A Time To Reflect

It's that time of year again.  Coming into Christmas week things are slowing down at work and I have time to reflect on the past year.  And what a year its been.  Without doubt the most influential and important of my life so far.  If you'd have asked me a year ago where I thought my life would be at this point, I really don't think I could describe how things have panned out. 

2011 saw another three trips to Thailand, our marriage, the successful completion of my wife's settlement visa application and her recent arrival into the UK.  Its been a year of frustration and immense stress.  Yet at the same time I have found true happiness and contentment.

The Lows

The obvious low has been the overall amount of stress involved in the visa process.  Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the UK governments need to control immigration (or at least give the impression that they are in control).  But I can't help but feel that the amount of brick walls put up along the way is totally unjustified.  One example of this has been the farcical handling of the English language requirement.  You only have to look at the Thai forums to see just how much unnecessary confusion there is STILL out there.  Its not that the information isn't there to be found.  But I feel like the UKBA could present the process in a much more clear way.  That goes for the entire visa process not just the English test.  I can honestly say that without the help of forums such as http://thailand-uk.com/forums/forum.php I'm not 100% sure we would have been successful in my wife's application.  I wont rant too much about the process because in all honesty, the moment I received the phone call from my wife telling me she had the visa, it all seemed irrelevant.  But I must I admit I don't envy anyone just starting out on the process.

Time spent apart.  Nothing new, as with any long distance relationship its not possible to be together as much as we would like.  Holiday entitlement and funds have always dictated just how much time my wife and I could spend together before her arrival in England.  The distance can often magnify issues which in any "normal" relationship would not be so much of a big deal.  But overall I think its given us a stronger base on which our relationship has grown.  Now that we are together, any arguments seem to be more easily resolved simply by the fact that we are actually physically together and can talk things through face to face. 

A more recent low for my wife, was shortly after her arrival.  After only two weeks in the UK she heard the sad news that her eldest sister had passed away back in Thailand.  My wife's immediate concern was for her Mother and nieces who lived with her sister.  With the help of some family friends in my wife's home town arrangements were made for her Mother and the kids.  This left my wife feeling guilty for not being there, but in true Thai style she bounced back to her usual self within a few days.

From a purely selfish point of view, a big low for me is the fact that it will be a long time before we are able to visit Thailand again.  The cost of the visa, travel etc have left a big hole in the finances.  That plus the cost of the requirements for the next ILR and visa in two years mean that any holidays to Thailand will be a way down the list of priorities.

The Highs

The day my wife's passport arrived and she called to tell me she had the visa.  I can't describe how much of a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.  I had completed 95% of the application and supporting document folder alone and so failure would have felt like my failure alone too.  We had quite a short wait for the decision (3 weeks) but it felt like the pressure for success was all on me. 

Travelling back to Thailand on the last visit to pick up my wife.  Just knowing that I wouldn't be leaving alone at the end of the trip gave an entirely different feeling to the holiday.  Leaving my wife behind at the airport has always been one of the hardest things about previous trips.  This was probably one of the only times I've actually felt good about leaving Thailand.

Being able to enjoy the things which most couples take for granted in everyday life.  The simple things like watching a movie, going out for a meal, going to the supermarket for the weekly shop......just being together.

Witnessing with so much pride just how well my wife has adapted to life here.  Both my sets of parents have already developed an incredible bond with her and have told me they feel as if they have known her for years.  Janny has had offers to meet other Thais in our area but as yet she has shown no interest and would rather spend her time with my friends and family.  Watching how all those she meets immediately warm to her fills me with pride and makes me realise just how lucky I am.

Our first Christmas together.  OK this is still to come.  But being together and having my wife hear with me at Christmas will be the best present I could have wished for this year.  Those xmas day visits to the family will certainly be a lot more fun too.

