Visa to Uk for Thai

[littlebird]

Hear so many stories about how difficult it is for Thai G?F to get a visa for UK just for a holiday/meet the family etc.
Any advice on this? many have told me it is reakky difficult - nigh on impossible at the moment

[lomuamart]

It's a while since I sponsored someone and she was my wife, but I think the same things are taken into consideration - it's just a bit more easy to prove some of them if you're married.
1. Is the relationship genuine? So, how long have you known each other for and proof of that.
2. Is the applicant likely to be a burden on the state either financially or for accommodation? You can sponsor her, so you'll need proof of your financial standing and show that she'll have somewhere to stay when there - unless she's seriously rich and can stand on her own two feet.
3. Will she return to Thailand? Ie, does she have a job, property etc etc that she won't want to leave behind? This is probably the most difficult part to prove as the IO can pretty much make his/her own mind up. In our case (married), my wife's reason to return was me. I showed that I lived here and "of course" she'd come back with me.

The above is pretty much it, from what I remember. The more information you can provide to satisfy those points the better. Don't rush into anything. Take your time and present things in a clear and logical manner.

I imagine that most members who can really help you are asleep in the UK at the moment, so you'll undoubtedly get better, more comprehensive information later.

However, I never believe the situation is hopeless. You've just got to try and think of how the IO will view things and try and make it as easy as possible for them to say "yes".

[kendo]

Very sound advise it's not so much about time it's proof of relationship, my mrs came to the UK in 5 and a half months on a fiancée visa.
You will need photos proof of correspondence etc also you will have to prove you are able to support this person and if you are not a home owner they will require proof of a 12 month tenency agreement.
It does seem mind blowing trust me it's not impossible as some might tell you, my advise is put your heart into it and you will be o.k.
One last thing don't try and bullshit the IO they will catch you out.
Kendo.

[MwD]

lomuamart pretty much sums it up. It is difficult with the embassy in Bangkok, and from my experience, they don't live in the same world as the rest of us :-) But it's not impossible, as long as you prepare well.

I would approach the embassy with AS MUCH information as possible to show that:

1) the visit will not cost the government any money (their main concern)

If you girlfriend has her own money, then proof of bank statements, salary slips, business related documents etc, tax returns etc.

If you girlfriend needs a sponsor, then the sponsor needs proof of income (salary slips/pension), bank statements, accommodation details (including photos of the property, and deeds/proof of ownership).

I think Health Insurance is now mandatory..

2) you are in a stable relationship

Anything that shows you are in a relationship, photos, emails, phone bills, letters etc.

3) your girlfriend with return to Thailand

If possible, anything that can show your girlfriend has interests here, job, house, land etc...

Normally, during the application, your girlfriend will be called for an interview, so best to prepare your girlfriend for questions relating to your relationship, reasons for going to the UK..This is normally conducted in English with a Thai translator.....but best if your girlfriend has a basic command of the English Language.

The 1st time I applied for my girlfriend (wife now), she was reduced to tears....so the interview preparation is just as important as the documentation...

If the initial application is rejected, I believe you can appeal against the decision.

Hope that helps

[Condoking]

Have recently successfully applied without too much of a challenge. In addition to the above solid advice they need the following:

Certified translations of birth, divorce, change of name certificates.

Certified translations of any Chanotes in her name.

Proof that you have regularly visited Thailand, photocopies of entry and exit visas from your passport, and/or photocopy of your residents visa.

If she owns land they may want to know what income she gets from it, we stated she managed the land for her family and they lived off the crop, I.e. None of it was sold.

Photos are, IMHO, a must. Make sure they are at different locations and if possible dated. Just print them 6 each on A4 and they were happy.

Invitation letter from one of your family in UK stating that she will be staying with them throughout her visit free of charge.

Travel insurance was not required.

I attached a letter stating that I will be fully responsible for all travel, meal, medical costs etc. and attached a copy from an Internet banking account showing I had money.

Visit agenda also helps, make one up if necessary.

