Should GF's bank statements be included in UK Visitor Visa?

[RandolphGB]

My GF works at a restaurant and gets paid cash. He bank account is only what I send over there for general living expenses.

 

Should they be included in an application for a UK visitor visa?

 

Thanks

[post]

3 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

My GF works at a restaurant and gets paid cash.

Does she bank after she gets paid [in] cash?

Edited February 18, 2017 by post

[rasg]

6 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

My GF works at a restaurant and gets paid cash. He bank account is only what I send over there for general living expenses.

 

Should they be included in an application for a UK visitor visa?

My answer is that it depends. I have seen a few people have problems with UKVI by providing too much info recently and a refusal of the visa was the result. In two recent cases where each boyfriend was sending money to Thailand and in one case the visa was refused because the GF's was relying too heavily on the boyfriend's money. The other was that the ECO simply didn’t believe the figures because there was too much money going in and out of the GF's account in comparison to the erst of the info supplied elsewhere in the application.

 

How long is the trip you are asking for and how long has your GF been working there? What proof are you supplying as her reason to return to the UK? A letter from her employer is ideal showing that she will have a job to return to at the end of the holiday. If you ask for a three month holiday, for example, and she hasn’t worked there for very long, UKVI are unlikely to believe that an employer would allow a three month holiday.

 

This is the wording I used in my sponsor letter for my wife's first visit visa in June 2015 and it was successful. We didn't supply any bank statements for her.

 

Employment
October 2013. It gives her an income of 12500 baht per month. She has to
pay for very little food and drink as she eats at the restaurant most of the
time. She lives in an apartment room close to the hotel and pays 4500 baht
per month in rent. She sends 4500 baht home to her father to help with her
explaining that if she has a holiday in the UK for a month her job will still be
open for her when she returns to Thailand. She does have a bank account
but because she is paid in cash each month and much of that is sent home
or paid in rent, the account is rarely used.

 

[williewolf]

I would say yes. My wife does not work and any money in her bank comes from me, so we did not enclose any bank statements for her first application. The application was refused because they did not believe we were in a proper relationship even though we enclosed our translated papers. They were concerned that she had enough money to take care of herself whilst she was in the UK even though we told them I was paying for everything. So we reapplied enclosing her bank statements showing I made regular payments to her a/c and the vida was granted

[theoldgit]

2 hours ago, rasg said:

This is the wording I used in my sponsor letter for my wife's first visit visa in June 2015 and it was successful. We didn't supply any bank statements for her.

 

Employment
October 2013. It gives her an income of 12500 baht per month. She has to
pay for very little food and drink as she eats at the restaurant most of the
time. She lives in an apartment room close to the hotel and pays 4500 baht
per month in rent. She sends 4500 baht home to her father to help with her
explaining that if she has a holiday in the UK for a month her job will still be
open for her when she returns to Thailand. She does have a bank account
but because she is paid in cash each month and much of that is sent home
or paid in rent, the account is rarely used.

 

This is a good example of why supporting letters are important, the ECO has very little time to make their decision and can only do so on the evidence placed before them, an aptly worded supporting letter can point them in the right direction, make their job easier, and enable them to make the decision the applicant desires.

[7by7]

Only the person(s) paying for the trip needs to provide the evidence that they have the finances to cover all the costs.

 

So if your girlfriend is not contributing to the cost of the visit there is, technically, no need for her bank statements. We have never supplied my sister in law's bank statements whenever she has applied to visit us in the UK because we have covered all the costs.

 

However, a girlfriend is different to a relative as you need to show a relationship between sponsor and applicant. As you send money to her bank each month then including her bank statements can be used as evidence of your relationship.

 

I am a bit concerned, though, that you say

15 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

My GF works at a restaurant and gets paid cash. He bank account is only what I send over there for general living expenses.

If she works, why does she need money from you for her "general living expenses?"

 

No need to answer that here, but the ECO may wonder this as well; so you should briefly explain it in your sponsor's letter in a similar fashion to rasg's example above.

 

You may find Visitor: supporting documents guide helpful. Note that the items in section 2 are suggestions, not compulsory; you should only provide those which are relevant to your girlfriends application.

[Get Real]

Just depend on if you are the one that wants to show that all expensies are covered for the trip and the stay according to the rules, or if your girlfriend is going to travel to see you on her own with the money needed for that. As simple as it gets.

[rasg]

57 minutes ago, 7by7 said:

If she works, why does she need money from you for her "general living expenses?"

I think there has been a change in the way ECOs view money being sent by a boyfriend in the last year from the refusals I have seen recently. If a Thai girlfriend is self sufficient why does she need extra money or why does it need to be mentioned in a visa application? It doesn't. It muddies the waters on what could otherwise be a successful application.

 

On my wife's second VV application that actually overlapped the first, (it started before the first VV had run out because she was coming to the UK for Christmas and the first expired on 12th December) we explained that she had been laid off from her job and I was, by then, supporting her. By then, she had been to the UK and returned before the visa end date on her first VV, it went through without a problem.

