UK visa for Thai girlfriend

[bobbymack]

I have been living and working in Thailand for over 3 years and wish to return to England to live and work. I have been living with my Thai girlfriend for over 2 years, though I don't have a rental contract to prove this.

I intend to just apply for a 6 month visitor visa anyway to see if it works out and not initially to apply for an unmarried partner visa.

My queries relate to what supporting documents are required to make the application for the 6 month visitor visa. The Home office site just says that her passport and photo are required and nothing else. We will send her old passport that has evidence of a trip to Malaysia which corresponds with mine on my passport. I will also provide screen shots of my bank accounts showing the money in my accounts, which is over £50,000, so on that one no problem, but will they accept a printout of the computer screenshots?

Also, I don't have job in UK yet as I will apply when back in England.

I know many people seem to send in lots of documents to support an application but the Home Office website for visas does not specify any such items and indeed says the contrary and not to send a whole list of documents. I am therefore somewhat confused as to what documents are required?

Any advice from people in a similar situation. I know my situation is a little unusual as I have been living in Thailand myself for over 3 years unlike many people who live in UK and are getting a visa for TGF to join them.

[bobrussell]

Go through http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446602-uk-visit-visa-basics/. Pretty much covers most aspects.

It is likely that you will have an uphill struggle to use a visit visa for what is not really a visit.

Key elements to consider:

Reason for visit

Affordability of visit

Reasons to return at the end of the visit

It can be done but it is not as straight forward as you may think!

[7by7]

Some of the information in the pinned topic Bob's linked to needs updating; but the essentials are the same.

See also Standard visitor visa and Visitor: supporting documents guide.

You will see that there are documents you must provide, and others you should provide depending on the applicant's circumstances and the reason for the visit.

I suggest

• evidence of your relationship,
• evidence that the trip is affordable,
• evidence she will be adequately accommodated while in the UK and
• evidence that she will return to Thailand, or at least leave the UK, when or before her visa expires.

[PeeJay1959]

Good luck with it, they are extremely picky at the moment.

[Denim]

Good luck with it, they are extremely picky at the moment.

Yep. They seem to turn a hell of a lot of people down on the first application. If you stick with it and pay again they are more amenable. Nice little earner for them and nobody can do anything about it . Can't call it corruption but very dubious ethics.

[penco]

Good luck with it, they are extremely picky at the moment.

Yep. They seem to turn a hell of a lot of people down on the first application. If you stick with it and pay again they are more amenable. Nice little earner for them and nobody can do anything about it . Can't call it corruption but very dubious ethics.

That's been my experience exactly. EXTREMELY picky.

[brewsterbudgen]

Good luck with it, they are extremely picky at the moment.

Yep. They seem to turn a hell of a lot of people down on the first application. If you stick with it and pay again they are more amenable. Nice little earner for them and nobody can do anything about it . Can't call it corruption but very dubious ethics.

That's been my experience exactly. EXTREMELY picky.

Picky about what? Examples rather than generalised hearsay would be helpful. I always thought about 90% of applications were successful.

[theoldgit]

Good luck with it, they are extremely picky at the moment.

With the greatest of respect, that's simply not true.

If your application is genuine and you can supply evidence to support it, then a visa will be granted.

If your application is genuine, well prepared and presented, then entry clearance will be granted.

There are no brownie points for ECO's who refuse application, no quotas.

[bobbymack]

A number of people seem to be saying that the Home Office are making it difficult so that a genuine person such as myself cannot go back to UK and settle with my partner of more than 2 years.

If I apply for 6 month visitor visa do I have to show the flight tickets? The problem is that I don't want to book them until we get the visa. Also, the intention is not to return to Thailand, at least not in the short term and then apply for a settlement visa after 6 months and while in the UK. Is this possible and should we state that in the covering letter?

[theoldgit]

No you don't have to provide details of flight tickets when applying for a standard visit visa, the UKVI specifically advise against purchasing non refundable tickets before a visa has been issued.

