What is the best way for my Thai wife on a tourist visa to gain UK citizenship?

UK Visa Spouse Visa Thai Immigration UK Citizenship Tourist Visa Marriage Certificate ID Card Immigration Advice

Mar 6, 2024

10 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

This is actually a UK question if anybody can help. I married a Thai lady last June, she is currently travelling on a 5 year tourist visa. I want to get her UK citizen. Is there an easier way than spouse visa, then another spouse visa etc which takes years. As I am in late 60s this may take too long. she speaks English, had a current TB Test.

Also is there any benefit to her changing her Thai ID card to my surname?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on how to expedite UK citizenship for their Thai wife, who is currently on a 5-year tourist visa. Commenters generally agree that the standard route involves the spouse visa process, which is lengthy and expensive, involving multiple applications and tests. They suggest consulting immigration lawyers for tailored advice and emphasize ensuring all documentation matches her legal name. Some commenters joke about alternative methods like moving to Thailand, while others underscore the challenges and costs associated with the spouse visa path.

John *********

Arbitrarily changing her surname will surely backfire.

9 months ago

Robin ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everybody. After all these years of doing the right thing, my motherland doesn’t seem to be so speaking after all.

10 months ago

Dennis **********

TB test not required. Spousal visa only way. 2.5 yrs with A1 speaking test. 2.5 years with A2 speaking test total 5 yrs then test life in UK test. £150. £150 life test £60. Going thru it now. National health surcharge .visa. Solicitors extra. Total with Solicitors £

*****

approx. Plus incidentals. Not cheap.

Alternately fly her to France ferry her to England. Demand her human rights as your wife with immigration.

10 months ago

Mally *******

No easy way round it,she has to do the 5 or 10 year route,not cheap by the time you've got to citizenship you will of spent about 10 grand maybe more,and alot of headache,get in touch with Ploy Regal Swan she is thai and speaks good English,she sorts visas out for people

10 months ago

Nigel **************

Much better idea for you to come n live here. Easier process totally.

10 months ago

Robin ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nigel *************

that’s the next step but thanks. Not sure it is easy though.

10 months ago

Stuart ***********

@Robin ***********

it's easy, don't believe people saying it is difficult.

10 months ago

Reply to

Stuart ***********

Andy **********

The various routes are straightforwardly explained

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10 months ago

Neil ********

I assume the 5 year tourist visa means she has a limit of 6 months per stay?

You want to move this to permanent living status in the UK?

10 months ago

Robin ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Neil *******

yes. It works ok as we are back and forth to Thailand but longer term wanted things eadsier.

10 months ago

Neil ********

@Robin ***********

I see someone posted the UK government website link. These are your only options. There is a visa with the right to join family which includes spouse or partner. Think this is your best bet and if you have done at least 2 years of the longer term tourist visa should be easier

10 months ago

Reply to

Neil ********

Bob *********

In a nutshell no not as far as I know unless you pursue some other kind of visa like tier 2 or skilled worker route. But I am not an expert. My wife is on a spouse visa 5 year route to settlement which firstly gives 2.5 years then you need flr or further leave to remain then at 5 years ilr indefinite leave to remain then she can apply for citizenship. Other avenues may be a 10 year route. You could get more accurate detailed advice from an immigration lawyer in the UK or Thailand. Also it is an expensive process. You cannot convert a visitor visa you would need to make a new application. If I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me this is just from my personal experience.

10 months ago

Robin ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bob ********

thanks

10 months ago

Reply to

Robin ************

Stuart ***********

I think you would be better advised to ask in a UK visa advice group about her gaining citizenship there, but I am pretty sure your method (spouse visa several times) is the only route, I don't think there's an easy solution.

Thai ID card question depends what name is on your marriage certificate? I believe all of her documents should match (Passport/Marriage Certificate/Thai ID card), if they don't it could be tricky applying for visas. Good luck, I hope you get it sorted.

10 months ago

Reply to

Stuart ***********

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