[RandolphGB]

Yes, it's paid in cash and is pretty much hand-to-mouth, for food, rent, phone bills etc etc. 

 

Her boss where she has worked for five years has provided a signed supporting letter to say the job is still there for when she returns after a three month break.

 

The only issue I'm unsure about is that I haven't specified the exact dates she would fly. I don't want to book a ticket before a visa is granted so she worded in her letter that it would be within a month of a visa being granted and she will return to Thailand within three months of leaving. 

 

Are there any examples of what her application should include? And what my sponsors letter should say?

 

The trip will be funded by me and my finances look relatively healthy with around 3k a month coming in and adequate savings. 

 

The only money I send her is for treats - birthday, valentines day, pay for her to fix her teeth (my idea!!), new handbag etc etc or if she's running short.

 

All the supporting info is there - plane tickets for holidays to islands over the last year, Line messages, photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rasg]

2 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

Yes, it's paid in cash and is pretty much hand-to-mouth, for food, rent, phone bills etc etc. 

 

Her boss where she has worked for five years has provided a signed supporting letter to say the job is still there for when she returns after a three month break.

 

The only issue I'm unsure about is that I haven't specified the exact dates she would fly. I don't want to book a ticket before a visa is granted so she worded in her letter that it would be within a month of a visa being granted and she will return to Thailand within three months of leaving. 

 

Are there any examples of what her application should include? And what my sponsors letter should say?

 

The trip will be funded by me and my finances look relatively healthy with around 3k a month coming in and adequate savings. 

 

The only money I send her is for treats - birthday, valentines day, pay for her to fix her teeth (my idea!!), new handbag etc etc or if she's running short.

 

All the supporting info is there - plane tickets for holidays to islands over the last year, Line messages, photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My only real comment would be that a three month break is stretching things for a first visit visa.

 

As far as bank statements are concerned I would suggest that you don't include your GF's them at all.

 

Just about to send you a PM.

[theoldgit]

1 hour ago, rasg said:

My only real comment would be that a three month break is stretching things for a first visit visa.

A very valid point, how many people go on a holiday for three months, how many people go on holiday for three months and have their job waiting for them on their return. I wouldn't be at all surprised it the ECO doubted the credibility of the supporting letter from her employer and arranged for a telephone call to be made to test the reasoning.
What would your girlfriend be doing in the UK for three months, do you work or would you be at home with her and touring?

[elgordo38]

Have a chanote for a piece of land is the best yet. It shows she has strong ties to Thailand

[Black arab]

My wife recently had a visa refused one reason was because we didnt get the one bank statement(6months) she supplied translated !I think some ECOs deny all too easily when if the application isnt straight forward.Does anyone know if all ECOs are from the uk or are some thai.

[rasg]

2 hours ago, elgordo38 said:

Have a chanote for a piece of land is the best yet. It shows she has strong ties to Thailand

Only as part of the visa application as a whole. Reason to return seems to be a dark art as far as an ECO is concerned and I have seen applications with somebody with houses  and land refused yet somebody with no property and no assets get a VV fairly easily.

[English Engineer]

I have applied for a number of visa for my thai partner and I simply enclose a letter confirming I will cover all expenses. I then enclose only my bank statements ro confirm I am able to cover all expenses. 

 

The fact that she is intending to have a 3 month vacation could be a problem. The concern would be that ahe will not return to Thailand. What are your plans for her trip? I think fixing dates for her flights and some sort of plan for her stay is likely to help your case. The case you have to make is that this is truly a vacation and not likely to lead to her overstaying or carrying out illegal working.

 

If you look at the check list for the UK visa it gives a list of possible supporting documents. The trick is to keep the application simple and only provide the required information.

[keithcresswell]

Unless something has changed since last year yes she does need to provide a copy of her bank book. Even though we live together I now always give her monthly money as a bank transfer so that it establishes regular proof of payment. Although she takes the money out straight away when she last applied her application was successful.

[KBsinter]

Anybody tested the 3 months before departure submission date,have not booked 

flights for obvious reasons,and am a little concerned I will miss the cheap flights

period,any help very much appreciated..............

[7by7]

13 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

Her boss where she has worked for five years has provided a signed supporting letter to say the job is still there for when she returns after a three month break.

 

10 hours ago, rasg said:

My only real comment would be that a three month break is stretching things for a first visit visa.

Not really; the visa will, after all, be valid for 6 months. If she has a reason for a long visit, it is affordable and the ECO is satisfied she is a genuine visitor who will return at the end of her visit then three months should not be a problem.

 

However, as theoldgit says

9 hours ago, theoldgit said:

how many people go on a holiday for three months, how many people go on holiday for three months and have their job waiting for them on their return. I wouldn't be at all surprised it the ECO doubted the credibility of the supporting letter from her employer and arranged for a telephone call to be made to test the reasoning.

Indeed; most Thais in employment get 2 weeks holiday a year at most.

 

Randolph, what language is the letter written in? If it's in English the ECO will expect to speak to it's author in English. and will have serious doubts about the letter's genuineness if that person is unable to do so. If it's written in Thai then a Thai speaking member of staff will speak to the author.

