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How to Get a UK Visitor Visa for Your Thai Partner [in 7 Steps]

I’m going to start this post with a necessary disclaimer:

This information is based on my personal experience and in no way guarantees that your Thai partner will be granted a visa to visit the UK. Each application is decided on its individual merit by an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) on behalf of UK Immigration & Visas.

I am not a licensed agent, and I have no privileged contact with the UKVI.

The information in this post is intended to help you complete the process correctly and submit what might be considered relevant documentation to support your application.

uk visa thai girlfriend

Okay, so you want to bring your girlfriend, wife, boyfriend or husband to the UK for a visit.

We’ve (myself and Mrs TTL) have been through this process successfully ten times, so I’m going to break this down into 7 simple steps that you can work through systematically and make sure you get it right.

Let me just say at this point that you DO NOT need to hire a visa agent/service to apply for you.

There’s a huge number of visa services out there that claim to be able to give you an advantage over those who apply by themselves. This is not true.

Such services charge you a large amount of money for a process that was designed for you to complete by yourself.

It is not difficult if you simply follow the instructions. As much as they lead you to believe, these visa services have no “contacts” inside the UKBA, and they too, like everyone else, are subject to refusal.

The one advantage they do have is the experience of submitting documentation for specific circumstances. They have a feel for what the officials want to see.

But don't worry, I’m going to use my experience and help you with that.

What Are Our Chances of Getting a Visa?

The process is NOT discriminatory. Each application is subject to the same investigation and processing and anyone can apply.

That said, you will have to follow the guidelines and meet certain criteria. At a basic, level, you will have to prove what I call the ‘BIG 3':

  1. Provide adequate evidence that your relationship is genuine and exists in the way you have claimed it does.
  2. Provide adequate supporting evidence for the details provided on your application form.
  3. Provide evidence that you have good reason to want to return to Thailand once your visit is over.

Of course, outside of these basics, one would assume they consider your criminal record history and the outcome of previous applications.

Let’s be honest: If you met your partner last month on a 2-week holiday to Thailand and are now trying to get her/him back to the UK for 6 months, you’re going to have a tough time proving that your relationship is genuine, and that you are going to guarantee his/her safety and financial needs while in the UK.

It might seem unfair, especially when you’re in “luuurve”. But consider that even though it’s frustrating, the application process is designed to protect your partner and the UK.

I mean, if it was super easy to get a visa for someone you know little about and have only known for a short time, it would leave foreign nationals open to exploitation.

Anyway, you get the picture….

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Pre-Application Considerations

The form your partner needs to fill out requires personal information and travel history. So before you start, make sure he/she has the following to hand:

  • Work history and current employer details/salary
  • Parent’s names and dates of birth
  • Passport/travel history (current and previous – 10 years)
  • Details of dependents (children)
  • Details of funds available for the visit (financial)
  • Details of partner/friend/sponsor
  • Details of accommodation
  • Proposed travel/return dates

You’ll notice in this post that I often refer to “you”,even though it is your partner who will need to fill out the form.

The reasons for this are:

1) I assume you are researching this topic for your partner, so I'm addressing you, the reader.

2) It's perfectly legal for you to assist your partner in filling out the form if your partner’s English writing skills aren’t up to the task.

It’s also a good idea to sit down and do it together anyway (in person or on Skype). That way you’ll have two pairs of eyes to run over it and make sure you don’t miss anything.

Step 1: Register An Account On The Visa4UK Website

Go here and register an account on the UKBA website. You will have to apply online and this registration will provide you with a password to log-on and fill out the form.

The email address you provide will also be used as a point of contact to notify you of your appointment confirmation, payment confirmation and notification to pick up your passport and decision.

Step 2. Fill Out The Application Form

Once you’ve set up your account, you’re ready to start. Go back to the pre-considerations and make sure you have all that information to hand – otherwise you won’t be able to complete the application in one sitting.

Set aside two hours for this task. You may get it done quicker, but it’s best to give yourself this time so that you don’t get stressed out.

Pick a time when you aren’t likely to be distracted and you aren’t tired. You’ll want to get this right first time.

If you get stuck on a question, use the form’s “?” help pop-ups to guide you.

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Step 3: Make An Appointment

Once the application is done, you’ll be taken to view your progress on the home page of your account.

At this stage, you can choose an appointment day and time to submit your application. If you are in Bangkok, this must be done in person at The Trendy Building in Sukhumvit (all the details are in Step 6).

Now, consider that you still need to get your supporting documentation together, so give yourself ample time for that.

I recommend booking an appointment for a week’s time to take the pressure off; there’s quite a bit of documentation to get together.

Step 4: Make Your Payment

Do this as soon as you’ve booked your appointment. It’s not worth leaving until later because if you forget you won’t be able to submit your application.

Make sure you take a copy of the payment receipt and appointment letter with you on submission day (see the reminder list in Step 5).

At the time of writing, the price of the application is quoted in US dollars and works out at $130. I have no idea why they don’t let you pay in GBP. I have complained because it works out more expensive this way, but no reply, as yet.

Once you’ve paid, you’re all set. Now it’s time to get that supporting documentation together.

Step 5: Supporting Documentation

There is information on supporting documentation on the UKVI website here.

If you're wondering why the information isn't very detailed and helpful, it's because they only tell you the fundamental basics to submit.

Every application is slightly different, and having the right documentation isn’t a guarantee of an approval, thus you will see the words “any other documents in support of your application” in the text.

So you need everything on this list, plus whatever you think is necessary to support your situation.

Want a Comprehensive Documents Checklist?

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NOTE: As of late 2018 you can scan and send your documents electronically during the application process, or you can take them with you and have them scanned by the member of staff processing your application at the VFS centre.

If you chose to take the documents with you to be scanned, do yourself a favour and get a folder. Buy one with plastic slip cases built in. This will help you present your documentation in an organised fashion.

I suggest you create a contents page that lists all the documentation inside the folder, and then number each page inside with the corresponding number on the contents page.

This will make it much faster to process, and help you ensure you have everything covered.

NOTE: Any document you submit in Thai should be translated into English by an accredited translation agency. Remember, you are submitting this application to UK officials, not Thai officials; they will not be able to read anything in Thai.

On the UKVI website it states that all submitted documents must be originals and not photocopies. However, this applies to the documents it suggests you provide.

If you are providing documents outside of those listed by the UKVI, you may be able to provide colour or black and white copies. Please see my checklist for further advice.

Make sure you provide the original copy of all translations.

Essential ‘Must Not Forgets'!

  • Print out your application (As of late 2018 you no longer need to print your application because it is sent electronically. However, I still recommend printing a copy as you never know you may need to refer to it on the day of your appointment).
  • Take your documentation folder with you (if you want to have your documents scanned for sending by staff)
  • Print out your payment confirmation
  • Print out your appointment confirmation
  • Take your Thai ID Card with you
  • Take your passport! (This is needed to put the visa inside – if you pass)

Step 6: Appointment Day

On the day, make sure you arrive an hour in advance. This will give you some leverage should you have forgotten to print something out.

If in Bangkok, take the MRT/BTS. A taxi may get stuck in traffic and cause you to miss your appointment.

The closest station to VFS is Nana BTS.

Directions from the station:

  • Get off the train.
  • Walk down the stairs.
  • Turn right at the bottom of the stairs.
  • Go through the ticket barrier bear off to the left.
  • Take the stairs to your right (right in the corner)
  • Once at the bottom of the stairs, walk straight.
  • Sukhumvit 13 is about 2 roads down.
  • Trendy Building is 125 meters down on your right-hand side.

VFS Address (Bangkok):

VFS Bangkok Application Centre
Trendy Office Building, 28th Floor,
Sukhumvit Road Soi 13,
Klongtoey Nua, Wattana,
Bangkok
10110

Chiang Mai:

231/12 1004, Thesaban Nakhon Chiang Mai 1004
Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
50200

uk-visa-guide-featured

Click the image above to read more about my guide.

My experience is with the BKK VFS, so I'll walk you through that:

When you arrive at the Trendy Building, you’ll see a UK/Australia/Canada visa booth located on the ground floor. Your partner must hand his/her appointment paper to the official at this desk.

The office is on the 28th floor. This means you’ll need to head to the lift at the back of the ground floor. On busy days this lift can take ages to arrive, so allow at least 10 minutes to make the escalation.

If you accompany your partner to the visa office, you may not be allowed in the main submission room. It’s strange. Sometimes they let partners in and other times they don’t.

Step 7: The Decision: Collecting Your Passport

You'll be notified by email when your visa is ready for collection. Simply go back to the same building between the times and days given on your email with the receipt you were given after your submission.

You will receive an envelope with your passport and decision inside.

Wait until you get back downstairs to the café before opening the envelope. I suggest this because if you are rejected, you may be overcome with emotion and try to speak with the staff about your decision.

Remember: the staff at the visa centre have no influence over this decision and are there to organise and process, not to give out advice. No matter your plea, they cannot change this decision.

What to Do if You Are Refused a UK Visit Visa

It does happen. It happened to us the very first time. We’d been together 2.5 years at this point and still weren’t granted a visa.

But here’s the anomaly; it wasn’t to do with my wife (then girlfriend), but me.

The UKVI wanted proof of my travel to and from Thailand since a specific period. I hadn’t provided my passport history on my first application, and therefore they could not verify our history together.

This was really annoying because all travel history is logged on central computers in the UK, but the onus was on me to prove this, not for them to go digging into data.

So we reapplied, this time submitting my passport history and a document outlining a timeline of travel to and from the region. We also had to pay again (of course). This time we passed and had a wonderful Christmas in the UK.

Don’t get disheartened. Read the notes left by the Entry Clearance Officer inside your refusal. Go home, get the documentation you need together and apply again.

The lesson here is not to leave anything to chance or the imagination of the visa official processing your application. Be as comprehensive as possible.

Provide as much evidence of your relationship, of your ability to financially sponsor and take care of your partner in the UK, and as much of a reason for your partner to want to return to Thailand as possible.

Refused a Visa? Frustrated, Upset? Want to Apply Again?

=> Download My Comprehensive Guide Here <=

What to Do Next – Once You Have Your Visa

2. Pay for Your Flights

If you pre-booked your flight (s) without paying, don't forget to pay for them before they expire or you might have trouble booking a ticket for the days you want to leave and return to Thailand.

Even though your visa is for 6 months, in my opinion it is best-practice to return to Thailand on the date proposed on your application. This shows that you were truthful regarding your reasons to return and have kept to the word of your application.

This may bode well for future applications.

2. Get Travel Insurance

In the excitement of getting your visa, don't forget to get travel insurance! We almost did this last time but luckily my wife remembered and got it the night before.

The NHS will treat a patient without insurance, but there will be a cost decided by the hospital, and it could be pretty expensive.

Also consider personal accident cover, lost luggage cover and flight cancellation cover.

We always use World Nomads. It's great cover at a reasonable price:

=> Click here to get a quote from World Nomads.

Best of luck!

——————————————————–

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No doubt you saw the headlines in the post adverting my visa guide. Well, I'm shouting about it because it's pretty awesome. It should be too; I spent 6-months putting it together!

It comprises my experience of applying with my wife, and advising readers on their applications and refusals, all rolled into one comprehensive and super-helpful guide.

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  2. pete says

    I just wanted to share some info the lady at VFS gave me as I was not aware of this.

    My wife applied for her visa and stated the date of travel to the UK as 28th July 2019. She collected her visa a couple of days ago and it was issued on 26th June 2019 and valid from 27 June – 27 December 2019 (6 months). In the past her visa usually starts on the date we specified her date of travel but this time it was valid from 1 day after the visa was issued. I assumed it was a new policy so I asked the lady and she said that it means my wife has been issued a ‘yellow visa’ instead of a ‘green visa’. I asked what determines this and she said its purely up to the Embassy. I said I didn’t even know there was different visas and she said yellow start from date of issue and green start from date of travel as specified on the visa. Has anyone else every heard of this? The inconvenience for us is that we was considering a 2nd visit over Christmas as we expected the visa to expire at the end of January 2020 but since it expires on 27 December 2019 it makes it very tight. Would making a 2nd visit for say 2 weeks and then leaving the UK on 27 December 2019 look bad for the next visa application?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Generally visas are valid from date of issue.If they can better align it with your intended date of travel they may do that.

      In terms of visiting twice in six months, the UK Standard Visitor Visa is a multiple-entry, so technically during that time the holder can come and go. However, an issue may arise when someone’s visit pattern implies that there has been a change of circumstances since the visa was issued. For example, if a person claims to be employed full-time, or must return to their country for a specific reason at the application stage, and then proceeds to visit again despite this, it raises a flag – because it indicates that that the person’s visit pattern contradicts the grounds upon which the initial visa was issued.

      Immigration Officers are trained to spot these red flags. Generally I advise one visit per visa.

      Reply

      • pete says

        Thanks for that. For most of my wife’s previous visas we have normally visited twice within the 6 months despite only mentioning the first visit in the application and never had any problem. But the visits are usually only for a couple of weeks so I assume they don’t see it as a red flag compared to say someone who states they are visiting for 2 weeks but ends up staying for months.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Exactly. As long as the visits remain in line with the terms upon which your visa was issued there shouldn’t be a problem.

          Where people get tripped up is when they contradict the evidence they initially gave to get the visa regarding a genuine reason to return to Thailand. I heard from a person last year who had run into this issue when applying for a subsequent visa. It’s really down to how astute the immigration officials are in the UK, or how astute the entry clearance officer is processing the next visa you apply for.

          Because if they look back at your visa history and see you stated that you must return to Thailand after two weeks because you have to get back to your job and to take care of your son, yet you return home and a few weeks later you are back in the UK for two months; clearly you aren’t telling the truth or your circumstances have changed considerably. If your circumstances have genuinely changed, you must inform UK Visas and Immigration because they issued you the visa on the basis of your old circumstances.

          Reply

  3. TheThailandLife says

    It’s heartbreaking to receive a visa refusal.

    Late last week I received details from someone who was refused and I have decided to share my reply here to help others avoid the same mistakes.

    Leave no stone unturned. View your application as if you were the officer viewing the case. Leave nothing open to interpretation. Everything you say must be proven in your supporting documentation. Read my guide thoroughly before you apply and use the checklists.

    Reply starts here:

    You girlfriend’s application was turned down on the three key areas where you must provide clear evidence:

    1. Employment status
    2. Relationship status
    3. Genuine reason to return

    Fortunately these are things that can be addressed by addressing each point specifically and providing thorough evidence. Below I have outlined what you would need to do for each of these refusal points. I also suggest that once you have got all the evidence together and are ready to make another application you write a separate supporting letter that lists each of these reasons for refusal, as stated in the letter they sent you, and below the text write what you have included in the new application to address these issues. That way they can be in no doubt that you have understood why the application was refused and taken the necessary steps to provide enough evidence to satisfy the criteria.

    1. The first point they make is that your girlfriend provided a letter of employment which verifies her income, but the income cannot be verified by her bank statements.

    If you claim that you are employed by a particular company and are in receipt of a specific salary each month, they will expect to see that salary going into a bank account – because this is generally how people are paid. Officially registered businesses do not generally pay cash in hand, and if they do there will be some kind of pay slip that, among other details, documents the tax deduction. If she is indeed paid cash in hand, then this would need to be stipulated and confirmed by the employer in the letter. And then there should be some explanation of how this money is spent, in terms of living expenses and savings, etc.

    The balance your girlfriend showed in her bank account was over four months old. So this suggests that she hasn’t been receiving a salary into her account for the last four months; at least this is the assertion they are working on. An explanation of where the balance has come from would also be a good idea. For example, if she is indeed paid in cash by her employer and her employer is willing to corroborate that through a letter then it would also be a good idea to state how the savings in her bank account have been accrued.

    2. The second point they make is that you haven’t demonstrated that your relationship is as you state. This is quite vague and they haven’t given a specific example of how you haven’t done that, which is unusual. So this suggests to me across the board there simply wasn’t enough evidence to prove that your relationship is genuine.

    In this regard, I recommend you refer back to my guide and look at how you are able to prove that the relationship is genuine. One thing that you have going for you is that I presume you are living in Thailand, or at least spend a considerable amount of time there, as you have a bank account there.

    You will need to provide information on when you met, and document your travel history to and from Thailand to prove that you were in the country to spend the time together that you say you have. Although they say pictures aren’t necessary, I still believe in situations like yours they hold weight. So submitting some pictures that span the time you have known each other, with information on dates and locations when they were taken, will support your application. You should also print off some social media / email correspondence that shows dates and times that you have been involved in conversations over the period for which you are claiming to have been in a relationship.

    But as I said above, please refer to the guide as there is a lot of information on this subject in there.

    3. The last point is regarding your girlfriend’s reason for returning to Thailand after her visit. This can be quite difficult to prove since not everyone has assets or a business that would necessarily require them to return. But there is probably something in her life which means she must return to Thailand.

    I don’t know her personal situation but perhaps she has a child that she supports financially, a child she lives with or goes home to see on a regular basis. If she provides a certain level of support to her child, then this is obviously a reason that she needs to return to Thailand.

    It may be that she has aging parents that she supports, or that one of the parents is unwell and needs her ongoing support. Again this would be a reason to return. If she owns land, or a car or motorbike, or a house, these assets are a reason to return to Thailand. But these things must be proven. So if she owns a piece of land then the deeds must be submitted with the application and of course translated into English so that the

    officer can understand what the document is.

    The problem is that your girlfriend is seen as wholly financially dependent on you, and therefore if she has no assets then what reason has she got to return to Thailand. As harsh as it may sound, in their mind it would make sense for her to simply overstay and remain in the UK and claim some form of asylum or state help.

    Reply

  4. Will says

    Quick question, I’ve invited my Thai girlfriend of 2 years to my home in the UK, we are both young and I am therefore only able to supply her with food, accommodation and other similar expenses. My girlfriends dad is a well off farmer who has agreed to pay for all of her other expenses.

    We have extensive proof of our close relationship and that she has a good job that she will return to.

    As I am inviting her but her dad is funding her if we show her dads bank statements, a letter from him agreeing to cover costs of the trip and a letter of invite from myself would that be enough?

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      I think you have got the right approach. Cover everything per TTL guide you can buy, or read through all the comments and answers. (I am not connected to TTL but have found his advice invaluable). It may be a good idea to ask the dad to transfer money to daughter to show his willingness and the longer it is left in her account prior ro application the better. Get a letter from him also, officially translated, confirming the gift and further support as necessary, backed up by bank statements. It may be a good idea for you to suggest the wording to your GF so it is couched in the correct terms. Also, in your letter of invitation, include this aspect of the story pretty much as you have here. If you give a full explanation backed up by her “letter of further information” saying the same thing (but worded differently) and his letter confirming assistance, it should be a pretty convincing story backed up by factual bank statements. Good luck!

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        I agree with Mike that sufficient money to cover the trip should be transferred to your GF’s account to show evidence of the funds available to her. Her Dad can then show further evidence via bank statements that he has further funds to support her if she needs help. He will definitely need to provide a letter, and it would be a good idea if he can provide details of his business by way of his registered business document. Everything in Thai must be officially translated.

        Will you be staying with relatives? If so, you will need the owner of the property to confirm their ownership (house deed, current mortgage agreement, utility bill) and to provide a copy of their passport. The person should also write a letter confirming that your GF is welcome to stay in the property for the duration.

        Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      I have said this in a previous post as a contributor (I am not associated with TTL), VFS are a business trying to make extra money with add on service packages. In my opinion these are poor value (no value!) and very close to dishonest marketing.

      Gold service includes preparation help with scanning. Well as part of their contract with the UK government they have to scan your documents and send them to the processing centre in India for free. It is included in your visa application fee. What additional “preparation” help is likely to be given I do not know.

      It also covers photocopying. But under the current procedures no copying is required as they would scan any original documents and return them to you.

      It also covers photographs, stating if you have no photographs or unsuitable ones then they will help. But you have your photo taken at the biometric appointment so this service is irrelevant.

      So that is 3 items from 6 that are of no use and really should not even be advertised as a service.

      As for SMS, this is quite cheap as an add on to a basic service but I used it once and they simply did not sent ANY SMS messages!

      The courier service can be purchased for about 325baht separately and is useful if you cannot wait 15 days in Bangkok for the return of your passport.

      The final service is a premium lounge. Well my GF spent so little time in the VFS building it would not be worth the money… but that is very much a personal choice.

      I think VFS are crafty in the way they offer you the packages and the premium appointments BEFORE you see the basic package and the valuable add on (in my opinion) of the courier service. Unless you keep scrolling and going through some pages you can easily assume you HAVE to buy a premium package/appointment and that these services are not included in your visa application fee.

      So not a direct answer but you will have had your documents scanned and sent to india as part of the process they undertake.

      Reply

  6. william france says

    hii look your site look ok .. there is 1 thing i want to know my friend tell me i need to have my g f fingerprints and biometrics photos taken can you tell me where can go i live chonburi . william

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      Bangkok. When her application is started online, the website will show you the choices. In Bangkok I recall there are now about 3 places. You have to confirm you can attend one of these places for this procedure, in order to continue with the application.

      Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      There is no set amount. I believe immigration will take into account the length of stay, whether you are paying for everything and whether she has any money at all shown as evidence of ability.

      I would suggest several thousand pounds for even a 2 week visit, as you will need to show not just day to day living expenses can be covered, but also cost of flights and medical insurance if you are paying, cost of proposed trips in the UK and an emergency fund should she need to fly home unexpectedly.

      The more you have the easier it is for immigration to tick this box without much thought!

      Reply

  8. Austin says

    My name is Austin and am from Zambia
    Iv been in a long distance relationship with a British woman,we both went to the same primary school here in Zambia then later she moved to the U.K. With her family,And after completing her school started working there and now qualifies as a British citizen….
    She visited me twice here in Zambia back in 2013 and 2014
    And we haven’t seen each other till now 2019
    We stay intouch every time and been planing on visiting each other unfortunalty her work polices don’t allow more than 2weeks off work so we have no choice but me visiting instead.
    We applied in feb this year 2018 was meant to b there for 5months but we wasn’t granted a visa we applied on the visit visa,
    Ok! We made a few mistakes in the application like in my application form I stated single when my closest option was unmarried partner (1)
    I too dint provide any social,Fincial and country ties in our defense we thought that she provided o the necessary documents like invitation letter,pay slips of 3months,mortgage and British passport (2) was an honest mistake for I have a registered company and o the documents for it to run,and I also have land and the documents needed (proof)
    I also have have a little savings.
    I had provided pictures of me and her but I think they just over looked them!

    So now that we know where we massed up and having to correct o the documents I dint include. What else needs to be worked on? Or what are my chances of getting a visa granted now?

    What other information must she include as she’s sponsoring me the trip flight ? We plan to re apply next month June for 3months.

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      I think you are being over ambitious expecting to get agreement for a 3 month visa.

      Problem #1 – I assume you are basing your application on a relationship with this UK lady, but frankly if you have not even seen her since 2014, immigration are unlikely to believe this relationship is genuine or has much foundation. I believe you would be better to apply as a friend and not try to make out you are in a relationship.

      Problem #2 – length of stay. A proposed stay of 3 months is unlikely to be well received by the UK immigration. They would expect a lot shorter period if you are applying as a tourist. You will have to justify this length of stay by detailing your proposed travel and sightseeing within the UK. Tourists normally visit for 2 – 4 weeks. Along with your plans, immigration may question how your lady can host you for 3 months when she is employed. That is, they may be concerned that because she is working, you will be left alone for much of the time and her sponsorship of you becomes a little weak in these circumstances.

      Problem #3 – your need to return home. This goes hand in hand with the length of stay. You need to demonstrate you need to return home. A 3 month stay when you are employed or running a business may be difficult to justify, so you will need to explain why it is possible to be absent so long.

      Problem #4 – previous application. This will be on file and so you will need to be very careful not to contradict yourself. Any changes or differences between the applications will need to be explained or there will be an element of doubt as to the truth of the matter.

      My opinion is you should apply for a 2 or 3 week stay that can be timed to fit in with your lady’s holiday.

      Reply

      • Marinel Morandarte says

        Hi, I just wanna ask if it’s only applicable with Thai girlfriends? I’m Filipino and have been with my boyfriend for over a year now. We met in Thailand last year and visited me here in the Philippines last month. I’m wondering what visa I can get, so I can visit him and his family for Christmas this year. Thank you x

        Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          The application process is the same wherever you apply from I believe – that is an online form, the need to go to an office in your country (the online application will show you what choices you have) to have finger prints and photo taken and to hand over the supporting documents that you have not already sent electronically.

          The need to show various criteria have been met is also the same:
          Financial ability
          Somewhere to stay
          A need to return home
          A genuine relationship (if that is the main reason for the visit).

          So buy the guide The Thailand Life has written and you will have a lot of knowledge to help you! (I am not associated with him but found his information invaluable)

          Reply

  10. pete says

    Once my wife has a UK tourist visa can we postpone the date of travel Eg. date of travel on visa is 20th June but we end up flying on 26th June? The reason i ask is the flight prices vary a lot around the period we plan to go so by time the visa is issued other dates might be cheaper. There’s 3 of us so the savings can sometimes be as high as 1000 pounds to fly on another day.

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      The immigration website says you should not book flights before the visa is granted, in case it is not granted. So they must expect a little variation in dates.

      However, it is most important to visit on the first occasion for the period mentioned in the application so as to demonstrate that the applicant has met the terms of the application, even if the timing was a little out.

      For example, on applying for a visa next time, the length of trip will be recorded on the computer and I don’t think immigration will take kindly to a previous application for a 1 month visit which was then taken as a 3 month visit, as it casts doubt on the validity of the supporting reasons to return to Thailand and thus casts doubt on the truth of the next supporting information.

      However, as a standard visitor visa lasts for 6 months, further trips are possible without any reference to immigration for permission, but it is important to justify these trips on the next application.

      Always think ahead!

      Reply

      • pete says

        Hi, I’m currently doing the application online. I’ve reached the part 6. Further Actions and have clicked on ‘Provide documents and biometrics’ where I enter the VFS site to make the appointment. I’m trying to register and it says that an email has been sent to me and please click to activate but I’ve not received any email yet. I’ve tried it 3 times now to no avail. Any suggestions?

        Reply

              • pete says

                I’ve tried to both login and reset my password on the VFS site. On both times it says an email will be sent but until now I have received nothing. I’m using google chrome and I tried on my phone too but still nothing. I received the payment email confirmation and I’ve already downloaded the application form and check list but just can’t book the appointment. Its a public holiday in the UK today, would this have anything to do with it?

                Reply

                    • Mike Baker says

                      I have found my messenger message to vfs about the same issue. This was their reply.

                      “Hi Mike.

                      We regret the inconvenience caused to you.

                      Please mail the details of the issue including any related personal information to customercare@vfsglobal.com We shall share the same with our team who can look into the matter.

                      Kindly refrain from sharing any personal data on social media to protect your privacy and prevent misuse. Apologies once again.”

                      Before I could email them the issue resolved itself. I tried again to log on and was successful.

                  • pete says

                    Just to update you, I sent a note to the email you gave me but I’ve not had a reply yet. So I popped to the VFS office at Trendy Building and a very help staff booked the appointment online for me (and at no charge). She said that many applicants are facing the same problem. Thankfully the problem has been resolved.

                    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Carl, if you use the search function for ‘agency’ or ‘agencies’ or ‘agent’ you should see some old comments on this topic. Agencies are hit and miss but are generally helpful if you reside outside of Thailand and your girlfriend’s English isn’t good enough to navigate the process.

      A few basic things you’ll need to do regardless of the agent are as follows:

      1. Before applying your GF will need to pass the A1 English language test. This is not a difficult test for someone who is able to have a conversation in English but it is worth putting time into practicing conversational English to ensure you get the certificate.

      2. Before applying your wife will need to have TB test. The doctors certificate is then submitted with your application.

      3. When applying, you will need to meet the financial requirement of earning more than £18,600 a year, or have £65,000 in savings. If you are self-employed then you need to prove the £18,600 a year over a two-year period, by way of tax returns.

      Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      If I may give my opinion…

      The standard visitor visa is not intended to allow a foreigner to live in the UK semi permanantly (see https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa) so any indication that this is your intention will not only lead to refusal but may also remain on record and prejudice future applications.

      You would presumably be aiming for your wife to stay for 6 months. It will be difficult to get a standard visitor visa on this basis as one of the main requirements for a positive result is that the applicant has a good reason to return home. Unless you/she has a good track record of visits and can still justify a long stay with a reason to return the application is likely to fail. The fact she is already your wife will probably make the immigration officer question your motives with a visitor visa anyway, as you will not be returning to Thailand so why would she.

      I have a personal friend who has been in the UK for 12 months preparing for the same visa. He has left his family in Thailand so he can establish himself in the UK fully before submitting the application. Not easy.

      Reply

  13. Jason says

    Hi, hopefully someone can clear up my confusion.
    In the Visit Visa Guide pdf checklist section there is, for example:

    Current Passport Photo Page (colour copy)
    Passport History: Previous 10 years (copies)

    But my understanding is that documents are scanned. So should we be turning up with original documents AND copies or are the original documents alone enough?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Yes, they now scan the documents. So for your passport you can take the original and they will scan the photo page. For passport history (travel stamps in your passport), your GF may have a lot of pages to scan, particularly if she has an old passport too. So it would makes sense to A. print those pages so they are ready to be scanned immediately – otherwise you’ll have to go through the passports one by one with the member of staff pointing out which ones need scanning – B. Use post-it notes to separate the pages that will need scanning. The key difference is now that they don’t take your original documents and send them back to you but rather scan your original documents on site and give them straight back.

