I have been living here in SE Asia for a few years now without going home and I would like to spend a couple of weeks back in the UK for christmas but to take my partner as well. I understand it can be tricky getting a visa to the UK for a Thai person. Can anybody offer me advice on what I should do and how I should go about it?
We have been together for nearly 2years now but the house we are renting is in her name, and there is little to prove of our relationship to be honest. Would it be wise to open a joint account now? We have a little over half a year to get all of the visa side of it sorted, so there is ample time.
Christmas Visa
Christmas Visa
Be the tree that sways with the breeze rather than the tree that leans against the wind
Re: Christmas Visa
Plenty of folk on here that can tell you the details.
When I did it some years ago the main aim of the Embassy seemed to focus on her returning and not disappearing into a sleazy UK brothel.
We went armed with:
1) Money in her bank account
2) Proof of your ability to support her in the UK
3) Proof of her land, house and family in Thailand (a few kids helps)
4) Pictures of you both going back a couple of years
5) Ability to communicate outside of the bedroom
Separate interviews were conducted and cross checked
Biggest Hassle was at Heathrow
When I did it some years ago the main aim of the Embassy seemed to focus on her returning and not disappearing into a sleazy UK brothel.
We went armed with:
1) Money in her bank account
2) Proof of your ability to support her in the UK
3) Proof of her land, house and family in Thailand (a few kids helps)
4) Pictures of you both going back a couple of years
5) Ability to communicate outside of the bedroom
Separate interviews were conducted and cross checked
Biggest Hassle was at Heathrow
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
Re: Christmas Visa
We're married, so it's a little different and the length of time we've been together here in Thailand is longer than you, uk tom.
However, don't give up and richard pretty much gives sound advice.
I wouldn't argue with the points he raises except for:
1. Some kids back in Thailand.
When I was applying for an ex-girlfriend about 14 years ago, her three kids were seen as a problem. Ie, we'll try and get them over to the UK as well. I had the Embassy letter with the reasons for denial before and believe me, kids didn't work in our favour in those days. The situation was thrown back into the mother's face - basically, " you can't love your children if you're going to leave them here for 3-4 months". Things might have changed now?
2. Don't think that any interviews are conducted for visitor visas now.
3, The rest seems spot on and the most important thing is to satisfy the Embassy that your girlfriend has a good reason to return to Thailand. When I took my wife, the reason she would return was actually me. I'd been here for some 10 years at the time, proved it with all my visas etc and we were married.
She got her visa in three days.
Hope that helps. The reason to return is the most important factor. Secondarily, is that she mustn't be seen as possibly being a burden on the State. So, that's your proof of money and accommodation to support her during her stay.
However, don't give up and richard pretty much gives sound advice.
I wouldn't argue with the points he raises except for:
1. Some kids back in Thailand.
When I was applying for an ex-girlfriend about 14 years ago, her three kids were seen as a problem. Ie, we'll try and get them over to the UK as well. I had the Embassy letter with the reasons for denial before and believe me, kids didn't work in our favour in those days. The situation was thrown back into the mother's face - basically, " you can't love your children if you're going to leave them here for 3-4 months". Things might have changed now?
2. Don't think that any interviews are conducted for visitor visas now.
3, The rest seems spot on and the most important thing is to satisfy the Embassy that your girlfriend has a good reason to return to Thailand. When I took my wife, the reason she would return was actually me. I'd been here for some 10 years at the time, proved it with all my visas etc and we were married.
She got her visa in three days.
Hope that helps. The reason to return is the most important factor. Secondarily, is that she mustn't be seen as possibly being a burden on the State. So, that's your proof of money and accommodation to support her during her stay.
Re: Christmas Visa
We have some pictures of going back through our relationship, some in Malaysia and here in Thailand. She has only ever been to Malaysia outside of Thailand which is another reason I really want to take her to the UK (even though I pretty much dislike the hell out of it myself now lol). But christmas is christmas, and she doesn't know what it means to be cold! Also if it snows that will be quite an experience.