 

13 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

Are there any examples of what her application should include? And what my sponsors letter should say?

Rasg has given you an example of a sponsor's letter in post 3.

 

I suggest the following format:

1. Introduce yourself and applicant, briefly describing your relationship.
2. Reason for visit at this time.
3. Brief details of her accommodation while in the UK.
4. Brief details of the cost and funding of the visit.
5. Brief details of her employment and any other factors which strengthen her reason to return.
6. Any expansion/explanation of answers on the application form which may be necessary.
7. List of supporting documents.

Notice my frequent use of the word 'brief!' Keep it short; 3 pages maximum.

 

You should read Standard visitor visa from UKVI and may also fined the pinned topic UK visit visa basics helpful.

[7by7]

1 hour ago, Black arab said:

Does anyone know if all ECOs are from the uk or are some thai.

 The entry clearance section does employ local Thai staff; clerks, interpreters etc.., but they are not involved in the decision making.

 

When I've checked before ECO positions were open to citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union/European Economic Area.

 

However, from a recruitment advert for an ECO in Bangkok in January 2017

Quote

Essential qualifications and experience  

• Must be a UK National

Whether it's changed for all vacancies or just that one for some reason, I don't know.

 

[Jonmarleesco]

The more, the merrier. Though if it's a modest amount, with small transactions - you know better than me - then probably better left out.

[brewsterbudgen]

Whether it's changed for all vacancies or just that one for some reason, I don't know.
 

My friend, a UK national, is an ECO. He's had postings in Nigeria, Pakistan and Beijing and is now in India. Bangkok is one of the most sought after postings...

[JamesH]

I will be sponsoring my Thai wife. Will I be able to use online prints of my UK bank statements or do I need to use originals ony

[rasg]

Online were fine a year ago. Not for a Settlement visa though.

[jamie2009]

I have a similar problem, my girl has zero Baht in the Bank, she doesn't work, own property etc. 

She looks after me and our son, we have been together for over 3 years, I have proof of that, I pay all the bills, I rent a place here but also own a property in the U.K. 

I am planning on applying for 6 month Visitor Visa in the next few weeks, visit will be max 6 weeks.

The Application Form doesn't allow you to put 0 baht in some boxes but if I put figures in I am lying ?

i have written an extensive Sponsors Letter how I support her and our son.

[brewsterbudgen]

I have a similar problem, my girl has zero Baht in the Bank, she doesn't work, own property etc. 
She looks after me and our son, we have been together for over 3 years, I have proof of that, I pay all the bills, I rent a place here but also own a property in the U.K. 
I am planning on applying for 6 month Visitor Visa in the next few weeks, visit will be max 6 weeks.
The Application Form doesn't allow you to put 0 baht in some boxes but if I put figures in I am lying ?
i have written an extensive Sponsors Letter how I support her and our son.

Just tell the truth. There is no requirement for the applicant to be earning or to have a bank account. My girlfriend had neither when she got her visa. The only financial requirements are to show that the trip will be paid for and all her expenses for the holiday covered, presumably by you. If you live together in Thailand and can show you both have ties here, her reason to return is also covered.

[superal]

6 hours ago, rasg said:

Only as part of the visa application as a whole. Reason to return seems to be a dark art as far as an ECO is concerned and I have seen applications with somebody with houses  and land refused yet somebody with no property and no assets get a VV fairly easily.

have heard similar stories also , decisions very inconsistent  and no appeal to a negative outcome . A monetary guarantor who could ensure  that the applicant complies with the visa rules would overcome many of the refusals , in the guarantor's interest to do so if there was a substantial bond .  Much easier to get a visa if you are an asylum seeker aged 30 years but claiming to be 14 years of age . Plus the Uk government take care  of you better than their own . . 

[rasg]

2 minutes ago, superal said:

have heard similar stories also , decisions very inconsistent  and no appeal to a negative outcome . A monetary guarantor who could ensure  that the applicant complies with the visa rules would overcome many of the refusals , in the guarantor's interest to do so if there was a substantial bond .  Much easier to get a visa if you are an asylum seeker aged 30 years but claiming to be 14 years of age . Plus the Uk government take care  of you better than their own . . 

Most of the time when you match the refusal notice to the info that was supplied to the ECO it's hardly surprising that a visa was refused. Many applicants have selective memories when it comes to what was put in a sponsor letter etc. I've seen it a few times and it's only when you delve a bit deeper that it becomes clear.

 

I agree with you about the asylum seekers. We were told on the news etc that they would be kids last and everybody was expecting cute 5 and 6 year olds...

[w94005m]

It's amazing how different rules get applied. I supplied my bank statements with over 20,000 pounds for several months and made it clear that i was paying for everything. I did also supply her bank book with the lead bank pages and the latest up to date balances 40 milion kip. We've also lived together 24/7 for 18 months in Laos.

And one of the reasons given for rejection was that "she had insuffient economic funds to justify her return and regardless the balance pages did not list her account number."

 

I was amazed as the funds obviously could easily be transferred or used anywhere.