UK Immigration Rules
The Immigration Rules rules with the specific section relating to Family Migration are published online here. In addition there is a vast amount of guidance on specified evidence also published online here. In addition there are other more obscure rules and requirements that may apply in certain circumstances. Try not to dwell too much on these, Settlement UK Visas will guide you through the process so you can concentrate on just the required documents specific to your circumstances.
Some important facts you should know.
Who assesses my application?
An ECO (Entry Clearance Officer) employed by the UK government (the specific government department or section varies over time but currently UKVI), they may be based at the British Embassy in Bangkok or more likely now (Since 21st April 2017) by an ECO based at their processing centre in Sheffield, UK.
Who are VFS?
VFS are the sub-contracted agency in Bangkok (based in the Trendy building on Sukhumvit Soi 13) who accept your application. In essence they just accept your documents and the application, they are not allowed to offer advice or tell you that your application will fail. Please note that from 21st April 2017 all supporting documents must be sent to Sheffield in the UK, you can arrange this yourself or use the scanning service provided by VFS, more details here.
How long does it take to process a visa application?
For normal visit visa (less than 6 months) the actual processing times are 99% within 10 working days and 100% within 15 working days. For settlement applications it is still 99% within 10 working days and 100% within 60 working days (about 3 months). You can get up-to-date performance data here. In busy periods or when the UKVI is suffering operation issues (no staff!) these processing times may take longer. You can opt to use a priority service which would put your application at the front of the queue but there is no guarantee that it will be processed in any less time than 60 working days.
What about Visa Service Agents that guarantee a visa?
Firstly understand that no agency can guarantee that a visa will be issued, no matter how much money is paid. Over the years many agents have contrived to produce fake documents in order to assist the visa application process. It is also true that many agents are blacklisted by UKVI and if you happen to use a blacklisted agency your application will surely come under additional scrutiny and has a higher likelihood of refusal. If you do decide to use an agent in Thailand we suggest you do due diligence and fully check out their pedigree, there are some excellent agents and advisors operating in Thailand but just as many shady operators.
What about refusals?
About 10% of settlement applications do get refused. There is an appeal process for settlement refusals where the success rate is quite good, however the process could take another year by the time your case is heard by a tribunal in the UK. If you are unfortunate to get a refusal please contact us straightway as there are certain procedures and alternatives you should consider.
How much do it cost?
There is a fee charged by the UKVI for every visa application, this is paid when you submit your application to VFS. The fee does increase from time to time see more here.
The Immigration Rules rules with the specific section relating to Family Migration are published online here. In addition there is a vast amount of guidance on specified evidence also published online here. In addition there are other more obscure rules and requirements that may apply in certain circumstances. Try not to dwell too much on these, Settlement UK Visas will guide you through the process so you can concentrate on just the required documents specific to your circumstances.
Some important facts you should know.
Who assesses my application?
An ECO (Entry Clearance Officer) employed by the UK government (the specific government department or section varies over time but currently UKVI), they may be based at the British Embassy in Bangkok or more likely now (Since 21st April 2017) by an ECO based at their processing centre in Sheffield, UK.
Who are VFS?
VFS are the sub-contracted agency in Bangkok (based in the Trendy building on Sukhumvit Soi 13) who accept your application. In essence they just accept your documents and the application, they are not allowed to offer advice or tell you that your application will fail. Please note that from 21st April 2017 all supporting documents must be sent to Sheffield in the UK, you can arrange this yourself or use the scanning service provided by VFS, more details here.
How long does it take to process a visa application?
For normal visit visa (less than 6 months) the actual processing times are 99% within 10 working days and 100% within 15 working days. For settlement applications it is still 99% within 10 working days and 100% within 60 working days (about 3 months). You can get up-to-date performance data here. In busy periods or when the UKVI is suffering operation issues (no staff!) these processing times may take longer. You can opt to use a priority service which would put your application at the front of the queue but there is no guarantee that it will be processed in any less time than 60 working days.
What about Visa Service Agents that guarantee a visa?
Firstly understand that no agency can guarantee that a visa will be issued, no matter how much money is paid. Over the years many agents have contrived to produce fake documents in order to assist the visa application process. It is also true that many agents are blacklisted by UKVI and if you happen to use a blacklisted agency your application will surely come under additional scrutiny and has a higher likelihood of refusal. If you do decide to use an agent in Thailand we suggest you do due diligence and fully check out their pedigree, there are some excellent agents and advisors operating in Thailand but just as many shady operators.
What about refusals?
About 10% of settlement applications do get refused. There is an appeal process for settlement refusals where the success rate is quite good, however the process could take another year by the time your case is heard by a tribunal in the UK. If you are unfortunate to get a refusal please contact us straightway as there are certain procedures and alternatives you should consider.
How much do it cost?
There is a fee charged by the UKVI for every visa application, this is paid when you submit your application to VFS. The fee does increase from time to time see more here.
