More Advice Needed On Visa For Same-sex Partner

[AjarnJohn]

Hello all.

Many thanks for the advice from my last post.

I have decided to start divorce proceedings with my Thai wife. She is fine with that. I will say to the embassy that I have waited this long (separated in September 2004) because we wanted the "Two year separation - No fault" type of divorce.

Looking at some other posts, it seems that "reason to return" type refusal is very common. I fear my partner may too have the same problem.

Just been speaking to her on the phone and trying to explain it's best if she pays for her beauty course starting after her return ( 4 weeks stay in the UK) in April 2007 to show that she intends to do this course and return to Thailand to do it. She isn't keen on the idea because she wants some free time first before commencing it.

She says that because I financially support her now, the embassy can see this and she only wants to stay for 4 weeks this should be fine. IF ONLY IT WERE THAT EASY I was thinking!!

I will be mentioning in her application that I have supported her financially and that she has 2 million baht in her account (which I deposited). The fact that this hasn't been touched for what will be a year since I put it in her account (well 1.6m of it) will hopefully show that she's not just for want of a better word - "pissing" away all the money in her bank account. This is for our house.

Also I will show that I have visited her on 7 or 8 occasions over the last 3 years (From my passport) and that we have visited Singapore together for 3 days. Again proven my mine and her passport.

I do fear that the "reason to return" will be used for refusal. I can see that the scenario I've stated will be easy for refusal, even with the bank account and visits and Singapore.

Any further advice on this and trying to "beef up" her application would be appreciated.

Are there any documents/books or stuff on the internet which is in Thai that states what's needed for a UK visa and that a reason to return is very important for its success? If not maybe that would be a niche market for someone!! Or any Thai bureau that could advise my partner over the phone?

My Thai although okay, isn't upto fluent status just yet - Not like Khun "Big Ears" Andrew Biggs anyway! So explaining all this to her on the phone is a challenge.

Many thanks,

AjarnJohn

[GU22]

Any further advice on this and trying to "beef up" her application would be appreciated.

Any attempts to 'beef up' the application, or attempt to provide the answers you think the ECO wants to see, will result in failure. Tell the truth.

Are there any documents/books or stuff on the internet which is in Thai that states what's needed for a UK visa

See Visa guidance notes in Thai.

Or any Thai bureau that could advise my partner over the phone?

There are many 'visa agents' in Thailand who will, for a fee, advise you on an application. Most of them are unqualified, misinformed and give poor advice. If you decide to use an agent make sure they tell you exactly what service they provide, what their fees are etc. If possible get a recommendation from a satisfied client.

As for the rest, in Parliamentary style, I refer you to the answers I gave earlier.