Table of Contents
- Overview of UK Immigration from Thailand
- UK Immigration from Thailand Spouse Visa
- Comprehensive Guide to UK Immigration from Thailand
- UK Student Visa for Thai Nationals
- UK Immigration from Thailand Graduate Visa for Thai Nationals
- UK Immigration from Thailand Work Visas for Thai Nationals
- Financial Requirements for UK Immigration from Thailand
- Can I Use Income from Benefits?
- What is the UK Immigration from Thailand Marriage Visa English Language Test?
- UK Immigration from Thailand: Application & Requirements
- How to Apply for UK Immigration from Thailand
- How Can Salam Immigration Help?
Overview of UK Immigration from Thailand
There are currently over 50,000 Thai-born nationals residing in the UK, representing a significant portion of the East Asian community in the country.
Many Thai nationals obtain settlement through Spouse visas, which are very popular. Additionally, a considerable number of Thai students choose the UK for their higher education, entering the country on Student visas.
Alongside Spouse and Student visas, there are numerous work and family visa options available for Thai nationals to immigrate to the UK, many of which offer a pathway to permanent settlement through indefinite leave to remain.
Thai nationals have the opportunity to gain British citizenship without renouncing their Thai citizenship, making it an attractive option for those who wish to establish roots in the UK while retaining their rights and freedoms as Thai citizens.
UK Spouse Visa for Thai Nationals
The Spouse visa is a highly favoured option for Thai nationals and other foreign nationals seeking to settle in the UK.
- Pathway to settlement
- Study opportunities available
- Multiple visa options
Ensuring your UK Immigration from Thailand process is smooth and efficient is our priority. Our dedicated team at Salam Immigration can guide you through every step, providing personalised support to meet your unique needs.
For more information and expert advice on your specific situation, contact us online or call us on 0161 839 7396.
Get in touch with Salam Immigration today for a seamless transition to the UK!
Comprehensive Guide to UK Immigration from Thailand
Navigating the path to UK Immigration from Thailand involves understanding various visa options and eligibility criteria. Over 50,000 Thai nationals currently reside in the UK, reflecting a significant portion of the East Asian community. Many Thai-born individuals secure settlement through Spouse visas, while others enter on Student visas for higher education. Additionally, a range of work and family visas are available, providing pathways to permanent residency through indefinite leave to remain. Importantly, Thai nationals can gain British citizenship without renouncing their Thai citizenship, allowing them to maintain their rights in Thailand while residing in the UK.
UK Immigration from Thailand Spouse Visa
The UK Immigration from Thailand Spouse Visa is one of the most popular options for Thai nationals seeking long-term settlement in the UK.
- Genuine relationship requirement
- Both over 18 years old
- Permanent UK residence intent
- Minimum financial criteria
- English language proficiency
- Adequate accommodation proof
Proving a genuine and subsisting relationship can be challenging, requiring evidence such as bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements showing shared financial responsibilities and a common address.
Get in touch with our immigration experts for assistance with your UK Immigration from Thailand.
UK Family Visas for Thai Nationals
If the Spouse visa for UK Immigration from Thailand isn’t suitable, other family visas are available for Thai nationals with family members in the UK.
- Fiancé, fiancée, or proposed partner
- Child joining parents
- Parent joining children
- Relative providing long-term care
- Long-term settlement options
- Pathway to British citizenship
Family visas allow long-term settlement for those with a British or Irish citizen family member or someone with settled status in the UK. Specific criteria depend on the family relationship, with fiancé or fiancée visas initially granting a six-month stay to marry or enter a civil partnership before applying for a long-term visa.
UK Immigration from Thailand is achievable with expert guidance from Salam Immigration.
UK Student Visa for Thai Nationals
Thai nationals over 16 can apply for a UK Student visa to pursue further or higher education.
- Course acceptance proof
- Financial support evidence
- English proficiency requirement
- Early application window
- Quick approval process
- Non-permanent settlement option
A UK Immigration from Thailand’s Student visa offers a unique opportunity to experience UK life and culture without committing to long-term residence. Apply up to six months before your course start date, with most visas approved within weeks. For those wishing to stay longer, a Graduate visa is available before the end of their studies.
For comprehensive support and guidance on UK Immigration from Thailand, contact Salam Immigration today.
UK Immigration from Thailand Graduate Visa for Thai Nationals
The UK Immigration from Thailand Graduate visa enables foreign nationals to stay in the UK for up to 2 or 3 years after completing an educational course.
To be eligible for this visa, you must be in the UK, currently hold a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, and have your education provider notify the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course. After obtaining this visa, you can stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years if you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification). Note that this visa cannot be extended or used for permanent settlement, but you may switch to another UK Immigration from Thailand visa if eligible, such as a work visa or Family visa.
