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How to Get a UK Visitor Visa for Your Thai Partner [in 6 Steps]

I’m going to start this post with a necessary disclaimer:

This information is based on my personal experience and in no way guarantees that your Thai partner will be granted a visa to visit the UK. Each application is decided on its individual merit by an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) on behalf of UK Immigration & Visas.

I am not a licensed agent, and I have no privileged contact with the UKVI.

The information in this post is intended to help you complete the process correctly and submit what might be considered relevant documentation to support your application.

uk visa thai girlfriend

So you want to bring your girlfriend, wife, boyfriend or husband to the UK for a visit but haven't a clue how to get started.

Well, myself and Mrs TTL have successfully been through this process over ten times, and I've also helped countless readers get visas for their partners too.

In this post, I'm going to break the process down into 6 simple steps, each of which you can follow one-by-one and make sure you get it right.

Let me just say at this point that you DO NOT need to hire a visa agent/service to apply for you.

There are a huge number of visa services out there that claim to be able to give you an advantage over those who apply by themselves. These claims are false.

Such services charge you a large amount of money for a process that was designed for you to complete by yourself.

It's not difficult if you simply follow the instructions. As much as they might lead you to believe, these visa services have no “contacts” inside the UKBA. They too, like everyone else, are subject to refusal.

The one advantage they do have is the experience of submitting documentation for specific circumstances; they have a feel for what the officials want to see. But don't worry, I’m going to use my experience to help you with that.

What Are My Chances of Getting a Visa?

The process is NOT discriminatory. Each application is subject to the same investigation and processing, and anyone can apply.

That said, you will have to follow the guidelines and meet certain criteria.

At a basic level, you will have to prove what I call the ‘BIG 3':

  1. Provide adequate evidence that your relationship is genuine and exists in the way you have claimed it does.
  2. Provide evidence that you have a good reason to return to Thailand once your visit is over.
  3. Provide sufficient supporting evidence for the details provided on your application form.

Of course, in addition to these basics, they will consider your criminal record history and the outcome of previous applications (your visa history).

Let's be honest here: If you met your partner last month on a 2-week holiday in Thailand and are now trying to bring them to the UK for 6 months, you're going to face challenges in proving the genuineness of your relationship and your ability to ensure their safety and financial needs while in the UK.

This might seem unfair, especially when you're in the early stages of a relationship. But keep in mind that the application process is designed to protect your partner and the UK.

If it were excessively easy to obtain a visa for someone you barely know and have only met a few times, it could potentially expose foreign nationals to exploitation, including human trafficking and other risks.

Anyway, you get the picture….

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Pre-Application Considerations

The form your partner needs to fill out requires personal information and details on travel history. So before you start, make sure he/she has the following to hand:

  • Work history and current employer details/salary
  • Parent’s names and dates of birth
  • Passport/travel history (current and previous – 10 years)
  • Details of dependents (children)
  • Details of funds available for the visit (financial)
  • Details of partner/friend/sponsor
  • Details of accommodation
  • Proposed travel/return dates

You’ll notice in this post that I often refer to “you”, even though it is your partner who is applying.

The reasons for this are:

  1. I assume you are researching this topic for your partner, so I'm addressing you, the reader.
  2. It's perfectly legal for you to assist your partner in filling out the form if his/her English skills aren’t up to the task.

It’s also a good idea to sit down and do it together anyway (in person or on Skype). That way you’ll have two pairs of eyes to run over it and make sure you aren't missing anything.

Step 1: Apply on the Gov.uk Website

Click here and register an account on the UK Gov Visas & Immigration website. Follow the steps to set up an account. This is also where you will fill out your application form.

Step 2. Fill Out the Application Form & Pay

Once you’ve set up your account, you’re ready to start. Go back to the pre-considerations list above and make sure you have all that information to hand; otherwise you won’t be able to complete the application in one sitting.

Set aside two hours for this task. You may get it done faster, but it’s best to give yourself this time so that you don’t get stressed out.

Pick a time when you aren’t likely to be distracted or tired, as you’ll want to get this right first time.

If you get stuck on a question, use the help prompts to guide you.

At the end of the process you will pay your visa fee, currently £95.

Once paid, you will be given a reference number that starts with GWF. You will use this in the next step.

Make sure you print a copy of the payment receipt to take with you to your appointment. Never leave anything to chance. You don't want any confusion over your payment or application.

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Step 3: Make An Appointment with VFS

Once you have paid, hop on over to VFS Global and register to make an appointment using your GWF number.

Now, consider that you still need to gather your supporting documentation, so give yourself ample time for that.

I recommend booking an appointment for a week's time to take the pressure off; there's quite a bit of documentation to gather.