A Border Force Officer might ask for sight of return tickets when a visa holder presents themselves at a UK Border, they might be looking for evidence that the return fights are the same, or similar, to the travel arrangements in the original application.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say that the Home Office and your (unmarried?) partner of two years are making it difficult to settle in the UK? If you and your unmarried partner can provide proof that you have been living in a relationship akin to marriage for two years or more, and can meet the financial requirements, then there's no reason why a settlement visas shouldn't be issued.

A settlement visa has to be applied for in the country of residence, so she would need to return home to Thailand to apply. If she stated that the intention was not to return to Thailand or even hint that she was going to attempt to settle in the UK, then in all likelihood a visit visa wouldn't be issued.

[bobbymack]

So if I came back to England with my girlfriend on a 6 month visa but did not book a return flight in 6 months time, the Border official may refuse her entry?

I was in any case not going to put dates of the flight on the application as I don't know when that will be until we get the visa. Is that a mistake and should I just put a date anyway even if it is later changed?

Also, are you saying that after 6 months we could not apply for an extension of 2 years back in England if all goes well in the relationship, having been there for 6 months.

[beano2274]

there are no extensions given in the UK, read what people have told you, she has to return to Thailand to apply for further visas. The rule is 180 days out of 360 days

Edited February 20, 2016 by beano2274

[bobbymack]

Thanks for your advice Beano.

One other little issue I am concerned about is that the GF tried to go to South Korea about a year ago but was refused entry, as they say she didn't have enough money. Hence her passport now has an arrival stamp for Thailand but no stamp of arrival in another country. I notice that the UK visitor visa form asks the question about whether a person has been deported from a country or refused a visa.

Technically she was not deported as she never entered South Korea and also was not refused a visa as she did not require a visa in the first place. Therefore, technically she could say no to the questions in the form, though I am worried that the stamp in her passport might be questioned and cause a problem and particularly if the Home office consider that she had not explained this in the application.

What do you think?

[beano2274]

she was refused entry, I would write it in the application, as if it was to somehow came up, and she did not note it down, then the visa could be refused altogether, and further applications could be met with some issues.

[bobbymack]

_{I get your point, but then the question in the UK form does not technically ask "Have you ever been refused entry to a country?"}

_{I suppose it is better to explain the stamp in the passport before they ask, though is it likely to mean they will refuse the visa anyway?}

_{Maybe she should just get a new passport?}

[beano2274]

_{I get your point, but then the question in the UK form does not technically ask "Have you ever been refused entry to a country?"}

_{I suppose it is better to explain the stamp in the passport before they ask, though is it likely to mean they will refuse the visa anyway?}

_{Maybe she should just get a new passport?}

it does not mean that she will not get a visa just because she was refused entry to Korea, explain it and it will be okay.

The problem is if you do not mention it, but it is somehow flagged and comes up at the Embassy, then you risk being apart for a very long time.

Just as a pointer, I know of a married couple she cannot go to the UK so he must go to Thailand to visit her, she has been banned, for reasons I do not know, but think about that issue.

[Bantex]

I will also provide screen shots of my bank accounts showing the money in my accounts, which is over £50,000, so on that one no problem, but will they accept a printout of the computer screenshots?

.

From past experiences all documents submitted must be originals with copies for them to attach to you application ( you will get the originals back) and any originals not in English have to be translated, with the translation also being classed as an original, so a copy of the translation is also needed.

If the original documents are in colour then the copies must also be in colour.

Edited February 20, 2016 by Bantex

[bobbymack]

Thanks for your sound and sensible advice Beano.

I know for the 6 month visa we don't have to show we have been living together for 2 years, but then it probably is worth mentioning. However, how do I prove this as we don't have a tenancy agreement with our names on it.

Do we have to send photos of us together? There are no dates on the pics anyway. Even if there were, anyone could manufacture those, so what's the point?

All I can see from the visa form is that her passport plus photo and perhaps copies of my passport should be sent with the application. It does not say anymore documents are required? I can show screenshots of my bank accounts showing funds in my account but is this acceptable and should they be sent?

As far as I can see no further documents are required or asked for?

Are there any more documents that are required and which I have omitted?

Of course, I will write the circumstances of our relationship in the "other information" section, which I assume the Embassy will have to take at face value.