So, I am thinking of openeing a joint account soon so that when it comes to applying for this visa later in the year it will be something on our side if you will. She has 2 kids but I will not mention them. I am trying to think of a reason why she needs to come back. We have a house but rent because I really do not wish to buy property in Thailand, I know many farang do but I am young and ontop of that many things can easily go wrong. How much would be nice to be in this joint bank account to show the visa people? Also we will be staying most likely with my family, they can fund us as well as we can fund ourselves.
Going back to the main aspect, reason for returning. Job? I am returning as well so can I introduce that into the equation somehow if they consider we are actually a couple with the evidence we provide? One last thing I would like to add and sorry for all of these questions but I want to iron our all of the creases, if we are only going to be there for say 10-14 days, should she mention that or should we apply for a 3 month or 6 month visa or something?
So, I am thinking of openeing a joint account soon so that when it comes to applying for this visa later in the year it will be something on our side if you will. She has 2 kids but I will not mention them. I am trying to think of a reason why she needs to come back. We have a house but rent because I really do not wish to buy property in Thailand, I know many farang do but I am young and ontop of that many things can easily go wrong. How much would be nice to be in this joint bank account to show the visa people? Also we will be staying most likely with my family, they can fund us as well as we can fund ourselves.
Going back to the main aspect, reason for returning. Job? I am returning as well so can I introduce that into the equation somehow if they consider we are actually a couple with the evidence we provide? One last thing I would like to add and sorry for all of these questions but I want to iron our all of the creases, if we are only going to be there for say 10-14 days, should she mention that or should we apply for a 3 month or 6 month visa or something?
Be the tree that sways with the breeze rather than the tree that leans against the wind
Re: Christmas Visa
If that's a case, you will need a letter from them stating that they are prepared to provide accommodation for your girlfriend. Also, when my father funded my daughter's visit on one occasion, he also had to state what funds he was making available, and provide bank statements.Uktom wrote:Also we will be staying most likely with my family, they can fund us as well as we can fund ourselves.
If you'd like to discuss face to face, I also live on Soi 88 at the moment. Drop me a PM, and you can pop around.
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Re: Christmas Visa
It might be a good idea for you to download the application form for the visit visa and check the many questions that you will need to answer. I would recommend that you answer as honestly as possible so that during the interview your girlfriend doesn't have to rely on rehearsed answers. Re your question about only staying for about 2 weeks, this is one of the questions you need to answer together with where you will stay and who will fund the costs. From my experience it would be better if you can show that you will be her sponsor with sufficient funds available (copies of UK bank statements), assuming you have? You can apply for the visa, three months before the planned visit and assuming it is granted, it will be valid for 6 months, even if you only intend to stay for 2 weeks. Good luckUktom wrote:We have some pictures of going back through our relationship, some in Malaysia and here in Thailand. She has only ever been to Malaysia outside of Thailand which is another reason I really want to take her to the UK (even though I pretty much dislike the hell out of it myself now lol). But christmas is christmas, and she doesn't know what it means to be cold! Also if it snows that will be quite an experience.
So, I am thinking of openeing a joint account soon so that when it comes to applying for this visa later in the year it will be something on our side if you will. She has 2 kids but I will not mention them. I am trying to think of a reason why she needs to come back. We have a house but rent because I really do not wish to buy property in Thailand, I know many farang do but I am young and ontop of that many things can easily go wrong. How much would be nice to be in this joint bank account to show the visa people? Also we will be staying most likely with my family, they can fund us as well as we can fund ourselves.
Going back to the main aspect, reason for returning. Job? I am returning as well so can I introduce that into the equation somehow if they consider we are actually a couple with the evidence we provide? One last thing I would like to add and sorry for all of these questions but I want to iron our all of the creases, if we are only going to be there for say 10-14 days, should she mention that or should we apply for a 3 month or 6 month visa or something?