Once you have your documentation together, you can upload it through your VFS account. Alternatively, if you need assistance, you can have your documents scanned at the Visa Application Centre on the day. Please note that this is now a paid service that costs 460 Baht.

I recommend uploading the documents in the system and also bringing your documents with you to your appointment, just in case something was missed during the scan and you need to provide it on the day.

Additionally, you have the option to choose from a range of services, such as the home visit service (where they visit you), premium appointment service (an appointment outside normal hours), or VIP treatment package (offering priority queuing and access to a special room).

Try to avoid paying for such services, as some cost as much as the visa itself!

Step 4: Supporting Documentation

There is information on supporting documentation on the UKVI website here.

However, if you're wondering why the information isn't very detailed and specific, it's because they only inform you of the basic level of documentation to submit.

Every application is slightly different, and having the right documentation isn’t a guarantee of an approval, thus you will see the words “other documents you may want to provide” in the text.

So, you need everything on this list, plus whatever you think is necessary to support your situation.

Want a Comprehensive Documents Checklist?

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As mentioned previously, you have the option to scan your documents electronically on the VFS website or take them with you to be scanned by the staff at the VFS center.

If you choose to take the documents with you, I recommend getting a folder with built-in plastic slip cases. This will help you present your documentation in an organized manner.

I suggest creating a contents page that lists all the documentation inside the folder and numbering each page according to the corresponding number on the contents page. This will expedite the processing and ensure that you have everything covered.

Please note that any document submitted in Thai should be translated into English by an accredited translation agency. Remember, you are submitting this application to officials who may not be able to read Thai.

While the UKVI website states that all submitted documents must be originals and not photocopies, this requirement generally applies to the documents suggested by the UKVI. If you are providing documents that are not listed by the UKVI, you may be able to provide color or black and white copies.

Ensure that you provide the original copies of all translations.

Essential ‘Must Not Forgets'!

  • Print out your application: Even though you don't need to do this because it is sent electronically, I still recommend it, as you never know if you may need to refer to it on the day of your appointment.
  • Take your documentation folder with you (if you want to have your documents scanned for sending by staff)
  • Print out your payment confirmation document
  • Print out your appointment confirmation document
  • Take your Thai ID Card with you
  • Take your passport! (This is needed to put the visa inside – if you pass)

Step 5: Appointment Day

On the day, make sure you arrive an hour in advance. This will give you some time leverage in case you have forgotten to print something out and need to visit a copy shop.

If in Bangkok, take the MRT/BTS. A taxi may get stuck in traffic and cause you to miss your appointment.

The closest station to VFS Bangkok is Nana BTS.

Directions from the station:

  • Get off the train and go to Exit 3.
  • Walk down the stairs.
  • Turn right at the bottom of the stairs.
  • Go through the ticket barrier and bear off to the left.
  • Take the stairs to your right (right in the corner).
  • Once at the bottom of the stairs, walk straight.
  • Sukhumvit 13 is about 2 roads down.
  • Trendy Building is 125 meters down Sukhumvit 13, on your right-hand side.

VFS Address (Bangkok):

VFS Bangkok Application Centre
Trendy Office Building, 28th Floor,
Sukhumvit Road Soi 13,
Klongtoey Nua, Wattana,
Bangkok
10110

*Note that there are some mobile Visa Application Centers in Bangkok located at the Crystal Design Centre, Thanya Park, and Siam Paragon. These cost 3,800 Baht to use.

There's good news for those living in Chiang Mai and Phuket too. It used to be the case that you'd have to fly down to Bangkok to submit your application, but you can now do this at local VFS centers.

Here's the address if you're using the branch in Chiang Mai:

Chiang Mai:

231/12 1004, Thesaban Nakhon Chiang Mai 1004
Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
50200

And the address for the VFS branch in Phuket.

Phuket:

CCM Complex Building – 5th Floor
77/77 Chalerm Prakiat
Rama 9 Road
Ratsada, Mueang,
Phuket 83000

uk-visa-guide-featured

Click the image above to read more about my guide.

My experience is with the Bangkok VFS, so I'll walk you through that:

When you arrive at the Trendy Building, you’ll see a UK/Australia/Canada visa booth located on the ground floor. Your partner must hand his/her appointment paper to the official at this desk.

The office is on the 28th floor. This means you’ll need to head to the lift at the back of the ground floor. On busy days this lift can take ages to arrive, so allow at least 10 minutes to make the escalation.

If you accompany your partner to the visa office, you may not be allowed in the main submission room. It’s strange. Sometimes they let partners in and other times they don’t.

