GF Visa to UK good result

[InternationalTraveler 282]

Visa Category Visit 6- months

Trendy Office Building Soi 13

Sukhumvit Road

Bangkok

 

Having filled in the on-line form from visa 4 UK

Paid for the Standard Service Fee of $129 (processing time around 15-days) and picked an afternoon appointment time which only involves the GF and the interview is conducted in Thai.

The Visa application form which has to be signed by the GF and the appointment form are

checked at the left hand side information desk in the foyer which has flags of UK, Australia and Canada. Her appointment at 14:20 was duly noted and crossed off the list and the appointment page stamped and was summoned to the lift up to the 28th floor.

An hour later she came back down and was smiling.

They basically only asked her who was paying for the trip.

They gave her a number and she waited in the queueapparently the staff was running around like headless chickens. And they took all my supporting documents.

She had to go to the biometrics counter to have her fingerprints scanned and 2-camera photos, one at normal level and the other at high level which she had to look up at. What is that all about?

A charge of 250 baht for courier service was paid for return postage track and trace back to Pattaya.

 

Looking back

The most difficult part of this application was getting all her parents info as her father died 30-years ago.

Also had to put some fictitious birth dates on the form as the application form is mandatory and will not accept a N/A or N/K (not available or not known) in the box and will not print out the application if it is not fully completed.

 

Key Visa will also tell you it is all about presentation, documentation and impression.

Some of my document package may not have been necessary but there was enough info to convince the Embassy that it was a genuine application.

There are enough funds for the visit and the GF is going to return to Thailand.

 

For example, I was told by one of my friends that a visa company he used said that phone records were the most important requirement and that if he did not have any then the agent could produce some for him which were vital in procuring the visa.

In my case I did not have and did not produce any phone records, any Facebook or other interactionis it just a myth or more BS banded around by some of the visa companies?

I have previously used Darren at Key Visa for my British Embassy Verification of pension and have attended when he has been the main speaker at the Pattaya Expat Club. He says he has a good relationship with the Embassy.

But I would not be paying him 30,000 baht for something that looks a relatively simple process.

It would be interesting to know exactly how much influence some of the visa companies have with the Embassy if any at all?

Also every document I supplied was a copy and not an original document apart from the ATM receipts.

 

My sponsors letter and additional documents

VFS Bangkok Visa Application Centre

24th March 2015

Dear Sir/Madam

Re: Application for a visitor's visa for xxxx

I write in support of xxs application to visit the United Kingdom.

 

Brief background

Him

I am a British National. I am xx years old and an xx for a global xxx company. I moved to Thailand in 2011 because I can live in Thailand and use it as a base to commute to anywhere in the world and spend on average around 7- months a year here and 5-months working. I rent a house in Pattaya and have now been living in Thailand for more than three and a half years. I am planning on retiring in Thailand (full time) sometime in the very near future. I have been divorced for more than 15-years and have 3- grown up sons which live and work in the UK.

 

Her

xx is a Thai National and is xx years old. She has not been married nor had any children and used to be a professional xxx. Her home is in xxxx near xxxx where her family live. During my trips away overseas she visits her mother and relatives to help out on the farm. She also owns some land which is used for growing rice.

 

Our circumstances

I am currently employed by xxxx UK and have worked for them for more than 26-years. My basic salary is £xxxx per month. With overtime and overseas payments I will normally earn more than £xxxxx (GBP) per year. My salary is paid in UK Pounds into a UK bank and I pay tax and National insurance and my pensions in the UK. I am employed as a xxx and have travelled and worked in many countries around the world sometimes for a few days or up to 6-weeks at a time. I get 25-days official holidays per year of which 10-days will be allocated for this trip. I own a 4 bedroom property in xxx UK which is paid for and I use it during my return visits. It is unoccupied but my 3-kids also use my house when they are visiting friends and family. I met my girlfriend around 4-years ago on one of my Asia trips and she has now been living with me once I rented my first apartment outside of Pattaya in August 2011.

I originally stayed in Thailand on a 1-year multi entry visas until getting a retirement visa last June 2014. We have been to many places in Thailand together including Bangkok, Koh Chang, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and recently drove my car over the border into Laos and around the Mekong into Issan. I have made 2-visits to her mothers house to see her family in xxxx near xxxx. xxx is unemployed and is supported entirely by myself.