Is an interview usual as we would be happy to attend anyway?

[brewsterbudgen]

I will also provide screen shots of my bank accounts showing the money in my accounts, which is over £50,000, so on that one no problem, but will they accept a printout of the computer screenshots?

.

From past experiences all documents submitted must be originals with copies for them to attach to you application ( you will get the originals back) and any originals not in English have to be translated, with the translation also being classed as an original, so a copy of the translation is also needed.

If the original documents are in colour then the copies must also be in colour.

A colleague of mine has just successfully got a visit visa for his wife and only submitted black and white copies. I wonder how essential colour copies actually are?

[bobbymack]

I will also provide screen shots of my bank accounts showing the money in my accounts, which is over £50,000, so on that one no problem, but will they accept a printout of the computer screenshots?

.

From past experiences all documents submitted must be originals with copies for them to attach to you application ( you will get the originals back) and any originals not in English have to be translated, with the translation also being classed as an original, so a copy of the translation is also needed.

If the original documents are in colour then the copies must also be in colour.

I don't have so called "originals" as I do all my banking on line and don't get paper statements. Even if I did get them, they would be sent to my contact address in UK (my parents house). As I say, I have not had paper statements for years. How do I get around this. I assume that the Home office are aware of this situation and that in this day and age people do it all on line. Perhaps, download the various statements to PDF and then print out, but then that is not an "original" whatever that means these days.

[bobbymack]

Also, I seen a so-called "Sponsors Declaration" on the home office website, but confused as to whether this is necessary for a 6 month visitor visa? Perhaps it is only required for the 2 year settlement visa?

[Tony M]

Thanks for your advice Beano.

One other little issue I am concerned about is that the GF tried to go to South Korea about a year ago but was refused entry, as they say she didn't have enough money. Hence her passport now has an arrival stamp for Thailand but no stamp of arrival in another country. I notice that the UK visitor visa form asks the question about whether a person has been deported from a country or refused a visa.

Technically she was not deported as she never entered South Korea and also was not refused a visa as she did not require a visa in the first place. Therefore, technically she could say no to the questions in the form, though I am worried that the stamp in her passport might be questioned and cause a problem and particularly if the Home office consider that she had not explained this in the application.

What do you think?

I'm not sure that I agree with your reasoning on being able to "technically" say "no" to the questions. The question asked is " HAVE YOU BEEN DEPORTED, REMOVED OR OTHERWISE REQUIRED TO LEAVE ANY COUNTRY INCLUDING THE UK IN THE LAST 10 YEARS?"

I would say that she has to answer 'yes" to that question.

[bobbymack]

Thanks for your advice Beano.

One other little issue I am concerned about is that the GF tried to go to South Korea about a year ago but was refused entry, as they say she didn't have enough money. Hence her passport now has an arrival stamp for Thailand but no stamp of arrival in another country. I notice that the UK visitor visa form asks the question about whether a person has been deported from a country or refused a visa.

Technically she was not deported as she never entered South Korea and also was not refused a visa as she did not require a visa in the first place. Therefore, technically she could say no to the questions in the form, though I am worried that the stamp in her passport might be questioned and cause a problem and particularly if the Home office consider that she had not explained this in the application.

What do you think?

I'm not sure that I agree with your reasoning on being able to "technically" say "no" to the questions. The question asked is " HAVE YOU BEEN DEPORTED, REMOVED OR OTHERWISE REQUIRED TO LEAVE ANY COUNTRY INCLUDING THE UK IN THE LAST 10 YEARS?"

I would say that she has to answer 'yes" to that question.

I mean technically because she was never in South Korea, being in the "no-mans" land of the airport and therefore was not removed from the country. Anyway, I think that this technicality might not be accepted.

[7by7]

So if I came back to England with my girlfriend on a 6 month visa but did not book a return flight in 6 months time, the Border official may refuse her entry?

She may be asked by a Border Force officer on her entry to the UK to produce evidence that she will leave the UK when or before her visa expires.

This can either be a return or onward ticket dated no later than the expiry of her visa or evidence that she has the cash available to her, from her own or another's resources, with which to purchase such a a ticket.