Step 6: The Decision: Collecting Your Passport

You will be notified by email when your visa is ready for collection. Simply return to the same building during the specified times and days mentioned in your email, and bring the receipt you received after your submission.

Upon collection, you will receive an envelope containing your passport and decision.

I recommend waiting until you are back downstairs at the café before opening the envelope. This suggestion is made in case you experience any strong emotions in the event of a rejection. By waiting until you are in a more composed state, you can avoid attempting to discuss the decision with the staff.

Please remember that the staff at the visa center have no influence over the decision. Their role is to organize and process applications, not to provide advice. Regardless of any plea or request, they are unable to alter the decision.

What to Do if You Are Refused a UK Visit Visa?

It does happen. It happened to us the very first time. We had been together for two and a half years at that point and still were not granted a visa.

But here's the anomaly: the refusal was not due to my wife (then girlfriend). It was my fault (it always is, ha!).

The UKVI requested proof of my travel to and from Thailand during the period we had known each other. I had not provided my full passport history in my initial application, and as a result, they were unable to verify our history together.

This was quite frustrating because all travel history is recorded by UK and Thai immigration authorities, but the responsibility fell on me to prove it, rather than them delving into the data themselves.

So we reapplied, this time including my complete passport history and a document outlining a timeline of our travels to and from the country. We also had to pay the fee again (of course). This time, we were successful and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas in the UK.

Don't be disheartened. Take the time to read the notes left by the Entry Clearance Officer in your refusal, gather the necessary documentation to substantiate your case, and apply again.

The lesson here is not to leave anything to chance or rely on the imagination of the visa official processing your application. Be as thorough as possible.

Provide ample evidence of your relationship, your ability to financially support and care for your partner in the UK, and emphasize compelling reasons for your partner to return to Thailand.

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What to Do Next – Once You Have Your Visa

1. Pay for Your Flights

If you pre-booked your flight (s) without paying, don't forget to pay for them before they expire or you might have trouble booking a ticket for the days you want to leave and return to Thailand.

Even though your visa is valid for 6 months, in my opinion it is best-practice to return to Thailand on the date proposed on your application.

This shows that you were truthful (on your application form) regarding your reasons to return and have kept to your word. This may bode well for future applications.

2. Get Travel Insurance

In the excitement of getting your visa, don't forget travel insurance! We almost did this last time but luckily my wife remembered and got it the night before.

The NHS will treat a patient without insurance, but there will be a cost decided by the hospital, and it could be pretty expensive.

Also consider personal accident cover, lost luggage cover and flight cancellation cover.

We always use SafetyWing. It's great cover at a reasonable price:

+ Go here to get a quote from SafetyWing

Best of luck!

——————————————————–

Hey, it's me, Peter.

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It comprises my extensive experience of applying with my wife and advising over 200 readers on their applications and refusals, all rolled into one comprehensive and super-helpful guide.

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    • TheThailandLife says

      Perhaps, depending on her situation. Though similar financial requirements have to be met for a holiday, in that she would still have to prove she has the finances to cover the trip, provide details of her work situation, and show evidence of where she is going to stay. If she is staying with you, then the same questions will arise regarding her relationship to you. Consider that you need to be completely transparent about your situation (if asked), because any lie is a breach of the visa conditions and if found out could make getting a visa in the future very difficult. If she is coming to see you, and stay with you, then you are the reason she is coming. I would advise that you apply on that basis.
      Reply

      • Shawn Halford says

        Thanks Peter. Our first visa was turned down because they didn't believe she would return to Thailand. This lady has 2 dependents of school age, the same factory job for 18 years, living in the same condo for 10 years, has no criminal history, had a very healthy Bank balance and was 44 years old. This is a catch 22 situation, what more evidence could she possibly provide to show she had reasons to return.
        I firmly believe it was a pure box ticking exercise because the quotas had been reached that month, reinforced by the fact that they said she was from India suggesting to me that the application was not read properly or was rushed to the point of not being properly considered. And of course you can't appeal. I was left feeling that the whole thing was just a money making scam.
        Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          I realise your post doesn't go into great details so forgive me for suggesting some thinking behind the decline.

          She may have lived in the same condo for 10 years, but does she own it? If she rents, then there is nothing much to stop her leaving it.

          She may have had the same job for 18 years, but what period of visit did you request? Holidays are normally for only 10 days at a time in Thailand, so longer periods would have to be supported by a letter from her employer confirming her job would remain open. If she asked for 2,3,4 months visit, that may suggest her job would be or would have to be given up. So no need to return. Did she provide evidence of the current job?

          As a first visit, anything more than 2 or 3 weeks is likely to be viewed suspiciously especially for an employed person.