      Reply

      • pete says

        So do we only need to provide originals for all documents including marriage certificate, son’s birth certificate, house registration etc rather than providing copies as well (apart from those such as passport that you recommended to print to make it easier for the staff to scan)?

        And I assume we are not charged for the scanned documents?

        Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          I have just been involved in my partner’s application through the processing centre in Bangkok.

          Now you have the option to send images of all your supporting documents directly to the UK immigration centre (based in India I believe). As such you can now go to the appointment solely to have the biometric info and photo taken.

          I would suggest that the need for a folder to hold the supporting documents is now redundant, as this means the VFS official will have to remove each one to scan it and in my view that increases the risk of a document being missed or the official getting a bit fed up doing it! I think the best way of presenting the documents is now to use only 1 side of the paper (to minimise the risk the reverse side is missed), to number all documents like “1 of 25, 2 of 25, etc. (So the receiving official can easily spot when a document is missing) and, if not using the scan at home option, to present the documents in a foldback clip.

          A further tip is to be very careful not to buy the extra service packages too quickly. The VFS website suggests these packages as soon as you start the process to get an appointment and they are presented in a way that suggests the scan of your documents has to be paid for. It is only when you decline to buy any and make an appointment that you find the scanning is free. Also the appointment diary is presented so the cost free options are presented last and you may think you have to pay separately for VFS to process your application. Very misleading and hard sell in my opinion.

          Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          You dont. The application and any supporting documents you choose to upload are submitted to the sanctioning office (in India) and then the applicant has to sign a form when visiting the VFS office to have the biometric information taken (photo and finger prints)

          The online system doesn’t save the need to visit an application submission centre unfortunately but it can give you more flexibility to submit documents from say, the UK, that you cannot easily get to your girlfriend in Thailand in a timely fashion.

          Reply

  14. Pascaline says

    Please my husband in the uk is self employed and his income doesnt show up in his bank account on a monthly basis cos he is paid weekly by cash then after doing all the work on a house as he is a builder his full amount of salary is been paid to his account for once….can we still proof with this as its not going to show on the weekly or monthly but in about a year …thanks

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      As sponsor he will need to privide evidence of his ability to support you during your trip and it is good to show ability to support you day to day when you are in Thailand if this is the case. This shows as a family you ate financially stable and that will give the immigration offical comfort in the aspect.

      To show this he will need to show bank statements showing adequate credit balances over a 6 month period and perhaps showing the transfers to Thailand. If necessary show 12 months statements and explain why in his letter of sponsorship. He can also show his last 3 years accounts.. just the basic profit and loss or tax return to prove his earnings. My personal opinion is that the bank account is more important because it shows how he manages his money. For example… If he makes a good profit but spends more then he cannot show he can afford to bring you on holiday.

      Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      You will need to apply for a normal tourist visa for your wife and each of the children separately but cross referencing them so the immigration officer can assess all of them together. So make sure on the online application you detail all the other applicants names and passport numbers in the comments box and also do this in the supporting documents. You should make it clear you will support ALL of the applicants not just your wife to avoid any doubt in the mind of the immigration officer…so duplicate your letter of sponsorship in each application, altered to reflect the individual applicant.

      I suggest you buy the guide produced by “Thethailandlife” so you can read about all the requirements for a successful application. I am not associated with this site but I do believe the guide will give you one stop information.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If your boyfriend can’t prove his income by way of regular payments to his bank account on a monthly basis, then yes it would be a good idea for you to apply from the standpoint that you are financing his trip and paying for his flights and accommodation, et cetera. However, he will still need to prove that he has adequate funds available for the trip. The officer reviewing the application will want to see evidence of this because they liked visitors to the UK to have money available to them in case of an emergency such as requiring a flight home outside of the scheduled flight, or needing to pay for urgent medical treatment. so it helps if the applicant has savings and can prove those savings. The other thing that you need to consider is that your partner will state on the application that he is employed and working for his families business. indeed, this will be his reason for returning to Thailand after his visit. However, if the family runs a cash business, you need to find out whether the business is officially registered and whether or not the family will be willing to write a letter on behalf of your boyfriend to say that he does work for the business, his position is X, his salary is Y, and he has been employed for Z number of years.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I think the decision would largely be based on whether the clearance officer believes her to be separated from her husband. Aside from that, she would have to provide evidence of a genuine relationship with you (though this may form part of proving she is separated), adequate funds to support her trip, and a evidence of a good reason to return to Thailand.

      I do think you have to accept that in this situation there is going to be some skepticism surrounding a married woman visiting another man in another country. Is she still in touch with her husband and would it be possible to get him to sign a letter (and have it translated) that they are separated and living apart?

      Reply

      • Shaun says

        Unfortunately I don’t think he is willing to sign anything as they had a child when they were together and is refusing to sign divorce papers or answer her calls at the moment, but she has old messages and proof of separate residency to prove there separation is real and also pictures and messages of our relationship over the years we have been together

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          I see. If you have been together a number of years I think this makes the case much stronger, and if you can prove separate residencies that’s a bonus.

          Has your wife seen a lawyer about the divorce. I’m not sure on this but in Thailand you can divorce on grounds of separation after 3 years, and desertion after one year…so she may not need his signature to have the marriage annulled.

          Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          I agree. Divorce is possible after 3 years of living apart without 1 party consenting. And it is simple.

          So if she wants to make things more straightforward that route is available immediately.

          But you seem to have it covered anyway and it wont do harm to prove separate residency.

          Reply

  21. George Moreland says

    Im going to thailand for 6 weeks starting in march, would i be better applying for a tourist visa at thai embassy in london, or extending my stay once im there, is there a immagration office in ubon ratachani to extend it.
    Be grateful for your advice total price if i apply by post is working out at nearly £40 i.e. visa fee £25 return passport £10, postal order 4.30
    G moreland

    Reply

  22. Steve says

    Great Info, thanks.
    Advice please, My Thai partner and I got a 6 month VISIT visa for the UK in 2011.
    We got a civil partnership in Oxford, and now on three occasions since then have been refused entry as we didn’t have a SPOUSE visa on the 1st visit. Are we hitting a dead end because of one mistake 8 years ago?

    Reply

  23. BARRY says

    Hi, From what I have seen here you certainly seem to have covered everything needed in order to successfully obtain a visa. I have managed to bring my Gambian girlfriend to the UK for the last three years. For the benefit of those whose applications fail, one of the reasons sometimes given by the Entry Clearance Officer for not granting the visa is ‘ I am not convinced that the applicant will return home at the end of their visit.’ (Or words to that effect). There is no way the ECO can possibly know whether anybody will actually return home or not, and this should therefore be challenged by emailing UKVI a ‘letter before action’ with relevant arguments in order to get the decision overturned. I am sure your guide will deal with this aspect. This is important because the UKVI give the impression that there is no appeal which is misleading. I am now thinking after 3 successful applications that it would save hassle every year by applying for a 5 year visitor visa. Any thoughts as to whether there are any hidden problems here?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      A letter before action would only be of use if the refusal decision of the UKVI was unreasonable based on the documentary evidence provided. In 99% of cases this is not applicable, and is simply the case that the applicant has failed to prove a genuine relationship, adequate funds or a reason to return to Thailand. A letter before action would need to be initiated through a solicitor. In most cases this would be a huge unnecessary expense with no guarantee of success.

      In most cases, simply applying again with better, more substantial evidence will result in the issuance of a visit visa. I would not advise anyone to go down this route unless they had received multiple refusals, all of which, upon review by someone with the relevant experience, appeared wholly unreasonable and essentially prejudice in some way. Action through a solicitor would be more applicable to a settlement visa, where the cost of refusal is much higher, both financially and personally.

      There is criterion for an ECO to determine whether an applicant is an overstay risk, and they make their decision based on this criterion.

      As a person with 3 successful applications, applying for the 5-year visa would be a good option for you.

      Reply

    • James E says

      Does the Thai person have residency status of some kind? If they have a green card or a work visa I think that would help immensely. First, you would have proof that they weren’t going to stay in the UK (I mean, really, that weather…) given they would be able to return to the US. Second, you would be dealing with the UK embassy in the US which may be better staffed for visa applications and processing.

      Reply

  25. steve says

    hi. my thai girlfriend is pregnant. I’m 55 she’s 35. I.ve been to see her 3 times for 2 wks at a time. ( 6 mths pregnant now ). I’m still married and living in same house but seperated. how easy will it be to fetch my girlfriend over on a visa and will it help her being pregnant. with thanks steve

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You’d have to prove the same details, that you are in a genuine relationship, that she can adequately finance her trip / you can finance it for her, and that she has good reason to return to Thailand after her visit.

      Reply

  26. Chris Barnett says

    Hi, My thai girlfriend and I were successful in getting her a visa last year and now I want to bring her and her children over during the thai school summer holidays. Do we have to do 3 separate visas(2 children age 8 and 11).
    Excellent website btw
    Regards
    Chris

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      Yes because you will need 3 visas. Make sure they are all cross referenced and it is very clear that there should be 3 applications to consider at the same time. Personally I would include in the online comments box the names of the other parties and the application reference numbers if possible.

      The supporting documents are sent electronically to India for processing so make sure the supporting documents are cross referenced on the first page!

      And that when submitted, the processing centre knows to send all 3 lots together!

      Just try to make it easy for anyone in the system to find the other applications as you need to assume they will be separated!

      Reply

  27. Joe says

    Hi,

    I need to get a specific appointment for my girlfriend at VFS in Bangkok, I can see that they offer a Premium Service “Walk-in Without Appointment” for 1560 Baht.

    Because I can’t find my instructions for the procedure, is it the case that:-

    A) she submits her VISA application as normal via the .gov.uk immigration website

    B) and once done, we can then the book the VFS “Walk-in” service?

    Reply

  28. Tom Howell says

    I just wanted to write to you to say how thankful I am for all your help, your book gave me the tools to organise my application in way that I would not of thought of.

    Your help and advice on Email was more help than I could of imagined. It reassured my worrying mind and made sure my application was done in the right way.

    We have been excepted for a 3 month visa and she will be here in two weeks time.

    I could not of done this without your help.

    Thank you.

    Tom

    Reply

  29. Darren says

    Hey there!,

    Firstly, your info seems very clear and straightforward, so thanks for that!

    Just a quick question – which I know there isn’t an “official” answer to – but guess I’m just trying to get a second opinion….

    I’ve been together with my girlfriend since late Feb this year and now we’re looking to try to get a visa for her to visit for Xmas and New Year.

    She doesn’t currently have a job as she gave it up in order to go visit her sister in the US – but got refused entry (and her visa cancelled) a couple of weeks ago when she flew there. So, now she’s blacklisted from the US and can’t show she has any current employment. Also, she rents an apartment rather than having any property in her own name in Thailand.

    All of these things make me worried that there’s very little chance to get the visa!

    She does at least have reasonable savings (about 700k THB) and family (mum, sisters) in Thailand – so they are “reasons she’ll go back”.

    But given your experience, would you expect the lack of a job/house and the US blacklist be major problems?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Darren,

      Please use the comments search function to search further on these questions as they have been answered in greater detail many times. But I’ll also run through a few things for you here:

      It certainly won’t be an easy application, for the following reasons:

      1. You haven’t been together very long. Do you live together in Thailand? If so, at least this will prove a genuine relationship and consistent time spent together.
      2. She is unemployed and I assume has no income. How is she supporting herself? They will want to know her living costs and how she pays them.
      3. There is a question on the application form that asks “have you been refused a visa for any country in the last 10 years”. Your GF wasn’t refused the visa for the US but was refused entry, so she may have to answer yes to this questions: HAVE YOU BEEN DEPORTED, REMOVED OR OTHERWISE REQUIRED TO LEAVE ANY COUNTRY INCLUDING THE UK IN THE LAST 10 YEARS?
      She would have to explain why she was refused in a supporting letter.
      4. Having the savings is a plus point but not necessarily a reason to go back because you could transfer that money to another country. Reasons to return would be a job, asset ownership, duty of care for kids or someone sick or disabled.

      Reply

  31. Paul Adams says

    Hi there
    I am want to purchase the guide to help me get my Thai girlfriend here in the UK, for a Visitors Visa and hopefully later down the line a marriage visa if things work out, I have been seeing her since late 2015.

    My question is how current is your help guide, and how long is this process to obtain the Visa roughly?

    I look forward to your answering my question

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Paul, the guide is current and details everything you should consider when applying. it also contains real life refusal letters to help you avoid common mistakes. The process to obtain a visa is fairly quick. The longest part is getting the application together and submitting it. Once that is done a decision is usually made in 3-14 days; it depends on how busy they are.

      Reply

  32. Steve Johnson says

    I have been advised by a Thai immigration officer that I should by my girlfriend a return airline ticket before applying for her visa. Is this good advice & can I get the money back if the visa is refunded.

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      I believe the UK visa application website says you should not purchase tickets before a visa is granted, presumably because there is no guarantee it will be granted and you would then have wasted your money.

      In my opinion buying tickets beforehand and evidencing this in the application does show a commitment to specific travel dates and importantly a means of and date of return. However this aspect would only be part of the application as if there is, for example, no good reason to return, the view may be taken that the ticket purchase is a “diversion” because it does not stop the lady from overstaying and perhaps then disappearing into the “cash economy”.

      Although I have twice bought tickets in advance of the visa application (and risked wasting my money) , it was more to do with guaranteeing we could travel together. I felt all the other information we provided in the application stacked up so it was a risk worth taking for someone unfamiliar with air travel.

      I think once you have had 1 visa granted, and have not abused it, assuming no significant changes the next time, it is safer to buy a ticket in advance if it helps with cost and timing, as you are unlikely to be refused.

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        I agree with everything said here. We too have purchased tickets in advance of the application, but even though confident, I still made sure there was enough of a time gap to allow us to reapply in the event of a refusal. That said, on the very first visit visa we applied for I reserved the tickets through a friend’s travel agent. That way if we were refused I could back out of the flight without having to pay.

        Reply

  33. Faith says

    Hi! I have just been refused a Uk Visa 11/10/2018 and the onus was on me not my partner due to insufficient funds and when I made a statement saying my boyfriend and family the clearance officer thought I said my family because I don’t even have a family. Please can I use same supporting documents that I use at my first application to reapply and do you know the amount I have to have in my bank account for 45days in the Uk? Any advise is appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Faith, email me the refusal letter so I can see the exact reasons for refusal. If you don’t want to show me your personal details you can blank them out or type out the reasons instead. I can then advise better. You might also choose to follow my guide for your next submission.

      Reply

  34. Dan says

    Hello , so my partner is currently in Indonesia and I’ve only visited once for 11days in April , we have spoke everyday since my visit and I would like for her to be able to visit UK for 6 months I can financially support this as I’m working and have some savings to cover the extra trips during this potential visit. I do have a few questions though.

    Is it possible to get acceptance despite only 1 visit to Indonesia? and therefore only photographs from that stay as proof of genuine relationship .

    and am I right in thinking its best to just be open about the relationship instead of saying we are friends ?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Dan,

      You’ll need to prove a genuine relationship, and the photos from one trip of 11 days won’t be sufficient to do that. You should keep track of phone records and social media communication/ messaging, as this will be further proof that you have an ongoing relationship.

      Your GF will also need to have a reason to return to Indonesia after her visit, such as a letter from her employer confirming that job will be left open while she goes on holiday. I think asking for a visit of six months will be problematic, unless her company is prepared to give her some kind of sabbatical and confirm that I’m writing.

      There may be other genuine reasons to return outside of work such as having dependents that require her care or assets that require her to be in Indonesia to take care of.

      Even though you are suggesting that you will sponsor the trip, she will also need to have proof of sufficient funds to cover any eventuality where she might need access to money such as suddenly needing a flight home or having to book a hotel unexpectedly.

      To have a better chance of getting a visit visa my personal opinion would be that you visit her again for a period of time. And/or that you reduce the visit time to that of a reasonable holiday such as two or three weeks. I think you have a much greater chance of getting a visit visa if your or girlfriend comes for a two-week holiday under the premise that she has to return to her job afterwards. If her employer can provide a letter confirming her employment position, how long she has worked there and the fact that he or she will leave the position open for her when she returns, this will bode well for the application.

      Reply

    • Mike says

      I agree with TTL and would add that it may not be in your best interest to try for a visa until you have known your lady for a longer period and have visited her several times.

      Whilst there is no set period, the assessing official will be looking at how long you have known her and how serious you both are. So one visit and a friendship/relationship of presumably only 4 months is going to get a red flag.

      I would say you need 9-12 months and 3 or 4 visits. And with respect, this will give you time to assess the genuiness of your lady!

      If you apply too soon, a decline will stay on file and so the next time they will be looking very closely at those reasons to see if things have genuinely changed. I think that means you will be disadvantaged as they will not have an open mind about your application.

      Furthermore the period of visit you suggest is not realistic for a first visa in most circumstances. They will be concerned that as you are working, your lady is going to be left alone with nothing to do for long periods and perhaps a lack of English speaking skills….. with the suspicion that she may actually want to or arrange to work illegally to occupy herself. The fact that you can pay for everything is unlikely to comfort them on these concerns. You should, when the time comes, apply for a 2 or 3 week period and demonstrate that you will be taking holiday to show her around the UK, so it can be viewed as a genuine holiday for both of you. During this time you can take photos with key sights you said you would visit in the background, ready for the next application.

      I always prepare photos at every visit specifically for the next application, whenever that may occur. I dont just pick photos out from a bunch we have taken, they are taken with recognisable backgrounds aimed at satisfying the assessor we have a varied life together and have visited the places in the UK we said we wanted to.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      As a sponsor, there is no official amount you need to have in a bank account to prove that you can sponsor your partner’s trip.

      The official line is this:

      Where a third party (who is either in the UK or who will be legally in the UK at the time of your visit) is providing financial support to you, e.g. a business, a friend or a relative, documents to show they have sufficient resources to support you in addition to themselves and any dependant family should be provided.

      However, based on my experience, my guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of what “sufficient resources” would look like.

      Reply

      • Don Travert says

        MY GF is applying for a visa to visit the US on Wednesday, she has all of the other items together, passport, letter from, letter from employer, medical report and vaccinations. Does she have to show that she has money in the bank or do I show them my bank account information?

        Reply

  36. Joe says

    As we’ve been together for 2.5 years we were actually planning to get married on my next trip to Thailand. Do you think it would be ok to get married and then a few days later do the visa application? Or do you think it would be advisable to leave a period of time between marriage and UK visa application?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Joe, I have addressed your other question by email, but in answer to this…

      As we’ve been together for 2.5 years we were actually planning to get married on my next trip to Thailand. Do you think it would be ok to get married and then a few days later do the visa application? Or do you think it would be advisable to leave a period of time between marriage and UK visa application?

      Since you have been together 2.5 years and I assume can most likely prove a genuine relationship anyway (proof of travel to and from Thailand , phone/email/message records) it won’t make a difference. It does show further intent of a genuine relationship, but how “genuine” your relationship is will be judged on the time you’ve been together rather than a wedding a few days before applying for a visit visa. If it were the case that you had just met and had a shotgun marriage then clearly this would be viewed as a desperate attempt to get a visit visa and would certainly be a red flag.

      In this case the only real consideration is that you’d have to provide a the marriage certificate & memorandum (original & original official translation) as part of your supporting documentation.

      Reply

  37. Teresa says

    Thank you for your very thorough information! It would be great if you could update your article to reflect recent changes in the document processing system; all documents are now scanned and sent to New Delhi, as I’m sure you know, so no need for all the paper clips and folders etc. The printed-out application form is also not taken into account, nor any amendments made in pen onto it.

    Are you able to provide any insight on approximately how much of a delay can be expected if you have been denied a Commonwealth visa in the past?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Mike says

      It is interesting that you have hi-lited the changes to the processing system, as it occurs to me that it is even more important now to ensure your documents are indexed clearly and fit for scanning.

      I imagine that there is little or no check as to the quality of scan being sent so a clear and dark print will help to give a good scan result.

      I would also be concerned that some documents were not sent, in the same fashion that under the old system sometimes the processing staff used to try to remove documents from our folders saying they were not needed, when they should not have done. A good clear index and labelling system will help the sanctioning staff in India know if something is missing and may prompt a query to Bangkok.

      So now presumably the best approach to submitting documents is to make them easy to scan to minimise the chances of mistakes/omissions and to this end I would think placing them in 1 pile with a bulldog clip holding them together and using just 1 side of the paper would be a good approach. Any amendments you need to make to the online form after submission should perhaps be covered in a separate note or within the supporting comments from the applicant or the sponsor because as you say, a print of the application form will not be scanned and sent.

      Reply

      • Mike says

        Earlier this year I had to make a complaint via the UK visa application website about the handling of our application by VPS and in a reply to this complaint the UK visa authorities advised me the decision making would no longer be carried out in Bangkok. This is an extract from the reply:

        “The Bangkok Visa Section have also raised the issue you highlighted about Accessing the UK application form online. However, as you may be aware, the DMC (Decision Making Centre) in Bangkok will be closed for visa operations in June so by that time all applications and supporting documents will be assessed online by a DMC in Delhi which means that printed application forms will no longer be required.”

        So the revised procedure in Bangkok is as the previous contributor says – all supporting documents are scanned and the online application is taken as submitted online, connected by the barcode reference number printed on the supporting documents list you have to print off. The decision is then made by an ECO (Entry Clearance Officer) and presumably VPS then have the duty to print and attach your visa to your passport or print off the refusal letter.

        Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      This doesn’t really change anything, expect for not having to print off your application form (which I’d still do anyway because it’s good to have as a reference).

      You still need to ensure all your supporting documentation is properly filed and presented. You should still put a folder together and be diligent in approach to ensuring nothing is missed out. As I say in my guide, don’t let the processing staff tell you that you don’t need a specific document that supports your application; make sure they send everything you intend to submit. I’ve heard too many nightmare stories of applicants being ill-advised by VFS staff.

      Reply

  38. Joe says

    Hi, three quick questions if I may: –

    1) On the 6-month visa to the UK, can I marry my fiancee in the UK? (she would still intend to return to Thailand at the appointed time)

    2) Would it help/hinder her UK visa application if we got married in Thailand before coming to the UK? Or would UK Visa jump to a (erroneous) conclusion that “following marriage she may not return to Thailand within 6 months”, and therefore refuse to grant her a 6 month visa?

    3) On 6 month UK visa, would she be able to accompany me on vacation to Portugal or another EU destination?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      1. No, you can’t get married. You would need a marriage visitor visa.

      2. It may be a good indication of a genuine relationship, if you have been together a long time prior to that marriage. If it looks shotgun, although they may not say as much, the perception may be negative. At the end of the day, how you think something will be perceived is usually how it is.

      3. No. She would need a separate shengen visa to enter an EU country. Apply for this in Thailand before she comes to the UK.

      Reply

      • Joe says

        Cheers for the reply.

        Basically, we’ve been together for 2.5 years so wouldn’t be a shotgun wedding; visited Thailand a number of times to see her and although she left her job a year ago (to help her sister take care of baby), I’ve financially supported her during that time.

        Main plan is still for me to move to Thailand, but she’s naturally keen to visit England, just to see the place as a tourist basically.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          No worries.

          You’ll be able to prove a genuine relationship then, so it’s just the financials and a good/genuine reason to want to return to Thailand after her visit. You might want to read through some of the old comments on here for further advice on these issues.

          All the best.

          Reply

  40. Terry Connolly says

    My girlfriend is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Is it the same process? Also, she does not work. Is this a problem? I will pay for her flights and can support her while she is here. She will stay at my home.

    Reply

    • Mike says

      The process is the same in that you will have to complete an application and privide supporting evidence to convince the immigration official that she has a genuine relationship with you and that she will return to Cambodia.

      You can check on the government website where she will have to go with the application to submit her biometric information.

      You will have to demonstrate she will return home and so need to show evidence she has reason (s) to return. So, has she property, children or other caring responsibilities she needs to return for?

      You may well have the financial side of the application covered but a firm reason to return and not disappear into the black economy is a major consideration. I believe there will be many factors to influence this including how genuine they believe your relationship to be and the lady’s age and also her travel history.

      It may be worth you purchasing the guide this blog has produced which will give you a wealth of information and real life examples for you to consider before deciding on your plan of action.

      Reply

  41. Simon says

    Hi, thanks for the in depth and extensive info – just a quick question – my girlfriend doesn’t get much time off from her teaching cooking job in Samui so hard to go up to BK unless using her holiday – which she’s using to come to the UK – hopefully. Does she have to go to BK for the interview or is it possible to do in or nearer Samui? And do I have to be there with her?
    Many thanks!

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      She will have to go to Bangkok, unfortunately. It isn’t an interview, it is an appointment to submit her application form and supporting documentation. Perhaps you can get an appointment on a Monday morning, and then travel down on a Saturday or Sunday and stay overnight. You could then fly back Monday night, and she would only need to take one day off of work.

      Reply

  42. Disgusted says

    I will say having failed to get a tourist visa for my Laos partner/girlfriend to visit my mother (she is very ill) after living together for a year in Laos, I initially provided a shorter supporting letter document, which detailed our relationship, reason for travel, my passport history, financial details, travel plans (requested) and her job details, all the details that you recommend. Rejected with insufficient detail on belief of genuine relationship, Unreadable passport (mine – it was not!), her job history and reason for trip (visit my Mum).

    We responded to all of these in great depth 6 months later of living together, indexed, all in separate plastic folders, formally laid out with page headers and numbered as you suggest. (I do that for a living) No staples or clips. Yet they took the documents out and threw them in one pile and on the pathetic rejection letter, it was clear that they had read at best a handful of pages, as the rejection points were doubled, bore no relationship to the supplied documentation and ALL were covered in the documentation. (My supporting letter with facebook postings every few days, line messages and other evidence was clearly too much – 67 pages, but the bulk were scan items of pictures on facebook postings all of us together in Laos. Maybe a few minutes to quickly browse through.)

    So you really need to hope you get a decent ECO, rather than a racist, biased idiot, who probably took exception to my visa and passport details being fundamentally on my US passport rather than my UK passport

    I may be applying for a judicial review

    Reply

    • Mike says

      Wow this sounds like the reviewing officer hasn’t done a good job.

      I don’t think you can appeal the decision (your refusal letter should say if you can), but I know you can make a complaint directly to the immigration service in the UK using an online form.

      Perhaps you should try a complaint on the basis that it seems the administration of your application has not been correct. You can address each refusal reason referring to the submitted document if it seems clear there is a discrepancy rather than insufficient evidence.

      I think the application review and decision is carried out in India (Delhi) now and all submitted documents are scanned over. This could be the reason your passport was deemed unreadable. Not your fault but evidence of a system failure. It could also be the case that the scanning of so many documents has been done poorly and in mixed order, ruining your carefully indexed application and making the job of the decision maker difficult. Again not your fault and evidence of a system failure.

      I understand that applications from Thailand that used to be assessed in Bangkok have now moved to this remote decision centre. It is quite possible that the system is not working as it should at both ends due to increased workloads and people not sending documents correctly. A complaint from you will instigate a review that may help to improve things all round.

      I made a complaint a few months ago and they took it and my follow up query very seriously.

      Good luck.

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        There is no right of appeal for visit visas. This rule was implemented some years ago. All decisions are made by UK Immigration officers.
        If you send me the rejection letter I can give you some advice.

        Reply

    • Tide Swell says

      We neither want nor need your Thai dross in the West. If you want to live amongst these people, please feel free to do so.

      Just don’t expect us civilized, decent people in the U.K. to welcome them with open arms.

      We neither want nor need them.

      Reply

  43. Carl says

    Hi there, love the site by the way, I’ve had my girlfriend refused her visa on the grounds that they don’t think she will return back to Thailand, she isn’t employed as works on her families farm in surin, she does have land in her name but that is it, how can I improve this when I reapply, uk visa thanks Carl

    Reply

    • Mike says

      Some thoughts:

      Did the response mention or hint at or refer to
      anything missing that you could provide more evidence for?

      Have you demonstrated her land ownership by providing the deed, a copy for immigration to retain and a certified translation?

      Can you explain this land is farmed and her responsibility to manage in addition to/alongside her responsibilities in the family business? And as such she will need to return to fulfill these responsibilities.

      Also, did you submit a letter and certified translation from the family explaining her employment status and emphasising her position would be kept open and that she was important to the family business and was needed back? Maybe trying to establish her position in the family business as genuine employment is something that would help.

      Depending upon the ages of her, her parents and the status of other “help” on the farm, is there any scope to emphasise how her parents will need her to return as they are less capable nowadays of running the whole business and they will depend on her. You will need to be careful with this approach though as if you have asked for a long visit there will be obvious concerns that this period is inconsistant with the her importance to the business. You should explain how her absence will be covered short term.

      One last thought. Is the timing of the proposed visit to the UK consistent with a quiet time at the farm? Can you emphasise this aspect as an attempt to demonstrate she will be needed back for important duties?

