My girlfriend was granted her Tourist visa October 2006 and is currently here in the U.K with me now. We are loving our time together so much that we are alrerady planning her next trip now. My question is - She was granted a 6 Month Visa but on the understanding she would return to Thailand after One month (which is fine) BUT can she return to the UK on the same visa before it expires in April? If the answer is yes would it have any negative affect on any future applications?

Thanks in advance

Steve

In short no, she needs to abide by the original plans of 1 month. Then re-apply for a new visa.

My girlfriend was granted her Tourist visa October 2006 and is currently here in the U.K with me now. We are loving our time together so much that we are alrerady planning her next trip now. My question is - She was granted a 6 Month Visa but on the understanding she would return to Thailand after One month (which is fine) BUT can she return to the UK on the same visa before it expires in April? If the answer is yes would it have any negative affect on any future applications?

As the Visa is multiple entry she can lawfully enter as many times as she wishes before the expiry date of the Visa but must leave UK the final time before the expiry date of the Visa which is 6 months after the date of issue (not her date of first entry to UK). The fact that she stayed a lot longer than she said could have an affect but not necessarily on the next application (she could be asked to give a reason why she stayed longer than promised) which should be at least 6 months after she returns to Thailand.I'm not advising it but would think staying longer would be better than having two entries and easier to explain.

Visit visas are normally 6 months duration and are multi entry. However sometimes, especially on a first application, if the ECO has doubts, but not enough to refuse, the visa may be limited to a single entry. So first check the visa to see if it is endorsed 'single' or 'multi.'

Also, again if the ECO has doubts, then she may have been asked to sign an undertaking to return within a certain time; if so it will be stapled in her passport.

If the visa is multi entry then legally she can use it as often as she wishes up to the expiry date, if single entry then she can stay the full 6 months; even if she did sign an undertaking. However breaking her word, especially if she did sign an undertaking, shows a lack of trust which could be held against her on any future applications.

I know it can be hard, but my advice would be for your girlfriend to abide by the original statement made to the visa officer, give or take a week or so. In the long run, this will, generally speaking, make future visit visa applications a doddle as your girlfriend will have already demonstrated her trustworthiness. If she were to go back to Thailand now, she could perhaps think of reapplying in March/April time.

Scouse.