          Did she explain childcare arrangements for the period she would be away. If that explanation was along the lines of the kids are old enough to look after themselves, the immigration officer may be of the opinion that she could never return and they would still be able to look after themselves.

          The problem is not her financial position or her criminality, it is demonstrating she needs to return. She has to have commitments in Thailand that require her to return but more importantly she needs to carefully demonstrate that by a carefully worded information letter and supporting documents.

          Her and your letters need to be carefully laid out so as to be easy to read, with references to numbered supporting documents as necessary, but not pages and pages long. This will make the assessment easier and more pleasant to do.
          Reply

          • Shawn Halford says

            Hi Mike appreciate your comments. Shw rents. It was for 3 weeks and she had permission from her employer.
            They didn't contact her employer to confirm this. Also because it was the first time, we used an experienced visa advisor in Bangkok.
            Reply

            • Nick says

              Shaun. I met my girlfriend online in March 2020. We videochatted 2/3 times a day but I was unable to visit Thailand due to the lockdown. In September 2020 I flew us both out to Turkey for a 2 week holiday and paid for her ASQ on return to Thailand. In March 21 I applied for a six month visa for her here, evidencing her children 10,14 who were to be in the care of their grandparents and her ownership of property. Due to covid she'd had no income since March 2020 but I was able to evidence through TransferWise that I had been financially supportive of her for the previous year for 5000tb per week and we had copious WhatsApp conversation over the course of the previous year. I did the application myself and the fact that I have substantial bank balance also I think played a part. She returns at the end of the month and I will be going with her for 90 days if I can arrange the extension. The plan is to marry out there and then I will return to England at Christmas and she will join on spouse visa early 2022. When I was applying for the visa in march it was at the height of accereleration of the second wave and I was doubtful for getting a six month tourist visa through but we got it
              Reply

            • Mike Baker says

              Its very difficult to give more specific advice. It would require examination of the application and supporting documents to see if there are any areas that could be tweaked to give a better presentation, or if any documents were omitted by the agent. I hope the agent gets paid by results.
              Reply

            • Mike Baker says

              I feel for you and am still thinking about this poor result. I do applications myself because I feel the agents cannot get the right feel for a case. You should try and submit a 2nd application after considering and addressing any defects in the 1st one that were not in your control. If you write her letter and yours, they can support each other. If you were asked to write a letter and never saw or had input into what she wrote (or the agent) it is possible there was some disconnect between the two or not enough emphasise on how you will support her and look after her, in effect taking some responsibilty for her return. Maybe the agent is not good enough at English to do a good job at writing her letter. I think it is fair to say that when a sponsor can demonstrate a good level of financial means, immigration may take the view the applicant is not likely to overstay to work illegally. Why would she if she is with a wealthy man?
              Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      It depends...... sponsorship can be from a friend without financial support or on a relationship basis where financial support may be offered. So if she has good finances and all the other boxes ticked, you could invite her to stay as a friend as part of her trip. This is less likely to be believed if you are of the opposite sex and both single, but works where a a lady may visit a family. As Peter says, she has to say where she will stay, so you will, as a minimum, need to invite her to stay and prove your identity and address.
      Reply

  2. Anthony Barnes says

    Things have moved on since last looking at visas, my partner has moved back to Thailand now and I have moved back to England, we had been living together for 8 months in Bahrain, I was paying for the accommodation and living costs.
    Now we wish to live in the UK and Thailand.
    I am waiting for divorce currently it could take some time.
    I will look to doing the applications myself as best as I can.
    My only issues would be due to she has not needed to work for the last 9 months as I have supported her so she has no employment history and prior to that she was stuck in bahrian due to corona.
    Will there be any issues do you think? Are there any things that I should avoid mentioning or will this all be understood due to the impact of corona.
    We are very serious about each other, the details are not for public view really though.
    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      Interesting situation. I would approach this as you sponsoring her from a financial viewpoint, which I managed to do for my gf. I didn't show any financial records for her, but did have substantial funds/assets myself. You could send her funds to keep in her bank account to show she has an emergency reserve (to support herself and get home if you were to have a falling out - the IO likes to see some independent means). Will you support her in Thailand? If so, send regular amounts by, say, Wise (Transferwise), so she can show these amounts as part of her application.

      I would suggest you do not try to get a visit period which is too long the 1st time you apply. The IO will still need to be satisfied she will go home and has a reason to go home, so a long stay will to begin with will be difficult to justify. Make it a holiday application rather than stating to begin with you want to split your time between countries as a living style. Once you have a couple of years holiday visas behind you, you can develop the stay into a longer one.