If she can produce neither, then she could be refused entry.

However, the airline may refuse to carry her if she does not have a return ticket​ as they may be subject to the costs of returning her plus a large fine if they knowingly carry a passenger who does not meet the entry requirements for their destination.

I was in any case not going to put dates of the flight on the application as I don't know when that will be until we get the visa. Is that a mistake and should I just put a date anyway even if it is later changed?

The application form asks for a date of travel; which can be up to three months ahead.

The visa will commence from this date and expire 180 days later. She will be able to use it to enter the UK at anytime between these two dates.

UKVI and Border Force officers are well aware that plans can change, particularly because of flight availability and costs, so entering later than originally stated in the application should not be a problem.

[7by7]

Also, I seen a so-called "Sponsors Declaration" on the home office website, but confused as to whether this is necessary for a 6 month visitor visa? Perhaps it is only required for the 2 year settlement visa?

Neither; unless specifically requested by the entry clearance officer after the application has been submitted.

[jellybunny]

Hello bobbymack,

If you are in Thailand and going back to the UK with your girlfriend, you should write invitation letter stating that you are now staying with her and want to go back to the UK and would like her to visit your home country / meet your family etc. Here are the list of documents that we used to provided to the embassy:-

For the applicant (your girlfriend)

1.) Passport (old, and current)

2.) Copy of passport data page (Current)

3.) Photograph

4.) Copy of Thai I.D. card

5.) Copy of House Book

6.) Covering Letter - explain about herself, her work, her assets, her relationship with you, the most important thing is to explain about how committed she is with her home country. (Explain that she will definitely come back to Thailand before her visa expired).

7.) Bank Reference

8.) Bank Statement (6 months)

9.) Proof of work (Letter of employment or other document to proof that she has solid career in Thailand)

For the inviter (you)

1.) Copy of passport

2.) Bank statements (download online bank statements, do not crop the pictures if not needed) 6 months

3.) Invitation letter (Explain about your relationship with her, confirm that you will support her accommodation+foods while she's in the UK)

Other evidences

- Pictures of you two together, visiting places etc.

- Evidence to proof how you knew each other (if any)

- Flight information (itinerary, don't need to book and pay yet)

The most important thing is that she need to proof to them that she will come back and will not overstay.

In the online application, fill in details correctly, do not lie.
If she has been refused to go in any countries, she can add the details and give the reason why they refused her (if not enough space on application, add more explanation in A4 paper).

Hope this helps.

[bobbymack]

Thanks for your list Jellybunny. A few issues though is that she doesn't really have any assets and nor a solid career (works in a shop). Her bank statements won't really help either as there is nothing in them and she is supported by me.

I suppose I should be really applying for the 2 year settlement visa as we have been living here in Thailand together for more than 2 years and that the intention is to re-settle back in the UK with me and not return here in the short term.

The Settlement visa seems even more difficult though with greater hurdles to overcome. Stuck between a rock and a hard place.

It is wrong though that the Home office makes it so difficult when I all I want to do is simply bring back my genuine partner to live with me in England. Why should they make decisions over my happiness with neither of us committing any crimes.

[7by7]

It is not the Home Office who make the rules; it's the government.

As theoldgit said much earlier, if your intention is to live together in the UK then it is a settlement visa she should be applying for; provided all the requiremnents are met.

However, you said before that you do not yet have a job in the UK. So unless you can meet it through savings, or some other means, the financial requirement is not yet met and you will need to return to the UK, find a job paying at least £18,600 p.a. and be in that job for at least 6 months before she applies for settlement.

However, there is no reason why she cannot obtain a visit visa to be with you in the UK for that 6 months; others before you have done exactly that.

Make it clear in the visit application that:-

• this is the intention and the reason for her visit;
• that you both know she must return to Thailand in order to apply for settlement;
• that she will leave the UK when or before her visit visa expires, even if the financial requirement is not yet met and so she cannot at that time apply for settlement;
• you are both aware of the consequences of her overstaying her visit visa, worst case being deportation and a ban from entering the UK for at least 10 years, maybe life.