Something that we are getting asked about with increased regularity in the UK Immigration’s Appendix FM and how effects a visa application To put this in layman’s term, FM relates to family migration and the purpose of the appendix is to clarify the situation for those looking to enter or remain in the UK as they have an established family life with a British Citizen living in the United Kingdom
The intention of the appendix is to clearly define the criteria that the applicant must meet in order to visit or remain in the UK. This appendix also takes into account Article 8 of the Human Rights Convention which relates to protecting to family life that you have created together with your partner, whilst also taking account of any legitimate reasons that the UK government may have for refusing your Thai partner entry.
For the purposes of the appendix, the definition of “partner” means:
- The applicant’s, spouse
- The applicant’s civil partner
- The applicant’s fiancée
- A person who has been living with the applicant for at least two years akin to a marriage
The Appendix FM was first introduced into UK Immigration Rules back in 2012 has always proved to be quite contentious One of the reasons for this is due to the fact that financial restrictions were imposed on your Thai girlfriend or Thai wife when making family applications. Many viewed this as putting a price on you and your Thai partner’s family life.
However, changes were made to this law in July 2017 meaning that a credible third-party could offer financial support thus meaning that Thai wives and Thai girlfriends no have a greater chance of gaining entry to the UK. What this effectively means is that the decision-maker (the one who decides if your visa application will be accepted) must take other factors into account. Unfortunately, another ambiguity is thrown in as applications made by your Thai partner may still be accepted if they are in the best interests of a child.
As with the application, the criteria are clear in terms of the financial status must be met. As Appendix FM tends to focus more on exceptional circumstances that do affect many people here in Thailand and may hamper your Thai girlfriend’s chances of obtaining a UK visa it is best to seek to advise from a professional company who can address your circumstances on an individual basis. As such, we are in a perfect position to be able to help you with your application. So, if you would like more information, 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.