      Finding reasons for her to return are important. You should use covid as a reason for her not returning for 9 months I think but must provide a need to return to Thailand regularly once covid is no longer an issue.

      You also need to show how you can look after her whilst she is in the UK. If your stated job is, for example, a long distance lorry driver and she is staying 3 or 4 weeks, the IO may be concerned she would be left alone for days on end, with the implication the relationship is not real and she would work (illegally)! So think carefully about how you approach this for the period of intended stay.

      There is no harm going into detail about your relationship in Bahrain, backed up with passport stamp evidence and any photos you have together and a comment on why both of you were there (job presumably...give brief details). But is she was there working in massage for example,  I would not say that as it may not look good to an IO. I think they may worry she will work in the UK illegally.

      I also suggest you visit Thailand and her at least once before applying for a UK visa. It looks good - defines the relationship better - and allows further photographic evidence for at least the 1st visa application.

      There is a section for her to write about her proposed trip. You can write it for her. Write it like it is from her with details that cross check to your letter of sponsorship - the bits about the relationship and intentions on visiting the uk, such as what you will do during the trip.

      When writing your respective letters, try to keep them to no more than 2 pages each and lay them out so they are easy to read. Maybe use headings even, so the IO can enjoy the read and not skip through because it's so long and boring and has no paragraph breaks.

      The visa lasts 6 months whatever the period of stay. So applying for a 3 or 4 weeks visit can then be followed up with another 4 or 6 week visit towards the end of the visa term. That 2nd visit is easily explained when applying for the next visa and should not be frowned upon - "we enjoyed our time together so much on the 1st visit that I made time and arrangements to look after my kids/elderly parents/business in Thailand for a 2nd visit, taking advantage of the unexpired visa". It also shows good behaviour in the eyes of the IO as she has not overstayed on the 1st visit and not immediately come back to stay for the remaining 5 months. This is important because the visit visa isn't meant for living part time in the UK and because a good track record makes future applications easy.
      Reply

      • Anthony Barnes says

        This is a very informative reply, thanks ever so much.
        It does make me question why they make it so difficult for us to achieve a stable relationship.
        We can't live in many countries due to same sex relationships (yes I didn't mention before but you gave such a concise reply I had to be open fully) and it seems that its difficult for us to live together anywhere.
        We are ready to get married and love each other, but we have had lots of setbacks with all the uncertainty of my employment due to discrimination over my sexuality and corona making it difficult for us to see each other even though we had a home together in Bahrain.
        Its all very hard, having to leave a career, leave a country and set up again with no guarantees, I've secured a well paid job, should be divorced soon, will have money for deposit for new home, car is getting shipped over to UK soon 🙏
        I can imagine that very few people actually even get to this position with all the set backs without corona making things difficult.
        I really just want to be able to stop living in limbo, it's been a long time already and I'm surprised it's not effecting my mental health more.
        At least I know we can achieve the end of the tunnel, thanks for your reply.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          To follow up: one issue you have is still being married. If you engage in a sexual relationship with someone while you are still legally married, it is technically adultery even if you and your former partner do not live together anymore and are no longer emotionally or physically in a relationship. However, I don't think the adultery law applies to the same sex, only the opposite sex, so it may come down to how your partner identifies. Either way, I'm just highlighting that this may be a barrier and it may be easier once you are legally divorced.
          Reply

          • Anthony Barnes says

            Yeah, this is why weare still married because legally we can't divorce until two years separation, it's an anomaly of the law that is apparantly being addressed soon.
            Its actually damaging our amicable seperation to the point that we may end up fitting into a category that does allow a quicker divorce which is rediculous to say the least, and damaging to everyone involved.
            Reply

            • Mike Baker says

              I thought if you were both in agreement you can go together to the relevant governmnet office and get divorced immediately, the 2 year seperation allowing divorce without the agreement of the other party.
              Reply

          • TheThailandLife says

            I respectfully disagree. I helped with a visa case in 2019 where the man in question had to obtain a letter from his wife confirming their separation and living arrangements to obtain a visa for his new Thai girlfriend. This helped the ECO clarify that the partner of the applicant was being truthful about his marriage status. The last thing UK immigration wants is to be accused of facilitating an affair by providing a visa for a third party to enter the country and commit adultery with a married man or woman. Any claims pertaining to a relationship must be backed up with evidence.
            Reply

              • TheThailandLife says

                It would help but I think finalizing the divorce would make things easier. You can get divorced quicker if one of you agrees to accept being the party who has committed "unreasonable behaviour": Anything which means it would be unreasonable to expect you to continue living with your spouse e.g. emotional neglect, spending excessive amounts of time at work, domestic violence.
                Reply

