If you are planning to visit the UK or wish to bring your Thai girlfriend, a visa is required. The UK offers various visa types, such as UK Tourist Visas, UK Spouse Visas, and UK Educational Visas, making it essential to choose the right one to ensure legal entry. At Thai Visa Express, we primarily assist clients in obtaining UK Tourist Visas and UK Spouse Visas, but we can also help with other visa types.
The UK Tourist VisaThe UK Tourist Visa permits the holder to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. It is a multiple-entry visa and can be applied for no more than three months prior to travel. This visa is often the most suitable option for your Thai girlfriend, as opposed to your Thai wife, if you are legally married.In most cases, the applicant will need to apply for a new UK Tourist Visa each time they wish to visit. However, it is possible to obtain a 1, 2, 5, or 10-year UK Visitor Visa. Regardless of the visa’s duration, the holder can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months within any 12-month period, making it unsuitable for extended stays.
The UK Spouse Visa – 5-Year Visa Route
To obtain a UK Spouse Visa, you must be legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen. The initial visa is granted for a 30-month probationary period, but it can be extended for an additional 30 months if you are still legally married and living together. After your Thai wife or civil partner has remained in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years, they can then apply for a UK Settlement Visa, also known as “Indefinite Leave to Remain” (ILR).
UK Settlement Visa – Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR)
If you have a Thai girlfriend or Thai wife and you are planning to return to the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is likely your ultimate goal. To qualify for this visa, the applicant must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years. Note that any time spent in the UK on a Fiancée Visa does not count toward this 5-year period.
If a UK Settlement Visa is your objective, we strongly recommend seeking advice from visa and immigration experts from the outset to navigate the process effectively.
Other Types of UK Visa – Other Types Visas4UK
Like most countries, the UK offers a range of visas to cater to different needs. Although this list is not exhaustive, it provides a good overview of the available options:
- Investor Visa
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
- Exceptional Talent Visa
- Intra-Company Transfers Visa
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- Creative and Sporting Visas
- Student Visa
- Student Visitor Visa
- Doctoral Extension Scheme
These visa categories serve different purposes, from investment and entrepreneurship to education and employment. It is important to choose the correct visa type based on your needs and situation to ensure a successful application.
Check if You Need a Visa to the UK – Find Out More
At Thai Visa Express, we are one of the few UK OISC-accredited companies in Thailand, putting us in an excellent position to assist with your visa application. If you need more information or have questions, feel free to contact us:
- Call us on:+66 (0)80 102 2328, +66 (0)38 420 313, or +44 (0)20 8133 8059
- Email us at: info@thaivisaexpress.com
- Visit our website for more contact options
We look forward to helping you with your visa needs.