      When I applied for my girlfriend who owned a bar, I made it clear it was a quiet period, with extra closed days, and that her employee could cover the job because of this, but her return was necessary as the business would pick at a certain point.

      You may need to write quite a long and comprehensive support letter (in her name) explaining all this, but try to make it easy to read with plenty of paragraphs rather than one large block of text.

      Good luck!

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        One thing to add here: They would want to see some evidence of a salary being paid to your girlfriend, be that salary slips or money paid into her account each month for her wages. To simply state that you work on your family’s farm does not provide proper evidence of employment; it is hearsay. Quite often in Thailand people are farming individually and not as a registered business, as an entity that is paying tax. Family members may not even be paid a salary, but rather paid indirectly by having their food and living expenses taking care of. Hired hands are usually paid in cash and off the books, even in a registered business. This all presents a problem when trying to prove official employment.

        Reply

  44. Will Martin says

    It seems that there is not a level playing field. I provided all the information that you detailed and in depth. Especially on the details of our relationship of living together in Laos where we live and work (application still goes to Bangkok), including facebook shots with photos including us both every few days over the past 18 months, as we have been living together 24/7 there with my Laos stay permit and renewal not due for another 8 months. Many photos visiting family, doing activities and just hanging out at home. No dice. Included in the refusal reasons:

    1 – Not believe that it was a genuine relationship
    2 – Not enough money in her bank account to justify her return for economic reasons.
    (I had provided 22,000+ pounds statements from my UK bank account, noting I was paying for the entire trip and travelling together to visit my Mum for 3 weeks). She only had 3,500 pounds in her bank accounts. This makes no sense to me at all. If you’re going to escape to another country, you’d take all your money out before you go, so you have some support. So the more you have the better – stupid!
    3 – No photos and official documents confirming her family’s addresses (parents, grandparents, siblings) – never seen this asked for before and there was a bunch of family photos from different homes supplied on point 1.

    I do heartily concur with your advice. it is good – thanks! Sadly, you just never know who is going to review your application. And when your girlfriend is a ladyboy, all bets are off. You’re better off as gay.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Will, sorry to hear that. The information in this post is a general overview to steer you in the right direction, however; my book provides a comprehensive checklist on what to include in your application. It also goes into depth on specific sets of circumstances and explains how to overcome challenging issues. I also include a number of real life refusal letters and go through them point by point to explain how to avoid making the same mistakes.

      I would need to see the refusal letter to know exactly why your girlfriend was refused, because I would need to know under which article of the legislation they have formed the decision. Don’t get too down hearted though. Refusals happen every day and often it is just a case of re-evaluating the supporting evidence that you submitted and making sure you cover all the points included in the refusal letter.

      I know it can feel like you are being discriminated against, and that the system is very unfair – I have been on this side of the fence myself. I have heard from a number of people in a similar situation who have had their first application refused, and after reviewing the application they see clearly what it is they have to do, reapply, and get the visa on the second time around.

      Off the top of my head, here’s a few points on your points that you should you consider:

      1. If they didn’t believe that you are in a genuine relationship then you probably have not done enough to prove that you are. Did you provide your travel history covering the duration that you and your girlfriend have been together? You would need to provide photocopies of your immigration stamps from your passport, and any visas that you obtained from either your home country or a neighbouring country. I would also provide a written document that details a timeline of when you visited your girlfriend and how much time you spent with her. This should correlate with your passport history. Doing this provides the immigration officer with undeniable evidence that you were in the country spending time with your girlfriend when you said you were. This is something that photos cannot prove. Photos can be a good piece of secondary supporting evidence, but you need something more substantial than that.

      2. If she applied for the visa with you as her sponsor and stated that you would be paying for flights, accommodation and expenses, then the 3,500 GBP she has in the bank should be enough for them to see. Because this amount would be more than enough to cover an emergency flight back home should she need one, and indeed staying in a hotel/food etc. It must be made clear, however; that you are paying for the flights and the accommodation. There is a section on the application form that asks how much the trip is going to cost you, and then there is a section where you can provide further comments at the end, so you must make it clear regarding the financial arrangements for the trip.

      Did your girlfriend provide photocopies of her bank statements, showing her salary/money being paid in? She will need to photocopy the front pages of her bank book(s) and provide photo copies of the transactions.

      You as the sponsor must provide a supporting letter too, to explain more about your relationship: when you met, your plans for the trip, where you are going to stay, and details on what financial information you have provided in the supporting documentation.

      If you are going to stay at someone else’s house (you mentioned your mum) then you would need a letter from your mother confirming that you can stay at her property for the duration. You would also need her to provide details of her property and whether she owns the property or rents – so a mortgage document, or the deed document (if she owns it out right). The immigration officer needs to know that your girlfriend is going to have proper accommodation when she visits the UK, and needs evidence of that accommodation. This aspect of the application is actually much easier if you are simply staying in a hotel, because you can provide the booking details.

      3. You would need to provide a copy of your girlfriends Tabien Baan (house registration document). This is the house where she is registered to live. Family photos aren’t really relevant because how this immigration officer know that this is her family? How does the immigration officer know how long you were at this family home or for what reason you with there? It is just a photo.

      4. You haven’t mentioned whether they commented on not having a genuine reason to return to Thailand/Laos. Is your girlfriend working? Did you get a letter from her boss stating that she has been given the time off for the trip and that her job will be open for her when she returns? If she is not working, how is she earning an income? How does she have £3,500 in her account? This sounds intrusive but they would want to know this information.

      Some people, when applying for a visa for their girlfriend, and I’m not saying that you have done this, but they make the mistake of quickly putting a lump sum of money and their girlfriends account to try and make it look like she has money to support herself for the trip. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because it is a gift and indeed it does show that your girlfriend now has funds to support her trip, you would need to be transparent about this and say that you have gifted this money to your girlfriend for this reason.

      Also remember that all documents in Thai need to be officially translated.

      It is true that you can get an overzealous officer reviewing your application who will be more pernickety than another, but that’s why it’s so important to cover every base and leave no stone unturned, so that they have no reason to refuse you.

      Reply

    • Mike says

      Wow, sounds like you tried really hard and don’t know what to do next. Very frustrating.

      It is probably going to be quite hard to give a definitive answer as TheThailandLife has already suggested, without seeing the refusal letter and possibly the application pack.

      The refusal number 1 is puzzling and I agree that maybe evidence of your stay from visa stamps and an explanation of your living and work arrangements was insufficient. Maybe there were too many photos that proved nothing and too many photos altogether for the officer to examine.

      As TheThailandLife has said in his blog advice, you have to put yourself in the position of the immigration officer and make the whole application flow, easy to process and to extract relevant information from. My personal opinion is that too many photos, too many copies of texts and messages online, will be counterproductive. Photos without you both in them, without, for example, the meta data and without evidence in the photo as to where you are, are not very useful.

      Refusal number 2 suggests to me that your girlfriend does not have any other compelling reason to return to Laos other than her financial position. So maybe the officer thinks the cash she has personally is just not a good reason to return. I am guessing now, but presumably the evidence of her work is insufficient, she does not own property/assets and does not have a financial commitment to continue to meet in Laos, like a loan repayment. And there will not be any children she will be responsible for, as a good reason to return.

      Reason 3 sounds to me to refer to the fact that you have stated she lives with her family. Maybe they require evidence of this, perhaps by showing her name on the residential documents, even if the property is owned by other members of the family. I cannot think why they would mention the family unless you/she have made a connection with them in the application but have not provided any evidence.

      Good luck with your review and re-application!

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If she works, she will be expected to show proof of the employment, because this will form the basis for reason for her to return to Thailand once her trip is over. Part of that proof of employment will be her salary slips, evidence of her monthly salary being paid into her account, and confirmation letter of employment from her employer.

      Reply

  47. Joe Connor says

    Hi Thai Life Land,

    I was thinking of retiring to Thailand and open a bank account for £20.000 there to be allowed to do that. i believe that’s correct? I have met a Thai lady who works for her self (tour guide) and owns her own home.Also like me she is at retirement age. Would her age and the fact i have that money in a Thai bank help me get say 3-6 month visa to visit the UK. Many thanks for any advice, Joe.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Having money in a Thai bank won’t make any difference. If your girlfriend is self-employed and has a job and a home, she will be in a good position to get a visa, because she is self-sufficient and can finance her own trip (if she can’t you can sponsor her), and owning her home and having a job means she has a good reason to return to Thailand. She will need to prove her finances, work situation (salary, etc), and home ownership. You will also need to prove you are in a genuine relationship.

      Reply

    • Mike says

      I think you will need to be careful how you approach this from one particular angle….that she can take 3-6 months off work. Whether she is self employed or not, the impact on her annual income will be viewed as significant and the question in the immigration officer’s mind will be “if she can take 3 months off, how can she and will she return?” Proof of her earnings will be required, so if she is paid in cash and not direct into an account this will impact on how you can demonstrate this.

      I would suggest being a sponsor both in terms of accommodation and also as a financial backup or contributor on the basis you can demonstrate quite substantial funds at both ends (supply copy statements). This should cover the question of her lack of income for the visit period or a lack of ready proof of her income.

      She has a good reason to return by having property. Does she have any other compelling reasons, like family she helps support either financially or in other ways? Or car finance she will need to continue to pay?

      The other thing to consider is her potential desire to retire. Perhaps you can explain how she wants to experience a long visit with you to the UK at a time when she is wanting to reduce her work as a tour guide, a job she can return to immediately anyway as she is self employed and chooses her hours now anyway. So the trip will not affect her any more than retiring or reducing her workload.

      I think the fact she is a mature lady will help in the application. It is perhaps viewed as less likely she will disappear into the cash economy in unsavory jobs in the UK. In your letter of invitation/sponsorship you can explain you want to “retire” to Thailand and it would be your intention to return with her. You can help demonstrate your intentions if you have opened a Thai bank account (and good luck with that – it is the subject of a separate blog on this site!)

      You don’t mention how long you have known her for. If it is only a short time (no pun intended) you may struggle to convince. It will help if it is for at least 9 months and you have visited her several times. Photos of you both together during the different visits and at different locations will help establish the proof of relationship as well as a good but brief account of your trips. I use an online photo print co. to produce a 32 photo A5 poster, which can be folded in half to fit inside an A4 multi page folder, as suggested by TheThailandLife.

      Finally, I am indebted to TheThailandLife for this blog and the answers to many questions from people on this subject. It has given me a framework to apply successfully on 2 occasions now and it is from my experience that I write. It may be worth you buying the comprehensive guide The ThailandLife has produced.

      Reply

  48. Mr Tom says

    Hello. Thanks for the article. My GF has successfully been granted 2 visitor visas without hassle following the advice contained in it.
    We are considering applying for the 2 year one next time. I am living and working in Thailand and make trips to the UK for business about twice a year and would like to bring her with me without having to go through the application stress every 6 months.

    Do you know what additional evidence UKBI is looking for to grant a longer duration? If what we provide is not satisfactory are they likely to decline the application or just issue the usual 6 months?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Mike says

      The govt web site does say they could issue a shorter term visa if they are not entirely satisfied with granting a longer term one. But there is no guarantee of this and it would be without any refund of fee. In your case, with a good track record, and assuming an application like the ones before, you should at least get a 6 month one.

      It also says you need to prove that you’ll only ever need to come to the UK to visit, for example to go on holiday, see family or attend a meeting.

      When applying for a 6 month visit visa one is likely to describe the intended trip and state dates of intended stay, so this is straightforward. Doing that for 2 years is more difficult.

      In your letter of invitation I would describe your work and travel patterns and refer to previous trips evidenced on your passport. Be very clear where you would stay in the UK and show that you would return to Thailand in the normal course of your life as well as showing why your GF would. You may have to suggest that your visits are such that applying for a 6 month visit visa each time you travel is not practical, as they can be at short notice and so a 2 year visa is more convenient than trying to apply on each travel occasion.

      Everything else seems to be the same as for a 6 month visa.

      Reply

  49. Sosullivan says

    Hi I want to invite my filippina gf from hongkong to visit me . she as money to support herself . I also visit here in Feb this year. We have known each other for two years surly they want expect me two show bank statements . if she can support herself .

    Reply

    • Mike says

      To achieve the maximum chance of a visa being granted it won’t harm to demonstrate your financial ability to look after her in the UK should the need arise and to confirm as such in your letter of invitation.

      If the visa granting official has any doubts about her financial status then you have got it covered immediately, rather than risk a rejection and have to apply again just to give them more information.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You’ll be expected to prove all the things that I have outlined in my post. If you have a read through the comments section and the post you will get an idea for the requirements. My post is specifically about people obtaining visitor visas for their Thai partners, but the processes is pretty much the same. you will have to prove that you are in a genuine relationship, as her sponsor you will have to prove that you have the funds to support her during her stay, or if she is going to be paying for her ticket and the entire holiday herself she will have to prove that she has the finances to do that. She will also have to prove that she has a valid reason to return to Hong Kong, where I assume she works, after her trip to the UK.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      What do you mean? Do you mean you want to bring your girlfriend or your wife’s children for a visit to the UK? If they are your children, born in Thailand, then you can get them British passports and they will not need a visa.

      Reply

  52. GEORGE MORELAND says

    My gf was here in uk in feb on first visa for one month,she has just ask if she can come back again on the same visa ,do you think its a good idea to let her return as we told embassey on visa application her visit was only one time and for one month,apprechiate your thoughts

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi George, if you search through the comments you will see I’ve answered this question quite a few times, so please do that for a more in-depth answer. But in short: you have to consider on what basis the visa was issued in the first place. For example, if you applied for that Visa on the basis that the reason your girlfriend had to return to Thailand after one month was because she had to return to her job, then for her to suddenly take another month off and visit the UK may trigger a red flag on your next Visa application.

      Because immigration may look at her travel history and think, well perhaps that wasn’t entirely true that she had to return for her work, especially since most Thai people only get two weeks holiday year, so how is she suddenly able to take another month after visiting?

      One of the key factors in getting approved is proving that you have a good reason to return to Thailand after your visit to the UK. So even though that visit visa is valid for six months and you can potentially revisit the UK without applying for a new visa, I always advise people that they should be aware of whether or not, by taking another trip within that period, they are contradicting the information given on the original Visa application.

      You should also know that having the Visa does not guarantee entry into the UK. I’m not saying that they won’t let your girlfriend in, but she may be questioned as to why she is taking another trip within this period. I am not entirely sure whether immigration officers at the airport have access to notes regarding the approval of the Visa and the circumstances surrounding the person who is visiting. But that is a possibility, and they may ask questions with reference to this.

      Reply

  53. Mike says

    I have just successfully obtained a visitor visa to the UK for my partner, for the 2nd time.

    I wanted to share my partners rather poor experience at the Bangkok visa centre this year.

    Despite the UK Gov website specifically stating a printed version of the application is NOT required when attending the centre, they insisted on having it to scan the application reference.

    They refused to accept the application checklist had the same barcode. They then messaged me on my partners phone and tried to get me to divulge my email password on the pretext of needing to print this form!

    Eventually I managed to send a copy to my partners Whatsapp service, but then they were angling to get extra money from her for their “help”. She stood her ground and refused.

    Later she discovered some Line app settings had been changed on her phone by the official.

    We now have a complaint lodged via the UK visa application page about what I consider potentially fraudulent behaviour.

    I recommend you take a print of the application!

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Mike, this sounds like a really strange experience. Just to clarify: are you referring to the VFS processing centre? I do recommend that you take a print out of the application, in my experience it has always been required. It sounds bizarre that they would ask for your email password, or that they would request money for her help. I would be interested to know the outcome of your complaint. I’m sure this will be taken very seriously. the information handled by the staff there is sensitive and confidential, and the company is employed to handle this information on behalf of UK immigration, so I would imagine that it isn’t very easy to get a job there and that extra vetting is required for anyone who applies.

      The only negative experience I have had with VFS was when they were attempting to give advice as to what should be included in the application and suggesting that certain documents be taken out – because they weren’t needed. I cover this in detail in my guide and make my recommendations for how to handle this. Everyone should note that the VFS staff are NOT there to give you advice on your application or make recommendations as to what additional documentation (in addition to the standard requirements) your application should include.

      Reply

      • Mike says

        Yes VFS in Bangkok. May be an isolated problem but it was a horrible experience when my partner had travelled 500km with everything she needed according to the application website only to be messed around unnecessarily.

        I cannot accept they should be able to make up their own processing rules if they are acting under the instructions of the UK government not to mention the lack of common sense when it was proved we acted per instructions AND showed them the barcode they needed.

        Reply

    • Mike says

      I suggest you study the application questions on the UK gov website for the basic information they require.

      Then purchase the guide written by The thailand life (link above) as this will give you all the info you need to progress an application.

      I am not connected to this blog or the author but can recommend his advice.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Robert, it can be proof of legal work if it is being done legally. If she is working for a registered business and is receiving a monthly wage, or is working as a sole trader and she is declaring her income to the tax office, then there will be records of her earnings and her salary.

      This will provide proof that she has a steady job and a regular income. Unfortunately, a lot of people doing this kind of work do so for cash in hand and there is no record of their employment, or of them declaring their income to the tax office.

      Most people in this industry would not earn enough to pay tax anyway, or at least they would pay very little tax, but most of them wouldn’t know where to start in registering a business or declaring their income, or speaking with their employer about making their position a legitimate one within the business. I have no knowledge of your girlfriend’s employment circumstances, so I can’t advise further.

      Reply

  56. pete says

    I plan to visit the UK at the end of April for a couple of weeks with my wife and son for my son’s 2nd birthday. He has a Thai and British passport. My wife has been to the UK with me over 10 times over the past 15 years (as girlfriend and now wife) and her Visa has always been approved. However currently we are both not working. She is a housewife since our son was born and my contract of 9 years with a local hotel expired at the end of last year so I am currently unemployed. She owns the house that we currently live in and also a condominium. I have a Thai Marriage visa valid until the end of the year and a large chunk of money in my local bank to more then cover for the trip. Due to my working status do you think this will have any effect on the approval of the visa? On my sponsor letter is anything I should highlight in particular to avoid any disappointment?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Has your GF visited with you previously when she was unemployed? If so, the main issue is that you no longer have a job and have no income to support her. That said, if you have a big chunk in savings you could explain how this money will more than suffice in supporting you both for the trip and for living expenses during your job search, once you return.

      Your wife owns a house and a condominium, so proof of ownership would go a long way in proving her intent to return.

      In terms of your situation, I’d be transparent and explain your work history and the current situation. Are you looking for work in Thailand? Perhaps you could show proof of that, because again it shows intent to return.

      Does your wife receive an income of rent from the condo or house? If so, that is a big plus point too.

      Reply

      • pete says

        Yes, on the previous visit last year she was unemployed but I was still working. I will explain in my covering letter that I will return to Bangkok to follow up some working opportunities which is true anyway. We have no intention on returning to the UK permanently.

        We are currently residing at her house however the Tabian Baan doesn’t mention her name as she’s registered at her condo address as is our son. But I will to submit the English translations for both Tabian Baans with the application and mention it on the covering letter that she has 2 properties.
        She doesn’t receive rental income from the condo as her brother stays there.

        I am sure it will be fine especially as I have more than enough money in the bank for this trip and to see us into next year and it would be pretty mean to deny her a visa for our son’s 2nd birthday but who knows.

        Since the tabian baan for the house doesn’t menrion her name do you think I should also provide a translation of the title deeds of the house which show her name?

        Any final advice?

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          It would be mean, but not unheard of.

          My advice is to be very thorough. Leave no stone unturned, because leaving any doubt as to your GF’s intention not to return could result in a refusal.

          Definitely translate the deeds to show clearly she owns the property.

          One thing I’d probably do is apply for a couple of jobs before you apply for the visa and show evidence of these applications, just to erase any doubt that you are coming back to stay in the UK. You might also include a redundancy/termination letter from your previous job to support your statement as to why you are currently out of work.

          That said, it’s not so much you they will be concerned about, but rather your GF. However, wherever you live your GF is likely to want to live there too, so your circumstances are intrinsically linked to heres. For this reason, it’s a good idea to paint the whole picture of your lives together.

          Does your son attend nursery? If so, you could provide details of that too. Anything that indicates a commitment in Thailand that you need/want to return for.

          Also provide evidence of any savings your wife has (bank book photocopies).

          Reply

          • pete says

            I do have a termination letter from my previous employers but to be honest I’ve not be looking for a new job as of yet. I’m in the hotel industry and there’s plenty of jobs around and its quite normal for Management to take time off. And since I have healthy savings I’ve made a point of taking a well earned break and will start to look when I get back. I’m not sure if its a good idea for me to mention that in my covering letter or not?

            My son is 2 in April, which is the reason for the trip, so he’s not at a permanent school yet. He attends tiny tots but its pay per visit so there’s nothing in writing.

            I will also provide my wife’s bank statements but she only has around 600 GBP combined in 2 accounts so I hope the fact she has 2 properties will be enough for the application to be approved.

            Reply

  57. Simon says

    Hi Simon,

    I have been in a relationship with a Thai girlfriend for 6 months and travelled to TH 3 times. We got married in Hong Kong in January 2018 and she now has my name. My wife is Pregnant the baby is due in June 2018 and 3 months after the baby arrives I want to bring my wife and Daughter to the UK.

    I am a UK national and will support my family and earn in excess of £35k my wife has a degree which was taught in English and speaks very good English. In preparation I have added my wife to a tenancy agreement for our house in the UK .

    I am not sure when my wife should begin the application process from TH bearing in mind the baby is not due until June 2018 and we provisionally plan for her and our 3 month old daughter to come over in September 2018.

    Your guide has bene the best source of information thus far – thank you.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      So you’re looking at getting a settlement visa for your wife, not a visit visa?

      This is a much bigger process. You’ll need to get a lot of documentation together. Your wife also needs to pass the English test, which can be taken in Bangkok, and get a TB test.

      You’ll need to get all your financial information together.

      I’d start looking at doing it soon if you want this to happen this year.

      Reply

    • Mike says

      Assuming you are considering a tourist visa, as I understand it:

      Foreign Nationals excluding European passport holders need a work permit.

      A UK tourist visa specifically excludes the right to work.

      If anyone employs someone in the UK illegally it is a criminal offence.

      Any suggestion in her application she will work will immediately cause rejection and put the spotlight on you as a potential employer of illegal staff.

      Reply

  59. Simon says

    Hi
    This is going to read like a cliche, but here goes.
    I met a bar girl in Pattaya October 2016. We have been living together in Bangkok for just over a year now. Initially she was on a hairdressing course, but she has completed this now and it is highly unlikely she will get a job as a hairdresser. I support her financially and she pays the rent for the apartment out of the money I give her.
    I work in the offshore industry and spend all my time off with her in Bangkok. Unfortunately the last year has been very slow work wise and my plan to set up a more substantial home in Thailand has had to be postponed for the present.
    I would like to bring my girlfriend to the UK for a period possibly up to the maximum six months, but this will be determined by my work schedule.
    My girlfriend has a five year old son, but she has not seen him for three years as he lives with his father and relations are not good. She sends money to support him every month without fail.
    Her mother sadly died just before Christmas and she never knew her real father.
    My concern is that the visa application will be refused on the grounds she doesn’t have sufficient reason to return to Thailand at the end of her visit to the UK. Does the fact we “live” together in Bangkok demonstrate enough reason, or does she need something more concrete? She doesn’t own any land or property.
    Thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Simon,

      It is a difficult one. At the moment, as you note, she doesn’t have a reason to return to the UK, other than her son – but she is not the primary carer and hasn’t seen him for three years. In my experience it is highly unlikely that she would be given permission to visit for 6 months, especially since there is no guarantee she would return.

      A better situation would be to apply for a shorter trip of a few weeks perhaps, and if she had a job and a letter from her boss saying that her job would be open for her upon her return.

      The positives are that she has just completed a course, which shows positive intent to embark on a career and provides her with a legitimate profession. I think she could get a job as a hairdresser, or at least in a salon as a junior – though it would be long hours and the pay wouldn’t be good. But what that would give her is a regular job and income and a reason to return to Bangkok if she went to visit the UK.

      Could you go down that road for six months, and then reconsider applying later down the line?

      The fact that you have lived together for a year is a good thing because it shows a genuine relationship. You will need evidence that you live together though, and evidence of your relationship history to provide with the application.

      However, because your GF has no job and no work history that you can detail, no income and I presume no savings, and has no reason to return to Thailand, I fear that at this time these things would trigger too many red flags and she may be denied a visa.

      Arguably, you could present the relationship in another way, and that is that she is the homemaker and takes care of all things domestic while you pay the bills through your work and support her financially. But you mention your work is unstable at this time. Are you currently employed?

      Even in this situation, however, she is dependent on you. So she has no reason to return to Thailand if you don’t.

      Reply

      • Simon says

        Hi

        We can prove that we have been in a relationship since October 2016, and renting an apartment together since January 2017.

        I would normally work around six months of the year, and earn a very comfortable wage. However in 2017 work was very quiet, and I only worked about 4 months. I have a large house in the UK, which is now empty, so I will most likely rent this out after my girlfriend’s visit.

        Part of my plan to return to the UK for a while with my girlfriend is to get a more regular work contract. I am due to go away for a 5 week trip in March, which will give me a healthy bank balance, to show I am more than capable of supporting her during her visit.

        My girlfriend does have a bank account and savings of around 100000baht. I also pay her 20000baht every month by bank transfer, so all finances are demonstrable.

        I fully agree with all your advice regarding the visa application process, and I accept they will definitely not feel that my girlfriend has a compelling reason to return to Thailand at the end of her visit. What does confuse me though, is that I know a girl who has no assets, no job and met a man in Pattaya, who came to Thailand twice for two weeks. He managed to get her a six month visa to go to the UK, despite never having spent any time with her apart from two holidays in less than six months.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          When issued, the UK visit visa has a validity of 6 months as standard, but you have to stipulate when you intend to return, and it bodes well for future applications if you do stick to your return date because it shows you were honest about the reasons for needing to return to Thailand.

          I don’t know the specifics of the woman you mention, but your circumstances don’t mean you can’t get a visa, but you are at a disadvantage. You would be more likely to get a visa granted for a shorter holiday.

          It’s positive that your GF has savings, because that in itself is a reason to return to Thailand, albeit a small one because funds can be transferred abroad. Personally, I think the strongest reason for her to return would be that she has a son, and perhaps an elderly father who lives alone and requires her help in some way…perhaps he is ill or has a disability and she helps him regularly in some way?

          Reply

          • Simon says

            Hi
            I thought I would just give an update.

            I know the cost of using an agent is pretty high, and as you say they do not have any special relationship or influence with the immigration office, but I have had an agency recommended to me by a friend. They are based in Pattaya, and the owner is an ex immigration officer from the UK. He will not submit an application unless he is confident of it being approved, and “only” charges 10000b upon submission. If the visa is declined, that is it, however if the visa is granted then another 20000b is to be paid.
            Owing to my gf’s position, and this agent I am guessing is very accustomed to applying for visas for “Pattaya” girls, I have decided this is the best route for us to take.
            I will be applying when I get back to Thailand in April, I am currently working in UAE. I will update you on our progress thereafter.

            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              That’s fair enough. It is pretty costly though. The application itself costs 100 or so quid, but the agent is charging over £600 (if it is successful). I can appreciate though that if money isn’t an issue then perhaps it’s worth a shot.

              It wouldn’t be so bad if you just hired an agent and they did it all for you, from start to finish, but the agent will still require you to gather documents together, and spend time at the office providing information for the application. Your GF will still have to attend an appointment to hand the application in and do her biometric data. So the drain on your time still remains roughly the same.

              Reply

              • Simon says

                Hi Peter

                I know they are charging a premium, but as I can’t see how to show a compelling reason for my girlfriend to return to Thailand, I am paying for their “expertise” in this area, rather than their time.
                Included in their fee is accompanying my girlfriend to any interviews etc, so that would be a bonus.
                We are going to see friends in Pattaya anyway, so we can see how they come across face to face before I part with any monies. We live in Bangkok, so going to the visa centre isn’t a big deal either.
                Of course I would rather do it all myself, but as we have all concluded, the application looks pretty certain to fail, so I am gambling that these people can pull it off.

                Reply

                    • Simon R says

                      Hi Peter

                      I thought I would give you an update again.

                      We visited the visa agent in Pattaya, recommended by a friend of mine. He said as my girlfriend has no job, no land, no house, no strong family ties and her son lives with the father’s family, the visa application would be refused. Although I have lived with my girlfriend for 18 months in Bangkok, I have only ever had a visa on arrival and 30 day extensions, so technically I am not “living” in Thailand. This wasn’t the response we were hoping for, but I appreciated his honesty, and he recommended my girlfriend found a job.

                      We returned to Bangkok, and one of my girlfriend’s friends recommended another visa agent in Bangkok itself. I agreed to go for an interview, and I told my girlfriend I would not consent to any falsification of our situation as it could lead to her being refused for ten years.

                      We went for the interview and the agent said she understood our situation, and she thought she could demonstrate our relationship such that I am supporting my girlfriend financially, she does not work because the potential income is so low it would not benefit “us” materially, and it would impede us taking holidays etc when I come back to Thailand each time from working offshore. Any travel arrangements should reflect we are going to the UK together, and returning to Thailand together. She said that she thought we had a 50/50 chance of getting the visa approved for a two week holiday.