            • Mike Baker says

              That is interesting Peter. Presumably the "sponsor" admitted to being married but not divorced and yet as I recall there is no requirement to give marital status as a sponsor. In my case my Thai gf was seperated less than 2 years but had no intention of divorcing for the sake of ease of future administration issues relating to her child by her "ex" husband and that was made clear on the application because her title on her passport was "Mrs". Her relationship status was never questioned, perhaps because we provided a wealth of evidence we had been together in Thailand for some 1 year before the application ...........Perhaps the approach by the sponsor should be to not mention marriage or awaiting a divorce. I always say never tell people in authority what they don't need to know as invariably it is then used against you. It's not lieing!
              Reply

              • TheThailandLife says

                That's true, it only asks for the applicant's marital status, so you could just not mention it. In this situation the GF was going to be staying in the marital home. He disclosed that it was jointly owned with his wife, and therefore needed a letter of confirmation from both homeowners.
                Reply

                • Mike Baker says

                  My point exactly.... if he had provided evidence of his address to support his sponsorship but not mentioned the ownership, he may not have had that hurdle to overcome. One can be "too honest" sometimes ha ha. One has to also think about the next visa application and how information given today may affect it, because it will remain on file and be referred to every time. This has been an interesting discussion.
                  Reply

                • Anthony Barnes says

                  I decided to start the application process, I bought your guide and will start building the application.
                  There is a lot to consider.
                  But we need a few months visit for all the things we need to do and while corona is on travel is not something that can be done lightly.
                  We have to Complete isolation hotels or quarantine, this can not be so easily fitted in with short term trips and work.

                  I want at least a four month trip in which we will have birthdays, Xmas, sisters wedding etc etc and I start a new job soon so it's all very tricky.
                  We have gone from living together for 8 months to now living apart and it's very hard on the relationship.
                  Reply

  3. Peter says

    Hi, my girlfriend and I met online just a couple of months ago. I'm 61 and she's 57. We've not yet met in person, we message every day and video call on Line every couple of days.
    She has an elderly mother in Thailand plus a teenage son, a house (owned) and a car.
    Bearing in mind it's the rainy season in Thailand and it's currently the nicest time of year to visit the UK, I'd really like her to visit me first, then we could return to Thailand together after a couple of months.

    My question is, having purchased and read your guide, are we wasting our time and money by applying for a UK visitor visa for her at this stage, before we've met in Thailand?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Peter, the odds aren't stacked in your favor because you haven't known each other for long and haven't actually met in person. You'd have a better chance if you had met a couple of times. That said, if she is able to show a regular income and a stable financial situation, and that she has a good reason to return to Thailand (ownership of a property, car, business, her son and elderly mother to care for) then there's still a chance.You could argue the case that you were planning to go there but due to the current restrictions it is proving difficult, so it is preferable for her to come to visit you in the UK.Age could play in your favour here too, as she may been viewed as less of a risk – than a 20 or 30 something – in terms of overstay / seeking asylum.You would need to show evidence of your correspondence to prove a relationship exists, albeit virtually.
      Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      You do have several things against you. Firstly if you go along the lines of having a relationship, this will probably be dismissed offhand, having never met. It may even be viewed as suspicious in my opinion. The IO will be concerned that having never met, you could fall out immediately and she would then have to fend for herself unexpectedly, or she is using you as a gateway to a stay intended for illegal activities. Secondly, whilst covid is still rampant and Thailand is not vaccinated, tourist related international travel may also be viewed negatively. Thirdly, proving a need to return to Thailand because of work or care of mother will be questioned if the intention is to stay for 2 months. 2 weeks maybe, but 2 months suggests no need to return anytime soon. I think to apply at the present time is high risk, as a declined application will stay on file and I cannot help but think that will mean future applications will be scrutinised in a different manner.
      Reply

  4. Duke Sharp says

    My Thai GF and I were planning a short trip to the US (3 months) to attend to some issues with my property there.

    A few days ago Chiang Mai Immigration inexplicably refused to issue her a visa, would not even glance at her documents (neat and well organized) that included
    -a deed to property she owns in Fang
    -proof of a tailor business in the same location for over 20 years
    -long term lease
    -bank accounts that have always had money in them – currently just over 70K baht.
    -titles to 3 vehicles
    -plenty of photos that show a good family relationship, lots of friends, etc.

    I supplied the official Affidavit of Support,
    an invitation letter with our itinerary (3 months in Montana)
    my own passport history of going back and forth between Thailand and Montana every year for 8 years,
    Thai bank account with 900K,
    proof of insurance,
    a valid non-O and a valid re-entry permit
    and a long-term lease here in Chiang Mai.