UK Immigration from Thailand Work Visas for Thai Nationals
The UK offers various work visas to help Thai nationals come, work, and settle in the UK.
The most popular is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a valid job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor, along with meeting minimum English language and financial requirements. Other specialised work visas include the Scale-Up Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), International Sportsperson visa, and Minister of Religion visa. All these work visas can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
How Do I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) grants long-term permanent residency in the UK, allowing individuals to live and work indefinitely without needing to extend their permission. The main eligibility criteria involve spending a certain amount of qualifying time in the UK, which varies from 2 to 10 years depending on individual circumstances. You must also meet the minimum English language requirements and pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British history, society, and customs.
For expert guidance and comprehensive support on your UK Immigration from Thailand, contact Salam Immigration today.
Financial Requirements for UK Immigration from Thailand
To apply for a UK Immigration from Thailand Marriage Visa, the UK national (sponsor) must meet specific financial criteria. First and foremost, you need to prove that you and your spouse/partner meet the financial requirements and have sufficient funds to support yourselves without claiming public funds. The sponsor must have an annual income of at least £29,000 before tax.
What if I Don’t Meet the Financial Requirement?
If you don’t meet the financial requirement, seek advice from our specialist immigration lawyers. Exceptional circumstances may apply, so it’s essential to understand your options.
Different Sources of Income for UK Immigration from Thailand Marriage Visa Financial Criteria:
- Cash Savings: £16,000 + (income requirement x 2.5 years)
- Self-employment income or employment income
- Pensions
- Rental income
- Verified investment dividends
Using Savings:
Savings between £16,000 and £88,500 can contribute towards meeting the financial criteria for the Marriage Visa. If your savings are less than £16,000, they won’t help meet the requirements. Savings over £16,000 reduce the amount needed from other sources.
- Savings over £16,000 can reduce financial requirements.
- Savings of £88,500 or more will mean you have enough to meet the financial requirements with savings alone, meaning you do not need to prove a certain salary or other means of meeting the financial requirements.
If your partner is applying from outside the UK, their savings can contribute but not their earnings. However, if they work in the UK, their earnings can count towards the total amount.
You can also use a combination of savings and earnings to help you meet the minimum income threshold. However, you must prove you have enough financial support for the entire length of the permit.
Can I Use Income from Benefits?
In some cases, you won’t need to meet the mandatory eligibility criteria if you are claiming any of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance
However, you will need to prove you have enough money to support your dependents. This is called ‘adequate maintenance,’ and the exact amount you need will depend on your individual circumstances.
Typically, you need at least £120 per week after housing costs. If you have children, this amount will increase.
Our Marriage Visa lawyers can help you with UK Immigration from Thailand. Get in touch with us now.
UK Immigration from Thailand Marriage Visa Required Documents Checklist
Having all the correct documents to support your UK Immigration from Thailand Marriage Visa application will help ensure its success and prevent delays. These are the documents you will need to send to the Home Office to get the right to remain in the UK:
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of Genuine Relationship
- A valid passport to get leave to remain in the UK
- Original Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate
- A valid certificate of English language
- Proof of living together (at least for the past two years)
- Any previous immigration documents
- Proof that you meet the income threshold & the financial requirement
- Proof that you are married to a British citizen or settled person (for example, UK citizens can submit a copy of their passport)
Please note that any documents that are not in English need to be accompanied by a translated version from a professional translator. All evidence must be in the exact format required by the Home Office.
What is the UK Immigration from Thailand Marriage Visa English Language Test?
Applicants who wish to live in the UK need to prove that they can speak English.
If you must sit an English test in speaking and listening to get the right to remain in the UK with your UK spouse, your qualification will be valid only if your English exam is taken through an approved IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Consortium.
What are UK Immigration from Thailand accommodation requirements?
You will need to present proof of accommodation that meets UK living standards as part of your UK Immigration from Thailand application.
Your UK national partner, who acts as your sponsor, must show that they can provide adequate accommodation for themselves, the applicant, and any dependents intending to live in the UK.
The Home Office requires you to provide evidence that your living situation is suitable for everyone involved and complies with the housing standards set by UK law. Ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete will help prevent delays in your application process.
For proof of accommodation, the Home Office will ask you to provide:
- Tenancy agreement or property ownership documents
- Evidence of living arrangements
- Proof of sufficient living space
Qualifying for Accommodation Requirements
To qualify for the UK Immigration from Thailand accommodation requirements, your property needs enough rooms to accommodate the couple and any dependents. Each person needs an individual room, however:
- Two children aged under 10 can share one room
- Babies under one year can live in the same room as the couple
- The property must meet health and safety standards
- The accommodation must not be overcrowded
- You must provide a letter from the landlord (if renting)
- Evidence of adequate living conditions
This means that two children aged under 10 years can share one room, and babies under one year old can live in the same room as the couple.