 

Travel

My plan is to bring xxxx with me to England for a 2-week period in June. My eldest son is getting married and I have an invite to the wedding. I also have to be there as I will be financing part of it. We will be staying the majority of the time at my house in xxx and will have visits to see family, friends and down the South of England to Portsmouth for the wedding where my son works for xxx. Then we will spend a few days in and around London. I can finance xxs visit to the UK out of income. The cost of flights, hotels, spending money will be paid by me. I have also deposited 100,000 baht in her bank account in the case of any emergency. She will also have a few hundred pounds spending money for anything she needs to buy.

 

Reasons why xxx will return to Thailand at the end of her holiday

xxx is an unemployed woman with Thai values. Given her background and the length of our relationship I would suggest that it is highly unlikely that she would do anything to jeopardize our relationship or for any future applications for entry clearance. xxx has no friends in the UK and will be staying with me during our trip and this will be a once in a lifetime holiday. She will want to return to Thailand for many reasons. Not only because of the Thai food but she also has to look after her garden, see her friends and family and eventually to look after her mother. xx will not be seeking work in the UK and will not need to.

I enclose with this application some documents which I hope will be of assistance in considering xxs application.

 

Yours faithfully xxxxx date xxxx

 

Document Package

Passport Face Page

Last Entry Stamp & TM6 card

Latest Retirement & 3-Previous Multi-entry Visas

Pattaya House Rental and copy of last months paid rent

Previous rental agreement

Bank statement showing last 3-months

UK house Council Tax and Utility bill also shown on bank statement

Statement from British Embassy pension/salary (last years retirement visa)

Tax statement 2013/14

3-months pay slips

2-UK Bank accounts showing funds TSB/Nat West

2-Thai Bank accounts showing funds Kasikorn ATM printed slip & copy of bank books

Deposit of 100,000 baht into xxs Bank account ATM printed slip & copy of bank book

Official Land deed document copy showing farmland in xxs name

Some previous years monthly deposits into xxs Bank account

Some photographs 10-photographs of previous trips/ dates from 2011 and my UK house photo from Google.

After the interview

Six days after visiting Bangkok, got an e-mail stating only that they have made a decision but they do not tell you if you have the visa or not.

 

YOUR UK VISA APPLICATION DECISION IS READY FOR COLLECTION : please read below

 

UK Visas and Immigration has made a decision on your visa application and this email explains how your documents will be returned to you.

THAILAND APPLICANTS: your passport/documents will be ready for collection from the Bangkok visa application centre on the 2nd working day after you receive this email. Collection times are Monday-Friday 10.00 - 16.00 and Saturday 08.30 - 12.00.

 

ALL APPLICANTS: if you paid an additional courier or postage fee, documents will be sent to you.

 

On day 11 got the passport courier delivered to the house with a UK visa.

 

To summarise

 

TOTAL COST OF VISA

 

Visa $129 4,200 baht

Courier/Postage 250 baht

Passport photos 100 baht

Hotel & night out in Bangkok OPTIONALor just send her on the bus.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Congrats to you both. I have been through it a few years back, Supplied a lot of info (as you noted above) Not easy, but almost certain if all info is supplied. That was just the start of the road ahead. 6 years down the line from there and Mrs Elpus has British Nationality and a British passport. Has cost a few bob, and lots of forms for the consecutive visas but does get easier. Some good info there in your post

Edited April 6, 2015 by Gawd Elpus

[MM 6,562]

Thanks a lot for reporting in such detail. I think this could help a number of guys who would like to do the same.

[Parkwahn 61]

Great report, well done for that ..Good luck

[Anfield 8]

My TG went to Bangkok last Thursday 21st to take her passport and do the biometrics we supplied so much information including proof of contact between us over the last 9 months . money in both our accounts . 40 photos of us with her family and together in Northern Thailand , proof of her employment and copies of her family book , she has had the same e-mail regarding collection of documents today 25th ( 3 days later ) I hope this is a good sign .

[ajsp9 18]

Good luck it's a very trying and tense process and I do hope you get the result and Visa.

 

?

[Anfield 8]

The UK4visa web site says 13% are completed within 3 days .

[Anfield 8]

Good news Phone call yesterday saying she has got her visa so now have to sort out flights etc .

[MM 6,562]

Good news Phone call yesterday saying she has got her visa so now have to sort out flights etc .

Really glad to hear that. I've been waiting for the news.

 

Congratulations.

[Anfield 8]

Thanks MM she had her passport with visa in back in 3 days , flights now sorted and I come out on the 18th and we are booked to fly back together on the 2nd July. An interesting 2months will follow

[Goldpanner 399]

Getting the Visa in Thailand is simply the First Hurdle she may have to go through an Interview at her entry port in the UK.

