@Bern *****

providing the recipient has What's App and Internet connection of course.

@Michael *******

yes Michael. I misinterpreted the info.

@Michael *******

I think it's been contracted out to them.

@Rikki *******

maybe in Thailand and for Thai processes there maybe alternative ways, but not for UK. In my opinion anything other than the official route could lead to problems. Don't forget, even if you did get a UK visa via 'who you know', there is another check at border control in UK.

@Rikki *******

Another incorrect statement. The Entry Clearance is NOT done by Thais. Moreover, a visa is not issued by the embassy. It is done through the consulate I believe and is a clearance from UKBA. Decision making has been moved to Delhi.

@Neil *******

Sorry Neil, it doesn't carry much clout as the ECO (Entry Clearance Officers) are well aware of SE Asian culture where parents work away and leave children with grandparents.

Whilst it's a 6 month visa that's issued, that's the validity period during which time the applicant can visit. IT DOES NOT MEAN THE APPLICANT CAN AUTOMATICALLY STAY 6 MONTHS. If applicant applies for a 3 week visit they can stay 3 weeks within the 6 month period. Staying longer COULD result in an arrest for overstay. Anyone who wishes to contradict this should know that I have personal experience of this.

@Rikki *******

Not true. There is no route for paying under the table!

@Michael *******

the VFS is as the title implies Visa Forwarding Services. They check and advise for documents submitted and then, as I understand it, decision is made by staff at the INDIAN embassy.

@Michael ******

Congratulations Michael. Non Immigrant O visa. 400,000 baht in bank. Do you know about the documents you'll need for visa application?