How I've Changed

I think its impossible after such an eventful year not to have changed in some ways.  My views on immigration certainly have.  I will admit that before having a foreign partner and going through the visa process, I probably felt the same way much of the population does about immigrants.  You could say I was ignorant to how much is really involved.  I used to be one of those that presumed Britain had an "open door policy" when it comes to immigration and I'm afraid to say I believed everything I would read in the tabloids or see on the news or from the "expert" down the local pub.  Now I have so much respect for any "genuine" person or family going through the process, and I mean all aspects of immigration, but especially non-EU migrants.  In keeping with that, I have also noticed just how much more I take an interest in UK politics.  Before I rarely voted or had any interest in doing so, but I now realise just how important it is to have a say in who is running things, even if it has little effect. 

My wife's arrival has also had quite an effect on my relationship with my own family too.  Something I wasn't expecting at all, was just how much closer it has brought us together.  I always knew my parents would welcome my wife into the family, but there was always a fear of how she would be received by them.  No matter how much people consider themselves to be liberal or multicultural, I think there tends to be a certain view of Thai ladies coming to the UK and I thought this might have an effect on how my wife was perceived by my parents and friends.  Luckily we have had no such issues and like I said she has been accepted with open arms and is loved by all those she meets.  As a result I now see my family more than ever. 

One of the main things I've had to learn is how to compromise and not have everything my own way.  I bought my house four years ago and had lived alone until my wife's arrival.  After so much time on my own there have been times when it has been "difficult" to accept an others view on how things should be done but I guess its all part of the fun.

What Will Next Year Bring?

As with this year, it's hard to predict.  We have an idea for my wife to start a small business working from home so that's something we'll be looking at early in the new year.  I also know Janny really wants to start a family sooner rather than later so that will be a conversation we'll be having in the not too distant future I'm sure.  Other than that I'm trying not to think too far ahead.  It's still a long road for us and I'm sure the next visa requirement will creep up on us a lot sooner than we think, so that will always be in the back of my mind.  But for now I'm going to try and relax a lot more this year and see what comes our way.  One thing I've learned since having a Thai partner is to expect the unexpected............

Hope everyone has an amazing Christmas and New Year

Cheers
Steve

Home Sweet Home

Hi all,

Well, its been a long time since my last post and has felt like a long wait.  But my wife and I finally arrived back into the UK together a few days ago.  After a couple of busy days she's having a snooze so I thought it would be a good time for an update.

I flew out to Thailand just over a week ago to help my wife pack up.  I decided to make the trip over and travel back together as my wife is a nervous traveller at the best of times, never mind flying half-way around the world alone for the first time.  Not only that, but it also gave me a chance to say a little farewell to Thailand as I think it is going to be a while before we can go back.  Not the cheapest way of doing things but was the best way for us.

bye bye Thailand

So on a bright sunny Thursday lunchtime we arrived into Newcastle airport.  Another reason for me wanting to travel back with my wife, was so that I could be with her if she faced any hard questions at the border.  After hearing about some not-so-nice immigration officers at the London airports we were a little nervous about what she could expect, but no such issues at Newcastle.  The staff manning the queues were very friendly and helpful and said it was okay for me to join my wife in the non-EU line which wasn't long anyway.  When we reached the front we went up together and to my surprise it was I rather than my wife who faced the questioning.  I was asked how we are related, about my job, how long we have been married and if my wife intends to work here.  That was it, stamped in and all very pleasant and friendly.  My wife wasn't asked any questions at all or asked to produce her TB test certificate.  So from landing, clearing immigration and collecting our baggage was under thirty minutes.

Back home, Janny's first priority was to get everything unpacked, arrange all of her stuff and re-clean the house from top to bottom which I'd done just before leaving anyway.  But it has helped her to settle in and feel at home straight way.  The cold has been an issue and she's wearing several layers of clothes to bed but she is taking it all in her stride and I'm sure she'll get used to it.

After unpacking and getting sorted the last thing we felt like doing was going out and doing the shop, luckily there is an excellent Thai takeaway just a few minutes walk from our house and that drew a close to our first day together in the UK.

Our next priority will be to get Janny added to the council tax, registered at the doctors, dentist etc etc.

We'll keep you posted with our progress in the UK.  After all it's still only the beginning of a long journey for us.  But for now........life is good!!

Cheers
Steve

Settlement Visa Success!!

