UK Visa

[lomuamart]

Has anyone been through the process of getting a Family Visit visa for their Thai wife recently? We're hoping to go back in September for about a month.
A number of years ago, there was a form that we filled out but it seems like my wife now has to apply online and also set up an appointment that way. I'm fairly well up on supporting documentation but must admit that this change to the application has thrown me somewhat.
Any advice would be appreciated. I'm hoping for details about the process.
In the meantime, I'll continue searching the Embassy's web sire but it's a nightmare for me. Give me Thai visas any day!!

[Bristolian]

Try the following link
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/count ... gname=null

[lomuamart]

Thanks for that. I was looking at it earlier and it seems to make more sense now.
Hopefully we've got plenty of time. My wife had been once before and it only took three days for her visa once submitted but we won't leave it that close.
The two main things I need to wait for are bank statements and a letter of invitation regarding accommodation from my parents.

[Bristolian]

Thanks for that. I was looking at it earlier and it seems to make more sense now.
Hopefully we've got plenty of time. My wife had been once before and it only took three days for her visa once submitted but we won't leave it that close.
The two main things I need to wait for are bank statements and a letter of invitation regarding accommodation from my parents.

I agree, don't leave it too late to start the process. We started 2 months in advance and were initially rejected because the paperwork did not meet their satisfaction. We had time to appeal and get the decision overturned in our favor.

In Bangkok only the applicant can enter the meeting room at the agency. Therefore make sure that they have the necessary documents, copies and even back up documents with them.

[lomuamart]

Just waded through the online application form. That took a good hour or so.
I see that we've got 7 days to print it out. God, some of it was guesswork - ie my wife's parents' birthdays. We've got the years but not the exact date.
Again, thanks for the up-to-date info, Bristolian. I'm aware that I won't be allowed into the visa centre and will make sure that my wife has all supporting documentation ready and copied. At least we've been through this once before and I still have copies of what was supplied last time. That needs to be updated but at least I have a template to work from.

[arcadianagain]

The main concern from the Border Agency is that the applicant has a good reason to return home, good job, own business etc.

[Big Boy]

That shouldn't be so much of a problem for lomu. His wife returned to Thailand previously. Under those circumstances, it is usually just a rubber stamp exercise.

[lomuamart]

Yes. The reason for my wife returning here is me and I'll present all my relevant Thai visa pages through three passports (two expired). I've been here for 15 years and we both intend to return otherwise we'd be asking for another type of visa.
Earlier, it was just the form filling that got me. I can't understand why I can't save the form to my hard drive. It must go to a central Embassy database so I've got 7 days to print it out or it's deleted and I've got to start again.
That, in itself, isn't problem as the hard copy just needs to be signed and dated by my wife. I've got this unique number to carry on etc etc. Just give me a form!!
She also has to make an appointment by internet. I know they won't interview her at the application centre and probably that will help waiting times.
Are there any decent places to have a beer around there? Six odd years ago, I only remember a coffee shop that sold the most expensive coffee I've ever come across - and I don't drink the stuff.

[Noz]

If it's the same online set up as for settlement visas, then you only have to log in every 7 days to keep your application data alive. Don't even need to add or change anything.

That other forum is a great source of up-to-date info for UK visa applications. Current processing times should be on the UKBA website somewhere. This is the time for student applications, delays potentially.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/count ... ableAnchor

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... y-thailand

[lomuamart]

OK. Thanks for the heads up on the 7 day thing. I reckon it'll take at least that for the documentation to arrive from the UK.
I was just experimenting this afternoon and I don't mind another hour or so to do it "properly".