When you apply it is best to pre-bok an appointment with VFS, the handling agents, as they can get busy. You will not be allowed in but the interview was in Thai and very friendly and casual, just checked all the paperwork was OK and talked about the photos, particularly the one in Tiger Temple.

One applicant just got refused due application being 3 months before travel date and they were concerned they may break up in the interim. In fairness they also wanted proof that he had regularly visited Thailand and proof that they had communicated before. Proof of communication is difficult unless you use e-mails, skype and others have no trace. However photos overcome this.

Hope this helps and all goes well

As stated above tell the truth, they are not stupid and have seen it all before. You don't have to tell them everything but make sure it is all correct and plausible.

[lindosfan1]

MWD
Agree
I also provided oictures of where my fiance was staying showing the outside and bedroom kitchen and lounge.
Avoid at all cost the firms that say they will do your work for you, it is a scam, we used one and it got refused. Did it on our own with so much information it was like a book
Got the visa straight away no interview

[kendo]

You will also require a letter from your company if you are still working confirming you length of service and you salary.
The interview waiting time is normally six weeks but be prepared from the start as my now wife had her interview time cut to two weeks.

As already posted above don't use an agent you can do this yourself with the right preparation you will get approached outside the embassy and spun tells how difficult to obtain on your own.
PM me if you want detailed helpvery happy to help enjoy the emotional experience.
Kendo.

[lomuamart]

Just a small point, but it may be relevant. Some of the above posts refer to an interview and a fiance visa. The OP didn't mention the fiance bit and it's different to a Visitor's Visa (tourist).
Unless things have changed, I don't think it's likely that there will be an interview. The Visitor Visa is either accepted or denied. That's it, other than the right of appeal.
I went through that process with my ex, but that was years ago.

[Condoking]

Lomu, the system has changed and, for any visa, there is an interview when your partner submits her application. In our case, for a Tourist visa, the interviewer was a Thai lady and it was a relaxed and informal interview.

As far as I am aware bookings for submission of applications are not too far ahead but this depends on the time of year. Recently the place was reported to be very busy as the school holidays had just started and children were queuing up for their visa applications. Even then I understand someone without a booking waited 2 - 3 hours and was then let in. We applied in January, just turned up and all was done within the hour.

[MwD]

Everyone has different experiences with visa applications, as procedures do change, and circumstances can be different....

I suggest you contact the embassy to find out the current procedure.

Feel free to PM me if you need any assistance. Due to working around the world with a Thai wife, embassies and visa applications are unfortunately part of our lives....When I'm in Asia I need a visa, when I'm in Europe, the wife needs a visa :-)

Good Luck.

[lomuamart]

Condoking - thanks for that. Useful to know.

[Big Boy]

Everyone has different experiences with visa applications, as procedures do change, and circumstances can be different....

I suggest you contact the embassy to find out the current procedure.

IMHO this is the best advice so far on this thread. Whenever I've applied for a visa (and I've never failed) I've always started a dialogue with the Embassy. In latter years, using e-mail that process has been very swift.

So long as you ask the right questions, and jump through every hoop they present, it makes it almost impossible to refuse you. I always include all correspondence in the application pack.

[littlebird]

Its only a visitors visa gor her that I am after and only for a short holiday of 3 - 4 weeks.
Its specific advice on obtaining a visitors visa I am after
Thanks

[MwD]

Advise as above.

[Big Boy]

If anything, the visitors visa can be more difficult. You have to jump through all of the hoops of a fiancee or marriage visa, plus you have to cunvince them that she will actually return to Thailand after 3 or 4 weeks.

Probably the best way is to prove that she owns a huge lump of land with her own house.

Reasons I've seen refusals for in the past include:

- Having to return to care for kids or sick relatives - they simply say that if she was a good parent/carer, how could she leave them for a holiday.

- Having to return for work. This falls into 2 categories:

a. They won't believe her employer's letter.

b. How will the company manage to operate one man (lady of course) down?

There is no right of appeal so the little tin gods always win, without fear of retribution.

I wish you the best of luck with your application.