                      We provided all the usual photos together, dated and signed by me; bank details, passport stamps and travel dates all collated into a single document to show my time in Thailand; letters from my family saying how much they were looking forward to meeting my girlfriend; itinerary of the planned visit; photos of our apartment inside and out; photos of my house in the UK and translated copies of all and any documents relating to my girlfriend’s family.

                      I told my girlfriend that the visa would most likely be refused, and we planned a holiday to Singapore, for when I return from work in July.

                      Yesterday my girlfriend received her six month multi entry visa. We are both over the moon, and I am convinced that we could not have achieved this without the agent’s assistance. I know the process is supposed to be easy for anyone to do, but I think if your circumstances are outside the model which fulfills the acceptance criteria, the knowledge of the visa agent is key.

                      The agent in Pattaya is English and he charges 10000THB for the application, and another 20000THB if the visa is granted. This is a good system in that he will only make the application if he is confident the visa will be granted, but I also think it makes him more likely to only take the low hanging fruit. The agents in Bangkok are Thai and charged 20000THB win or lose, but they did admit they were only 50/50 confident about the visa being granted. 20000THB isn’t to be sniffed at, but I have to be honest it was not a big concern for me, my real worry was whether they would try to falsify the application in some way, but this was not the case.

                      In summary, I think, from my limited exposure to the process, if your circumstances fit the model to be approved you should definitely make the application yourself, with the assistance of the guidance here. However, if your circumstances have anything which will give the immigration any reason to decline your application I would suggest you use an agent who is recommended by a friend.

                      Best of luck

                    • TheThailandLife says

                      Congratulations; that’s great news! Conversely, I have been helping someone over email this week who has had a really bad experience with an agent. They made mistakes on the application form and didn’t provide the correct documentation and the visa was refused. Now it will be very difficult to address all the problems caused and reapply. Still, it is good to know that you had a good experience and there are decent agents out there. Personally I think it’s 50-50 with agents.

    • Mike Baker says

      I think you are right that she is likely to be refused.

      As she presently relies on you financially she needs another good reason to return, such as a child or property or caring responsibilty. Unfortunately she has none of these. Your relationship may not be doubted but it is not a reason to return.

      The assessor may also question your financial position if you are not receiving regular income and have no significant savings or investments you can draw on in times of “unemployment”. The lack of income for you may not be a significant issue if you can show/explain you experience this from time to time in your job and plan for it by saving.

      I think if your gf really wants to visit you in the UK she has to get a job and keep it for a year or so. She can then demonstrate she is less financially dependant on you day to day, perhaps showing she pays for the rent and is the name on the lease thereby showing a comittment to Thailand and a 2nd reason to return. And the proposed length of visit should be reasonable in view of the reasons to return…so maybe no more than a 3 or 4 week visit. Also the length of visit really has to fit with your job as they won’t be happy if by implication you could disappear offshore to work and leave her on her own!

      I think to apply knowing you are very likely to fail will make the assessors look even more closely the next time as they are bound to refer to the previous application and the timescale between them, not to mention the cost to you of applying and putting the application together.

      Good luck!

      Reply

  60. Jamie says

    Hi there, I purchased your ebook to help with my Thai girlfriend’s visa application. It helped a lot to see things a bit clearer.

    Anyway, she got her passport back with her new visa!

    The only thing is, they didnt return all the documentation she had in her folder, including a copy of my passport, copy of my mums passport and copy of my mums mortgage statement (she will be staying at my mums house).

    My mum was worried about giving over all her details like that. Do you know why they would not return all the documentation?

    Many thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      That’s great news! Don’t worry, it’s common that the folder is returned minus a couple of pieces of photocopied documentation. I’m not 100 percent sure why but I presume it is just for their own records. The information will be treated as highly confidential and only UK immigration will have access to it. It isn’t information they couldn’t access if they wanted to anyway, I’m sure.

      I hope your girlfriend enjoys here trip!

      Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      Inhad a similar experience with my invite to my sons wedding kept and some other copy documents of mine as sponsor.

      Don’t worry about this…they are just keeping evidence on file…maybe to justify their decision. Just make sure next time your info is consistent with previous applications and your girlfriend remembers details from last time so it doesn’t look odd that, if questioned, she cannot recall them.

      Reply

  61. L E S Phillips says

    This is the best and most up to date I have seen, well done. I have made many applications, as sponser, over 20 years and have only been rejected once. The reason was that the Hotel at which my Partner was working did not say that her job would be available to her when she returned in there letter giving details of her position and employment.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Thank you. That is a common issue people come up against. Employers in Thailand generally don’t allow annual holiday allowance to be taken consecutively (like 2 weeks straight), so for a long holiday a person might have to leave the job or take unpaid leave.

      Reply

  62. PEL2112UK says

    Don’t know if you’ve come across this scenario, my Thai wife (married in Thailand 10 days ago) will have to make the application herself, when I will be back in the UK. We want her to come back with me on a SPOUSE visa when I next return from Thailand on 03 May 2018. As a director of my own company it appears I need to submit my original company accounts for the previous year plus documents for the period since. My question is can I submit any documentation myself from the UK? I am loathed to post the original company accounts, because if they go missing and I am audited, I could be in serious trouble. Many thanks for sharing your experience.

    On another note, I have read a lot of people advising those getting married to Thai nationals in Bangkok up to use a translation service to translate their passport and their affirmation of eligibility to marry. We were even approached outside the British Embassy by someone out of the blue offering the same service. (If it isn’t already out there) The Thai Ministry of Foreign and Consular Affairs at (important to note this address – there are two offices) “IT Square”, has an in house translation service which takes two hours. Tip – have your Thai partner check it the translations over for errors before submitting them to be verified. Apologies if this already common knowledge.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Sorry for the delayed reply, I missed this one.

      You will need to provide the following, and the documents need to be submitted by your wife at the appointment, as supporting evidence for the application:

      – HMRC self-assessment tax return (most recent) (you can print out a colour copy of this)
      – Statement of Account (SA302) and evidence of the amount of tax payable, paid and unpaid for the last full financial year.
      – Proof of HMRC registration as self-employed (HMRC will send this to you by post. Just call up and request one)

      I was aware of the translation services at the MFA, but I have never used one there. 2 hours is a good turnaround time, though if they are busy I guess it could be longer, so people need to factor this in if they are in a hurry on the day.

      Reply

  63. Richard says

    Thank you for taking your time to make this very helpful guide. I am hoping to get my girlfriend to England just for a few weeks for a family wedding (not our wedding, my sisters), and visit France also before coming back. We have been together for over 2 years now. The only one thing I am having trouble ‘proving’ is our evidence that we want to return. I was hoping you could share some examples of this, as my girlfriend is self-employed so we can’t provide any sort of permission from work. Would simple things like internet contracts etc help as evidence of coming back?
    Thank you for any advice

    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      I would explain in detail what her occupation is and how it works day to day. Back this up with bank statements showing income and expenditures, copy contracts, tax returns and anything that may support her employment evidence.

      Also, does she own any assets like a car on finance? That is a commitment that will help show she needs to return…show the agreement and the bank payments. Also a rental agreement for an office perhaps?

      Any land owned? Any children she has to support?

      It can lead to a lengthy application and all Thai language documents need officially translating, but leave nothing out as long as you can explain its relevance.

      I would not boast she can work from the UK online or they may think she has no reason to leave. It should be made clear she can only work from Thailand and give reasons….like face to face meetings regularly required for example.

      Reply

  64. Net_Guy says

    Any tips for me?

    Last year me and my Thai wife managed to get a visit visa to the UK with the help of an agency after i/we failed 2 times.

    We did write in the documentation that she will visit the UK for 1 month, but plans changed. She stayed there for 5 months. She had a 6 month visa available. She did technically return before the actual visa expired but not on the date we wrote initially wrote down.

    Also i have been living and working in Thailand since May 2017 and intend to visit my family March 2018 for 6-8 weeks. I am however returning back to Thailand to carry on working.
    Since, this year January 2017 my wife stopped working and became a full time housewife. I became the full time provider for her.

    We also have registered our marriage in 2016 in Thailand too.

    This year i don’t want to go through an agency like before because it costs super expensive.

    My questions with all this backstory told to you is,

    Will her(Thai wife) staying in the UK for 5 months instead of 1 month cause an issue?
    Will her being a full time housewife and me being the provider cause an issue?

    Thank You for your help.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi,
      In answer to your questions…

      1. You should explain why she stayed longer, as they will look at that. This is why I always advise people to return on the date they stated on the application – because if you stay longer it calls into question your honesty on the reasons as to why you needed to return to Thailand (having a reason to return is a big part of getting approved in the first place).

      For example: let’s say you stated on the application that you have to return to Thailand after 1 month to return to work, and you have a letter from your employer confirming this. Then you return 3 months later instead. On your next visa application, they may look at your visa history and ask why you didn’t return after one month like you said you would. In their mind, you may well have lied on your application to get that first visa.

      2. The housewife aspect isn’t an issue if you can prove that your wife is financially supported by you. You might choose to provide bank account statements with deposits that correlate with transfers from you. You are married though and I presume living together, so such evidence may not be necessary. If you have been living apart, then you would need that evidence.

      Reply

      • Net_Guy says

        Cheers for the response.

        Wife returned later due to my sister getting married. My family insisted her to stay longer and her work manager didn’t mind.
        Because i have moved to Thailand this year, my family wanted to spend more time with us. I think this reason itself is good enough considering i managed to look after her and returned prior expire of the visa. Also, we have been living together this year too.

        Reply

  65. Tommy Hopkins says

    Hi There, great read above, do you have a book that can be purchased with all the above included.

    I visited Thailand November this year and have already arranged to visit again in March, but want to have all the relevant information in place to discuss with the Girlfriend, if not i will print off all the above.

    Will i at least need to visit a few times before applying for a visa for her to come over, or will two separate visits suffice

    any info will help, cant wait to go back there!

    Thanks

    Tommy

    Reply

  66. pete says

    Regarding the application for a UK visa for my wife. Because I don’t know the exact date of travel due to the changes in my work situation can i apply for a visa and state that I’m going to travel on lets say 20 December but then postpone the travel to another date as long as its within the 6 month validity of the Standard Visitor Visa?

    Reply

  67. Gary says

    Hi, I have a question?
    We used your advice to get a visa for my sons girlfriend. All went perfect and she is now in England on a visitors visa. She is due to go back to Thailand on 3rd January 2018. My son will stay in England, working so he can save enough to go back and live in Thailand with her but he would like her to come back to England straight away so they can live together until he has enough money. Is it possible for her to get another visa straight away as soon as she goes back or can we apply now before she goes back?

    Many thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      She can’t apply for a visa while inside the UK.

      When does the visa expire? Visit visas are 6 months by default, and usually multiple entry. Check on the visa and see if it says ‘multi’ on it. If so, she can return to Thailand on the date she said she would, and then return again within the 6-month visa validity period, but she must leave the UK before the visa expires.

      Note that having a visa doesn’t guarantee you entry to the UK, so if she goes back and comes back so soon on the same visa, immigration may question her motives when she returns.

      Also note: she should consider the reasons she gave on her application form for having to return to Thailand. For example: if her reason for having to return on a particular date was because of work, but she then returns home and comes straight back again, that will be noted when she applies for another visa in the future. A common reason for declining second visit visas is that the applicant stayed longer on a previous visit than they stated they would on their application, which brings into question that they may have lied on the application, and that perhaps they can’t be trusted again to return when they say they will.

      Hope this all makes sense.

      Reply

    • G says

      Hi, some help needed please. First visa my girlfriend applied for was rejected as she didn’t have a letter from her boss to say that she would be returning to work after her visit to the UK. The problem is she has to quit her current job to visit the UK as she is not entitled to annual leave for any longer than a week. Her boss won’t provide a letter so we’re a bit stuck. Can you suggest any way she could get the visa cleared the next time we try with no job to return to in Thailand when her two-month holiday in the UK ends?

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        This is one of the biggest obstacles people have to overcome, as generally Thais are not allocated big blocks of annual leave like we are in the UK and US. There are three potential options here:

        1. Speak with her boss about taking unpaid holiday and keeping the job. He could then provide a letter confirming her employment and stating that her job will be kept open.
        2. Find a new job that starts upon her return and get a letter from that employer confirming the start date, position and salary.
        3. Apply again and be transparent: say that the boss won’t let her take the holiday but confirm other reasons she has to return to Thailand such as children, assets (house, investments), parents (does she have a parent who relies on her for daily care?)

        Reply

        • G says

          Thank you for your help.
          Maybe the latter will be our best option.
          It’s so frustrating because we don’t want to jeopardise a future visa by going against any of the rules.
          But, at present, a one-week holiday is the only option.
          Her boss will provide a letter saying she can have one week off and then return, but ideally we wanted a longer period together in the UK.
          If the visa is passed, would it be possible to enter the UK again at a later date for a period of time, providing she returns within the six-month period?
          Thanks again for your help. It’s much appreciated.

          Reply

          • TheThailandLife says

            It is possible, yes. But bear in mind you might need to justify the second trip when applying for another visa, particularly if your reason for returning to Thailand after the first was that your GF had to get back to work. If it’s just for a 1-2 week holiday for which your GF can get time off work, I don’t see that as an issue. But if it’s a 1, 2 or 3 month trip, they will probably question that later down the line.

            Reply

  69. John says

    Hi,
    I was wondering if you could provide any information or clarify the following please:
    If a EEA national living in the UK (settled) and gets married to a Thai national, which is valid in the UK and the Thai national comes to live in the UK with the EEA national, does the Thai national get a residence card automatically or do they get something else first. I’m not clear what happens once they are married and what type of visa do they get and how long does it last for?
    Also, can they be added to a tenancy agreement.
    Many thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      From what I’ve read, the Thai national would need to apply as the spouse of a settled person. If approved, a residence card would be provided on arrival to the UK. You get a letter with the address of a local post office, and then pick the residence card up from there.

      Reply

  70. Calvin says

    Hello firstly I’d like to thank you for this support, it is both insightful and generous. I am attempting to bring my Thai girlfriend over to the UK, we are hoping we can get a Visa for an 11 day trip.
    It asks for my ability to financially sponsor her whilst she stays in my home, however my intention is to use my credit cards and pay it off.

    What do they look for when they ask for your 6 months of bank statement? As any money I saved I used to travel to Thailand twice this year, if i have no savings will that go against our application for a tourist Visa?

    Calvin

    Reply

  72. Marcus says

    Hi, I’ve used the guide previously to gain a uk visit visa for my girlfriend and I have to start off with saying thank you very much for the help and advice to make it possible.
    We are now looking at getting married and applying for a uk spouse visa. Do you think we should include the proof of relationship we put in our visit visa application into our spouse visa application or would it be too much? If we followed on from the last piece of proof we used until now do you think that would be sufficient. So that would be from last august until now, with 2 visits to the uk and one visit to Thailand in between this time frame. Also do you think they could refuse it if we have no evidence of an engagement. Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The spouse visa is very different. It is far more involved and a lot of documentation is required to support the application. Your GF will have to take an English test and pass that first before you apply. She will also need a TB test. You will need to meet the financial requirements and fill out a VAF4A-Appendix2 form. You will need to provide evidence of living arrangements and a bunch of other stuff too. Let me know if you are self-employed as that requires additional documentation.

      Reply

  73. PJ says

    Hi
    How long should we allow for an appointment at the trendy building, we have an appointment at 11am , we are looking to get flight in afternoon so just wondered should be base it on being at trendy building for 1 hour or 2 hours or is it a lot quicker than that from your experience?

    Reply

      • PJ says

        cheers for that.
        I am not clear on what is acceptable as photocopies, i assume all her documents need to be original but where I am supporting her financially for her trip, I can give copies of P60 , payslips , bank statements, passports, birth certificate , register of title showing ownership of house plus got all line chats etc, pictures of my house
        I was not clear on, are they interested in my full 10 year travel history or just the recent travel to prove i have been to thailand?
        I don’t want to give them originals of my passports/register of title /birth certificates or P60.
        A bit of guidance would be appreciated?
        Thanks

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          This can be a confusing topic. On the UKVI website it states that all submitted documents must be originals. But this refers to the documents it suggests you provide, which are the basics like passport, marriage certificate and the original translations of any documents.

          Bank statements should be originals, or at the least photocopies that have been stamped/verified by the bank (you can go into the bank and they will do this for you). Payslips should be originals. P60 isn’t necessary. House deed/title of ownership you can colour photocopy; this will be backed up by evidence of mortgage payments on your bank statements anyway, I assume. You can also provide a copy of a mortgage agreement if you have one.

          They don’t tell you exactly what documents to provide because outside of the standard stuff there will be documents specific to your application. You don’t need to give your original passport or birth certificate (you don’t need to provide a BC anyway).

          They will want to see your travel history, so copies of passport pages that show travel to and from Thailand since the time you met your partner. Your travel dates to and from Thailand should correlate with the time spent with your partner.

          I cover this all extensively in my guide, and provide a comprehensive checklist for you. https://www.thethailandlife.com/visit-visa-guide

          Reply

  74. Bob says

    Not sure if this is the right place to post.

    My situation is different from any I’ve seen and I would be grateful for advice from anyone with insight into my situation.

    I am a 70 year old UK citizen, retired. I own my substantial house, have no debt and have a considerable sum in the bank and invested in cash fixed rate term bonds. I also have 2 pensions bringing in about £14,000 a year. In short, I am pretty well-off.

    My girlfriend is a Thai national (she’s in her 50’s if that makes a difference) and we would like to get married and live in the UK. I cannot live in Thailand because I need Insulin and other medications not available in Thailand).

    Would there be a problem bringing my wife back to the UK with me?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Once married, she will need to apply for a settlement visa, which is different to the visitor visa written about in the post above. Have a look here for further details: https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk It’s quite a big deal and takes a while to get all the evidence together. Your wife will need to take an English test at a centre in Thailand. Once passed, she can apply. She will also need to take a TB test. You will need to meet the financial requirements, as well as prove your relationship is genuine…plus a bunch of other stuff. The visa costs £1,195, and your wife will have to pay around £600 for use of the NHS.

      Reply

      • Robert MacLean says

        It’s really the financial situation that concerns me. As I understand it you have to prove an income of at least £18,500 a year (I think this is for employed people). But I am retired and my combined (fixed salary) pensions amount to about £14,000 a year but I have well over £60,000 in cash savings, plus property and no debt of any kind. Do you know if they apply the same earnings rule to retired people?

        Many thanks for your help.

        Reply

  75. Ben Hewlett says

    Would anyone care to jump in and help me here please? We just had a vv refused.

    I’m having trouble understanding what circumstances we could create/set up/show to be in a position to re-apply. Is it about her getting a salaried job? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

    ‘I note that your sponsor has agreed to fund the cost of your visit and I acknowledge that he has the financial means to do so. However, I have also assessed your circumstances as a part of the visa application. You have declared that you are unemployed and financially dependent upon your sponsor, whom you intend to visit, for financial support. The supporting documentation to confirm your economic circumstances is extremely limited. For example, you state that you have £927 in savings although this is not confirmed by available information. I am therefore not satisfied that you have demonstrated you have economic ties to Thailand.

     Given the above, I am not satisfied that your personal financial circumstances demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and that you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes. Your application is therefore refused under paragraph V4.2 (a) and (c).’

    For info

    This was earlier in the refusal letter so I think the only problem is the one above:

    ‘You have applied for a visa to visit your boyfriend in the UK for 3 months. I have carefully considered your application against the UK Immigration Rules based on the information you have submitted using a balance of probabilities. The onus is on the visa applicant to demonstrate that they meet the UK’s Immigration Rules through the provision of information and supporting documentation.

     You have declared that you met your boyfriend in the UK for 3 months. You state you both met on 15 May this year in a restaurant in Hua Hin and have since spent time together travelling the region. I acknowledge the supporting documentation you have submitted.’

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      So essentially your GF has failed to provide sufficient evidence of economic ties to Thailand, and subsequently the ECO has concluded that she may not leave at the end of her stay.What evidence did you provide that she has interests that require her to return in Thailand? Family commitments, land/home ownership, business interests, evidence of savings? This aspect can be tricky when a person is unemployed.

      Reply

      • Ben says

        Exactly. Very tricky.

        The evidence is that she is her elderly father’s carer, she is a house and land owner, she has been out of Thailand 12 times all over the world and always returned within the visa limit. Clearly not convincing although true.

        I imagine they would like to see an active bank account with income and expenditure consistently showing over many years. But she doesn’t have a job and therefore no income. At least not since May this year when I met her.

        Previously she worked in a factory for 20 years and that would have done it I guess but that stopped 5 years ago.

        She did have savings but I think that’s nearly gone now. She lives in a big family so it all seems to work. I spent a week with them all and there’s plenty of food about, a few cars and bikes, no apparent difficulties with finance – I think quite a few of the younger members are working.

        I can’t see any way except I go there (or somewhere else) and stay with her or try for a fiancé visa – at a later date and if we are wanting to get married.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi Ben,

          They don’t need to see an active bank account over many years. Ideally bank statements going back 6 months, 12 if possible.

          If she can provide bank statements and show regular income before May, that would be a great help. She can they explain in her supporting letter that she stopped working to care for her father

          The key thing here is that they want to know more about her personal circumstances and how she supports herself.

          She doesn’t have a regular income, so the bank statements won’t show much except savings, but you should provide those anyway, and those before May when she was working. The ECO stated that you didn’t show evidence of the £925 in savings; why not? You must back this up with evidence and leave no stone unturned.

          If she is a carer, is she registered as such? If so, can a local authority provide a letter?

          If not, can her father write and sign a letter that confirms she is his full time carer. This would need to be officially translated. In this case, she would also need to provide details of who would be caring for her father while she was away.

          You are sponsoring her trip, so the only money she really needs is emergency money to fly home or afford accommodation if you were to break up while she was in the UK. So it might be an idea to gift her money to cover this. You could pay this into her account, and then explain this in both your supporting statements — that you are paying for flights and all expenses but have given her x money to have as her own as emergency money (just in case) for her trip. This would then indirectly show sufficient funds for the trip, despite the fact that you are paying anyway.

          All you need to do then is prove good enough reason to return to Thailand. I would say her sick father is good reason enough; but you need to prove that he is sick and she is his carer. You say she owns a house and land. Again, you need to prove this by way of deeds and land documents, all of which should be officially translated. These are good reasons to return to Thailand and what the ECO wants to see by way of evidence.

          I cover all this and tons more helpful stuff in my guide: https://www.thethailandlife.com/visit-visa-guide

          Reply

  76. Conall says

    Can I ask anyone what type of bank accounts are required by the embassy for my partner to show? He as yet only has a basic savings account (with cash card) but he thinks he may need a fixed deposit account but I would think this should not be the case? He is working as a waiter and money is not good, but I Send him money to his account monthly.

    Any answers would be gratefully appreciated.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      There is no stipulation for the type of bank account a person must have. A standard current or savings account is fine. What is important is to show a regular salary being paid in and evidence of savings to cover the trip expenses.

      Reply

  78. Gail Harding says

    My son’s Thai girlfriend of nearly 3 years, is hoping to come visit this Christmas. They will stay with myself in my bungalow. I want to write a letter saying she will be staying with me and my son, and my son and my self will support her if needed. Where would I have to get the letter officially stamped from. Thanks in advance. Any help appreciated.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You don’t need the supporting letter officially stamped, but you will have to provide documents proving that you own/rent your home, and any details of a mortgage on the property., etc. Provide copies of two utility bills, and a photocopy of your passport too. Your son will need to provide evidence of his finances to prove he can sponsor her trip. Typically bank statements going back 6-12 months (originals or print outs stamped by the bank), plus wage slips too. There’s lots more advice in the post and in previous comments. All the best.

      Reply

  79. Jaro kovaricek says

    Hello. Same problems with Australian tourist vIsa. Why is it so stupid? You come to Thailand and you get 30 day visa free and with a smile. This is a civilized country! Requirements by those three here mentioned countries remind me very much the old days of communist countries ways, very similar. It seems that the UK, Australia and Canada are becoming totalitarian states. The best thing is to avoid them. Go with your girlfriend for holiday to communist Vietnam, they are friendly and make no fuss about visa. If you need to go to England, apply for visa to another Shengen country, some of them are friendly and civilized. Then you are free to move in Europe.

    K,

    Reply

  80. Craig conlon says

    My Thai girlfriend has just submitted her vv application she has done everything you have said , and so have I she has her own business property land etc , she has submitted photos of our relationship documents of telephone conversation chat history on line 10 months worth , every thing you mentioned, and so have I , even sponsor letter from my father as I live in my parents house with all his id and bill letters , she got a phone call from the embassy witch lasted an out asking about me my family my children everything that was in her documents, she answered all the questions correctly they asked her , is this a bad sign because they were on the phone so long , she is still waiting to hear if she has been granted visa or not , your input would be grateful thanks .

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Craig, it’s hard to tell. I’d would not say a really long phone-call is a bad thing. If they immediately thought things didn’t add up they would have cut it short. If she has her own business and her finances are healthy I can’t see why she would be refused.

      Reply

  81. Paul Bradley says

    This has been a great read, Thank you everyone for your contributions of experiences,.
    I’d like to know if the age of a partner has any effect on any decisions that anyone knows of please?
    I’m a 55 yr old male and my thai partner is a 63 year old woman who would love to spend 3 months here to experience life in UK before fully committing to living here.
    Any advice welcome please

    Reply

  82. Andrew millar says

    Hi my girlfriend has just been turn down for the second time for a 3 month uk visitor visa. First time it was refused because i didnt show enough money in my account for sponsorship for her trip to uk ,i had the money a savings account seperate from my current account and had only sent statments from it.
    And did not give enough evidence of how we meet. So second time around i fixed those issues and even came out to thailand to go with her to the trendy building.
    This time they say she did not give enough evidence that she will return to thailand , when i made the application for her i stated she owned her house and land and that she has a 2 year old son and give his passport details although he would not be traveling with her.
    She sumitted the thai book from her home to prove she owned the house and her son birth cirtificate ,so now we are not sure what they want more ?
    And because she is unemployed and is supported by me . Its states she does not have enough money in her bank account . How can we fix these 2 issues . Would putting some money in her bank do anything or does it have to be over a period of time ?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Andrew, sorry to hear this; I know this is very upsetting for you both.

      Because you are applying for a 3-month trip they will want solid evidence that she is going to return to Thailand.

      Stating that she owns a house and land would not be enough. As I understand it the first person listed on the tabien baan (house book) is the owner, but the person reviewing your application probably wouldn’t know this. Did you have the book translated?

      I would also provide a translated copy of the house deeds that show your GF as the owner. You should also do this for the land.

      Any other documents like her son’s birth certificate should also be translated.

      Also consider that the UKBA officer is possibly troubled by the fact that your GF has a son but is requesting a 3-month trip. It is unusual for a mother to leave a 2-year-old child to go to another country to visit a boyfriend for this long, at least from a western perspective.

      Your GF has no job and is supported by you. So they may be thinking well how does she support her son, and may have a concern that she will stay in the country and seek to bring her son over in the future.

      Her house and land, as assets, are reasons to return but being unemployed with no money to support herself is a major concern. You aren’t living together either, nor are you married and been living together for a long time.

      Putting money in her bank doesn’t solve the issue because they will see the deposit came from you, and you already support her financially and are funding her trip, so what is the difference?

      That said, it may help to start putting a regular amount in her account each month to show that you do support her on an on-going basis (this is similar to receiving a salary I guess, though they probably won’t see it that way), at least then it shows she has access to some money of her own in case of an emergency in the UK. But don’t you already do this if you support her?

      Personally, I would apply for a shorter period of time, like a normal holiday of say 3 weeks. I would also provide those translated documents as I suggested.

      If you want to email me a copy of the rejection letter I can look at the reason and offer more specific advice. Please use the contact form. I’ll email back and then you can attach it.

      Reply

  83. Callum says

    Hi TTL,

    I did do my best at going through all the comments to try and find this answer as I don’t want you to be repeating yourself, but the dilemma I have with my Thai girlfriend is a bit of an issue in regards to applying for a visitor visa. She’s freshly graduated from university, and currently in a internship for Lufthansa which will end in November and she wanted to come to the UK once this ends. The problem is she won’t have a reason to return to Thailand, and she can’t have time off during her internship. We’ve been together 2 years, I’ve visited her 5 times, had one rejected application for a UK visa whilst she was still at university a year ago for the reason of ‘not providing enough evidence to return to Thailand’. Considering she’s only just finished university, she has no real amount of money, no assets such as a house or a motorcycle as her dad provides everything for her. We were thinking of providing evidence that her dad will support her trip and continue supporting her just like he has for her whole life, I’m just concerned this won’t be seen as ‘enough’ of a reason for her to return. Despite the true genuineness of our relationship and our honest intentions of the visa, I can see the visa application being rejected again- which isn’t a good position to be in. If you have any ideas of how to ‘bulk up’ our reasons for her to return I would be eternally grateful.

    Callum

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Callum, sorry I missed this.

      It’s a tough one. What is her plan after her internship? I’m thinking that if it is to study or work, then to get a job proposal from a company with a start date from when she returns from visiting you, or a letter from where she intends to study. This would show genuine intent to return.