And a Visa in Thailand does not guarantee entry into the UK, it simply gives them a right to get on the plane and land at a UK port. The its UK Immigration that takes over. Sometimes its simple somtimes in the case of a friend she was refused entry and sent back the same day. That was actually illegal as they gave her no right of appeal.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Getting the Visa in Thailand is simply the First Hurdle she may have to go through an Interview at her entry port in the UK.

And a Visa in Thailand does not guarantee entry into the UK, it simply gives them a right to get on the plane and land at a UK port. The its UK Immigration that takes over. Sometimes its simple somtimes in the case of a friend she was refused entry and sent back the same day. That was actually illegal as they gave her no right of appeal.

Yep it is a long process, but looking back, the first 6 months was a good test of time to see whether she wanted to stay and whether I wanted her to stay. Again more paperwork and ILS visas and fees in the UK until finally the Citizenship, which costs around a ground after she is there for 5 years.

 

I found that it does get easier, but of course, getting married, made it all the easier. Had loads of ceremony pics taken, and submitted copies of invitation and of course the certificate itself. I thinks it is getting harder these days, but from my experience and a few other people I know in UK, if you get all the paper work done properly and send all of the necessary accompanying docs and can show a proper income and accommodation, then it is usually straight forward. At some point she will have to go for a short interview and have her biometric information taken.

 

The only formal interview that my Missus had was for he British Passport application, and that was no more than 10 minutes, just to verify that she was who she said she was.

 

From a Hoe Office Border Control perspective, and they are making a mint on Admin fees. The applications a logged, entered on the system, then past on to a checked, who will tick all the boxes for the info supplies, and look out for any irregularities, criminal checks sometimes or any previous entries to the UK etc, then it will be passed to another checker then onto the supervisor, to sign it off, or to refer it back to the applicant, either for further information, or an interview, or even a rejection in some cases. They process thousands of these applications a month.

 

Wish you luck with it Anfield, and once she gets the ILS you can start to relax, if she chooses to stay in UK. (Indefinite leave to stay)

 

The funniest thing was when my missus went for the Ceremony for UK Citizenship. It was at a local Registry Office and there were about 20 applicants turned up, with their spouses or friends etc, a fairly low grade Council Official presiding, then everyone had to read off a card, swearing algience to Queen and Country, and sing the National Anthem, then individual presentations were given out and photos taken (for an extra fee) then a couple of weeks wait for the Citizenship conformation certificate. After, me her and a friend, got hammered at a local Wetherspoons to celebrate. Job done.

 

Most important ..........................make sure you buy a decent rice steamer and pessel and mortar before she arrives.

 

Creature comforts. I have been with Mrs Elpus for 8 years now, and so far so good.

Edited July 16, 2015 by Gawd Elpus

[TheFiend 1,181]

Mrs Fiend doesn't want UK citizenship..... she is just happy staying here on an ILR visa.... she sees the cost of her applying for Citizenship as a waste of money and sees no advantage in having one.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Mrs Fiend doesn't want UK citizenship..... she is just happy staying here on an ILR visa.... she sees the cost of her applying for Citizenship as a waste of money and sees no advantage in having one.

 

Well, I can understand that, as it costs over a £1000 quid these days. The only real advantage is that she can get a UK Passport on the strength of it. But I agree, that it is not entirely necessary. Helps though if you fancy at trip over to France or Spain etc, and doesnt have to get a Visa before hand.

 

Dont know how long it will last but at the moment she has duel citizenship.I heard that they may try and stop that in the future. There seems to be a bit of swank among some Thais here, in having a British Passport. A couple of her friends got it, then she wanted it. Same as an iPhone

Edited July 16, 2015 by Gawd Elpus

[TheFiend 1,181]

Being able to travel into Europe doesn't interest Mrs Fiend.... Some of her friends have got the UK passport but that hasn't made her want one.

 

What she sees as being more important was having a house in Thailand for us to retire to... which we now have and I must be lucky as apart from paying the deposit on the house it is her that is paying the mortgage and she even went as far as getting a second job 4 nights a week to help her pay the mortgage.

[jacko 8,822]

She sounds like a good sensible one Mr Fiend.

[Fatboyfat 361]

From a Hoe Office Border Control perspective, and they are making a mint on Admin fees.

 

Sorry if this seems a bit pedantic but I am loving the idea of an "Hoe Office" for guys bringing in their conquests !! . Honestly, I thought you were more PC than that GE !!!

