@Rob *******

my applications went to the British Embassy in Mumbai, when I did it a couple of years ago. But yes you’re right, the Ukraine situation is what’s prolonging the process now.

@Rob *******

it’s a ball ache, right! I got a refusal first time, because I didn’t want to pay for an agent. I thought I had sent everything that was asked of me. In the end, used an agent and got accepted. A friend just went through the process and it does seem to be taking a while at the moment. And you can’t pay for fast track anymore either.

@Glen-do *********

yea, and bank statements is not the only thing they require.

@Paul *************

the, she has nothing is pretty normal. You will have to get creative to prove she has good reason to return. In your situation, I would recommend using a visa agent. I tried to do ours the first try and it was denied, even though I felt like I provided everything that was asked for. If you need me to recommend someone, I can. The agents know what immigration want to see. They will know beforehand if the application is likely to pass.

@Paul *************

proof of funds on your end is either, 62k in savings in the bank. Or bank statements and payslips for the last 6 months showing you earn at least 18k a year. Look at my other comment above for fuller evidence to provide. It’s a ball ache to get her to the U.K. She may well have to apply from the Philippines instead of Thailand (not sure). Where are you in Thailand? The VFS office in Chiang Mai is probably the best office in Thailand to apply from.

@Glen-do *********

you clearly haven’t been through the process.

Remember, it’s just as important to show she has ample reasons to return back to the Philippines, as it is to prove you have funds. Probably more important. If she has a car or property in her name, show proof of that. If she has a job (much better for her), show proof of that. Show her bank statements with regular payments from work. If she has dependents like children or elderly parents, show their ID’s. Show all the airline tickets you’ve purchased from going to visit her, photos of you two together on your trips, screen shots of conversations on Fb, text message etc. show it’s a valid relationship and that she will return.

Take you a couple of years to be able to get a grasp of it. Get yourself a tutor, they’re not expensive and do a couple of lessons a week, for a few months, to get the basics.

@Richard *****

my English atm only lets me take out 12k baht. It’s more awkward for some people…

@Richard *****

that’s true lol. I carry cash because Thailand is a cash country. But lots of people don’t like to carry large amounts. It seems like it’s only crossing from other se Asian countries they want to see cash… I’ve never been asked to show money, flying from Europe.