This week Janny started her first job. After applying for so many "entry level" positions over the past couple of months, we were starting to become down hearted by the lack of response. Given the current economic situation in our area, even the most basic of jobs seem to be saturated with applicants. So it was a relief when Janny received a phonecall offering her a part-time job within walking distance of our house. I think the fact that the manager is a regular traveller to Thailand may have been a factor in landing the job but it has also made her feel a lot more relaxed about working for him too. It's certainly not big money; but more importantly, Janny feels like she is contributing and making her own money rather than relying on me for everything.
Is working on a spouse visa legal?
Anyone in the UK on a settlement or "spouse visa" is entitled to work full-time. I should however point out that only those on a "spouse" and not a "fiance" visa can work. Anyone entering on a fiance visa is not elligible to work until after they have married and been granted FLR.
Requesting a NI number (National Insurance)
When we started looking for work for Janny, the first thing we did was apply for a National Insurance number which she needs to work legally and pay NI contributions (should she qualify). This was a very simple process. All I had to do was call the NI helpline which can be found on the Directgov website. I was asked on what date Janny entered the UK, which type of visa she has and why she was requesting a NI number. Within a couple of days we received an application form in the post which was simple to fill out. We returned the form with a photocopy of Janny's passport & visa and a couple of weeks later a letter arrived containing Janny's NI number.
Some people have said that they had to attend an inteview at a jobcentre before being issued with a NI number, but that was not the case with my wife.
A tip when applying for jobs
I'm not sure if this had any effect whatsoever on the outcome of my wife's application; But when we first started applying for jobs I contacted some employers direct. When I told them my wife is Thai, they asked if she was entitled to work. I thought maybe this had potentially put off some employers from contacting Janny. From then on, we amended Jannys CV and on any covering letter we included a statement just detailing that she is fully entitled to work under the conditions of her spouse visa.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/NationalInsurance/IntroductiontoNationalInsurance/DG_190057
Steve
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Sunderland 10K run for Thai charity
I've been promising myself for weeks that I'll dust off the running shoes and start training again. With winter temperatures creeping into double figures, daylight hours lasting longer everyday and an expanding waste line, I'm short on excuses not to do it. After several failed attempts at getting myself back out pounding the streets, today I gave myself the motivation I needed.
I have signed up for the Sunderland City 10K run, which is just over 7 weeks away in May. I'm ashamed to say I've done practically no training since completing the Great North Run over a year ago; but 10K isn't too far so once I get into a routine it shouldn't take too long to build my fitness levels up.
In addition to my own selfish reasons for starting training, I thought why not do a bit for charity at the same time. I have decided to try and raise some cash for the Thai Children's Trust who's mission is to support the most needy children in Thailand; orphans, children with HIV and AIDS, street kids, refugee children and children with disabilities.
http://thaichildrenstrust.org.uk/
https://www.justgiving.com/ThaiChildrensTrust-Sunderland10K-StevenTodd
So, a few painful weeks ahead but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end.
Steve
I have signed up for the Sunderland City 10K run, which is just over 7 weeks away in May. I'm ashamed to say I've done practically no training since completing the Great North Run over a year ago; but 10K isn't too far so once I get into a routine it shouldn't take too long to build my fitness levels up.
In addition to my own selfish reasons for starting training, I thought why not do a bit for charity at the same time. I have decided to try and raise some cash for the Thai Children's Trust who's mission is to support the most needy children in Thailand; orphans, children with HIV and AIDS, street kids, refugee children and children with disabilities.
http://thaichildrenstrust.org.uk/
https://www.justgiving.com/ThaiChildrensTrust-Sunderland10K-StevenTodd
So, a few painful weeks ahead but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end.
Steve
Monday, 27 February 2012
You know you're turning Thai when.......
- You secretly can't wait for the next episode of your wife's favourite Lakhorn. Even if you haven't got a clue whats going on......Eastenders & Corrie just no longer cut it!
- You walk at half the pace you used to
- You try to memorise your dreams before choosing the weeks lottery numbers
- You feel like a movie without a ghost or guru is not worth watching
- You can eat meals which normally you would have considered too hot but now have "no feeling"
- You have worn a buddhist "good luck" string bracelet for years, want to take it off but just cant bring yourself to do it
- You feel the urge to "wai" your parents when you go round for dinner
- You can comfortably eat all of your meals on the living room floor....without feeling like an arthritic old man
- It feels "cool" if the central heating has been on for anything less than 23hrs a day
- You can eat EVERY part of a chicken, fish etc without gagging at the thought
Cheers
Steve
Monday, 9 January 2012
Thai TV in the UK
Before Janny arrived back in November, I started looking into the availability of Thai TV on the internet as I knew she'd eventually need her fix of lakhorn, movies and music. At first she wasn't interested, but after five weeks of watching almost nothing other than Come Dine With Me repeats she finally cracked and asked if we could sign up.
So about a week ago we signed up to DooTV. We decided to go for the basic package of £15 for a three month subscription. For that price we only get "on demand" recorded shows, but there is more than enough to keep Janny occupied (I gave up looking through the list of movies as there were hundreds) and it seems to update with additional shows every few days. For a few extra quid you have the option of live tv streaming (£21) as well as HD amongst other packages.
The "on demand" recordings are broken down into drama, film, TV program, music, sitcoms, news, others and covers all the popular chanels. Each tab then has sub-headings. For example in the music section you can filter the shows by concert, karaoke etc or the movies can be filtered by Thai or Asian films.
As we both use small netbooks, not ideal for watching TV, I simply bought a VGA cable which connects straight from the netbook to the LCD TV. The quality is excellent and when connected up to the LCD it really is just like watching a normal TV. This also means it is easy enough to watch in other rooms in the house (and for me to relegate the wife to the bedroom when I've had enough of the terrible Thai movies).
Pros:-
Price
Selection and quantity of shows
Streaming quality
Keeps the wife happy and up to date with goings on in LOS
Cons:-
I've lost several hours of my life to some truly awful movies. Hours I will never get back lol :-)
http://www.mydootv.tv/Home
Cheers
Steve
So about a week ago we signed up to DooTV. We decided to go for the basic package of £15 for a three month subscription. For that price we only get "on demand" recorded shows, but there is more than enough to keep Janny occupied (I gave up looking through the list of movies as there were hundreds) and it seems to update with additional shows every few days. For a few extra quid you have the option of live tv streaming (£21) as well as HD amongst other packages.
The "on demand" recordings are broken down into drama, film, TV program, music, sitcoms, news, others and covers all the popular chanels. Each tab then has sub-headings. For example in the music section you can filter the shows by concert, karaoke etc or the movies can be filtered by Thai or Asian films.
As we both use small netbooks, not ideal for watching TV, I simply bought a VGA cable which connects straight from the netbook to the LCD TV. The quality is excellent and when connected up to the LCD it really is just like watching a normal TV. This also means it is easy enough to watch in other rooms in the house (and for me to relegate the wife to the bedroom when I've had enough of the terrible Thai movies).
Pros:-
Price
Selection and quantity of shows
Streaming quality
Keeps the wife happy and up to date with goings on in LOS
Cons:-
I've lost several hours of my life to some truly awful movies. Hours I will never get back lol :-)
http://www.mydootv.tv/Home
Cheers
Steve
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
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
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
Saturday, 26 November 2011
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.
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
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
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
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
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
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
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