    He asked her two questions about me and my visa, entered some info on the computer, said 'declined'. Less than 2 minutes, altogether.

    She’s genial and polite, basic requirements for someone in her occupation. She asked why, he said 'read the paper I gave you' - which only said 'you do not meet the requirements' - which is 100% untrue.

    It seems the decision was made before she went in for the interview. One agent suspects that there's only a certain number being approved, her appt was June 21, agent thinks maybe better earlier in the month. Also said that marriage would probably improve her chances.

    Maddening as hell. You have any clues why that might occur?
    Reply

    • Paul says

      If you are a U.S. Citizen you can apply for a K-1 Fiance Visa. in this case the burden of proof changes. Instead of your GF having to prove she is worthy of a U.S. Visa, the embassy has to prove why she is not. You, as a U.S. citizen, have a right to bring a fiancé into the U.S. for a period of either 45 days or 3 months, It may have changed. If you have used K-! visas before that counts against you.
      You can get the latest info Here:
      https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens/visas-for-fiancees-of-us-citizens

      This is the stuff I had to file to get a K-! visa: in 2002

      re: Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé

      Enclosed please find the originals and/or exact photocopies and translations, of the
      following documents pursuant to my “ Petition for Alien Fiancé ”

      1. Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé including:
      Check for $110, Application fee for Form I-129F
      Photos of petitioner and fiancé ( Done per INS Form 378)
      2. Statement of relationship with fiancé (Continuation sheet for item 19 form I-129F).
      3. Authenticity statement for document copies. (Originals will be bought to interview)
      4. Form G-325A Biographic Information for petitioner
      5. Petitioner's Birth Certificate, Divorce decree from first wife and Death certificate for second wife
      6. Form I-134 Affidavit of Support, (Noterized)
      7. Financial records of Petitioner including:
      Copies of 1040 tax returns for the last three years (2001 not yet filed).
      Income (Pension) statements
      Current bank statements and brokerage statements
      Life insurance statements

      FIANCE´ INFORMATION
      A. Form G-325A Biographic Information for fiancé
      B&C. Certificate of divorce with translation
      D. Birth Certificate with translation
      E. Certificate of marriage
      F.&G Certificate and letter from Thai Red Cross (doner)
      H. Fiancé's Identity card and Passport.
      I. Misc. correspondence and photos of Petitioner with fiancé taken since February 2001 during four trips.
      Reply

  5. Paul says

    Lots of good stuff on this site, I couldn't read it all. Is there similar information on bringing someone to the U.S. ? We tried twice to get a tourist visa for my Thai friend. No luck. We were finally told there was no possibility she would get one. Then I discovered that the U.S. has a "Fiancee Visa". The advantage of a Finacee Visa is that it is filed for by an American citizen. That means that the burden of proof of acceptability falls more on the U.S. than on the foreigner. When the foreigner arrives in the U.S. they have 45 days to get married otherwise they have to leave. If they marry, the foreigner is granted a 2 year parole. If they can't prove they are still co- habitating at that time the foreigner must leave.
    Reply

  7. Nick says

    Hi There, I met my girlfriend online in March 2020 during the start of the first lockdown. We have communicated constantly via WhatsApp video and chat 2+ times a day over the last year. Within the first few weeks I also started supporting her financially with weekly support payments for her living expenses as there was no work for her. I know her mother, friends, children etc as we have all video chatted and her English patchy at first is good after this much communication. In September October I paid for us to holiday together in Turkey for two weeks (because Thailand was closed) and then also covered her fit to fly certificate expenses and her Quarantine hotel expenses. I support her to the tune financially of 25000 baht per month and have done for a year. We have many photos of us together in Turkey. Do you think that UK authorities would class this as evidence of genuine relationship bearing in mind that I was not able to gain entry to Thailand?
    Reply

  8. Duke Sharp says

    Great info, much appreciated! Planning a trip with GF to the US in May, have been reading as much as I can find about the process.

    I need to ask about the reason your 1st application was refused - passport history.

    My current passport was issued in 2014, have been coming to Thailand every year for 3 to 6 months every year, no problems.

    But it's a replacement - I managed to lose the one that was issued in about 1990 (not exactly sure) when I arrived in Chiang Mai in 2014. The current one was issued at Embassy in Chiang Mai.

    Any idea whether this is likely to be an issue?