After months of organising, stress and uncertainty, today everything became so worthwhile.  Yesterday my wife received the sms from VFS to say that her application had been processed and returned to the courier.  We had been expecting to wait at least a few more days before her passport arrived in Phuket. Earlier today I received the best phone call I've ever taken in my life....my wife's passport had arrived and inside was her UK settlement visa.

It's still sinking in but it feels like a huge weight has been lifted.  Now we can finally start to make real plans for our future together in the UK.

The application was submitted on 19th September and processed on 11th October so total processing time was just three weeks and one day, or 16 working days depending on how you look at it.

The only disappointing thing (if that is even possible after such good news) is that the embassy have started the "valid from" using the "expected travel date" that we put on the application form.  At the time of submission the processing times were longer and so we put in what we thought was a realistic date two months after the submission.  We did not specifically ask for that travel date anywhere else on the form or in the additional info so we were not expecting them to post-date the visa.  That means my wife can not travel until next month, but still its not too long and if anything will give me a chance to organise things at home.

So the plan now is to look for flights.  I'm going to head back to LOS for a week next month, help my wife pack up and then bring her home with me.

Although this is what the blog has been building toward over the past few months, our journey is far from over so I will continue to post on our progress.  For now I'll take some time to let it sink in and relax before the real hard work begins lol

Cheers
Steve

Wedding Studio Photos

When my wife and I were married earlier this year, one thing we didn't have time to do was make some decent wedding photos.  So on my first week back in LOS we spent a day at a wedding studio in my wife's home town Maha Sarakham.
Originally we decided on a package of 7000thb but the price didn't include too much for the money.  When we went back to have the photos done we agreed to a more expensive package of 13000thb.  For the price we had two outfit changes with four backdrops, farang and Thai style (although my wife used her own thai style wedding dress), hair and make-up, 30 action shots and album, plus one large scale print of our choice.

Here's a selection of a few:-

Visa application submitted 19th September

Hi All,

Just back home today after a busy couple of weeks in Thailand.  We finally submitted my wife's settlement visa application on 19th September.  The on-line submission and appointment is relatively straight forward so I'll keep this one (reasonably) short.

On-line Application Process


Basically the on-line visa applications are filled in by going to this website http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/  Firstly I printed off a rough paper version of the settlement form from the UKBA website and went through it with my wife to make sure I had all the relevant answers.  I actually started the process about a week before I left the UK and filled in the form on behalf of my wife.  The on-line form is pretty much (if not identical to) the paper form.  It also allows you to save your application before submission and then go back to complete it but you must log-in within seven days or you'll have to start a fresh application.  I basically signed into the almost completed form on the first day when I arrived in LOS and printed it out when it was completed.  I did it this way because I needed to make an appointment for the second week of my trip but the system only allows you to book appointments so many days in advance (a week), hence the reason I couldn't simply complete it all and book an appointment from the UK.

Booking Appointments to Submit Supporting Documents and Payment


When you reach the point on the form where it is complete, you are then prompted to print a copy which must be signed and submitted with the supporting documents folder.  You are then also prompted to make an appointment to submit the supporting documents.  This is done by clicking on a link to the VFS website.  To book an appointment you need the spouse's passport number which you'll have anyway.  When we booked there were many appointments available for later the same week, but none available on a next day basis which may be worth considering if you have limited time.  When the appointment is booked you print out the confirmation which will show the VFS office address and contact details.
We booked an appointment for 10.00am and arrived at Regent House at around 09.30 because we had to arrange a bank draught for the payment.  VFS do not accept cash but there is a bank downstairs where we obtained our bankers draught made out to "British Embassy Bangkok" for the 40,500thb fee.  I believe you can pay by card too when you complete the form on-line but I won't comment on that because it's not the way we wanted to go.
So we made our way upstairs at 10.00am and although busy, it wasn't a scrum.  I had to wait outside whilst my wife went in and I nervously waited around for about 30mins.  Janny then came out looking stressed and said we had to reprint the form because something was missing.  I looked through it and couldn't see anything wrong but they mentioned something about the signature page.  I still don't know exactly what the issue was but I think the page had not printed correctly and also my wife signed it in English and she was told to print and sign again in Thai.  The staff let me inside for around 10mins to reprint the paper before I was basically told to get out lol.
Anyway a while later after Janny had her biometrics done and paid the courier fee to send back the original folder to Phuket (we submitted a separate folder of copies to be retained by the Embassy), she came out and had calmed down a little.  My wife was given a receipt with a reference number which is used for tracking the application through the VFS website and it also says the receipt must be given to the courier on receipt of her passport when the decision has been made.

