Tourist visa uk-quick question

[barnaby666]

Hello forum members,

I have a quick question regarding my Thai gf application for a tourist visa to uk.

In the spouse/partner section im unsure whether my gf should select "single" or "unmarried partner".. im sure it should be unmarried partner as we have been together nearly 8 years but she is insisting it should be "single".  Will selecting "single" make the application easier as maybe "unmarried partner" will confuse things. 

All my other supporting paperwork will include my details about financing the vacation and about our relationship history im just unsure what to select for the initial application form "unmarried partner" or "single"?? 

 

I guess my other question would be what are the recommended agencies to prepare a spouse visa for my next visa application later this year? 

 

Any help much appreciated

 

Thanks in advance

 

Barnaby 

[rasg]

If you have been together for eight years you sound like an unmarried partner to me...

 

I guess my other question would be what are the recommended agencies to prepare a spouse visa for my next visa application later this year?

 

Do it yourself. If you've successfully applied for a VV before, a Settlement visa is very similar. No reason for return needed and the only thing I would suggest is that if you are self employed, you get your accountant to prepare your accounts.

[theoldgit]

Have you been living together for at least two of those eight yours?

It doesn't really matter either way, your girlfriend is correct when she says she's single, and it's her application, but if you're living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years then she could apply as you're unmarried partner, either way you should explain your relationship in your respective covering letters.

 

As to recommending an agency, for most applications the services of an agent isn't really necessary, unless your application is problematical, if you do really need the services of an agent then the only one I would recommend is Thai Visa Express in Pattaya.

[barnaby666]

In 8 years we have been living together on and off. while in the UK for 3 tourist visas we were living together but while she has been back in Thailand we just stay together during my months vacation. The accumulation over the 8 years yes we have lived together for more then 2 years but i guess it depends on what the embassy's definition is.

Thanks for your help guys much appreciated. 

[bobrussell]

Not sure it matters as long as there is a clear explanation in the covering letter. Relationships come in all shapes and sizes but as this arrangement is not particularly 'akin to (most) marriage' there is nothing wrong with entering single!

 

Also not sure there is a clear definition either! Both are acceptable but perhaps more of a long term relationship than marriage!

 

The Home Office seem to be starting to use the term 'durable' relationship. This can be demonstrated by co-habitation, joint financial commitments etc so your other half is probably right!

[theoldgit]

Whilst it's important that all facts are disclosed, I wouldn't be suggesting that your girlfriend was living with you in the UK whilst on previous visit visas, if the ECO suspects that she is attempting to use visit visas to circumnavigate the settlement route, and whether she is or not, that's what you're implying, they may well refuse the application.

 

Given that you're not currently living together as man and wife I think your girlfriend would be safer going with he first thought and applying as a single person, of course explain the details of your relationship in your respective covering letters.