If you have been in a relationship with your Thai girlfriend for any length of time, there is a good chance that you will want to take her back to the UK. It goes without saying that she must have the correct UK visa. The appropriate visa will depend on the stage of your relationship. You may just be starting out with your Thai partner, or you could be looking at settling down with her. Regardless of your situation, here at Thai Visa Express, we can help you get the UK visa that you need.
Here is a very short breakdown regarding the UK visa that your Thai girlfriend will need:
UK Tourist Visa – General Visitor Visas
If your relationship with your Thai girlfriend is still in its early stages, a UK Tourist Visa may be the best option for a short visit to the UK. This visa allows your Thai girlfriend to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. It is also suitable for your Thai wife if she is planning a short stay. Generally, a UK Tourist Visa will be granted each time she travels, but if you are planning regular trips, it may be possible to obtain visas that last for 1, 2, 5, or 10 years. However, keep in mind that the UK Visitor Visa only allows a maximum stay of 6 months within any 12-month period.
What Documents Do I Need for a UK Tourist Visa?
- Passport: Valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
- Visa Fee: Ensure the correct visa fee is paid.
- Photographs: Two recent photographs sized 50 mm x 50 mm. Please check the photo specifications.
- Application Form: A duly filled online application form and declaration with signatures (printed and duly signed).
Considering Other Visa Options
If your relationship with your Thai girlfriend is getting more serious and you are looking at the correct UK visa for her, you may need to consider these options:
UK Spouse Visa – How Does This Work?
As the name suggests, this visa is for those who are legally married. This visa is ideal if you are planning on moving back to the UK permanently with your new wife. Your relationship has reached a stage where you both seek more security, and the UK Spouse Visa provides that. The visa has an initial probationary period of 2 years and 6 months, which can be extended by 30 months if you are still married and living together.
After 30 months, your spouse can renew their visa from the UK for another 2 years and 6 months. They can apply to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) after 5 years. Once they have held indefinite leave to remain for 1 year, totaling 6 years in the UK, they can apply for British citizenship.
If your relationship has become very serious, and permanent residency seems to be your ultimate goal, you can apply for “Indefinite Leave to Remain.” To achieve this, you and your partner must have been living together continuously in the UK for 5 years on a UK Spouse Visa. Naturally, certain criteria must be met, and it can be stressful waiting to see if it is granted. At Thai Visa Express, we can guide you through the process, as we do with all UK visas, to help alleviate much of the stress.
Talk to Us!
We can assist you with any type of UK visa. If your Thai girlfriend needs a UK visa, we are here to help. As we deal with the British Embassy in Bangkok daily, we know exactly what is required. For more information, please contact us:
Phone:
- +66 (0)80 102 2328
- +66 (0) 38 420 313
- +44 (0) 20 8133 8059
Email: info@thaivisaexpress.com
Website: UK immigration advice and assistance
Feel free to reach out to us via any of these methods for expert assistance with UK visas.