That was pretty much it.  In total we were at the VFS building for almost two hours.  We then flew down to Phuket later that afternoon.  A few hours after submission Janny received a text to say the folder had gone to the Embassy.  Now it's just a waiting game and I'll keep checking the website every other day to check the status.  The lady at VFS told my wife "4 weeks if quickly, 60 days if slowly".  However I've seen a few quick responses recently of around two weeks but I'm not trying to think about it too much.

It's gonna be a long first day back at work tomorrow that's for sure.

Cheers
Steve

Almost there.......

It's just over a week before I fly back out to LOS.  I haven't posted for a little while so I thought I'd give a brief update. 
Everything I can include or add to my wife's settlement folder from the UK has pretty much been done.  My sponsor letter which I was putting off until the last minute is now finished, as is Janny's covering letter.  After reviewing the file I decided to add a few additonal documents.  For example I downloaded a copy of the land registry document for my house to add to the accommodation section (£4 from http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/).  Other than that I'm fighting the urge to play around with the layout and just leave it as it is.  That just leaves the addition of Janny's documents in Thailand, such as her birth certificate, name change paper, etc to complete the folder.  One of our first jobs when I arrive into BKK is to have those documents translated. 

Janny's had a busy week starting the prepartions for our village ceremony, although to be honest her family back home are doing a lot of the work before we get there.  There's been lot's of ringing around pricing studio photo's, having invitations made and pricing dress rental etc.  In the end it worked out only a little more expensive to actually buy her dress so we'll only need to rent my suit.  I must admit, when we first started talking about the village ceremony a while ago it was basically just a way of gathering more evidence to add to the visa application.  But the more we talk about it and the closer it gets I'm really looking forward to it.  From what she's been telling me, it sounds like it will be a really good experience for both of us and I know she's a lot more excited about it than she's letting on.

So what now?  This weekend I'm going to fill in the online application and save it, ready to submit and print out when I get to Thailand.  The problem being you can only book appointments to submit the supporting documents up to five days in advance.  We need a date for the second week so that will have to be done in LOS. 
I'm sure the following week is going to drag with nothing left to do.  But one thing is for sure, I'm so glad I started preparing everything early rather than leaving it to the last minute.  I'd much rather be sitting here with nothing to do rather than rushing around trying to pull everything together.

Next time you here from me I'll probably be in Thailand, so until then.....

Steve

Folder Layout & Document Presentation

***Amended 7th August.  Following advice from those in the know, I have changed the folder to a smaller more manageable flexible plastic one.  I have also removed all of the photocopies and will submit those in a separate folder in the same layout.  The reason being that if the folder is too large to fit inside the VFS jiffy bag used to send it to the embassy, then there is a chance the staff will remove the documents from the folders which could affect the order and presentation***

With five weeks to go until I return to Thailand.  The TB test and all of the legal requirements are taken care of.  There's not much more I can do from the UK, other than compile the documents and evidence which I have with me here and organise them into my wife's settlement visa folder.

For the layout I have decided to split the folder into eight sections.  Each section will be labelled, indexed and separated by dividers.  A main contents page at the front will make it easy for the embassy staff to find whatever they need.  At the beginning of the larger more detailed sections, for example the financial, accommodation and evidence, I have written an overview explaining what is included in that section.