      I think getting her dad involved would make for a stronger case, because he could write a letter stating that he will be funding her trip (flights, spending money etc) and that he guarantees her for any financial eventuality.

      He would need to show proof of available funds such as bank statements. He could also start paying her a monthly stipend as of now (into her account) that would be proof later down the line that he supports her on a monthly basis.

      Does he speak English? If so, he could say in his letter that he is available to speak to to confirm any of the details.

      Reply

      • Callum says

        Hi TTL,

        Thanks for the reply. He already does send her 6000 baht a month and has done for years to support her in monthly day to day things, so I think this would be good. Any costs out of this category he covers but in a as and when format. As for the job proposal that’s something we could look into, but I hope with her father’s letter and proof of funds this should help our application.

        Reply

        • Callum says

          Hi TTL,

          Sorry for bringing up an old topic but I have a bit of an update:

          We have her dad on board in terms of financial evidence and providing all the relevant details and guaranteeing her eventuality in Thailand and for the whole of the UK trip. He also speaks English and can confirm all these details to the embassy over the phone. However, the problem now lies in that my girlfriend has no job now her internship finished, and does not have any job offers or anything of that nature. Whilst she does have a promise to her dad that she will begin finding employment upon her return (which we can mention in the application) I’m concerned this isn’t enough.

          My question is, in your opinion, is it worth applying without a job offer and only her dad’s full support, or is it bound to be rejected without concrete employment to return to in Thailand?

          Thank you so much in advance, all your support has been fantastic.

          Callum

          Reply

  84. paul says

    Hi
    I was lucky I met my Thai wife here in the UK. She had been sponsored by her then work here in the UK. But it cost a lot to get visas, then leave to remain & finally British passport.
    The paperwork is so complex. They make you pay first ( leave to remain £1200) & if 1 question is filled in wrong, you will be rejected and have to start & pay again.
    Great Article
    Paul

    Reply

  85. LC says

    Hey, first of all – thanks for the post as it seems to have caused a great discussion about bringing our partners/friends to the UK.

    I would like to sponsor my partner from Indonesia (I suppose the process will be similar as in case of a Thai partner) to come over to the UK, but I’m a bit concerned what we should say about his reason to come back to Indonesia.

    At the time we met, he was employed, however, due to illness and inability to come to work for an extended period of time, he was made redundant. Since his salary wasn’t too high and he lacks higher education to get a better job, and my financial situation isn’t bad, I decided to support him, and, in the first place, pay for his English school which he’s ben attending for over 4 months now in hopes he could get an English certificate to apply for a student visa and attend college in the UK some time next year. I’d like him to visit me in the UK for a month or two when his course finishes, and then we plan to go on a holiday to Vietnam with my friend from where he would be going back home and starting school again. Our intentions are genuine, I would like him to visit me for a few weeks and then go back and come back on a student visa when the circumstances allow this. Do you think that a letter of acceptance from an Indonesian school and my assertion of supporting him would be enough for him to be granted a visa?

    Thanks a lot.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi LC, I think you have a good case. If the school can provide a letter to say that he is studying there and will be doing so upon return from his visit to the UK, this is a genuine reason to return. You’ll also need to show proof of your relationship history, and of your travel to and from Indonesia.

      Reply

  86. Daz says

    Hello again,

    I have a few more niggles and concerns I’m worried about that for obvious reasons I’d like naturally to try and get right first time.

    Again.. thanks very much for all your time and help it’s greatly appreciated!

    1, It says I will need to provide my birth certificate, is this the original document or will a photocopy suffice? (Sorry if this has been covered somewhere and I’ve missed it)

    2, From the time I’ve known her (January 24th) she has held down a good job at suvarnabhumi airport, however.. recently, she changed her job to another one, a different job at the same airport but she was out of work for about a month, do we need to explain the month’s gap and what she was doing during this time?

    3, now this one is my main worry right now..

    I’m hoping to bring her to my home for 3 months, is this too excessive for a first time visit, should I scale it back? I’ll of known her well over a year and visited her twice by the time i would like her to visit and I already have more than ample evidence to support the relationship is more than genuine.

    The reason I ask is because she will obviously have to give up her work to visit for a long period like that, and so my main worry is trying to explain and give a valid reason for her to go back to her own country of which right now I really can’t come up with any good ones, obviously this is a concern 😕 The before
    Mentioned Chinese girl had frozen money in her bank account and was at college and came on school holiday so had ample reason to return back.. Any suggestions from yourself or anybody else that visits this board and I would be greatly thankful.

    Thanks again for all your help on this board, it seriously is a great help to people like myself and others

    Daz

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Daz,

      Here’s my answers…

      1. Actually your passport will do. I provided my birth certificate (a copy) but your passport is proof of who you are, birth date, etc.

      2. I would explain that in a supporting letter statement (from her). There will be a gap in her wage slips (if she is supplying those-provide 6 month’s worth), so explaining that would be good.

      3. I have doubts that the application would be successful if she states that she is giving up her job to go to spend 3 months with you. What reason would she provide that she will return to Thailand? This would set alarm bells ringing. Can you not just do a holiday and she keeps her job for now? You’d have a much better chance of being successful.

      Reply

  87. Jay says

    Hi.

    Thanks for the great post…we used it. Was refused today but nothing to do with this article or even the rules really.

    Seems we wrote down her financial situation in a manner which they misunderstood.

    Anyway. We will reapply. Do you know when youre able to reapply? Cant seem to find any rules on re-applying.

    Many thanks.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Jay, sorry to hear that. You can reapply immediately. Misunderstandings do happen and it isn’t uncommon. There is no right to appeal on a visit visa though. If you want me to look at the refusal letter to advise you can contact me using the contact form.

      Reply

      • Jay says

        Hi Daz. On the online application it asks about her savings and investments which we wrote yes then underneath it the asks the amount of income in pounds from saving etc, and we wrote 3000 GBP which is her own personal savings (not income from savings). They then looked at her statement to find where this 3000 GBP was per month andcof course she doesnt jave that.

        They then picked on several transactions that are above her monthly salary. These are two work bonuses and another work related transaction which we have provided proof of.

        Then they also stated the cost of the visit is 5 months above her disposable income. She has 150’000 thb in her bank so they did not even consider that. The suppprting letter now states disposable income is not the only money being used for the trip but also the bonuses saved etc.

        Keep in mind the costs while in the uk are minimal. My family have a pkace we will stay, food and transport. This also has a supporting letter from my parents.

        We have proof of over a 6 year relationship with condo rental contracts, pictures including an engagement ceremony.

        We are hoping that being clear about finances in her bank will do the trick. If not – bugger the uk.

        Reply

  88. Daz says

    Hi all!

    I’ve not seen this brought up anywhere on here I don’t think… but

    When I brought a Chinese girl here before, her parents were required to drop £3000 in her bank account which was then frozen, I guess it was some kind of incentive for her to return to her own country after her trip, just curious if the same applies here or not?? I’ve not seen it mentioned at all.

    Cheers

    Reply

  89. Mark Hubbard says

    Hi there, my wife and i have been married now since sept 2014. We have a house in Chiangrai, but i spend most of the year working and living at my mums house in England, cos as you know its not easy for a foreigner to get work or earn a living in Thailand.
    I will shortly be returning to Thailand to make a go at living there and running a business with my wife , but i first want to bring her to the UK for a short visit to give her a taste of my life in Uk and the UK culture. She has land in Thailand, including the house we live in when i’m there.
    Does she need to get all the land registry papers/deeds and house book translated to English?
    Also i will be financing the trip,
    Will photocopies of my passports(current and old) ,bank statements , salary slips and supporting letter be satisfactory, and do those photocopies , especially of my passport need to be in colour?
    Another question i have is,
    My wife has changed her first name years ago, and has recently changed her surname to my family name, does she need to show certification of when she changed her first name?
    All this process is causing a heachache, especially with me not being there to help her.
    Any helpful advice you can afford me now would be aprreciated.

    Regards

    Mark

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Mark,

      I’ll answer these questions in order:

      1. Yes. Get the deed of ownership and tabien baan to show she is on the house book; I presume you are on there too? You don’t need to hand in the land registry paper, the former will suffice for the house. But is she owns other land then it is a good idea to show proof of that as it offers a good reason for her to return to Thailand after her visit.
      2. Photocopies of your passports, yes. But not just your the ID pages. You need to show all your travel to and from Thailand. The past 5 years would be optimal. So photocopy all the stamps in and out, etc.
      3. Salary slips going back 12 months, if possible. Bank statements to corroborate those salary payments and demonstrate proof of savings.
      4. Photocopies of your passport don’t need to be in colour, but I’d photocopy the ID pages in colour anyway and the rest in B&W.
      5. Bank statements should be originals. Order them from your bank. If you are using photocopies you will need them stamped/signed by your bank to say they are copies of originals.
      6. Yes, she needs to translate the name change certificate. One of the questions on the application is “have you ever been known by any other name”, so yes, she will need to show proof of that.
      7. Provide your marriage certificate and the other papers they give you too (can’t remember the name), and translations of course.
      8. Don’t forget proof of her income/how she supports herself. Letter from employer that her job will be left open for her return..etc.

      All the best.

      Reply

  90. Pat Mchale says

    Hi I applied for a visa for my girlfriend and they phoned her asking lots of questions about me and where she works, she knew the answears but I was wondering if anybody else had been called because my 2 friends who have Thai wife’s have never experienced this ? Is this good news or bad news ? She hasn’t been contacted yet to pick her documents up and it was 3 days ago they called.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Pat, the phone call seems to have become a more staple part of the process over the last year. Previously it was quite rare. Like your friends, my wife, and indeed when she was my GF, never had a phone call – not even for her first visa. But 90 percent of couples I hear from now have had a phone interview, so don’t worry.

      All the best!

      Reply

  92. ian phillips says

    hi there
    me and my girlfriend are applying for a standard visiting visa ,for her to come to uk for hopefully 9 days ,we have to give arrival and return dates,but if you can not get tickets after obtaining visa ,for these dates , can she travel on a later date in the 6 months that the visa is valid,if so should we email the british embassy.
    another subject ,is my sponsor letter ,can this be photocopy ,or will it need to be original letter ,signed by me ,and posted bangkok.
    thank you Ian

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The departure date you put on the application is just your preferred travel date. You will be able to travel anytime after the valid from date on the visa once issued. So you will be able to book your tickets based on the valid from date once you get a decision. Your sponsor letter can be a photocopy with your signature on it, or emailed to your GF and printed out. But posting the original to Bangkok is what I’d do.

      Reply

      • ian phillips says

        hi peter,i just wanted to let you know ,our first visa application was successful,my thai partner will be coming to england in september this year.
        the information on your site was very helpful.
        nobody needs an agent ,just provide everything they require in a organized way.
        Thanks

        Reply

      • G says

        So if we stated on the application that our preferred date was some time in April but we actually ended up booking a ticket in June, this wouldn’t be a problem, providing the visa hadn’t passed the six-month stage?

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          You will state on the application the approximate date you intend to travel. The visa will be valid for 6 months, so you need to travel and return within that period. Do try to stick roughly to the holiday dates you put on the application, as it bodes well for future applications. If your application is centered around the fact that your GF has to get back to work in May but then you don’t travel until June, on your next application the officer will look at your visa history and may consider that you weren’t honest on your first application because your GF clearly didn’t have to be back in May. The same goes for staying longer than you stated you would on the application. This may be questioned in future applications and affect the outcome.

          Reply

  93. Rob Handley says

    Thank you for the very informative article and instructions! Just to add to the info for people applying in the Chiang Mai area – VFS now have an office on Huay Kaew Road and so you no longer need to go to Bangkok to apply – this is great because last year it was a very expensive job including the flights and accommodation to go there and then get refused! This year we have success!!
    A question I have now is regarding the arrival in the UK – a friend has suggested that even now that my gf has her visa, she could still be refused entry if she doesn’t answer correctly a series of questions that they ask and produce documentation such as a letter of invitation from my family. Is this correct?
    Cheers, Rob

    Reply

  97. michael scott says

    Hi Peter.
    Now on my fourth application, over 6 years, for my Thai girlfriend for a 6 month visitor visa (1 refused, 3 passed). Next one will be a spouse visa, marriage soon.
    Thank you for your instructions which are excellent. I always follow them.
    Two errors which are not really important.
    You say that documents don’ t need translation in your addendum to your table. All Thai language documents do need to be translated.
    Then ‘ any document you submitted in Thai should be translated into….English. You say Thai.
    Thank you for your excellent, informative blog. Regards Mike Scott

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Michael, thank for spotting those errors. The table is an official document from a while back; so that needs updating. I have amended the other mistake. Nice to know someone is reading the whole post 🙂

      Reply

  98. Colin Sims says

    Hi, is it possible for my Thai wife, here in UK on month one of a six month visitor visa to return to Thailand for one month at the end of her agreed initial three month stay, and then re-enter UK for the remaining two months in which time we would apply for an extension?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      By default the visa will be a multiple entry unless it has a special condition. Check the visa and see if it says “multi” on it. If so, then technically yes, she could do this. But bear in mind her application was for specific dates and the visa was issued on that basis.

      Also consider that a visa does not guarantee you entry. If a border officer thinks that she is seeking to overstay or stay indefinitely by coming in a second time within a short timeframe he/she may refuse entry.

      On what basis would you apply for an extension? Unless she is receiving private medical treatment in the UK then there would be no grounds.

      Reply

      • Colin Sims says

        Ok, thanks for advice. I think we’re going too fast. Obviously we’re “deeply in lurve” and want to be together “forever” but trying to get my head around which visa to apply for next is proving difficult to say the least. My main problem is the dreaded minimum income stumbling block to allow us applying for a long stay visa in uk. We have a small house near Nongbualamphu and need to return there regularly to placate Momma and Papa as well as keeping an eye on farm land owned by missus. We might have to resort to expensive journeys between Uk (for my medical care) and Thailand every few months, if indeed we can get the required visa each time. In the meantime we’ll enjoy British summertime on the broads and relax a bit. Many thanks again for such an informative blog and friendly replies. Best regards, Colin S.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          No worries. I assume you mean the settlement visa — that’s the one that has the income requirement. You can do it two ways: 1. £18,600 per year salary, or 2. £65,000 in savings.

          Enjoy Norfolk!

          Reply

          • Colin sims says

            Hi TTL, more advice requested please. Have any readers or yourself ever exceeded your visa application dates ? Obviously we wouldn’t go over the six month visa limit but another couple of months over the three granted, making five in all would be welcomed. My question being, any experience of a subsequent application being adversely affected? We anticipate applying for another visitor visa after staying in our house in Thailand for about six months. I can’t meet the current financial requirements for a UK settlement visa and have trouble finding affordable medical insurance cover for existing conditions. Thanks. Colin S.

            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              Hi Colin, if you dig through the comments you’ll see a more detailed answer to this of mine, but basically you are issued a visa on the basis of the details you provide in your application.

              This means you give a return date on the application. That return date is usually based on reasons to return to Thailand such as a job, kids to get back to school, business to take care of, etc.

              So if you stay longer, you are essentially admitting that you have lied about A) how long you intended to stay, B) your reasons for having to return home (if you gave any). For example: If your boss wrote a leter confirming your job would be left open for 2 months and you return 1 month later than you said you would, then it looks as if that letter was part of constructing a story…do you see what I mean?

              In addition, consider that you are usually asked by immigration how long you are staying when you enter the country.

              However, it is a 6-month visa, so you can’t be penalised for staying longer, as long as it is less than 6 months. But consider that they may note that you stayed longer than stipulated and this may form part of your visa history, which can impact future applictaions. For this reason, my wife has always returned when she said she would.

              Reply

  100. Jimmy says

    Hi, I have dual nationality, British and Thai. I have lived in Thailand for 12 years and I married my Thai girl friend a few months ago. I’m bilingual and speak both languages to native level.

    I was recently terminated from my long term job in Thailand and received a large pay off (nearly 20,000 pounds). I would now like to return to live in England with my son, who has British citizenship (son is from a previous marriage). The plan is to take my new Thai wife with me on a 6 month holiday and then for her to return and we will apply for spouse visa.

    My Thai wife works for a property developer, but she doesn’t have any savings and does not own any property in Thailand. I have provided her 150,000 baht which I deposited into her bank a month ago to show she has money for the holiday.

    My main concern with preparing her holiday visa application is proving the reason why she would want to return back to Thailand. We have a letter from her company that they will rehire her upon her return. But apart from that what else can you recommend we use to show why she will return to Thailand.

    Also, we will stay at my Mums house in the UK. My Mum is a widower and lives in a 3 bedroom house on her own. She has provided a letter to support my wife visa application but do you think we need to show anything else to provide evidence accommodation is available – is a letter from my Mum enough?

    Thanks for you help.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The letter from her employer stating that her position will be left open is a good reason to return, but I am sure they will consider why you want a duration of 6 months. On a first visa application this can raise a flag; particularly if she has no reason other than this job to return. Moreover, it is quite unusual for an employer to allow such leave, which I assume will be unpaid?

      Bear in mind that the 150k you deposited is effectively your money. They will see on her bank statement that you deposited this money so I suggest being transparent about this and stating that this money is to cover her trip expenses.

      Personally I would scale the trip back to a much shorter amount of time and focus on getting together evidence that proves your relationship is genuine, as they will focus heavily on that. Also focus on proving you have the financial means to sponsor her trip.

      Reply

    • Jimmy says

      Thank you for your reply.

      Thanks for the advise, I will prepare a comprehensive details of our prove of relationship.

      If we got rejected for 6 months visit, is it possible to immediately reply for a shorter period of lets say 6 weeks – would this be possible?

      Reply

  101. Huw says

    My wife wants to holiday for 2 weeks in the UK.I have been living in Thailand now for 14 year’s.We been officially married for 4 year’s.5 years by ceremony.I can show photos of us together for over 7 years.Because I’ve been living in Thailand I don’t have employment in the UK.So showing bank statements is out of the question.However my father who has never met my wife wants to invite her.He owns his own house.and says we can both stay together there.My question does he have to show deeds for the house.does he have to give copys for the last 6 months of bank statements.Hes retired.My biggest worrie is because I can’t help my wife financially on paper.We run a travel agency together but everything goes to her.Do you think we have a chance,She tried 5 year’s ago for a visa but was denied on the grounds she would not return.She used a visa agent.But didn’t tell them about me whatsoever.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If your wife makes money from the business then she can fund her own trip and you won’t need to sponsor her. That said, you are the person and reason she is going to the UK. So you will have to provide details and proof of your relationship. You will also need to provide proof of your travel to and from Thailand over the years. When you say bank statements are out of the question, do you mean that you do not have any official income? It may be wise then to state in your letter of support that your wife supports you through her income from the travel agency. You will need your father to provide proof that he owns the house, and to provide a letter confirming that you can stay for the duration of the trip. He could provide a photocopy of the deeds, a council tax bill and if he has a mortgage perhaps a statement.

      Reply

      • Huw says

        Thanks for putting my mind at ease.I’m currently in the UK now and sending all papers to Thailand today.Fingers crossed ,I really hope she can join me here in August.Again Thanks for talking the time for your reply.Huw

        Reply

  103. Andrew millar says

    Hi im trying to fill out visa application for my girlfriend online
    The part about has she ever use another name there are 2 boxes to enter names
    Family name
    Given name

    She was married before and later got divorced and change back to her maiden name

    Im not sure which name goes where

    On her old passport was her married name
    But she got a new passport with her maiden name

    Any help would be great thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Andrew, I already answered this by email so hope you got that. The answer is that she has to select ‘yes’ to having been known by another name. She would then enter her previous name (by marriage) in the family name box, and her name (if it was the same at the time she was married into the given name box. Then select ‘marriage’ as reason for the name change from the drop down box.

      Reply

  104. Russell says

    Do you know if it is possible for me to register an account on the UKBA website from my computer in the UK using my own email address as a point of contact and fill out the application for my girlfriend using information supplied from her.
    I am asking this as she does not have her own computer and her English is probably not good enough to understand the form precisely.
    I would then be able make an appointment and travel to Bangkok with the documentation required for her interview corresponding with my next trip.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You can do this, but make sure you go through it with your GF before submitting it so that she understands each question and the answers you have given. The reason I say this is because there is a declaration at the end which she has to sign when printed out for the appointment. It will also help going forward if she understands the process and therefore some of the questions that may be asked in a phone interview.

      Reply

  107. Gareth jones says

    Hi TTL, I am looking in to bringing my girlfriend back for a holiday but you say you can pre book the flights what flight company does that also how much money do I have have in the bank to show the Thai embassy thanks for the information

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Gareth, you can do this through a travel agent. I did it through a friend’s company in Samui the first time. You have a deadlines to pay for the flights. I’m quite sure you can do it through some operators’ sites too. They will hold the seats fro a certain amount of time. You don’t need to book the flight first though, in fact they advise against this in case you are denied the visa. You just need to provide an intended date of travel. You don’t need to show the Thai embassy anything; your application is submitted at VFS global and then sent to UK immigration for a decision. There is no set amount of money for the sponsor. I have covered this in a quite a few comments, so have a read through as there’s plenty of good advice in there. Thanks.

      Reply

  108. ian phillips says

    Hi ,i hope later in the year that my thai girlfriend of 2 years will be able to come to england to stay with me for about 10 days in september /october .
    she owns her own house ,she has worked in the bank for 17 years.
    could you please tell me if they require my original birth certificate,if so ,i would have to post it to my girlfriends home,from the uk.
    Also how long is the visa valid for , if issued.please.
    Also we were married in thailand in april this year ,but ceremony only,not official,but i will tell them the truth.
    thanks Ian

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Ian, they don’t need your birth certificate, just your passport and passport history. However, it doesn’t hurt to put a copy of your BC in the documentation as additional proof of identity. It would be pointless to use the word ‘married’ in your application because as you say it isn’t legal and therefore wouldn’t be recognized in the UK like an official Thai marriage is. You would just be applying as girlfriend and boyfriend. The visa is for 6 months as standard, but your GF will have to stipulate how long she intends to visit for, and prove her intent to return, genuine relationship with you, and funding for the trip.

      Reply

  109. Mike Baker says

    Good afternoon,

    Thanks to your excellent blog, we have been able to secure a tourist visa for my girlfriend of some 10 months to visit the UK this summer, 2017. Thank you.

    Na experienced a couple of differences in the process that readers may be interested in.

    She took 2 UK Passport sized photos, but they were handed back to her and VFS Global took a digital photo of her when they took her fingerprints.

    Several original documents were handed back immediately, presumably because having supplied copies and translations, VFS Global could confirm sight of the original and this eliminates the risk of loss.

    Additionally:

    The date of application is taken as the DATE OF FEE PAYMENT, not the appointment date. For us this meant the application was over 3 months before the intended and booked start date of the visit. However, taking a practical approach, the sanctioning official issued the visa 3 months from date of payment and explained why in a letter. It just means the visa runs slightly short of the expected timescale, but makes no difference as the intended visit is only for 6 weeks.

    The application appears to be processed at the embassy in Bangkok and is certainly issued there. It seems a little hard to believe the documents are going to be sent to the UK and back. Our processing time was 8 working days including the appointment day and including 3 days when we know documents were travelling between VFS Global and the embassy. We put this 5 day timescale down to a well ordered and query free application pack.

    Na had a 20 minute phone call in Thai from a gentleman who went through most of the application checking she knew everything and knew my details, job, family circumstances etc., presumably to confirm our relationship status and to check she wasn’t being “trafficked”. It was a very friendly and polite call, but it was made clear she was not to refer to me for any answers or information, should I be there with her. It would therefore be very wise for the applicant to know and memorise all the details in the application and the sponsors letter.

    I noticed a couple of issues in the application “pack” once I had put it together. I wrote an explanation for these on the pages concerned, to try to save a query or a simple refusal due to the lack of information.

    I did not include pages and pages of telephone and whatsapp/line records, but I did include a 32 print, A5 sized photo poster with meta information across each photo as evidence of our times together during the trips I had logged. These photo posters are available very cheaply online and A5 folds in half to fit the A4 pocket in the file. It is well for potential applicants to take photos each trip specifically for this purpose.

    Finally:

    I am aware of a family member of Na applying for a visa for Australia using an agent in Bangkok. VFS Global have to be used as the application point, as for the UK. The agent have taken a large fee and initially said to her no visit to VFS is necessary. 4 weeks later they have asked for another 7500 baht because of processing problems they need to overcome and now say she must attend to give fingerprints etc. This seems to be an outright scam to get more money from the unsuspecting applicant and I would urge that agents are NOT USED. Best for the man to prepare the file in his own country and get the lady to do her documents ready for his next trip, when it can be put together and application made.

    Reply

    • Mark says

      Good share Mike Baker. Can I please ask you what service you used to get any documents translated to English and what documents they were, if any? I think I need to just get our current tenancy agreement translated and her Thai House Document (Tabien Baan), although my gf is insisting that the Tabien Baan doesn’t need to be translated, according to a friend of her’s who recently went to the UK. Like i’m going to just take a Thai friend’s word for anything.

      Reply

      • Mike Baker says

        Mark,

        We are in Pattaya and Na found a translater who was also a visa agent.

        She got the house document, business lease, business licences, business registration document and her Thai marriage certificate translated. We didnt leave anything to chance. As it says on this blog….anything in Thai will likely be ignored by the processing staff who are likely to be English, so it doesn’t help build your case to omit anything.

        Reply

  111. Steve says

    Hi TTL, I’m hoping to take my girlfriend back to England for 6 months for her first visit. Would a shorter time be more favourably looked on?
    Is it necessary to have pre-booked flights arranged? & does the flight have to be return, or would one way be acceptable, thus giving us more flexibility for the return?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Steve, in short, it really depends on your GFs circumstances, and your relationship history. They will consider many factors: What about her job, won’t she need to return for work? What reason(s) does she have to return to Thailand after her visit? Why so long for a first visit? To what degree can you prove a genuine relationship?

      Please also have a look for my reply to Colin below (dated Apr 04, 2017 ); it pretty much answers the same question.

      You don’t need to have your flights booked when you apply, in fact they advise against this. You just have to provide intended leave and return dates. It will be favourable for future visits if she returns on the day she says she will.

      Reply

  112. Mark says

    Probably the most informative article I’ve found regarding this topic. Thank you. My question to you is regarding the bank statements needed. She isn’t payed much and I am intent on fully funding the trip which doesn’t involve hotels, as we will be staying with my family for the 2 week duration of our trip. I am worried that her personal bank account won’t show she has sufficient funds saved up to support herself if need be on this short visit, because I have been saving money in our joint account specifically for this trip. Do you think her bank statements (the account her salary is paid into) along with my personal bank statements and our joint account statements would be sufficient?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If you are funding the trip then this isn’t a problem. The fact that she has an account with regular salary payments is a positive thing, because it shows active employment, regular income and a reason to return to Thailand. Just make sure you get a letter from her boss to confirm employment, position and salary, and permission for the holiday period she will need to visit you. On the application form there is a section where she can select that the trip is being funded by you. She can also note in the “supporting notes” section that she has her own money, albeit a small amount, that she can use if need be. You can also confirm your support in a supporting statement. Also don’t forget to prove your finances by way of statements.

      Reply

      • Mark says

        Thank you for the quick reply and awesome advice TTL. Feel more confident already. My girlfriend is an Admin Clerk in the Thai Ministry of Defence and already has an employment letter from her director general containing the info you mentioned above, so hopefully that isn’t a problem. Glad it isn’t this much hassle for Brits to get a simple tourist visa to Thailand. Anyway thanks again. You sir are a legend.

        Reply

  113. Csaba says

    Hello Collin. My story its very special. I am from Hungary, but I living 5 years ago in U.K. I meet a girl from Thailand. I would like living with her. What i doing? We not getting married at the moment Please help me.
    Best Ragard: Csaba

    Reply

  114. Andy says

    I have another question which is a bit of a tricky 1
    I live in northern ireland which is part of the uk but unfortunatley there are no direct flights from thailand . So.i would have to fly to england to pickup my girlfriend and then fly back across to belfast. However there are direct flights to dublin in the republic of ireland which is a 90 min drive from my house in the north and would save time and money . Is there any way she could land in dublin on a uk visitor visa and pass through back up to the uk in the north.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I seem to remember someone else had this question a long while ago and it may be bedded here somewhere in the comments. I don’t know the answer to this but maybe someone else following here does? If they don’t a quick call to the embassy would be your best bet. It’s always best to get the answer from the horses’ mouth on anomalies like this.

      Reply

  115. Colin Sims says

    Good morning TTL. My Thai wife and I got married in Bangkok October 16 and we would like for her to come back with me on my return flight to U.K. At the end of May 17. I’m here on a three month visa but we would like the benefit of your advice as to the length of visa stay to ask for for my wife’s first visit to the UK? Cheers Colin S.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Colin, all visit visas are issued with a 6-month duration as standard, but you do have to state how long the trip will be and your intended flight dates on the application form. How long the trip is really depends on the circumstances of the individual. if your wife has a full time job then she is unlikely to be able to take a month’s leave. If she is fully supported by you then she may be in a position to do that. There isn’t an ideal length of stay for a first visa, so to speak. The key things to think about are proving that your relationship is genuine, and that your wife, or you, can fund the trip sufficiently, and that she has good reason to return to Thailand after her trip. The first ever visa we got many years ago was for a 6-week trip I think. My GF (now wife) had a letter from her boss stating that her job would be kept open for her return.

