

Yesterday I went to our bank and asked about bank statement for 6 months for a visa application, how long would it take and the cost. The answer was that it could be done in Thai in 24 hours. Now reading through the UK Gov requirements it seems to say that the bank statements need to be in English so I went back to the bank with the new question, what about the statements in English? They cannot do it! (Krungsri Bank). Now if I get them in Thai and then get them translated it will then not be on official Bank paper so I have a problem, so will the Thai copy be acceptable?

My finances will be covering all the costs as I will state in a covering letter.

[7by7]

Although the official guidance says that all documents not in English should be accompanied by an English translation; anecdotal evidence suggest that this is not strictly adhered to.

However, if you do have your bank statements, or any other documents, translated, submit both the Thai originals and the translations.

[nong38]

Thanks