No doubt there may be some changes made before submission and there are some things I have yet to complete e.g. my sponsor letter, on-line application, plus the addition of translations and any documents from Thailand.  But so far the layout is as follows:-

Section 1 – Introduction

• Cover letter from applicant
• Cover letter from sponsor

Section 2 – Application Form

• Printout of completed online application form VAF4A

Section 3 – Applicant Key Documents

• Current Passport
• Previous Passport
• ID Card (Photocopy)
• Thai marriage certificate + English translation
• Name change certificate + English translation
• Tabien Baan house book (photocopy)
• Financial status, Bank of Ayudhya bank book, Bank of Ayudhya applicant/sponsor joint bank account book
• Employment history

Section 4 – Sponsor Key Documents

• Copy passport certified by UK based solicitor
• Birth Certificate
• Copy of Thai marriage certificate
• Copy of certified Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

Section 5 – TB Test & English Language Requirement

• TB Test certificate issued by IOM Bangkok
• BULATS English test certificates issued by Vantage Siam Bangkok (A1 + B1 levels achieved)

Section 6 – Sponsor Financial Status

• Financial status overview
• Six months salary slips + P60's dated 2010 & 2011
• Annual bonus confirmation letter
• Letter from current employer
• Confirmation letter of 2011 pay increase
• Savings account statements Feb '11 – present (Acc No 01196228)
• Current account statements March '11 – present (Acc No 02432952)
• Latest credit card statement showing balance & available credit

Section 7 – Accommodation

• Accommodation overview
• Photographs of accommodation
• Land Registry Document
• Floor plan
• Royal Bank of Scotland mortgage statements 2008-2011
• Council Tax Bill, City of Sunderland 2011/12
• Northumbrian Water utility bill 2011/12
• Npower Gas & Electric utility bill 2011
• Home insurance policy certificate

Section 8 – Evidence of Relationship

• Section overview
• History of relationship
• Photographs applicant/sponsor April '10 - Sept '11
• Boarding passes from sponsors Thailand trips April '10 - Sept '11
• Copy of sponsors passport pages showing entry stamps into Thailand
• Boarding passes from joint trips made together applicant/sponsor
• Hotel receipts
• Skype sms records sponsor to applicant May '10 - Sept '11
• 18185.co.uk itemised telephone invoices, sponsor to applicant
• Orange home invoices
• Orange mobile invoices
• Copy of joint bank account book opened after marriage May '11
• Western Union money transfer receipts sponsor to applicant June '10 - Sept '11
• Copy emails, selection May '10 - Sept '11
• Wedding Greetings cards from family and friends

 

Presentation of Evidence

Photographs - For the presentation of photographic evidence.  Rather than submitting full albums I have made a selection of pics spanning the duration of our relationship.  Some of the photos have the date digitally stamped in the corner which also helps.  I have arranged them into a kind of timeline format.  I have pasted three or four photos onto individual A4 pages and printed them out.  I will add more in September when I return to Thailand to include our village ceremony and more with the family. But in total I will include maybe twenty pages or around eighty photos.  I may also include the original prints but haven't decided if that is necessary.  

Evidence of contact - I have included copies of monthly Skype sms records, itemised telephone bills from land line and my mobile, money transfer receipts and emails.  For emails, due to the volume I have selected copies of a few from each month from the duration of our relationship but will also include a screen shot of my in/out box.  This may sound strange but in with my photos I have included a shot of me and my wife chatting on skype to show how we talk via webcam.  

Originals vs Photocopies - The Embassy state that original documents, plus one photocopy of each should be provided.  I have tried to do this for everything where possible including bank statements, pay slips, P60's, marriage certs etc.  I have also made photocopies of everything that will be included in the folder to keep here at home.  Just in case I need to refer to anything and also there is a chance that some documents will not be returned by the Embassy.
***Following advice and due to the amount of documentation I have decided to submit two folders.  One containing all of the original documents and a second for photocopies of all of the original docs to be kept by the embassy***

So again, that's pretty much where we're up to.  I imagine the next few weeks will feel like a lifetime, because there isn't really much else I can do.  I will start working on my sponsor letter soon but that shouldn't take too long.  Ideally I will submit the on-line application just before I leave for Thailand but I believe they won't allow you to make appointments for any longer than five days ahead.  So even that may have to wait until I land in LOS because we need to have an appointment for a week after I arrive.  The first week when I arrive will be spent in Isaan for the village ceremony and I'll also have to spend some time having translations done and finalising the folder.  

Cheers for now

Steve