      Reply

    • Colin Sims says

      Hi, any idea of how long on average the time between interview and decision ?
      We have interview on ninth of May but I already have my return flight booked on 29th May. ( End of my three month visa). Chances of getting my missus on same flight getting slimmer. We first applied on 03/04/17. Regards Colin S.

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        So you applied online on the 3rd of April and booked an appointment to hand the application in on the 9th (next Tuesday)? Didn’t they have an appointment sooner than that? I reckon you will get your decision within 10 days; possibly quicker. Maximum 2 weeks. Should be before your flight. Thing is, they get busier closer to UK summer time because of lots of Thais applying for visas for their holidays.

        Reply

        • Colin Sims says

          Hi TTL. Thanks for your thoughts. Confession time, Although I took your advice about applying myself, registered our account etc, I gave up too easily and got frustrated with not being able to answer the questions on the forms! Neither my wife or myself possess the patience apparently. We should have took notice of your advice to take enough time and approached the forms when we were ready. Anyway, long story short, we employed one of the many ‘helpers’ firms. I won’t name them. ( It’s too late for recriminations.) (and it’s my birthday today) They took my money on third of April and we only received our interview date on second of May. Allowing for songkran holiday etc and scores of messages and calls from my missus, we (my wife) eventually gets her interview on the ninth of May. Moral of story ? Read TTL advice thoroughly, and then make sure to get in the correct frame of mind to sit down with the forms,together, and just,’do it’. We will update results as and when. Regards Colin S.

          Reply

  116. C Benton says

    I am proposing to come to Thailand from UK for 30 days will this be adequate time to due the online application pay fee book appointment and receive decision and if successful sort out return flights and insurance for my girlfriend to visit UK or do you feel i should extend my trip to 6-8 weeks to sort everything out

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It’s possible, but don’t count on it. They have a fast track process you can pay for too. I can’t remember off the top of my head how much it is but I think around 500-600 quid. But there are no guarantees. It takes a few days to do the application and get all the paperwork together for submission. If you rush it you might miss including something important. And then what if it’s refused? You won’t have time to reapply within that window. You’d be better off with 6-8 weeks, but remember a tourist only gets stamped in for 30 days on entry, so you’d have to extend at immigration once those 30 days are up.

      Reply

  117. Richard says

    Staff called my girlfriend three days after the initial interview at Trendy Building. They also called her boss… it was first thing in the morning and the call had woken him up as he works until the early hours. He was a bit vague and still half-asleep… and made a couple of mistakes about my girlfriend’s salary and the fact details of her job that differed from the letter. How much of a problem could this be? Is there likely to be a ten year ban for wrong information?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It would have been a call from the UK visa staff in London, not the staff at Trendy Building, as they just process and send and receive applications.

      There could be a refusal if the information was very conflicting and the member of staff considers it to change the circumstances under which the visa is issued, but they may also consider the language barrier and that the odd discrepancy doesn’t matter as long as he confirmed her job and the fact that she does work for him and will have her job open for her upon returning to Thailand.

      There won’t be a 10-year ban. Bans are for knowingly providing false information.

      Reply

      • Richard says

        Thanks, that’s quite reassuring. But they spoke in Thai (even though everything was submitted in English). Everywhere I’ve read said that if documents are submitted in English they’d expect to speak in English.

        Some of the questions they cross-checked with her and the boss were really detailed… how many staff work there, how many TABLES are there, how much does a burger cost.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          I see. On the application form it says something like “What language would you prefer to be interviewed in”. I assume your GF put Thai, and that’s why they got someone from the embassy to call in Thai. I’ve not heard of that before but I know the checks are more stringent now. Sounds like it went quite well. I wouldn’t be too concerned with minor discrepancies.

          Reply

          • Richard says

            Still nothing back and it’s been a week since that phone call, eight working days since the application being taken to trendy building. Is this normal? Some things I’ve read say it is usually decided quickly after a phone call. The Home Office website says 99% of visitor visa applications are processed within 10 working days.

            Reply

  120. alan says

    Hi great site,sure youve heard this before ,but a going to Thailand to meet a nice woman ,weve been chatting on social media for 4 months she is genuine as far as Ive researched her properly job,family,past relations etc. So if all goes well then where do we begin the process of her visitor visa application Thailand or UK . Am disabled on highest rate . What are our chsnces to get one ,,thanks .

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Alan, she would need to apply in Thailand. The application is done online and then submitted at the VFS global visa centre. There is one in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai. Your chances are probably slim at the moment as you haven’t spent any time together in person. That doesn’t mean it is not possible, but the longer time you have spent together, preferably in person, the more chance I would assume.

      Reply

      • Alan Bond says

        Many thanks for reply /advice . Having looked into the process -your’e correct its time spent together to establish genuine reasons for her tourist visa being granted post to my visit . Im planning to visit her end of May and if alls well with us continuing a relationship , I will return to UK and begin application for a Tourist visa sponsored by me for her to visit UK , if granted – Ive explained to her that she must return to Thailand afterwards thus enhancing the chances of her getting a Visitor visa again sponsored by myself ,just to add am on High rate of all DWP , ESA Severe Disability Benefits. So I’m trying to do the legal /correct way to bring her here ,so by I/we doing it right will this enhance her Visitor application in due course ? Many thanks and very appreciative of reply .

        Reply

  121. Stu Anderson says

    Great advice page. You really covered everything. Now I’m much less stressed about getting my girlfriend the visitor visa and more excited about introducing her to the family at my sisters wedding this June….cheers mate!

    Stu

    Reply

  122. Craig White says

    Dear Sir/Madame
    It’s great yo see you. Please may I take a moment of your time.
    My income is low. £17.927.64 to be precise.
    I just now read elsewhere maybe Thai Embassy they say there is a new rule applying that I must have £18.600 income in order to have a Thai Lady come visit England. Can you help me see what’s what please.
    From Craig Lee White.

    Reply

  125. Gary Sibley says

    Absolutely fantastic information. One thing confuses me though, or am I just being an idiot?
    I am currently in the UK, working etc to allow my wife to come over on a permanent basis. Obviously, a couple of tourist trips will be in order first.

    Q: Do I need to be in Thailand when she applies for the visa?
    Q: I spent a year working in Europe, so was away from my wife. Will that affect her visa?
    Q: Would it be beneficial to have old copies of our condo rental contract when she applies for the visa?

    Hope you can assist me in this as she is planning to come over at Christmas 2017.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hey Gary,

      1. No. The application is done online and then your wife will attend the visa processing centre to hand in the application form and her documents.
      2. No, not at all. You can explain this in a personal statement which should be submitted as part of your wife’s supporting evidence.
      3. Yes, to prove that you lived together for that period of time. Make sure they are translated (if in Thai).

      All the best.

      Reply

  126. Nomad says

    Hi, my wife and I are visiting the UK in June , Her first time. We have been together more than 5 years and married last year. She works and she is applying without sponsorship, showing her own funds but I will be paying for hotels . Does she need to prove our relationship, ie photos, emails . I will write a letter, do I also need to show that I have been here during our relationship, visa stamps etc. Also, she has no real family here and no land so her only reasons to return are work and me, It’s only a 2 week holiday we are asking for. Any thoughts or tips or anything would be greatly appreciated as it just seems so stressful . Thanks, your site has been really helpful

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      1. Does she need to prove our relationship: Yes, as you will be traveling together and you will effectively be taking care of her, and partly financially too. You, the British national, her husband, are the reason she is visiting, so they want to know all the regular details on the relationship history.

      2. Do I also need to show that I have been here during our relationship, visa stamps etc: Yes. Leave no stone unturned in showing that your relationship is genuine and that you have been living together for x time.

      3. Also, she has no real family here and no land so her only reasons to return are work and me, It’s only a 2 week holiday we are asking for: A job is a good reason to return. Get a letter for her employer confirming her position, salary and that she is allowed to have the time off and will return to work when back.

      Good luck!

      Reply

      • Nomad says

        Thank you so much for your quick and great response. We have got the letter from the employer already confirming her salary, length of employment and the job is open for her. My documentation will be greater than hers as I have several years of passport pages to show 🙂 As I am partly financing her (as you put it )for the hotels I don’t need to show bank statements do I ? We have hotel bookings already paid for.
        It is amazing how much paperwork we have , our appointment is not long away. We are submitting over 60 photos to prove the relationship as it’s over 5 years !
        Sorry, one more question, she is not on my tabian bahn but she has utility bills going back a few years for internet, phones , do you think that will help show she lives with me ?
        Your website and now your reply have been a great help, thank you, I can’t believe it’s such a minefield just to give our wives a chance to visit our countries.

        Reply

  127. scott says

    My Thai wife has a UK visa issued on 15 Dec 2016 valid for 6 months until 15 June 2017. On the application we stated the dates of travel for December 2016 as we went back to the UK for Christmas. However we plan to visit again at the end of April 2017. I assume that since its a multi entry visa valid until 16 June 2017 it can be used for the April visit and there’s no need to apply again? Can you confirm?

    Reply

  128. Richard says

    I am applying for my adopted daughter to travel with me to the UK for 2 weeks to see her Grandma, My Mother, I have all the paperwork done, but do the photocopies of Tabian Baan etc need to be signed.

    For example does my wife and I need to sign the Thai copy of the Marriage certificate?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      They don’t need to be signed, but they need to be officially translated into English. A couple of other things to consider: Is your daughter officially adopted? Because you will need to provide that paperwork too (translated to English). Is your wife flying with you? If not, remember that you need her official permission to leave the country with her daughter otherwise the airline won’t check you in. Bear that in mind if you get the visa.

      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      There is no specific amount. If you are sponsoring the trip financially – including flights, accommodation and spending money – then for the most part it will be your financial status taken into account. If your GF is working, then showing details of any savings and assets she has is a good idea to support the application. Evidence of her employment is also a good way to meet the criteria of ensuring she has good reason to return to Thailand (as are assets such as a house, etc).

      Reply

  132. Amir Brewis says

    Hi my girlfriend and myself have just had our first tourist visa rejected. She has received her envelope opened it and inside was my annual mortgage statement with which I can’t see an issue. Should there be some sort of letter from the embassy telling us what the problem is or do we need to contact them by some other means as we would like to try again?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Yes, this is quite normal. Many people do not receive a phone interview and in recent times the decision process has been very quick, often within 72 hours. They never give you an indication of yes or no. You will just have to wait until the envelope is in your hand.

      Reply

  134. Trevor Garrard says

    Went to chiang mai vfs . Just waiting for a phone interview for my wife. The girl at the counter said we might not get all our paperwork back when they return the application wheather its successfull or not . Is it normal ?

    Reply

  135. peter says

    Relationship proof is not needed for a visitor visa (what if she/he were a solo traveler?) All they are really concerned with is the reason to return, job, owner of property, commitments etc. You can still get turned down on the most laughable ‘reasons’ bit of a lottery.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It is required but the type of evidence is dependent on the relationship. If you funding your own trip but staying with a friend in London, that person would need to provide proof of the accommodation and evidence of the relationship to the visitor. A solo traveler coming for a holiday, on their own funds and staying in a hotel is obviously a different scenario.

      Reply

  136. anthony woodley says

    will it be a problem for me as sponser that i am not divorsed from my ex thai wife,we married in uk where we live for 5yrs then moved to thailand after i retired,within 1yr the relationship went bad due to her adultary so i left the home i paid for and rented property80ks away ,then i met my girlfriend she lived with me in the rented property,she has a house but i payed for extension and moderising it before we move in 2yrs ago i met her in 2012 and have been living together from then .i have been seperated from my wife for 5yrs now and intend to divorse her this year

    Reply

  140. Jason Frost says

    Hi I’m considering trying to bring my Thai girl to England on a tourist visa? But I’ve recently started my own business only got 1 full year earnings which was around £15k will this be an issue? I have cash in 2 bank accounts would that help build a case or not.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      There is no minimum earnings threshold for a visit visa, so no worries on that front. As long as you have the funds to reasonably cover expenses you will have no problem. You can show evidence of your savings accounts and of you monthly incomings and outgoings through your bank statements.

      Reply

  141. paul aslett says

    Its the applicants personal circumstances in Thailand thats important ,sponsors think because they have thousands of pounds in the bank thats enough.

    The applicant must show on the balance of probabilities that he/she will return to Thailand.

    Whats her age?

    Any children?

    Land & assets ?

    Is she wholly financially dependant on you ?

    Whats her sponsors visa situation ?

    Do you live akin to a marriage 《 un -married partners 》.

    The biggest mistake we see regulary is the sponsonsor throws money into the applicants bank account – artificially inflated a bank account to gain a visa!

    Just explain your personal circumstances and yiur partners – the eco has 7 mins to decide to issue or decline your visa.

    Reply

    • Chris says

      Oh I was thinking of doing this as we are heading to the visa office next month.
      We have a house with a small mini market of which the money I send pays for the rent etc, but the money it generates doesn’t reach the bank as it pays for her and her family.
      What should I do ?

      Reply

  144. Richard says

    Hi, thank you for the really helpful post and checklist. My Thai girlfriend hasn’t had a job for the last three months. She left it because of quite a big operation and I have supported her since, and she has recently returned to school to study.

    Is a college course that he plans to start later in the year with a supporting letter from the teacher sufficient? Clearly I’m not going to let her stay here and jeopardize our long term future and prospects of her settling in the UK legally and permanently, but how can I show this to the Visa office when she doesn’t have a job? Would it be better for her to take up her former restaurant job, and then get leave of absence and apply for the visa?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The letter could work as an official acceptance onto a course is a valid reason to return to Thailand. You would have to prove that you have been/are supporting her in the interim. You can do this by way of bank transfer evidence on your bank statements, and she can provide hers to show the corresponding payments. You will be sponsoring her trip, so you will have to provide evidence of your funds available for this.

      Reply

  145. Trevor Garrard says

    Hi. Its me again . Can someone answer all of the following….

    do i need to duplicate all of my paperwork when applying for my 11 yr old daughter as well as my wife.

    Should i translate my yellow book and wifes tabien baan into english

    My wife has her own business. Should i include a translated copy of the current and past lease agreements for the building she runs it from .

    Reply

  146. Karen O'Doherty says

    Hi, thank you for your website. I want to find out how to bring my Thai friend to London for a five week visit. I am a 67 year old retired women and my Thai friend is a 66 year old retired women. She was widowed three years ago. We have known each other for fifteen years. She has two grown children and four grandchildren. I have been visiting Thailand since 1989 and I have many Thai friends there. My friend Laong has very poor English and my Thai is very poor but we manage to communicate very well. I think in this case it might be better for me to use an agency because of my friends age and her poor English. I am concerned about the interview at the embassy. Her English is poor and she is old school Thai. She lives in Nacon. I would very much appreciate your advise. Would using an agency be the best route in this case and do you know any trustworthy ones. I have read the inquiries that people have left but they are mostly boyfriend/girlfriend situations. We are just friends (two old ladies). Thank you.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Karen, you could help her fill the application out because it is done online. There is no interview at the embassy: she would make an appointment at the processing centre (VFS) and submit her biometric information, application and supporting documentation.

      The application is then sent to the UK where it is read over and a decision is made. They then send the decision, along with the documentation, back to the processing centre in Thailand, where you pick it up. They also offer a delivery service which can be paid for when you apply at the centre.

      It is possible they may phone your friend from England for a short phone interview. However, if you put on the application form that she speaks very little English they probably won’t phone or will find someone who speaks Thai to do so. They also have a field to fill out on the form that says something like “if we need to interview you what language would you like to be interviewed in”; she can write “Thai”.

      I think you have a very good chance of getting the visa. A potential barrier is making sure she attends the submission appointment correctly and hands in the correct supporting documentation. In this respect, it would help to have an agent, or at least someone who speaks English to lend a hand.

      Reply

  147. Trevor Garrard says

    Hi . I am starting the form filling process for a visit to the uk after sonkran around the 17th of april. I am taking my wife of 9 years and my step daughter who is 11 yrs old . Should my daughters application be seperate or included in her mothers application ? My wife is financially independent and i live and work legally in thailand so i am not sponsering her financially . Thanks for this site .its fab

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Trevor, you have to apply separately for your daughter. On your wife’s application she will state that she is travelling with her daughter, and vice versa for your daughter’s application. All the best.

      Reply

      • Martin says

        Dear Thailandlife can you help
        We’ve just been refused a visa on the grounds we cannot prove my girlfriend would want to go home after the 6 mths . She works with her parents and looks after her grandparents have you any advice ?

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Did she apply to visit for 6 months in one go? If so, and this is a first application, I’d apply for a shorter period. You also need to prove that she has a reason to return. Is there financial evidence of her work? Payslips, regular payments to an account? Does she own assets that would require her to return (house, car, etc.,)? Do her grandparents rely on her for care? If so, this could be a reason to return, but then immigration would question how then is she able to be away for such a long time in one go.The thinking behind this type of refusal is that a person has no reason to return home: no money, no proper job, no welfare support. With this in mind, the person becomes a risk to not return home and seek asylum of some kind, for which the state would have to pick up the bill. They may also consider that they simply don’t have enough information about the person’s life and the relationship with their sponsor to make a judgement on the application being genuine.

          Reply

      • Jon says

        Hi sorry to use the reply button on this post but I can’t find where to submit a new question
        The Thai person I would like to get a Visa for to visit me in the UK has read somewhere that he needs 100,000 Baht in savings in order to prove he has funds for his trip. Can you shed any light on this? Fact or fiction?
        I am sponsoring him and intend to give my bank statements showing I have enough money. I have only known him for two weeks in Thailand and that was six months ago. I want to get him over for a holiday to thank him for all he did for me. Do you think this is a good enough relationship?
        Thank you. A great site and once again I’m sorry to hijack this post.

        Reply

  148. Simon says

    Hello. I must say what great information you have provided on this page. I’m just about to start the process of applying for a UK holiday visa for my Thai wife. We have all the necessary paperwork etc. but I’m a little concerned about her employment. As she will be coming for 3 months, she will have to leave her current employment and find employment when she returns to Thailand after the 3 months. What would be the best way to go about this?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Simon, there isn’t a best way to go about it as such. It’s problematic, particularly if this is her first visit visa. The first consideration for immigration would be whether she will leave the UK when she says she will, because she will have no job to return to. They will consider why she wants to come for so long and risk her livelihood by giving up her job. So the onus will be on her to provide enough evidence that she has good reason to return to Thailand once her visit is over. Is there a reason why she couldn’t stay in employment and come for a shorter visit the first time? This might make things easier for you.

      Reply

      • Mrs ynti says

        I also have the same problem. As my husband wants me to come for 3-4 months. Our job cant keep us as an employee cz its such a long term to be off work. The reason we dont go for a short period cz UK is too far. long flight makes us not willing to return sooner although we dont intend to overstay. what a situation! husband and wife cant be together just cz of stupid rules from theresa the prime minister.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          It is not a rule that you can’t come for that long, and you might be given a visa, as every situation is assessed on its own merit, but as I’ve said above the applicant has to prove that they have good reason to leave the UK at the end of their visit — a job to go back to and financial assets to take care of are good reasons to return.

          Suddenly quitting your job to visit the UK raises an alarm bell, because there are a lot of people who come to the UK on a visit visa and then never leave. It can take years and a lot of taxpayer money to support them and then deport them.

          The immigration officer looking at your application will ask themselves “what will she do when she returns home if she has no job?” “Why would someone with limited financial resources, who lives month to month, quit their job?” “Why not just come to the UK for 3 weeks, or a month, and keep your job? Your husband can then visit you after in your country”.

          You can still get a visa without being employed, but it makes it a bit more difficult to prove that you intend to leave at the end of your stay, especially if you are not financially well off.

          Reply

      • Simon says

        The idea is for her to eventually come to the UK on a settlement visa but at present her English isn’t good enough, so we thought we would start with a visitor visa. And while she was here, study English.

        She has a 12 year old daughter in Thailand. She also owns approx 3 rai of farmland. Perhaps the immigration officer would look at this as good enough reason for her return back to Thailand?

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi Simon, does she live with her daughter? If so, that is a genuine reason to return. You should elaborate in her personal statement as to her responsibilities to her daughter and why she needs to go back (school, take care of her day to day needs, etc). Land ownership is a reason too (asset), but you must translate any land ownership documents for proof of this, as simply saying she owns land won’t make a difference.

          Reply

  149. David says

    Hi
    Just a quick question. My daughter will be studying in college in the UK and we have decided to go for the long term visitor visa for her mom. My daughter and I will be living there (as British citizens) but my wife needs to attend to business obligations here in Thailand. Obviously it make’s sense to go for the 5 year visa as we won’t need to keep resubmitting the docs every year. The thing is we will be travelling over together so I’ll be putting down my sisters address for the accommodation part. This will change once we find somewhere to rent. Not sure if I should mention that it not or just get the letter of invitation from my sister. We’ve been married for 16 years and she’s already been granted a visa several times. Think it’s possible for the long term one this time?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The fact that your wife has to return to Thailand to take care of business interests bodes well for the application, so I can see no issue with the 5 year visa. It makes absolute sense that she should be granted this because she will want to travel at will to see her daughter. One thing I will say: regardless of having been granted visas before, each is treated under new circumstances. So make sure you provide new and up to date information that reflects your circumstances since your last application. All the best!

      Reply

  150. Mrs ynti says

    Hello there,
    your website has given me a lot of information 🙂
    I am going to tell u bout my situation.Please give me some advice.
    Im married to a british citizen on 2 october 2015. Im indonesian and currently working for the past 5 years.
    Its been a year I havent seen my husband due to his work. the reason being my husband has been working really hard to meet the financial £ 18600 per year so that we could prove the ECO his wage slips and bank statements show his monthly income. we were organizing the spouse visa unfortunately it turns up his wage slips have shown different amount from his bank statements. We decided to apply for the family visit visa for me instead. Im planning to stay with him for 5 months in the uk whilst my husband sorts his another 6 month wage slips so then when I returb back to indonesia we could go for the spouse one. in the meantime Im well-awared I need to satisfy the ECO that I will leave the UK before my visa expired. As I mentioned Im currently working. The thing is Im not sure if my job would keep me as an employee during my visit to the UK. I most likely have to resign. I have family here. My parents live with me. I dont own any properties. Im planning to ask my employer to write me a letter confirming im still an employee however they wont keep me if i ll go for that long. please what should I do to satisfy the ECO that i will leave the uk after 5 months. As my husband and I intend to apply for the spouse visa when I come back home.
    we really cant wait to see each other again. its been a tough year being apart. visa issues r blocking our way to be together.

    thank u for ur time to read my story

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I think it would be in your best interest to remain employed and visit your husband for a shorter time. This would bode well for your future spouse visa application. Could you negotiate 2 or 3 months with your employer and get a letter confirming that your job will be left open for you while you visit your husband?

      Reply

      • Mrs ynti says

        im not too sure yet I havent spoken to HRD staff at my work,,,
        I would like to ask about the application form.
        its asking * how much do you spend each month on living costs?
        how do I calculate it? based on my bank statement which my money in and out? sometimes I spend most of my money sometimes not in a particular month.
        *The cost of your accomodation and living expense? since my husband will be accomodating me could I just write none?
        *The cost of tickets? if 1 ticket costs £ 734 and the return one £ 500 should I add them all?
        *additional information.
        what do u think I need write to convince them to grant my visa in that section??
        also, I need to submit my husband’s payslips and bank statements. Do u think he just needs to scan and email them to me or he needs to post it to my country?
        in his bank statements it shows that his salary every month but different penny in his wage slips ( thats why we didnt continue to go for the spouse one) do u think it ll be a problem in applying family visit visa? or does he need to explain in a cover letter? do we need to mention about our situation that we were organizing the spouse visa but got problem in his payslips???

        thank u very much im sorry for asking to much

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          You are correct on all the questions. Just give an approximation of the living costs. The cost of your accommodation and living expenses will be none if your husband is paying. The ticket cost is whatever it is, but note in the notes section at the end of the application that the financial cost of the trip is zero to you. Your husband needs to submit original bank statements and salary slips. Any discrepancies should be explained in a cover letter. All the best!

          Reply

          • Mrs ynti says

            thank you again for ur reply. my husband would like to know if i mention in my application form that i ll stay for a month and when im already in the uk i stay over a month. would that affect my next visa? say i hv my return ticket on 3rd march which is 1 month stay. thr fact that i leave the uk on 3rd may which is over 2 months yet less than 6 month stay. would it be a bad idea?

            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              I would strongly advise that you return when you say you are going to. The visa is for 6 months, but this allows you to re-enter within the 6-month period without having to apply again. You are still expected to return on the date you state on your application.

              Reply

  151. Tim says

    Hi There.
    My Girlfriend and I have just submitted our first Visa request for a Standard 6 month Tourist Visa (She plans to stay for 5 months). I have noticed on the Visa Document checklist it asks for documents on plans you have made for your visit (Tour details / Flight details/ letter of invitation / evidence of sponsor’s immigrations status).
    We have not booked the flights yet and didn’t intend to till after the Visa was confirmed. I have had a look online at reserving flights / cancelling booked flights however they all seem to charge a fee. Is it necessary to provide flight details or can I just show what flight we intend to book if successful (i.e, a print screen of Skyscanner)?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You don’t need to book your flights first, in fact they advise against this. You are only required to put in your proposed travel dates on the application. Once the visa is confirmed, you can book the flights.

      Reply

  152. Ben says

    Hi buddy.. me and my thai girlfriend went to Nana today, to see if we she can get accepted for a UK Visa. This is the first time we have applied, the first lady at booth, said to my thai g/f, that she had all the correct documents and that she could travel to UK on 2nd Feb 2017. Is this usual for the lady to say this to my thai g/f, even before it goes to be justified by her senior? (Taking 2 weeks for a reply of yes or no). As she built up our hopes already, for no reason? Great sight, what is your verdict please?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Ben, you mean you went to VFS at Trendy Building?

      VFS is just a processing centre. They can’t, and shouldn’t, give you any advice on your application or its potential outcome. They don’t have access to any of the information on the decision either. They just take your application and then it is sent to the UK.

      An officer at UK Immigration and Visas will decide on whether or not your GF’s application is accepted. They then courier it back to VFS. VFS then contact you by text/email to confirm it has arrived and you can pick it up. Or if you have paid for the home courier service, they’ll send it to you within 24 hours.

      Reply

      • Ben says

        TTL You are a Legend! Your advise is so very much appreciated, Thought i’d let you know, i am registered disabled back in the UK, i had a terrible work accident a couple of years ago. so now i have been declared unfit for work by DWP in England. Do you think due to my disability, it will affect on my decision. I declared in my sponsor letter that my thai partner would not be applying for any benefits, ie my carer. I get about a grand a month and my rent mostly paid for. I am worried because of my disability,it will affect the decision. I have £3k in bank.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi Ben, your GF would have “no recourse to public funds” as part of the visa terms anyway, so no benefits would be available under any circumstance during her visit . That’s why they need to know that you as the sponsor can cover all trip expenses.

          They will not discriminate against your disability. Your application will be treated the same as any. If they believe your relationship to be genuine, and believe that your GF will return to Thailand once her visit has finished, and that she is who she says she is, and you have proved that you have adequate finances to support her trip, they will give her a visa.

          Best of luck!

          Reply

  153. Callum says

    Dear TTL,

    The girlfriend and I applied for a UK visitor visa for this Christmas, but sadly were refused. I’m not looking for sympathy, but simply advice on where to go next. In the notes attached to the refusal it read:

    ‘You applied to travel to the united kingdom for 13 days to visit your boyfriend *name*.’

    ‘You state you are a student and in support of this you have submitted a letter confirming that you are a student of *university* however you have submitted no evidence nor stated how you are supported. You state your sponsor will bear the cost of your trip alongside his mother *name*, and whilst I appreciate they have funds to bear this cost in making my decision it is your circumstances i must consider. It is your responsibility to satisfy me that your personal circumstances in thailand are such that if granted leave to enter, you will comply with all of the conditions attached to any such leave and that you will leave the UK on completion of the proposed visit.’

    ‘In light of the above I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a limited period or that you intend to leave the united kingdom at the end of the visit. Appendix V 4.2 (a) and (c).’

    Appendix V 4.2 (a) and (c) read:

    (a) will leave the UK at the end of their visit; and
    (c) is genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes (these are listed in Appendices 3, 4 and 5)

    As you can see we included a letter from the director of her university and also her bank statements from the last 6 months. We also included her passport, birth certificate, tabien baan as part of the application. I am lost to what else we needed to include, as a student she has no job and the income she receives is from her father which we stated in the application and the phone interview. This money also can clearly be seen a monthly basis on her bank statements,. The only thing I can imagine we missed was perhaps a letter from her father confirming his financing of her life in thailand. Nevertheless I am still at ends to what we missed, and would greatly appreciate any advice on where to go next on future applications.

    Thank you,

    Callum

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Callum,

      It seems they need better clarification on her personal circumstances.

      This is what I can think of:

      I would submit a letter from her father explaining how much money he gives her each month and which bank account he pays it in to. State the account number and bank name. You could then print photocopies of the statements and use a highlighter to show the corresponding payments.