Ensure your UK Immigration from Thailand application meets all accommodation requirements.
How to Apply for UK Immigration from Thailand
Ensure you start your application well ahead of your planned move to the UK. Do not book your flight or travel before receiving visa approval from the Home Office. The UK Immigration from Thailand application process can start online by completing Appendix FM and other forms from outside the UK. However, you may need to visit a visa application centre to give your biometrics as part of the process. There are several forms and documents involved, and they must be filled out correctly with sufficient evidence to increase your chances of obtaining approval.
If you are applying from within the UK, the process is different as you will need to show proof that you are in the country on an eligible visa to switch to a settlement visa. You can only apply from inside the UK if your current visa is eligible. When reviewing your application, if the Home Office has any doubts, you may be invited for an interview. During the interview, you will be asked questions to determine the genuineness of your relationship and your intent in the UK.
The UK Immigration from Thailand application process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate alone. We can help. Contact us now on 0161 839 7396 or make an enquiry online to speak with one of our immigration lawyers about your application.
Application Process for UK Immigration from Thailand
It usually takes between 2 to 12 weeks for a UK Immigration from Thailand case to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the documents provided and the country from which the application is submitted.
Accepted UK Immigration from Thailand Application
When your application is accepted for UK Immigration from Thailand, you will be granted leave to remain, which allows you to enter the UK within a 30-day period. Upon arrival in the UK, you will have a 10-day period in which to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). If you fail to enter the UK within this timeframe, you can submit an application for another 30-day entry permit, but you will be charged an additional fee.
Rejected UK Immigration from Thailand Application
If your case is rejected, you can appeal against the Home Office’s decision. This is a lengthy and challenging process that is best assisted by an immigration adviser. Our experts can assist with all aspects of your case. If you need help with your UK Immigration from Thailand appeal application, please get in touch.
We have offices located across the UK, including in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. You can also use our office finder to locate the closest branch to you.
UK Immigration from Thailand rejected? Our lawyers can guide you on the next steps
UK Immigration from Thailand Appeal Process
If you wish to submit an appeal, you should act quickly and follow these steps: Submit your appeal to the Immigration Asylum Chamber within 28 days of receipt of the refusal decision overseas, or 14 days if your application was made inside the UK. Ensure that your grounds for appeal are legitimate and likely to be accepted. Prepare your case to submit the strongest possible application to the Immigration Tribunal. Gather the supporting documents to demonstrate why your application should be accepted. Attend your hearing at the Tribunal (if relevant).
UK Immigration from Thailand Appeal Timeframe
Unfortunately, the appeal process can be quite lengthy. Some applicants may have to wait up to 12 months or longer for a decision on their appeal against a refusal.
Reasons for Refusal
Some reasons for refusal include: Insufficient financial evidence Incomplete documentation Lack of proof of a genuine relationship Failing to meet accommodation requirements The best way to avoid having to go through the appeal process is by ensuring that your initial application is as accurate as possible.
Renewing or Extending a UK Immigration from Thailand
You can renew and extend your UK Immigration from Thailand for another 2.5 years, as long as your current leave to remain hasn’t expired.
Extension Requirements
In order to qualify for an extension, you must: Continue to meet the financial requirement Prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting Provide proof of accommodation Pass an English test (if required) Provide current biometric information There are a few other requirements for a UK Immigration from Thailand extension. Kindly reach out to us today on 0161 839 7396 for advice or support with an extension application. After you have lived in the UK for a total of 5 years, you can apply for settled status (ILR). Get in touch with our lawyers if you need to apply for a renewal.
How Can Salam Immigration Help?
Applications for UK Immigration from Thailand can be complex, and using the services of an immigration expert is highly recommended. You will need to ensure that you meet all of the mandatory requirements, complete the relevant forms, and collate your evidence for submission. This will need to be extensive and prove that your relationship is genuine.
At Salam Immigration, we understand the importance of being close to loved ones, and we make it our priority to maximise your chances of doing this.
Our team of specialist immigration advisers and visa solicitors can guide you through each step of your application process for UK Immigration from Thailand.
Our services include:
Detailed consultation Document preparation and review Submission of applications Representation at tribunals Appeals and reconsideration Salam Immigration has an excellent track record of successful cases, and our visa solicitors are highly experienced in this field. To apply, contact Salam Immigration online or on 0161 839 7396 today for professional, no-obligation advice or assistance.
We offer immigration advice in person at our UK offices or via phone.
