UK Visa options

Post by **MartinHHG** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:09 pm

I don't know much about the visa rules but have a suggestion. Couldn't you do the fiancee visa and marry your girlfriend here in Thai, thus allowing her to stay longer. Don't tell your kids for now, let them get to know her and then have a marriage ceremony later in the UK when they are happy with it.

Post by **lomuamart** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:18 pm

MartinHHG wrote:I don't know much about the visa rules but have a suggestion. Couldn't you do the fiancee visa and marry your girlfriend here in Thai, thus allowing her to stay longer. Don't tell your kids for now, let them get to know her and then have a marriage ceremony later in the UK when they are happy with it.

That's maybe not a bad idea, but the OP will have to consider whether the two of them feel they are "conning"/misleading the kids.
If the OP marries here in Thailand by a proper Amphur registered marriage (as opposed to a religious ceremony) then it's recognised in the UK as well. She'd be eligible for a Settlement Visa which is for two years. After that she can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. (I'm really not too up-to-date on UK Imm laws any more, so others who've been through the immigration process will be better able to advise you of the detail).
If she's successful, then you could register the marriage in the UK later on. I have a feeling, however, that you legally can't get married twice (unless divorced), so there may be some issues about what kind of ceremony you could have in the UK?
I'm sure there are many members, myself included, who can talk you through the marriage process in Thailand if you need advice. It's really quite simple and can be done with the correct paperwork in a matter of days.

Post by **Big Boy** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:01 pm

dtaai-maai wrote:

5 - where do you get this idea? Have you looked at the rules and regulations? I'm fairly certain this isn't one of them. She has been granted a standard visit visa. She's used it and is returning to Thailand. That is a big advantage for a future application. If she's spending a month or 2 back here and wants to apply for another VV there's no reason why she shouldn't do so - same procedure as before.

That is my understanding as well.

I repeat what I said earlier, this is VERY important to you - contact the Home Office. They are not ogres you may think you are - if you seek their advice, they will offer as much help and assistance as they can. Even if you don't get the answer you're hoping for, at least you'll be able to make plans knowing the facts. They may even offer you an alternative solution.

Post by **caller** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 3:55 pm

caller wrote: I know someone who brings his MIL over on a 6-month visa regularly.

Sorry, that should have read visitors visa, but she stays for a few months each time.

Post by **malcolminthemiddle** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 4:36 pm

dtaai-maai wrote:
4 is incorrect - if she had a single entry VV it has now been used and she will need a new visa to return to UK. If she had a double/multiple entry VV, she can re-enter the UK before it expires and will probably be given another 6 months if the immigration officer is happy she will not overstay.

UK visas are normally valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/faqs/5167621/2969427

Post by **baron_wastelanduk** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:38 pm

when the ex came here back in 1998 on a visitors visa we were able to marry and apply for her extension on marriage grounds
this has now changed so that anyone wishing to do as we did the lass will have to return to thailand and apply for fiance visa
since then my gf has been here and been allowed two 6 month visas within 15 months of each other
I did have a contact at wireless rd who was very helpfull Ray someone is his name but i think he has now been replaced by a Sarah
I will try to find the peoples proper name and contact details
incidentally my sister in law came over on 3 month visa and we successfully had it extended to 6 while she was here however when she applied to come back she was told flat becuase she had overstayed her original visa they would not permit re-entry to uk (she hadnt actually overstayed the 6 months) we did write to the IND and got a reply from them 3 months after she had already gone back
there is a uk -thailand forum which has lots of useful info regarding uk visa and immigration i will try to find url

Post by **caller** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:32 pm

baron_wastelanduk wrote:there is a uk -thailand forum which has lots of useful info regarding uk visa and immigration i will try to find url

Its this: www.thailand-uk.com

You will have to become a member to read some threads and they don't allow hotmail (or didn't). They have a load of sticky's about visa applications and you can ask anything there and get an answer.

You can also read lots of interesting posts by me!

Post by **baron_wastelanduk** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:39 pm

i used to post there also
the guy that used to be at the embassy was ray keane and he was replced by sarah somebody - i think ray is still at embassy and he is a very useful contact and readily gives helpful info

Post by **Big Boy** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:23 pm

Ray Keane has been very helpful to me on several occassions in the past.

Post by **komfortablynumb** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:45 pm

What a nightmare sourjun you have.
Mrs Boss had 2 visitor visas.
We then went down the marriage visa lark.
6 months to marry and £500 visa fees. Thank you. We did as told. Visiting a far distant registry marriage office.
Unfortunately She (who must be obeyed) had to return to LOS after the marriage.
So she is back in LOS. We are married at this time.
Another bloody £500 settlement visa.
And 3 months wait.
More documents.
She has now 2 years settlement.
Longer can be applied for.
If she does the British citizen exam.
Now there is a farce.
You can try it online.
I did. And failed.
It's a long laborious proccess.
But if you love her.
What the hell?

Can i tag my little problem on here?
Still trying to get my Thai step kids over for a holiday.
We got there passports. YIPPEE.
Still looking to get a visa.
I am sure a visitor 1 would do.
My youngest is 15 that obviously presents a problem.
Any one been down this road?
Looking for some advice.
Thanks.

Post by **Big Boy** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:24 pm

komforablynumb,

I've done this successfully several times with family members, and know of others who have tried (both successful and failures). What kind of advice are you looking for precisely?

The main thing the UK Visa section will be looking is reason/evidence that the kids will return to Thailand eg

- Do they have jobs (or full time education) to return to? If so, they will need evidence that they can be released for a period, and evidence that the job/education place will keep their place open. I've seen rejections in the past because it is not normal for employers to release staff for holidays.

- Do they have property? If so, provide evidence.

The other thing you need to do is prove that there are sufficient finances to fund the visit. I've alwys put more than enough money in to a seperate account (£10,000 per time), and told the authorities that it will be used to fund the visit.

Obviously, you will also have to prove that you can accomodate the kids. 3 (almost) adults - do they need their own rooms? I've known the UK authorities to request a report from the local council on the suitability of accomodation to house another X number of people etc.

Post by **baron_wastelanduk** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 8:57 pm

another useful tip is to write a letter of sponsorship for the children stating that you will be held responsible for them during their stay and also that they will be staying with you and that you will foot any medical expenses during their stay and that you will ensure that they return to thailand before their visa expires

Post by **lomuamart** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:45 pm

baron_wastelanduk wrote:another useful tip is to write a letter of sponsorship for the children stating that you will be held responsible for them during their stay and also that they will be staying with you and that you will foot any medical expenses during their stay and that you will ensure that they return to thailand before their visa expires

I'm not sure that a letter of guarantee will help the process at all? But a statement to the above effect probably wouldn't go amiss.
I tried it for my ex girlfriend some 13 years ago and was simply told that guarantees weren't accepted as proof of anything. Meaningless. The UK Embassy simply didn't accept those kind of guarantees.
Mind you, we weren't married and trying to bring her kids over to the UK at the time, but it gave an indication how difficult it might be in those circumstances.
As BB has said, there are hurdles to go through. The main thing the British Embassy will consider is "is there any reason to return".
I'll leave the OP's original question to be answered by those who have gone through the process with marriage and kids.
Good luck

Post by **PeteC** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 am

As a side note, some of these countries, including the USA, needs to do an about face and if not ask the question, at least think the thought; "why would they want to stay..?"

There are very few benefits at the moment. Pete

Hua Hin Forum

UK Visa options

uk visas

Re: uk visas

uk visa

UK Visa

Re: UK Visa