      Did your GF include a personal letter from detailing where she lives (apartment rental or student accommodation – if so provide a rental agreement) what she studies, how she is supported at university, how you met, how long you’ve been together etc?

      Did you provide a personal letter of support too?

      Was the Tabien Baan translated to English?

      Lastly, perhaps the university letter wasn’t very convincing. Was the letter written on university headed paper and all contact details provided?

      Reply

      • Callum says

        Hi TTL,

        We included her Tabien Baan in Thai alongside a certified translation of English as well. Her university letter was counter signed by her director, including her full university details, photo and contact details. She also provided a letter of support with the full details about of our relationship and her university life, but where I do think we could have done better, was disclosing clearly the full information about how and where she gets her money in Thailand.

        That becomes another issue entirely though as she has a rocky relationship with her father. I understand the embassy need to see evidence from him in a form of a letter and bank statements with clearly highlighted transfers, but this may not be easily acquired and he would not necessarily be keen to disclose his personal information- especially finances. Is there anything else we could do to not rely so heavily on his input? I do realise though as my girlfriends financial provider in Thailand, this will almost indefinitely be difficult.

        Thank you so much for your reply, it really means the world.

        Callum

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hmmm, difficult one. I guess she could write the letter on behalf of her dad and have him sign it. This, along with highlighting the payments coming into her account as from him, would go a long way. If not that, even if you could get a copy of his bank book with the account number on it, this would then correspond with where the payments are coming from on her bank statements.

          As long as they understand how your GF is supported and have some tangible evidence of this, plus your adequate financial sponsorship, I can’t see a problem.

          Whatever you do, don’t say her father doesn’t want to disclose his profession or details, as this is a huge red flag.

          Reply

  154. Tony Lee says

    Really helpful thank you. Does the situation change for me? I am an Australian and British citizen. We live in Australia and my Thai wife had been granted a visa to live in Australia permanently. It is not officially permanent resident yet. That happens automatically after 2 years. Do we still have to travel to Bangkok twice to obtain a visitor visa to the UK. I also have a sister in London where we would stay and who would sponsor my wife.

    Reply

  155. Daniel says

    Got my partners Uk VISITOR visa today. The VFS process was very impersonal and systematic. We submitted our folder with the application with a clear contents page as nearly similar to this site. The VFS staff did not take anything out of the folder. Remember every situation is circumstantial and its better to provide too much documentation than too little. If I were to take a guess as to what would be the most important aspect for a successful application I would say its the letter from your GF’s employer and contract. From the experiences of others providing marriage certificates means little and having ANY dependants from either yours or your partners previous marriages will most certainly have a negative effect on the success of your application. Just thoughts.

    Thanks a lot for your time. @thethailandlife

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Indeed, a letter from an employer stating your position, time at the company, contract conditions, salary and the fact that your job is being left open for you while you go on holiday is proof of your intention to return to Thailand, which is an important aspect of qualifying for the visa.

      Having dependents isn’t an issue, because having a child is a reason to return to Thailand once your trip has finished. A marriage does show a genuine relationship, but only if backed by proof of a considerable relationship (duration) prior to the marriage (or after). Simply getting married quickly in an attempt to show that your relationship is serious isn’t going to help.

      Reply

  156. Gordon says

    I haven’t been to the UK with my wife for over years 5 years and we are currently in the process of applying in time for a Christmas visit. On previous visits the visa starts from the date of issue but a friend of mine said that there is now a ‘date issued’ and a ‘date valid from’ on the VISA (usually the date of travel as mentioned in the application). The problem we have is that our dates are based on my work schedule so I am unable to confirm an exact date yet. But I don’t want to delay the process especially as flights are getting full and the prices rise considerably as a result. I am tempted to put 01 December 2016 on the basis that we will fly sometime in December. If I have work commitments it could be as late as the week before Christmas. Do you know if this is ok?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Gordon, they will (usually) provide a valid from date on the day you state on the application that you want to fly. If you don’t know then you can give an approximate date. I don’t think there is a time frame you have to fly within, though there is for a settlement visa (30 days). A couple of weeks will be no problem.

      Reply

      • Gor says

        Once she is issued the standard visitor visa (6 month multi entry) can she visit the UK again using the same visa even if she does not state on the application? The reason I ask is that we may go to the UK again in April 2017 for our son’s 1st birthday and the visa will still be valid until May 2017.

        Reply

          • Gor says

            I have almost completed the online application. I have now reached the part to book the appointment (Step 3). If I book an appointment can I change it in the event that I have to postpone? All being well I plan we plan to go next Tuesday but I am waiting on one final document from my employers on Monday. If for some reason there is delay I’d need to postpone the appointment a day or two.

            Reply

  157. Niznet says

    Hello, I’ve been seeing my Thai gf for only about 2 months now and have been living with her all those times. I feel like she’s the one and planning on marrying her to get the marriage certificate soon. My plan is to get a 6 months tourist visa for her to the UK so she could come meet my family but as I’ve left my job in the UK to travel, do you think it’ll be tough to get a visiting visa due for her due to me not being able to provide financial statements that show incoming payments to my bank?
    PS. Do you also think the marriage certificate will suffice as enough evidence as we’re in a genuine relationship, on top of pictures and messages we already have?

    We will be living with my mum and sister, I assume I will require a invitation letter from my mum and my sister has told me she is happy to sponsor my girlfriend too. Should I get my sisters bank statements and a letter too?

    Thank you in advance.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Tricky situation.

      Do you not have adequate savings to sponsor your gf/wife? 2 months is pretty short and it all seems quite rushed, especially getting married so quickly. They may see this as suspicious, prompting a refusal on the basis that she may not be a genuine visitor (won’t leave at the end of her stay).

      Your sister would have to provide evidence of her income and provide a letter. The owner of the property would need to provide proof of ownership and a letter too.

      The issue with your sister being the sponsor is that your sister doesn’t know your GF, or has she met her before/spent time with her? So essentially you are the reason for your GFs visit but you are nominating someone else to be the sponsor. I don’t think this would be a big problem – because she is blood related – but the fact that you have no job/income, no accommodation and have been together such a short time could raise alarm bells on the application.

      That’s not to say you can’t get a visa, just that you will have to be very thorough and transparent with your evidence.

      Is you GF in work? Does she have an income? What reasons does she have to return to Thailand?

      Reply

      • Niznet says

        Hello thank you for the prompt response. My gf is currently in full time employment in Bangkok and her manager will gladly provide a supporting letter. She has savings in her account but not enough to last 6 months in the UK. Which is where me and my sister can sponsor. I have about £2k in my account but can request my family to transfer up to £8k in my account if required as proof that I have the adequate finance to support her while I seek employment once I return to the UK in January.
        Her mother can also add a supporting letter to confirm our relationship is genuine as I have met her whole family during a 5 day holiday at her home city.

        My sister has not met her yet but knows of our relationship as do my mum. I am able to get any documentations from my family no problem. I would have assumed, being married would seem like the relationship is genuine instead of just a girlfriend coming to visit for 6 months. Either way I understand it all sounds too shady and rushed but at the end all I can do is try and hope our evidence will suffice at the embassy.

        Thank you for any input you may have still.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          So will your GF be quitting her job, or will her employer provide a letter stating that he is going to keep her job open for her return. I very much doubt you will get the visa if it is the former, as they will be concerned about the lack of time you have known each other and the fact that she is giving up her work. If the latter, this is a better scenario.

          2k on your side is not much for 6 months, though her savings could contribute to a greater overall amount. One issue with your family transferring you funds is that they will see the sum come in on your statement and may presume that you have borrowed this money just to show them and that the funds aren’t really yours to spend.

          Being married doesn’t mean much in reality unless you have proof that you have lived together for a substantial period of time. Anyone can get married in Thailand, and believe me a lot of people do for the very reason of trying to get women abroad for not very nice reasons — if you get my meaning.

          The fundamental things you need to prove are:
          1. Genuine relationship.
          2. Funds to cover the trip, as her sponsor
          3. That she has a genuine reason to return to Thailand (job, study, property ownership, substantial savings, business, kids, other assets)

          It might be sensible to just go for a shorter trip the first time around. If your GF can keep her job open and get a letter from her boss to prove that, I don’t see it being a issue.

          Reply

          • Niznet says

            Thank you for the input, we can prove our relationship is genuine as we have photos and messages from the day we met. By the time we apply, I’d lived with her for 3 months. If we applied just for a 1 month visa but I understand the visa is up to 6 months. If she does get the visa and over stays here 1 month visa but returns within the 6 months, will this cause implications in future visa applications? I plan to inform the home office in the UK of the extension of her stay, if they say this will be a a problem then she will return on her stated date of 1 month.

            Just a note, once I’ve settled and worked in the UK for 6 months, she will be applying for the settlement visa instead of the tourist visa. Hopefully if she stays longer then a month on her tourist visa, it won’t affect her settlement visa in the future.

            Thank you for all your help.

            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              The visa is 6 months as standard, though you still have to provide dates of travel and return for the initial application and first trip. In my opinion it is unadvisable to stay longer than you say you will. If your GF says on her application that she has to return to Thailand for her work, and then stays another 3 months, this brings into question whether she was lying just to get the visa. Will your GFs job be left open for her, and can her boss confirm this by letter? This is an important part of your application and proving your GF has a legitimate reason to return to Thailand.

              UK immigration are no fools. It will be pretty clear to them if someone has lied about their intention to return on a specific date, if they suddenly decide to stay an extra 3 months. If you have a genuine reason such as illness, that’s a separate issue.

              My advice is to keep it honest, above board and wholly transparent, especially if you are considering a settlement visa.

              Also consider that a settlement visa requires the English language exam, and for you to meet the financial requirements.

              Reply

  158. Frederik says

    Hello

    I am a danish national with family on my fathers side in England. And I would like to bring my thai girlfriend over to visit my English side of the family for Christmas. We will be flying to Denmark first with the shengen visa for her, she as been to Denmark 3 times before.

    Since I am not an English citizen what is the easiest way to apply for the English visa for her?

    I was thinking to have my cousin send a letter of invitation for Christmas. We will be able to stay at her place. If my girlfriend has enough cash in her account to easily cover her trip and expenses is it still recommended that my cousin sponsors her financially?

    In total we will be in England for about 4 days, before returning to Denmark.

    Besides the invitation letter I will submit all the same ducuments as we usually do to apply for the Shengen visa.

    Does that sound like the way to go, and any thoughts on my plan so far?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If your GF has the funds to cover her trip then your cousin can provide the letter as host (accommodation). Your gf should explain the situation — that she has secured her Shengen visa but wishes to take this trip as part of her visit to Europe. In addition to finances, you (your gf) will still have to provide evidence of your relationship, your relation to your cousin/family in the UK and details of your plans to leave the UK afterwards (back to Denmark or Thailand).

      Bear in mind that the UK visit visa requirements are stricter than the Shengen, so provide as much evidence as you can and cover all bases. Include your own personal letter too, as well as that of your cousin. Your cousin will need to provide evidence of property ownership/rent too.

      Reply

      • Frederik says

        Thanks for the advice its very much appreciated. I was wondering if It might be a good idea also to include a copy of my fathers English passport. So they can see he is in fact English.

        Also is it enough if my cousin writes in the invitation letter about our relationship and I do the same or will I also have to submit photos of us together as adults. Because I don’t seem to have any for whatever reason.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          If your father is English, don’t you have citizenship? Your cousin can say that your relationship is genuine and offer up any facts like the first time she met your GF and where, etc. Try to provide evidence of communication during period apart: Facebook or Line chats, copies of emails, telephone records, that sort of thing. This will prove your relationship is genuine.

          Reply

  159. Carl says

    Hi Peter,
    Great site by the way,
    I’ve approx got 2k in my personal bank acc as I’ve just put 10k into my company as personal loan has I’m applying for a sponsor visa would it be appropriate for my accountant to put this in a letter explaining this, just happened to come at the wrong time as we in the process of applying
    Thanks Carl

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hey Carl, I’m not sure the accountant letter would matter because regardless of the legitimacy of what the money has been used for it isn’t available, but there’s no harm in putting a letter in. Will you have 2k available after paying for the flights? How long is the trip?

      Reply

  160. Sam says

    Hi, really useful blog. I have been with my Thai gf for 3 months and been together in Thailand for 2 weeks together. I have a secure job, mortgage and cash funds. I was planning a trip during her university break. Do you think I have much of chance?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Yes, you have a good chance if you can provide evidence of a genuine relationship and good reasons for your gf to return to Thailand post her visit. If you wade through the comments here you will see a bunch of replies covering this area.

      Reply

  161. Richard says

    Hi
    I have received a visa for 6 months,on the application was advised to say a stay of 8 weeks.
    This was by friends and a legal team.
    The legal team said when i have the visa i can extend the length of her stay,not the length of the visa for which they are asking approx £200.
    My friends are saying this is not necessary as long as she goes home within the 180days of the visa.
    Legal team was going to send me a link to do it myself butt so far i haven’t seen it.
    would like your input
    Thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The visa is for 6 months, but to ensure a clean visa history going forward your GF should return on the date she stated on her application. Trust me on this: Staying longer will call into question her evidence given for having to return when she stated she would on the application. I’m not sure I understand how the legal team can extend her visa? Visit visas are for 180 days, and that’s it.

      Reply

  162. Henry says

    Lots of great information on here thanks!

    I’ve been having a read through the ‘Visitor: supporting documents guide’ pdf document on the gov.uk website. Interestingly section 4 lists what not to include in an application including: Photographs, hotel bookings, flight bookings, utility bills from sponsor etc…

    Starting to prepare for an application and wondering if to add photographs and flight bookings etc as proof or not.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It’s interesting because I’ve known visas turned down on the basis of “not being able to prove a genuine relationship”. For some, the only way they can prove this (if they don’t live together/same country) is to provide photographic evidence of holidays/time spent together, and of course digital communication. We have always sent in pictures of us dating from the time we met to present day.

      In addition, what if your accommodation plans are a hotel and not a home? Part of proving your worth as a sponsor is to show that you can adequately and safely support the visit of your GF/friend. So at the very least I’d recommend including details of what hotel you plan to stay in.

      If it’s your own home, you would prove ownership through mortgage payments on your bank statement.
      Similarly for those renting, payments to a landlord would appear on your statement.

      Flight bookings are not necessary; though a planned date of travel is requested on the application form.

      Reply

  163. Tom HANNIS says

    Hello,
    I was hoping you could help me, my wife has had a refusal letter along with my step daughter, mostly they think she will not return to Thailand (she is a full time house mum (so unemployed)as step daughter is 10 and my son is 3 who lives with her in Thailand but has a uk passport also),we have been together for 5 years and married for 2 years, She applied for tourist visa (25 week trip) which has been refused do you think shorting the trip to 3 or 2 months would help?
    Also they said we didn’t show evidence that I have been sponsoring her even though we sent both of are bank statement of where the money I send her is transferred. But really I was hoping I could have your email/send you mine or something to talk with you privately and go more in depth with my situation. And can send the the letter of refusal so you could read and say what you think.

    Look forward to your reply
    And many thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Tom,

      This is not uncommon. Where kids from previous marriages/relationships are involved it is more difficult to secure a visa because to deport a woman and her child can take the system years if they protest at going home on welfare grounds.

      Shortening the trip may help a tad, as you are going for the full 6 months I see, which they may be concerned about as it suggests she has nothing urgent to return for. Could you not get a letter from your step-daughter’s school to say that she attends there (how long has she been a student, etc) and is expected to return on x date. Does your wife own her house? A car perhaps? Land even? These are valid reasons to return and if evidence is supplied for ownership of these things it will make it easier.

      Were the bank statements on her end sent in Thai? Perhaps they couldn’t understand them or it wasn’t clear who the bank credits were from. Have you adopted your step daughter?

      If you scroll to the bottom of the site you will see a link to a contact form. You can send me a message there. I will reply and then you can attach the letter for me to read.

      Reply

    • Trevor Garrard says

      I would be intereted to hear any new onfo on this case as i am making an application for my wife and stepdaughter for a uk visitor visa . I wondered if it would be wise to apply for my wife only in the first place . Once she has her visa i would then apply for my stepdaughter … thoughts ?

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        It would be best to apply for your step-daughter first, but it makes sense to apply at the same time so they can submit on the same day.

        The official line for under 18’s is this:

        When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone over the age of 18), you’ll need to identify them in your visa application.

        If the person you’re travelling with isn’t your parent, you’ll need to provide specific information about them in your application.

        Their name will appear on your visa, and you’ll be refused entry to the UK if you arrive in the UK without them.

        You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application, and your visa will only be valid if you travel with at least one of them.

        The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.

        Reply

        • Tom Hannis says

          Hello,

          Thanks for taking your time to help and it’s a very good and helpful article.

          I’ll try to be accurate as possible,
          My wife’s daughter is my step daughter but at the moment not adopted just step daughter by me marring her mother and my Step daughter biological dad isn’t on her birth certificate my wife is the solo parent.
          My wife owns some land and we include this in the documents provided for the visa application
          We have been tighter for nearly 5 years and married since March 2013

          On the phone interview they asked why we hadn’t done this before and haven’t really had the chance we where together for about 1 year went couple times to Thailand few weeks at a time,then went to stay with her and daughter in Thailand for about 2 year in that time we have my son and have been back in U.K. For about 2 years now, with a stable enough paid job to fully meet salary requirements.
          We did plan on doing a spouse visa but though it would be nice to get the kids and my wife over for xmas and see the family etc then on their return to Thailand start preparing for the spouse visa.

          But, As I previously said my wife and wife’s daughter applied for a uk tourist visa and got refused.

          They intended to travel to the uk for 25 weeks.
          My wife, wife’s daughter and my son who has both Thai and uk passport.

          I currently live with my mum in her 4 bedroom house, so everyone will there own room.

          The document provided are:
          Marriage certificate, birth certificate, land paper etc have been translated.

          From my mother:
          – invitation letter
          – Bank statement (last 6 months)
          – Council tax bill
          – Water bill

          From myself:
          – all pages of my passport
          – Birth certificate
          – Bank statement ( last 6 months)
          – Pay slips (last 6 months)
          – Invitation/sponsorship letter
          – Phone bill
          – Photo of the house

          From my wife/wife daughter:
          – all pages of passport
          – Copy of ID card
          – Bank statement ( last 6 months)
          – Marriage certificate
          – Birth certificates
          – Land paper (ownership of the land)
          – House book
          – Letter from Winnie’s school giving permission to leave and return in the 25 week period
          – Photos of are relationship

          We applied for my step daughter visa shortly after after my wife, so step daughters got refused for the main fact my wife didn’t get her visa I think.

          I feel from what they say in the refusal letter I need a more in depth bank statement for times I send my wife money ( each time I send money have more details like my wife name,amount, card no xxxx-xxxx345 for example)

          And a better reason for her to return to Thailand on , I feel maybe saying something like,on the land she owns she spent x amount of money on raising the ground with soil ready to build a house on but need to let the soil settle before building, she has the receipt of payment for the soil (somewhere) also photos but we don’t have any drawing plans of what he house will be as not sure how many rooms,bungalow etc

          Maybe on her return date I will buy a return flight ticket to go back with her and the kids for 2 weeks etc to get kids back settled in school etc and put he flight ticket in the the next application and say to help kids settled and help my wife along the journey back to Thailand

          I letter from my wife’s dad saying she will return to Thailand and wants to go visit England for xmas and the kids to see the English side of the family

          As you also said maybe shorting the time to only a couple of month

          Many thanks

          Tom

          Reply

  164. Michael says

    Thanks for writing this article, it’ll be useful in the coming weeks before my friend attends her visa appointment in Bangkok.

    I met her in April this year (at her place of work, a hotel) and spent three individual weeks with her over the course of the following three months while I was travelling. Since we met we’ve spoken most days via the Messenger app and have spent a lot of time on the phone, all of which I’ll document as evidence.

    I also wanted to ask, since my final week in Bangkok, at the end of June, she’s spoken to my mother most days, again both via Messenger and telephone. Should I to include this as evidence too? or will it not be relevant as she won’t be her main sponsor. She’ll likely be staying with us (in my parents house) as part of her trip.

    I have around 8k in my current account as accessible cash, I’m hoping that amount will be enough.

    Thanks again for the help TheThailandLife.

    Mick

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Mick, it might not be relevant but I’d include it. Reason being that because you have only known her for a short time and spent just 3 weeks together, the case for a visit visa isn’t that strong. 8k should be enough, but then it depends on how long you want her to visit for and what your financial commitments are: they will consider mortgage, loan repayments, etc. You should provide wage slips (6/12 months if possible) and bank statements to show your income and expenditure.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

      • Daniel Benn says

        Hey TTL

        Firsty would like to say how helpful this site has been 🙂

        Me and my gf are in the process of applying for her visitor visa to come to the UK for Christmas.

        I can supply 6 months bank statements and payslips showing my weekly income no problem. But I don’t have any real savings, will this be a problem? I will be supporting her stay with my weekly salary.

        Thanks
        Daniel

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi Daniel, glad the site is helping you.

          It does help to have some savings, because this shows you can cover emergencies. Do you think you could show 12 months statements and wage slips? Going the extra mile on that might help compensate for lack of back-up money, so to speak.

          Reply

          • Daniel Benn says

            Yeah 12 months statements and payslips is no problem.

            Me and my gf will be staying in my dads house which owned by him, would he just need to provide proof of owenership and a cover letting saying he gives consent for her to stay?

            Many thanks
            Daniel

            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              Exactly that. A letter stating if he owns/rents and giving you permission to to stay there. He can vouch that you live with him and he knows of your relationship (you met when, how many times you’ve seen each other, etc) — a character statement and a confirmation of stay in one, if you get what I mean.

              He can provide you with a photocopy of the deeds, a utility bill(s), and pictures of the property and room you will be staying in too. Cover all angles and try to provide as much evidence as you can that:

              1. Your relationship is genuine
              2. You can fund the stay and have proper accommodation
              3. Evidence to convince the officer your GF intends to return to Thailand.

              Reply

              • Daniel Benn says

                Hi,

                So my girlfriend had her appointment on Saturday just gone and received telephone interview yesterday. Today I have received an email stating a decision has been made etc. Is that a good thing or bad think that the process has been so fast? Waiting for her passport to be delivered and we are both nervous of the outcome!

                Many thanks
                Daniel

                Reply

      • Daniel Benn says

        Hi TTL,

        Do you have an email address I could contact you on? My gf received her refusal letter today so both really down in the dumps about it! I would like to show you the letter and hope you could direct us both in the right direction on what to do next.

        Many thanks
        Daniel

        Reply

      • Micharl says

        Just a quick update, and maybe a question you’ve not been asked before.

        Thanks to the information on your blog and I imagine to some degree of sheer luck, my Thai friend was granted a full 6 month UK Visa. I thought this would be impossible due to her being made redundant shorty after her Visa interview and her having no tangible proof as to why and when she would return. It’s crazy that people who are married get rejected, and I’ve spent a total of 3 weeks with this girl and somehow they approved.

        Now’s time for me to ask something that I’m just wanting to be more safe than sorry with. I put a lot of effort into getting everything right for this girls application, this 46 page document took me 3 full days to prepare. Despite this she has been despondent with me lately, mainly as I’ve not told her what she wants to hear, I have little time for harping on about how much I miss somebody and how much they mean to me, which has raised doubts in my mind as to wether or not she’s going to do exactly as we’d planned in the Visa application. After talking with my Mum, I thought I needed to ask if we, as her sponsors would be held liable if she came over here and didn’t return within her 6 month period, or if she didn’t visit us as she has specified on her application and we’ve vouched for this. This is all worst case, as I don’t think she’s stupid enough to try something like that.

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          If they had made the decision after her short interview, the redundancy wouldn’t have had any impact. All visit visas are for 6 months, but the applicant is asked to stipulate how long they intend to visit for, as this is a factor in deciding the intention of the visit and the how feasible it would be for the applicant to return to employment/responsibilities in Thailand after the said amount of time.

          In answer to your question: I couldn’t find any specific legal liability relating to a sponsor of a visit visa, but on a settlement visa the rules are clear:

          I hereby undertake that, if the sponsored person named above is granted leave to enter the UK on a
          permanent basis, I shall be responsible for his/her maintenance, accommodation and care in the UK. I am further aware that the sponsored individual will have no recourse to public funds for five years from the date of their entry to the UK.
          Or;
          If the sponsored person named above is granted limited leave to enter the UK, I shall be responsible for
          his/her maintenance, accommodation and care in the UK without recourse to public funds for the duration of
          that limited leave to enter. I also understand that the Home Office may take appropriate action to
          recover from me amounts attributable to any support provided under Section 95 of the Immigration and
          Asylum Act 1999 (support for asylum seekers) to the sponsored person named above. I further understand
          that I may be committing a criminal offence and liable to prosecution if, after I have given this undertaking, I
          do not support the sponsored person named above and income support or income-based Jobseeker’s
          Allowance (under social security legislation) and/or support for asylum seekers (under immigration
          legislation) is provided to or in respect of the sponsored person named above.

          So I assume that yes, if she went missing, or tried to claim asylum, the state would seek to recoup the associated care and legal costs from you.

          I would certainly rethink your position if you have such doubts.

          Reply

  165. andy says

    hi all just to say great web site ,ok just to give you a bit of info been seeing my thai grirlfriend for 3 years i stay with her for three mounth of the year and come back to the uk for 9 mounth for work over this time she went to college and then holiday with me, this year she got a full time job and doing well so all is good,so we tryed to get a visa for just two weeks here in the uk but did not get one, ok did all the paper work and put it in a listed folder when my girlfriend took the folder to apply for her visa the thai guy took all the paper work out and said no good arrrrr all that hard work i dont under stand way he took all the paper work out ? refusal of visa was lack of work history which i can under stand because she only gave the 3 years she has been at collage and 5 mounth of full time job i did say to her all histroy of work ,thay have said that her personally cost for her two week holiday dose not commensurate to her income from her job but she is useing sum of her savings that is in her bank and that she will use sum of that for personally use i dont get it way thay are saying that we will try to do agen when i go back out there for christmas holiday and re do the visa

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Andy, as you have probably read in the comments, the taking out of documents by processing staff is increasingly becoming a problem. The first thing you must tell your GF is to be firm with the staff and tell them that nothing is to be taken out. Tell the staff that she had a visa refused because of the documents that were removed and given back to her.

      A work history of 3 years wouldn’t be a problem, the issue would be because she has not had a regular income for long due to being a student, and her savings probably aren’t substantial enough. to cover the trip — even though no specific amount is required/listed. If you can write the official refusal reason down here in the comments section I can advise further, because I need to know under what clause they refused it.

      It would be far easier if you guaranteed her visa as her sponsor, and provided evidence of your income and savings to fund her trip. Her savings could be available for her spending money, but you could cover flights, accommodation and daily expenses such as food.

      Bear in mind that the officer isn’t just considering money she will spend, but whether she has enough funds to cover an emergency, like needing to book a flight home suddenly, or pay for a hotel for a few nights, etc. They have to be absolutely sure that she will not need to turn to the state for help. They have to absolutely sure she will return to Thailand too, so providing a letter from her employer, and details of assets she owns, will help the application. Then there is the proof of your relationship. Because you don’t live together in the same country, you will need to provide evidence that your relationship has existed for the duration you say it has.

      Reply

      • Andy says

        Hi there yes we did all paper all my bank statements and savings I have here in the uk she got a letter from her boss to say she has work there for 5 mounth and is giving her two weeks leave for a holiday with me did all the photos of are holiday together over the last 3 years all skype chat and facebook chat as you know lots of paper work I did for her here in the uk and sent it over to her,on the visa form it said about saving that she has got she put down what she has got which is not to bad for a thai person so were it said your personal spending money for your trip she put xxx amount which is more money than she needs for a two week trip but thay are saying what she earns dose not add up to what she is going to spend ? On the form it says is eny one sponsoring you yes me and gave all the details so I am at a bit of a loss

        Reply

    • Trevor Garrard says

      There seems to be no reason really sometimes. My wife and i lived in the uk for 3 yrs and then came to thailand . We applied for a visit visa . All our paperwork looked good and in order but the visa regused . They said that there was not enough evidence to show we were still together and no real way to see that she could support herself in the uk … over 8 million baht in the bank in an account in our joint names … maybe it was not our turn that time …

      Reply

  166. Phil says

    Hi just a quick note to say this is an excellent source of information and thanks. Just got my gf 3 month visitors to the UK. Totally agree don’t waste money on agents. Was worried at first as my gf doesn’t work and in the eyes of UKV&I not have a real reason to return, but if you are honest and put all the relevant facts it helps your case. Now all I worried about is how much her new winter wardrobe is going to cost me!

    One extra document I added to your list, was a letter from her parents confirming our relationship (as well as the things you mention, photos, metadata (date/location of photo), flight tickets together, messenger extracts dated from each month), also saying about her character and returning home to take care of her daughter, I wrote it from them in basic English and they signed.

