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Can my wife and I apply for an METV at the Thai embassy in London despite her employment situation?
METVThai VisaVisa ApplicationEmbassy RequirementsNon-EU SpouseThai Embassy LondonVisa DocumentationMarriage CertificateVisa Application Process
Feb 11, 2019
7 years ago
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERRegarding the METV from London, I can supply the necessary documents but my wife is from a non-EU country and cannot show any job in the UK (she is currently working overseas on a short-term contract that ends soon). She does not have a UK bank account. I am wondering if the Thai embassy would let both us apply for an METV with perhaps a marriage certificate (translated into English as we weren't married in the UK) with double the required funds in my account to show them? Does anyone have any experience of this? Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is inquiring about the process of applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) at the Thai embassy in London for themselves and their spouse, who is from a non-EU country and currently lacks UK employment verification or a bank account. The conversation reveals various comments regarding eligibility requirements, including the necessity of having a job or being a permanent resident in the UK. The original poster contemplates using their marriage certificate and presenting sufficient funds to bolster their application. Several commenters suggest that the wife may need to apply from Japan, as she may not meet the UK residency criteria.
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Robert *******
With comment of
@Adam ******
that he will call the Embassy to ask what is possible and report back to us I close the commenting. There is no need to discuss further about unknown updates.Steve *******
'Breaking News'
@Robert ******
is now claiming that you can apply and get an METV in the UK without being a legal citizen of the country. We'll add that to Perth, Australia thenAdam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, hence the idea we would apply together but it seems much easier for her to apply in Japan and myself in London, unless the London embassy will be flexible.
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERWell, I will call them nearer the time and report back. Other embassies around the world make allowances for spouses but nothing is mentioned on UK embassies/consulates' websites.
Jeremy ********
Adam Stott just remember when you getvyour visa it starts losing days the moment it’s in your passport
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI will have to call them but not just yet as things are only in the planning stage at the moment. Just exploring options at present. Plus the rules could change again anytime. TIT.
Jeremy ********
@Adam ******
call them today and see what you can do to get the necessary paperwork togetherReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Robert *******
So the only problem is the letter from employer or self employed?
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERIndeed, there are but in that case I won't be able to fulfill the (strict) requirements. So, I have to apply from UK and wife from Japan? That could be an option but seems extreme.
Ellie *******
There are conditions for unemployed person or housewife in Japanese pages. Not sure how much hard but I guess it's worth for your wife read that conditions.
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTER"For self-employed applicant, an original company's registration (tokibo tohon) is required."
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERFrom the Tokyo embassy, Osaka consulate is the same.
Robert *******
@Adam ******
That is from the Consulate in Japan?Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTER"For company employee, an original certificate of employment, certificate of leave and an original copy of company's registration (tokibo tohon) are required."
Reply to
Adam *******
Reply
Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERCountry of origin is Japan. Has very onerous requirements.
Steve *******
@Jeremy *******
Not unless you're working legally and to do that you need 'leave to remain'Jeremy ********
@Steve ******
it does get you the tax number that is needed for the applicationSteve *******
@Robert ******
You tell me, that's why it hasnt been updatedSteve *******
@Jeremy *******
Of course but it doesnt make you a UK citizen and doesnt make you eligable for an METVRobert *******
@Steve ******
Where can I find this update?Jeremy ********
@Steve ******
not really it’s the Information Age you can have a registered company in the UK and live elsewhere...Adam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERIn this case my wife has only visited the UK for a weeks on holiday so hardly an illegal immigrant from a 3rd world country. Wonder if common sense would prevail...
Steve *******
@Jeremy *******
Yep, for that you need 'leave to remain' as I mentioned beforeJeremy ********
@Steve ******
I guess if you have a job, a bank Acct or a tax number for being self employed then yes anyone can...but all those Also mean in a very muddy clear water that you are a permanent resident and not an illegal alien in the UKSteve *******
@Rob***
Good luck with that! Check out the last updateRobert *******
Read the attachment with requirements Jeremy Miller posted above.
Steve *******
@Rob***
Are you saying anyone can get an METV in London? I dont think soJeremy ********
@Robert ******
correct but you also need an employer or a tax number if you’re self employedSteve *******
@Rob***
re-read it!Robert *******
@Jeremy *******
There is no residence requirement on the website of the Thai Embassy in London. It even mention Documents in foreign languages must be translated into English and the translation must be certified by the relevant embassy in London.Steve *******
@Adam ******
Highly unlikely unless she has leave to remain in the UKJeremy ********
@Adam ******
nearly impossible if not a permanent resident of the UKReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Robert *******
There is a long list of countries who can not apply for this visa at their website, Non-EU, her home country is nearly impossible is nice. But if you want advice you need to give some information. What is her country of origin?
Steve *******
She needs to apply separately and meet the requirements of the Thai embassy in London. Being married has no bearing on a METV
Jeremy ********
Is your wife a permanent resident of the UK? If not she will have to apply in her home country
Jeremy ********
@Adam ******
if not a permanent resident or a citizen it will be difficult to nearly impossible to get her a METV in the UK at the Thai embassy...but good luck stranger things have happened beforeAdam *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, of course I have read them. I guess I will have to ask them directly. As you know, every embassy has different requirements. The ones in her home country are basically impossible to fulfill (deliberately it appears). She has never lived in the U.K..
Reply to
Adam *******
Reply
Robert *******
Did you read the requirements of the Thai Embassy in London?
Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
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