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Sorry if this seems a bit pedantic but I am loving the idea of an "Hoe Office" for guys bringing in their conquests !! . Honestly, I thought you were more PC than that GE !!!

shit, I thought I edited that. Well spotted

[Al_Davis 28]

Coming to the States, she would need a basic command of the English language. I been to 17 countries and everyone made an effort to speak to me in English. China and Cuba being the most difficult but the effort was put forth. I've seen countless US customs agents not even try to speak the foreign visitor's language let along find someone who can. Customs looks at these visitors as if they're stupid for not knowing English but if they speak their native tongue, the customs agent's face has this look of distain. I'm sure when those people are in their home country, sitting around the TV and see an Over aggressive or arrogant law enforcement person on the news from the US, they may say yeah that's about right. Because the US is a creation of the English people, I never had to pay notice if the Customs agent in LHR or STN would have a problem communicating with me. But If the UK is anything like the states, best to coach her on some basic questions. I under stand human trafficking is a huge problem and I would think customs would take a look a pretty girl/woman and just assume the worse. But still they don't have to be Dicks about doing the job we pay them to do. Good Luck!

[Anfield 8]

After last years successful visa application we have applied for another one but this time they have contacted my TG and asked her questions and so far we have not had a response after 10 days last year it took 3 days so now thinking they might refuse, only difference is she is not working in Pattaya and has a work guarantee for the bar/hotel she used to work in who they contacted and spoke to the daytime cashier not the manager who has guaranteed her work.

I may be jumping the gun but if she is refused this time does anybody know if she can appeal the decision and how is that done. Its not easy as I am back in the UK and she does not query or ask and questions

[Fatboyfat 361]

After last years successful visa application we have applied for another one but this time they have contacted my TG and asked her questions and so far we have not had a response after 10 days last year it took 3 days so now thinking they might refuse, only difference is she is not working in Pattaya and has a work guarantee for the bar/hotel she used to work in who they contacted and spoke to the daytime cashier not the manager who has guaranteed her work.

I may be jumping the gun but if she is refused this time does anybody know if she can appeal the decision and how is that done. Its not easy as I am back in the UK and she does not query or ask and questions

 

3 days was very quick, despite their claims of normality so I wouldn't worry yet unnecessarily, but 10 is getting a bit long. A refusal would be accompanied by a letter giving reason. Provided she did not contravene any of the stipulations last time around, I have found, in general, they normally issue subsequent visas without any real fuss. Previous overstays in particular can be troublesome. Appeal process can be quite expensive, especially if it starts to involve "solicitors letters" (you will be billed for their letters too) Much as it aggrieves me to say it, but if you end up needing to appeal, it may be better to re-apply using a "reputable" (sorry for the oxymoron ) visa arrangement company.

Also, bear in mind, the fanatacism going on in UK at the moment with regards to immigration....It could be slowing things down.

A final point...was the correct visa applied for? The timescale you are looking it is more commensurate with a "settlement visa".

[the trick 0]

hi folks, just a simple question does the thai bank accounts mine and hers need to be translated as mine has my name and address in English

and is stamped and signed by the bank (kasikorn)

my main account is an English bank account and is obvously in English and has sufficent funds to cover a three week holiday visit visa.

we have an appointment on the 15/06/2016.

thanks for any help.

[InternationalTraveler 282]

hi folks, just a simple question does the thai bank accounts mine and hers need to be translated as mine has my name and address in English

and is stamped and signed by the bank (kasikorn)

my main account is an English bank account and is obvously in English and has sufficent funds to cover a three week holiday visit visa.

we have an appointment on the 15/06/2016.

thanks for any help.

I only gave copies of Thai bank book with name/account number and amount.

No one knows what info they really want.

As long as you have sufficient funds, planned accommodation and that she has a reason to return to Thailand.

Good luck.

[jacko 8,822]

I only gave copies of Thai bank book with name/account number and amount.

No one knows what info they really want.

As long as you have sufficient funds, planned accommodation and that she has a reason to return to Thailand.

Good luck.

Yes, that also sufficed when I did mine, although some years ago now.

Copies of hers and my bank books/latest statements. I actually supplied my Thai one and a UK one.

[Basil B 46]

After last years successful visa application we have applied for another one but this time they have contacted my TG and asked her questions and so far we have not had a response after 10 days last year it took 3 days so now thinking they might refuse, only difference is she is not working in Pattaya and has a work guarantee for the bar/hotel she used to work in who they contacted and spoke to the daytime cashier not the manager who has guaranteed her work.

I may be jumping the gun but if she is refused this time does anybody know if she can appeal the decision and how is that done. Its not easy as I am back in the UK and she does not query or ask and questions

 

should have heard by now...

 

As already pointed out if a rejection, a letter should state why, as this is a second visit did she stay longer than she said in her application for a visa? or contradict any information provided in her first application?