    Reply

  167. Trevor Garrard says

    Excellent article . One or two questions . I pretty much live in thailand on a variety of visa’s non im o . And thai wife . And currently a b visa as i am here working as a teacher . I have no home in the uk and any visit would be a mixture of my sisters house and hotel . Should i just say staying with family and give their details ? Also . I have little personal money in the uk but have joint and solo ( wife and i ) accounts in thailand . My wife has two businesses in thailand providing more than enough income . Despite my wife and i living in the uk for 3 years ( returned to thai 2010 ) we were refused a visitor visa 3 yrs ago because we could not demonstrate an ongoing relationsgip and they doubted my wife had access to a joint account holdin 8 million baht … advise would be fab … we are not planning to go until april 2017 ..is it to early to apply now.?

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If staying with family, you will need to the host to provide a letter of agreement and details of the property and their home ownership status. Any hotel accommodation booking info should also be provided. Provide statements for your accounts in Thailand, and it would be a good idea to a get a letter from the bank to confirm your account status is legitimate. Proving a genuine relationship should not be difficult. If you live together you can provide pictures of your home, holidays, family outings, etc., over the last few years.

      Reply

      • Charlotte Meechaidee says

        What a good artical. wish I stumbled up on it before my husband submitted his yesterday! However I am now rather worries as a didn’t submit of any photos of our relationship or anything. We are newly married (since January 2016 actually) but he has been with me once before in 2014 and we didnt submit photos then either. My husband owns a business and recently bought us a house which we submitted all the original as well as translated versions of these documents along with his 6month bank statements (but not mine as he has much more money than me anyway haha!) and our wedding certificate/registration. But i have an anxious feeling still. As well we submited a letter for my work from my boss just saying when I am needs back at work and an email and hand written letter and bills to prove address of my mother and friend who we will be staying with. My husnand submitted it at the new vfs office here in chiangmai and the lady made snide comments on how it’s too much stuff… but surely the more the better right? When we went last time we went and came back on the dates we propsed. Just the comments of this lady has really got me worried this time. She didn’t look at the documents properly and kept asking what is this for, what is this for… and I haven’t come across anyone I know submitting it at this new vfs place yet either so I am worried. The staff didnt really seem to know fully what she was doing and she has original documents too…. he hasnt had a phone call yet either… does this sound a little off to you too? Am i worrying over nothing… or am I right to be worried?! Every one keeps saying how we are married now and how he has been before but again, this lady has made me panic!

        Reply

          • TheThailandLife says

            Hi David, this is very worrying and something I have notified UK immigration of in the past. I get numerous emails from people saying that when their partner went for the appointment the VFS counter staff told them to take out certain documents. This is absolutely against VFS and UK immigration policy. The Home Office advises that proof of a genuine relationship is provided by way of supporting documents, and pictures have always been one way of doing this.

            No member of staff should ever try to give you advice on your application. They have no idea what they are talking about and are in no way qualified. They have a small essentials check-list of the basics that must be submitted, which they run through with you, but in terms of supporting evidence, this is your/your partner’s call.

            I advise everyone reading this post to NEVER let VFS staff interfere with your documents.

            Here is the official line:

            VFS Global staff does not play any part in or influence the outcome of your visa application. If VFS Global staff claims to be able to influence your application, you should notify in writing to the Head of Visa Services at the British High Commission in Thailand.

            If any member of VFS staff says “you don’t need this document” and advises you to take it out, take their name and report them. It is very serious, because taking out one piece of important information could cause you to get a refusal and cost you time and money. If the document/evidence is not required/not of interest then the officer in the UK will simply ignore it, but it’s up to the officer to decide, not VFS.

            Reply

            • Charlotte Meechaidee says

              The VFS lady told my husband to remove something actually, in which he explained to her he submitted it last time but she made him take it out. I have her first name. I already want to email a complaint but do you think I should wait until we receive the decision?

              Reply

              • TheThailandLife says

                I would wait. If you get a refusal and it turns out that the document you were advised to take out could have made a difference, then phone up and report it. Even if you pass, I’d still report your concern via an email and point the recipient to their own policy as I listed above. It almost happened to us last year, but luckily my wife called across the room to me where I was sat and said “he said I don’t need x, y, z”. I dashed over and told him sternly not to remove anything because it was all necessary evidence. I am willing to bet that not one member of VFS staff has even read through the UK Immigration website to see what it says regarding supporting documentation. While they advise some staple inclusions, they purposely leave supporting documentation open to individual interpretation because each applicant is an individual case and as such different documents may be required. If you think something is relevant, submit it.

                Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi Charlotte, pictures are one way of showing a genuine relationship because they can provide a timeline and prove you have spent time together in Thailand, and help corroborate other similar evidence. but if you have a strong enough application in other areas I don’t think this will be a problem. However, I advise you to never listen to anyone who says “You are married so you will get a visa easily”, or “You got a visa before so you’ll get one again”. After 4 visit visas in a row, my wife was suddenly declined one. I hit the roof and reapplied immediately with a 6-page letter! We were issued one after that. No one knows why these things happen sometimes; perhaps they work to quotas, perhaps it depends on how strict the officer is, or perhaps they just test you sometimes by refusing one so that you submit newer evidence. In any case, make sure every application you make covers all angles and leaves no stone unturned.

          Reply

          • Charlotte Meechaidee says

            My thoughts exactly, I dont want to assume he will get it just because we are married now. We submitted everything we did last time and more. I feel we have submitted everything and they would have no reason to say no, but the VFS lady didn’t seem to know what any of it was. She was useless and rude and its really made me worry…. as I just mentioned before she made my husband even remove some documents, which she shouldn’t have done.

            Reply

  168. David says

    Got visa all sorted from start to finish in 7 working days,we both did ourselves ,
    Just a visit visa for girlfriend,
    So simple and straight forward if your relationship is genuine,you supply as much info as possible in a well presented folder on submission at Bangkok.

    Just tell the truth on your application as she will get a telephone interview within the next 2 days asking random questions,

    So sit down and make sure she understands all your info yours are submitting.

    Hope this info helps ,and good luck.

    Reply

      • Nana says

        Hi
        My husabnd recieved a call too asking random questions
        But i could not provide documents proving that i ll b back
        Else i provide everything as u described
        One thing more i dint provide my husband travelling history ?
        I ll get my passport back on monday
        I dont know what will b the result

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Interesting that they called you both. It seems calls are standard these days, at least for first time applicants. I really couldn’t say. Your husband should have provided details of his visits to Thailand to see you since your relationship started, but perhaps they asked him about that on the phone. There is no telling what the outcome will be as I have no idea of the background. All the best.

          Reply

          • Nana says

            He was with me since last october nd got back to uk in march ’16
            He gad visited me twice after our marriage
            Now he applied for my visit visa as settlement visa for spouse requirements are not meeting up the standards till now
            He needs more time for that requiremnts thats y we decided to go for visit first..
            3months pay slips,bank statements,tenancy agreemnt,bills pictures of marriage nd chat details i have attached with my application
            But i have no documents to show that i ll b come to my country after my visit bcz i have no job
            My husband is sponsering me..
            Do u think it will effect the decision??
            Thanx for reply

            Reply

  169. David says

    All information submitted at Bangkok,very busy building but straight in and out within 45 mins.
    My partner had a telephone interview the next day also,asking random questions.
    5 days now and not heard nothing,any ideas how long it takes,
    15 working days I have heard and sometimes 3/5 working days,
    Was a tourist visa for girlfriend.
    Any guide times would be great.

    Reply

    • Carl meno says

      Hi just looking for little advise on ways I can do this, I am financially secure my bank statements are in overdraft but my company statements show large amounts going in and out could I possibly use my company statements, thanks

      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        If you are your GF’s sponsor, they will be looking at the personal available funds you have to support her trip, not how much money is going in and out of your personal or company accounts. They want to know that you have ready funds to support her stay: accommodation, food, flight home in case of an emergency, etc.

        Reply

  170. Monk888 says

    Hi, really helpful page.
    My wife of 9 months ( 6 year relationship, which we can prove ) and I wish to visit the UK for a two week holiday which also co-insides with my father’s birthday. I live in Thailand on a retirement visa . If she applies based on her job and her savings , she has no family left nor assets apart from a motorbike. All she wants to do is visit for two weeks and come back to work and life here. I can sponsor her but have no property, nor income in the UK though I do have savings but I would prefer her to get her visa on her own. Any thoughts or advice, thanks

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It depends how much she earns and if they find the funds available to her for the trip to be satisfactory, and if they believe she intends to return to Thailand — which they should since she has a job to return to. Because she is your wife and you will be traveling together (I assume), by default you will be part of the visa application and your details will need to be provided. I assume you will be staying with your father too? If so, then you’ll need confirmation of this from your father by way of a letter and documents proving ownership/rental. Technically you are a default sponsor anyway because you will be responsible for her accommodation and traveling together; so you might as well make your savings available to her as your wife and further guarantee her trip.

      Reply

  171. Steve H says

    Hi TTL
    I know this is a thread for girlfriends wanting to visit UK but I have invited a female friend to visit me over Christmas and New Year. As of today, we have only ever chatted via line or facebook either by text or video since my initial visit to Thailand at the start of July. I have booked a holiday to visit her at the start of December for 2 Weeks as this coincides with 2 consecutive long holiday weekends where she will have vacation from work. She is only planning to come here for 2 weeks holiday as she has to be back at work. She is self sufficient, owns her own house where her parents live with her and her 2 children. She also owns a condo and 2 cars. I think all very good reasons to return to Thailand.

    My question is really how much information should I supply? It is only a holiday where I am prividing somewhere to stay and be a tour guide. Hopefully this will develope into something more over time, but baby steps first lol

    Thanks

    Steve

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Steve, if she is financing her own trip then the onus is on her to prove she has the funds for the trip and sufficient evidence she will return to Thailand, which could be in the form of a letter from her employer, her house deeds, details of her children, etc. You will need to provide a supporting letter and details of your property: deeds, mortgage details (statements etc), pictures of the property and where she will stay and anything else you can think of.

      Regardless of whether she is your GF or not, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship in some detail: how you met, the time you have spent together and proof of that, the communication you’ve been having when you are physically apart (email print outs, phone records, Facebook/Line messaging, etc.)

      I can’t tell you exactly what they will want to see, but the list in my post, plus this information, will put you on the right track.

      Reply

      • John Coles says

        Hello,
        I have stumbled at the very first hurdle!! In step 1 where you register an account, whose details do I put? Mine or my thai girlfriends?
        I have known my friend for nearly two years, met her when travelling two years ago as friends only! but things have developed since then online. I realise the first process is the visitor visa to see if British life works for her. I must say it’s not an application I’m looking forward to! I am going to thialand in October 2016 and am trying to get the ball rolling ..
        Must say without this site there would no chance!!
        Thanks.
        John

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi John, your GF has to apply in her name as it’s her application. If you are setting up the account for her, you can use your email address if she hasn’t got one, but make sure it is in her name. All correspondence going forward will be sent to this email address.

          Reply

  172. Louis says

    Hi there – great information and very useful. Takes the headache out of it. Just a couple of things if you could help. We are in the process of making our travel visa application and we have a number of photos as well as the relevant documentation. However, our correspondence has all been done through Messanger and LINE since January 16 – this equates to over 50000 messages. Do i need to print all this off and submit?

    Secondly i assume it is better to apply for the Travel visa at this stage then after my partner has been to the UK apply for a Fiancee visa. Do we have to be together for two years before we can do this? We have been together for almost a year. I hope she will be able to come back with me in October then we will return to Thailand in December where I believe she must remain for 6 months. How soon after this can we apply for the Fiancee visa?

    Thank you for all your help

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hmmm, option A, yes. Option B, no and hope they don’t do a phone call to check. Option C. Try and phone up and get the right number to them. I’d call the embassy for advice. Surely you don’t have to submit a whole new application for a typo.

      Reply

  174. Callum says

    Hi TTL,

    I’ve had a quick search through the article and the comments first, but couldn’t find the answer to my question, so forgive me if you’ve already said this.

    My question is about passport history and how you would go about obtaining it. My girlfriend has her new passport and her old one, but this only dates back 5 years (we plan to photocopy all the pages), but where/how would we obtain her full passport history for the last ten years? Furthermore, I lost my previous passport and only have my new one, so I planned to photocopy my passport pages (luckily all my trips to Thailand are on the new passport), but where/how would I obtain my passport history for the last ten years as well?

    Thank you so much and I look forward to your reply.

    Callum

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You will only need evidence of your travel to and from Thailand since knowing your GF, so your current passport history covers that.

      Your GF will only need to provide details of travel on the form. It also asks if the passport referred to is lost, in your possession, or in the possession of the issuer (some countries/governments required old passports to be returned). If she doesn’t have more than the two passports she has, this isn’t an issue. But where possible, she should detail all travel within the last 10 years (I think it is 10 years) that is asked on the applications form. Then, with the documentation, provide copies of the passports and their pages she does have.

      Reply

  175. Andrew says

    We’re engaged, she’s Thai and I am of course British. We been together in Thailand for 4 years. I been in Thailand since 2005. We got engaged this year in February 14th. 😉

    I work as a teacher, she works as a cash planner for SCB for over 5 years. She earns 1.2 MB per year. She owns 3 condos, rented two. She has investments and savings. I don’t have anything other than 200,000 saved for the moment. We plan to get marred next year in February 2017. She also does network marketing and will earn up to 1MB per month in the next year or so, (hopefully). If all goes well, how can we move to the UK and use her passive income from network marketing as a way of income? Do I still need to prove income and savings of 18,600 GBP per year? Or can we just apply and use her income and savings to prove we have enough to support ourselves in the coming years while in the UK?

    Andrew

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Andrew, I assume you’re referring to getting a settlement visa after you are married, and not a visitor visa. You won’t be able to use her income at all. You, as the British national (financial sponsor), must prove net earnings of 18,600 per year, or savings of 62,500 GBP.

      Reply

      • Andrew says

        Thank you for the reply. However I have more concerns about this as most of the information from GOV.UK appears twisted and out of date, contradicting and confusing.

        According to your reply I would need either 18,600 per annum income from employment in the UK. This is out of the question because I do not aim to work for an employer but to live with my future wife on a passive income paid into a bank in Thailand of which we will use in the UK. I am confused to where 62,500 in savings comes from based on the citerea of 18,600 per year as a means of supporting / sponsoring.

        I have ever read in the financial requirement document available online from GOV.UK that savings can be either in the applicant, partner or joint account for a minimum of 6 months. So the information you are providing to me above is contradictory to the information online.

        As I mentioned, I plan to get married in Feb 2017 and want to have a clear mind to the procedures and requirements.

        Thank you
        Andrew

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          You simply can’t do that. Your partner’s income doesn’t come into the equation. Either you meet the minimum income requirement or you use 62,500 in savings instead.

          See the requirements here.

          It will be harder for you too, because you aren’t married. Here’s an overview for settling an unmarried partner:

          You and your sponsoring partner must both be 18 years of age or over.
          You and your partner must intend to live together on a permanent basis.
          You must show that any previous relationship that you or your partner were involved in (whether it be as a married or an unmarried couple) has ended.
          You need to show that you have been living with your partner for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage. You will need to provide documentary evidence confirming this.
          You and your partner must have sufficient funds to support yourselves (and any dependants) without claiming public funds.
          Your unmarried GBR or settled partner must be earning at least £18,600 per annum or savings to be able to sponsor you. If also sponsoring children as dependents then the financial requirement will increase.
          You must have suitable accommodation available for you, your partner and any dependants.
          You must also satisfy the English language requirements

          It’s not easy, that’s for sure.

          Reply

  176. Richard McCully says

    Hi

    Great information here, it has really helped my girlfriend in her application.

    One quick question – do all documents, passports, bank books, house deed have to be the original from the sponsor or will copies be ok? Also I take it all documents are returned when picking up the visa?

    Many thanks

    Richard

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      No, not all originals. Your GF will need to provide her real passport when she applies to have the visa put inside it, but all other documents can be copies. Though remember to get certified translations of any Thai documents. Bank statements, if print-outs, must have the bank’s logo/details on it them, and of course the details of the account holder . If possible send photocopies of original statements. For important docs go for colour photocopies as these look more legit.

      All documents are returned, though sometimes they keep a few bits (I don’t know why). They never keep originals though.

      Reply

  177. David says

    Hi,my Thai girlfriend came to the uk in 2004..
    Want to bring her to the uk again for a short holiday with our daughter.
    We have a daughter together who is 10 and has British citizenship and British passport. No problems for her.( I hope) her 1st visit.
    Will embassy have details of her last visit 12 years ago as her old passport is not available to proof this.
    Many thanks.
    Do I just give all details as normal as been together 14 years and we all want a short holiday in the uk.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      They will have a record of her previous trip, but each application is considered on its individual merit. Do you have a photocopy of the old passport with the number on it? If so, this is fine; because you can select the box on the application form that says the passport is no longer in your possession. However, the application asks you to detail all holidays outside of Thailand made in the last 10 years (I think it’s 10 years), so that doesn’t include that trip anyway.

      You should have no problem obtaining a visa, but just make sure you provide all the relevant documentation, as even for genuine long-term couples with kid(s), they will refuse if information is left out.

      Reply

      • philip says

        Hi,so i met a girl in samui just 3 weeks ago and she is telling me that if i want to bring her over il have to pay over 30 thousand baht for visa,translation of documents and travel insurance.that seems abit expensive and and i asked if there was a possibillity to shop around with different certified translaters,whats youre opinion?and its 60.00 euro only for 90 day holiday visa to ireland.now,im no mug and i find crazy that the surcharge is so much.can u please enlighten me

        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Translation is inexpensive; approximately 400-500 Baht a document. But consider there maybe 10 or more documents that need translating; so already thats 2,500 Baht. Good travel insurance like WN (see here) is going to be 100-150 Euros. I assume she is going to use an agent to help her apply, which is fair enough because the application is difficult for a non-native speaking person. A visa agent is going to be 20,000+, so her estimation is about spot on. You could help her apply and only spend on the translations, but then if you are physically in Thailand and able to help her put the supporting evidence folder together, you have a higher risk of leaving something out and therefore a higher risk of refusal.

          Reply

          • Tommybhoy says

            I think there’s also a few difficult realities you might need to face up to and I don’t want to assume anything.
            Does the girl have a recognised job with a history of salary in a bank account?
            Will she have the job to return to in Thailand.
            If she is working in a bar- and I’m not saying she is- then job legitimacy comes into play.
            You’ve only just met the girl so honestly I think you’d be best not getting your hopes up.
            You probably need more time together, documented by photos, mms, travel documentation.
            Sorry if it looks like I’m pissing on your parade but they don’t make it easy…

            Reply

            • E says

              Good information on your site. UK Visitors Visa requirements are way over the top. Ridiculous. Visitors Visa just refused for my wife of 2 years. Didn’t believe she would leave the dump after her visit. If you are applying make sure you go to town on the “I will return to Thailand” part – they seem paranoid about this. Why would you want to? You could have grey rainy weather every day, high taxes, a crap government …….

              Reply

              • TheThailandLife says

                It does happen, even to people with a wife of many years and children together. It also happens to those who’ve been issued a visit visa previously. It can be very upsetting for those involved in genuine relationships and who have good intentions. My advice would be to apply again immediately with more documentation and a huge covering letter explaining every detail of your situation. Hopefully you’ll get a more sensible person going over your application this time. All the best.

                Reply

  178. Sophia says

    Hi there, thank you so much for sharing such a great information and advise from your experience!
    I’m planning to visit my UK boyfriend and his family in October this year and stay there for 3 months and a half, this is gonna be the very first time I travel out of my country. I’m not a Thai girl , I’m Vietnamese but I guess 2 countries are quite similar. I’ve been looking into it and there are some questions which I’m concerned about, really hope you or anyone here has been in the same situation could help me.

    So I’d like to tell you about us, maybe it could help you understand more about my circumstance. I met him in Dec last year whilst he was traveling Vietnam with a tour and after that we kept in touch for about month. After finishing the tour, he came back and visited me for a week and we had a wonderful time together. we decided to have long distance relationship. From then he has visited me and my family twice, one in March and another in May, each trip lasted in 2 weeks.

    I have a job at my parent’s company and it’s quite flexible for me to get days off work and I’ll continue working for them when I’m back. My boyfriend is going to support me with all expenses and his parents accommodate me while I’m there too. I have a bank account but I rarely use it and the important thing is I don’t have income coming in the account as the company pays by cash. That means bank statement doesn’t show my financial flow. I don’t have much money, enough to pay for the ticket and a bit saving for emergency (all by cash). I don’t have a saving account neither but my parent say they can give me an amount of money (~$9000) to put into saving account if necessary.

    My boyfriend and I have been preparing all documents and going to submit my application in July, here are some questions that I’m concerning about:

    1. Because he’s going to pay for all expenses while I’m there ,which is 3 months and a half, should he need a specific amount of money in his bank account/saving account?
    2. Is there any other way I could do to prove my finance? (I don’t have bank statement), I have pay slip from the company but I guess it’s not good enough. I have money to put into a saving account but it’s not my money. Can I say it’s a gift from my parents? and if I put the money into the saving account, how long should I do it before I submit my application?
    3. I have family, friends and a job in Vietnam, but don’t have any assets, properties. and willing to leave UK after the trip ends, is there any other documents I should support to make my application as strong and convincing as possible?

    I would really appreciate your help and thanks again for the amazing post!

    Cheers,
    Sophia.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sophia,

      1. If your boyfriend is going to pay for all expenses while you are there then you’ll only need enough money for your flight. As I have mentioned previously in the comments section, there is no set amount of money required; it is up to the person processing the application to decide whether the sponsor has enough funds to cover the applicant’s trip. He should provide 6 months pay slips and evidence of savings from bank statements from the same period.

      2. You should just explain your circumstances in a cover letter. Tell them you are paid cash and get the owner of the business to confirm this and the amount in writing. Do you not have a bank account for which you can provide copies of your bank statements? Your parents can put money into your account if you want to do that, but you must explain that this lump sum of money has been provided to you by your parents to fund your trip (flights, spending money, etc.) In this regards, your parents will be a sponsor of your trip (in addition to your bf).

      3. Your job is enough of a reason to return to Vietnam. Make sure your boss (whether that’s your father or mother) writes a letter to confirm that your job will be left open for your return. The letter should state how long you have worked there, your role in the company, salary and any other details you think are important.

      Reply

  179. Callum says

    Hi TTL,

    Your post is incredibly informative and has made the process look a lot less daunting, but I have a few questions.

    If I give you the back story it will probably help. Met my girlfriend online in July 2015, and went to meet her for the first time and spent 9 days with her in January 2016. I returned again in April for 12 days, and I am going to meet up with her again in the next fortnight, to stay with her for 17 days. We text, we video call, have sent parcels and letters to each other, and we do all the sorts of things a couple would. We were hoping next time she could come and visit me and finally meet my parents and friends, and have set our hearts on the Christmas new year period.

    The only issue is we are both currently students at university. She would visit for only a month in the break between her terms and would be required back at university which is a plus as she can get a letter from her principal, but I’m worried about our finances. Naturally as a student, she has little to no money, and no income, so I have financed all of our trips, and I would finance her coming to the UK. I work part time and have done for 3 years, so have a regular income alongside my student finance. I rent a house with my flatmates and have done for over a year now, with the tenancy contract already agreed for the upcoming year. Whilst I can easily finance her visit (plane tickets, day to day costs, travel and food) as well as keeping myself afloat, would it be an issue that I don’t have savings or a full time job? Is there any minimum amount of money one would need to make a strong application? Furthermore, other than the checklist in the article, are there any things we could add to application as it is a bit more specific than other applications?

    Thank you so much, looking forward to reading your response.

    Callum

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hey Callum,

      There’s no set amount of earnings or savings required, it really is up to the officer processing the visa to determine if the sponsor has adequate funds available to finance the trip. An alternative is for your mum or dad to sponsor her trip and provide evidence of income and savings to support her application. They would need to write a covering letter for this and provide the relevant bank statements and proof of income. Read this PDF to see how officers are instructed to judge the sponsor’s financial situation.

      I think they’d probably consider not just how much you earn but if you are likely to run out of money if supporting two people for this duration. If you are living month-to-month with no savings in the bank at all, this might be a red flag for them. For a 2-week holiday I’m sure a couple of grand in addition to the flights and accommodation paid for should be enough.

      One issue you may come up against is the accommodation. They may not think your living space is suitable because you share with flatmates, and I assume she’d be staying in the one room with you? If this is the case, make sure you provide pictures of the accommodation; the bedroom and other rooms in the house to which she will have access.

      In terms of other documents, see the reply i gave to Jason below regarding the University. Provide anything that you think will prove your relationship is a genuine one: photos from holidays (dated), emails, texts, Facebook messenger conversations (all dating back across the last year), phone records.

      The officer will want to see evidence that she has good reason to return to Thailand, and not go missing! Having a job to return to, studies, land ownership, business ownership, a ton of money in the bank, owning a car, etc, are all good reasons to come back.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  180. Jason Dix says

    Hi TTL

    I have just submitted an application for my partner, they say to take flight documents but if I pay for flights and it is rejected its a waste of money, so can you do anything about this?

    Also my partner has just finish Uni and waiting of her paperwork before she can apply for a job as a teacher, should she mention this?

    I have said that I will sponsor her, I have put some money into her account to leave as savings to show, is this ok to do?

    When I submit my mortgage statement and pay slips, do they have to be the originals ?? as my pay slip comes via email these days.

    We shall be staying with my mother for a few days she owns a guest house, do I need a letter from her and her mortgage statements as well ??

    Great info on this page been a great help.

    Cheers Jake.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Jason,

      The flight documents isn’t actually a requirement anymore, as detailed on the website. However, I still give a printout to my wife to include as you never know.

      You don’t need to book the flights, in fact they say not to do that in case of a refusal. Instead, go onto the flight operator’s website and get a quote for the return trip dates you are planning to book. For example, with BA you can have the quote emailed to you and then print it out. Include this with your GF’s application. On your GF’s application it asks the question “When is your proposed trip date” (or something like that). Whatever date she entered for this question is the date you should get the flights quote for. It also asks how long your trip will be on the application, so the return date should correspond with that.

      Definitely include information on your GF’s university status. If she can get a letter from her teacher or head of Uni, explaining that she has just completed her course in whatever subject and is awaiting her results, this will be a real plus. If not, put in a cover letter detailing her study history and present status. Include any evidence too, like a copy of her uni ID card, acceptance letter, or whatever you can think of.

      Putting money into her account is not going to make much difference, not least because they will see from her statement that this is a recent deposit; she isn’t working, I assume, and therefore they will assume you put this money in there. If you are detailed on her application form as her financial sponsor, then it is your finances that will guarantee her trip. On the application form there are questions such as who is paying for your trip, how much is the trip going to cost, and, how much money is available to you for your trip.

      So you need to provide a minimum of 6 months pay slips, bank statements and evidence of any savings you have. They don’t need to be originals, but get colour copies if you can and makes sure your personal details are listed at the top. Also provide a copy of your mortgage statement.

      If your mother’s house is not the primary residence for your GF’s stay then no, you don’t need a letter. If your house is the primary residence then you should state this in your supporting letter and explain about your property. If possible, provide pictures of your property (inside and out) as evidence that there is adequate room for your GF to stay there.

      There is a section on the application form that asks what you will be doing in the UK, and a place to add additional info at the end. Your GF could mention that you will be visiting your mother on the trip, but you don’t have to specifically say that you will be staying there for x number of days.

      Reply

  181. mike says

    hi we have just checked the folder handed to my wife after submiting her visit visa application, and found all our bank statements both uk and Thai.
    my pension statements from the DWP and a statement from my private pension,
    The letter confirming our our address while in the UK and the invitation to stay at a family members property.
    the letters from my family confirming our relationship and marital staus
    (ten years) and how much they and especialy my grandkids are excited at
    finaly meeting the step-gran they have spoken to but never met.

    is this normal that they do no take the documents that are submitted to confirm proof of funds and earnings as well as the other important papers.
    i asked my wife and she said the people at VFS4UK handed her the folder
    after going through the papers .

    they have kept the translated marrige certificate and house papers
    and my passport and visa scans plus my sponsorship letter.
    i would of thought the bank and pension documents would have to be kept
    or is this standard procedure. or have they made a misstake
    how can they make a positive decision without proof of funds

    if anyone can shed any light on this seemingly strange situation. cheers.mick.

    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You mean they took stuff out and didn’t send it? If so, this is wrong but sadly not unheard of. This is something I intend to complain to UK immigration about. The last time my wife went for a visa the guy was trying to take stuff out saying it wasn’t needed. Luckily I was there and said tell him not to touch anything. It clearly stipulates on the UK immigration website that you should provide any evidence you think will support your application. It also states that VFS staff cannot advise on any aspect of the application. They have a check-list of basic documents they check-off to make sure you have the essentials, but they should not be advising you to take out anything extra. This could easily led to a refusal for you not having provided essential evidence.

      Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          What were the reasons for the refusals? Has she been applying with your son as the financial sponsor of her trip? If so, sending her money won’t make a difference because the onus is on him to prove that he can support her trip. If he doesn’t have the financial means, you could act as the sponsor when she applies again. in this instance you’d need to provide a letter detailing your support, and 6 months pay slips and evidence of savings. Remember though, it isn’t just about finances. They want to see a valid reason for the applicant to return to Thailand, such as a job or asset ownership. They also want to see evidence of a genuine relationship.

          Reply