    Thanks!
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Our first and only refusal was because they wanted to see my passport history for the period I had known my girlfriend (now wife). I had a fairly new passport and it only showed a couple of trips. So we reapplied and I included every page of my previous passport too. I also created a document that detailed a timeline of my trips to and from Thailand, which correlated with my passport history.I don't think it's so much of an issue now. This was back in 2009. I've not actually seen a similar refusal though. Pretty much all the refusals I've been sent in the last three years have been around lack of evidence to support statements regarding work and funds and proving a genuine relationship. If you have a replacement passport then you can't provide that passport history, but you can compensate by showing some flight booking emails perhaps.
      Reply

  9. Peter Short says

    Hi

    I've been talking to a Thai girl for 3 months now and plan to go Thailand once this covid clears up. My plan is to have a 3 month holiday with her travelling around Thailand and then bring her to the UK for a year or two and then I plan to move to Thailand.
    Reading some of the comments on here I think this might be difficult and especially as she wants to work in the UK, she already has her heart set on working in a hospital.

    Any advice or if this is possible please?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The maximum stay in the UK on a visitor visa is 6 months; this would be the visa she'd apply for to visit the UK. She wouldn't be able to work on this visa. To work she would ned a work visa, which is a fairly difficult route to take because it would require a company to offer her a job and there's a bunch of other hoops to jump through.She would be able to work on a settlement (family) visa, which is for those who want to apply to settle with their spouse or family in the UK. That would be some way down the road though, if things work out for you. There's also a fiancee option for this visa route. https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visaThe best thing to do is to visit her in Thailand and then apply for a visit visa to come and stay with you in the UK for a while.If she wants to work in the UK as a nurse (and she is already qualified in Thailand), she has to retrain in the UK. I quote:" Nurses who have trained outside the EEA and want to work in the UK as a nurse must gain professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Applicants are tested for competence through a two-part process to gain registration.Hope this helps.
      Reply

    • Harry Thompson says

      Hi Peter it's doubtful you will get her a work permit with only knowing her a few months.
      You can try a tourist visa which lasts 6 months.
      The British government. Are not giving out visas so easily. I'm waiting on a partner visa and been waiting 6 months already. You need to prove that you have lived together for at least 2 years.

      If you message me I can recommend a good visa company in bkk that will help you

      Harry
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        A visit visa is fairly easy to obtain as long as you can provide evidence on the things outlined in this article. A settlement visa, as you say, is a different ball game, as that is the first step on the path to settling permanently in the UK.
        Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      I think you need to be realistic about the hurdles you need to overcome to get your GF to the UK.........and she needs to understand that working legally will be almost impossible because a work permit just won't be granted unless she is "sponsored" with a job offer in a particularly needed field. The UK government immigration website will explain everything about the points system and jobs that are needed. Even if she is a qualified nurse or medical practitioner in Thailand, the Thai qualifications are unlikely to be sufficient to work in the UK without re-training and obtaining new qualifications.......you will also need to prove a solid relationship and I doubt one visit by you and some chat online will be sufficient. You will also have to forget applying for a 6 months visit realistically....because there will simply be no proof of need to return to Thailand if she can spend 6 months in the UK....... although the visit visa is valid for 6 months you have to state the period of visit and give dates, maybe even prove the end date by suppying evidence of the departing flight. They will also question what she will do if you work during this time and will suspect she would wish/try to work (illegally) to fill in her time. Read every comment on here to get a feel for how you can approach this and remember there is no RIGHT to a visa and the immigration officer has to be certain everything fits and she will not disappear into the black economy or overstay, so it is not always easy. Good luck.
      Reply

  10. David says

    Hi, I have never physically met met girlfriend, we have an online relationship at the moment. We are desperate to meet, but with the Covid-19 situation, obviously I can’t visit. I’ve been told it may be possible for my girlfriend to visit UK. My question is, do you think it would be possible for her to acquire a visa if we have never met?
    Thanks
    David
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi David, you can see the post James is referring to here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/coronavirus-thailand . Please see the latest advice under November. You can also find out more about the travel insurance needed here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/covid-19-insuranceIn terms of your GF visiting, it is possible, but the chances of refusal are indeed higher because it will be difficult to prove a genuine relationship given that you haven't met. Have you been communicating for long?
      Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      No is the short answer...... if you approach this from a relationship viewpoint her application will be rejected immediately in my opinion..... the only way she would possibly get a visa is by applying as an independant traveller as a holiday visit...... this means she would have to demonstrate her financial ability on her own, often one of the major issues with Thais visiting the UK.....and not mention you at all as this would sound alarm bells.......and at the present time with the UK under severe restrictions and an ever changing restriction regime, I doubt a visa would be granted as it is highly suspicious to be applying to come to a high risk country from a low risk country for a holiday...... be patient and visit Thailand in due course..... build the relationship and gather the evidence required for a future UK visa application.
      Reply

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