How to obtain a Uk holiday visa for Thai national
I have been with my Thai girlfriend for 6 months and we are getting on really well. I need to return to the UK for a month and would like to take my her with me. I keep hearing all sorts of stories about the type of visa that she would need and I have been told two or three different things although all have come from barroom lawyers. From what I have read it can be quite difficult to get a UK holiday visa for a Thai national.
What UK visa would my Thai girlfriend require to ensure that everything was legal and above board?
Firstly, it is important to understand that there is only really one option in your circumstances and that is the UK Tourist Visa. The UK Tourist visa would allow her to legally enter the country as a tourist which effectively she would be. She would be unable to work or be entitled to public funds but she could stay in the UK for up to six months should this be so required.
What Is Required?
To obtain a UK holiday visa for a Thai national they would need to have a valid passport that has a minimum of 6 months remaining at the time of travel. She would also need a letter of invitation from yourself proving that you agree to her staying with you and that you will act as her sponsor. Ideally, she will have enough funds of her own to look after herself for the duration of her stay as well as having the financial means to return home is so required. The latter two points will be looked upon favorably at the time of her application. Naturally, she must also demonstrate that she will leave the country when her visa expires.
How Long Can My Thai Girlfriend Stay In The UK?
The UK Tourist Visa is normally valid for 12 months and is a multiple entry visa. However, your Thai girlfriend will only be able to stay in the country for a maximum of 6 months during the 12 months. Effectively, she can enter and leave as many times as she wants during the 12 months so long as her TOTAL stay doesn’t exceed 6 months.
Can We Get Married In The UK On A UK Tourist Visa?
You maybe be allowed to marry your Thai girlfriend in the UK if you gain special permission to marry from the home office in the UK. You can still give notice of your intention to get married or form a civil partnership but the immigration authorities at the Home Office will be told.
The Home Office might:
- ask questions about you and your relationship – if this happens you may need to wait up to 70 days before getting married or forming a civil partnership
- decide not to approve your notice – if this happens you cannot get married or form a civil partnership in the UK
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If you wish to marry in the UK & settle guidance can be found on the UK visas & immigration website. The applicant she would require a UK marriage visa which is specifically for applicants wishing to marry & settle in the UK. The visa is valid for 6 months and you must get married during this timeframe once you are both legally married you then can apply for a family visa.
UK immigration advice & assistance – need help applying?
If you are thinking about taking your Thai girlfriend back to the UK, we strongly recommend that you use the services of a professional visa company. We are one of the very few companies who are OISC accredited in Thailand, we believe at Thai Visa Express we are in the perfect position to offer this advice. If you would like more information, can call us on: +66 (0)80 102 2328, +66 (0) 38 420 313 or +44 (0) 20 8133 8059, email us on: info@thaivisaexpress.com or alternatively contact us via our website.