Pick ups can be a bit of a lottery as they are often overloaded and have a hard life. I know for Toyotas you can check the s/h and damage.

Do the research and do it all yourself.

I’ve never used an agent and never been refused.

You’ll have to show she can stay with you ie landlord letter of approval. Send her an invite letter. Make it clear you will cover her costs and medical insurance.

Any correspondence or statements you’ve sent money to establish how long you’ve known her. They just don’t want her to be a burden on the state and go back when she says. List reasons she has to go back, job family etc

I made the airline pay my overstay fine.

@Patricia *********

don’t use agents. I have had g/f visitor visas, spouse visa children visa and never used an agent and never refused. Do the homework and provide the documents and no problem.

They make money from visas they just want to make sure there is no burden on the state.

They just want to make sure you aren’t working that’s all.

@Gordon ********

If you can pay for her then you will be her sponsor therefore she won’t need financials. If you are staying with family you might need an invitation letter to support where you will be residing whilst there.

It’s a good idea to take out an insurance policy in case she falls ill for the time you’ll be in the Uk.

You just need to satisfy them she won’t be a burden on the state and leave when you say you’ll leave.

It only took me 20 mins at Bangkok Bank but I already had a non o visa.

I wouldn’t advise overstaying as it’s a black mark against you.

You can get an extension but that’s wasting a day at immigration.

I would opt for a tourist visa in advance then no more worries.

You just have to provide the documentation asked for. They need to know she has somewhere to stay and enough money for the trip or you will and she’ll return when you say. I got mine medical insurance for the uk as well for the trip. They make money from visas so as long as you satisfy the requirements there shouldn’t be a problem.