UK Visa - Fiancee Visa
General Do's & Don'ts.
-
Ensure your friend has a valid passport with at least 12 months left to run to be safe.
Many Thais do not have a passport valid for travel to the UK.
-
Do not apply until you have known each other for at least six months. It seems to be a
magic figure for the embassy and is a 'hard and fast', though not admitted, rule. Try earlier than that and
you'll just help alleviate the embassy's payroll problems.
-
Read the embassy's website carefully and download the forms you need in duplicate
or triplicate.
See the 'Useful Links' page.
-
Determine exactly what information they require and create a list of the records you
will need to support your application.
-
Follow the Embassy's rules and advice to the letter, although you now have
to submit your application to VFS. Look for VFS Global Thailand on Google. They are
sticklers for detail and seem to be quite unforgiving of transgression.
-
The number one rule is: do not be tempted to lie. They will almost
certainly catch you out and refuse your application, which means you will lose your fees and have to wait a
month to re-apply.
-
Application can be made online and payment can be made by bank transfer, which is free.
If you apply on line, make sure there is a printer hooked up. Make your appointment for an interview online
too.
-
Be punctual for the interview. Find out where the interview is to be held the day before and look
for a local cafe, so you can calm down and run through any last minute details.
-
Get your 'stories' straight. This is not meant to suggest 'lie', but communication
between Thais and Brits (or any European language for that matter) is notoriously unreliable. Make sure you
are both absolutely certain of the answers you want to give to the interviewing staff at the embassy.
NB: interviews can be in English or Thai at the applicant's request, but it is always best to speak at
least a little English at the interview to demonstrate proficiency.
-
Don't get your hopes up if you are asked to re-attend on a Friday:
"Visas may be collected at 1500 hours Monday to Thursday, the first working
day following approval. Please note that visas may not be collected on Fridays except in an
emergency".
British Embassy: Services: Visas
Limited to 10 Suggestions in the Free Version.
|