UK Fiancee Visa for a Thai national

A UK fiancee visa is a 6 month visa given by the British Embassy in Bangkok and clearly means that your intentions are to marry your Thai partner in the UK within the 6 month period of the visa.

Once you have completed your marriage in the UK to your Thai girlfriend, you will be given a further extension without leaving the UK which we call an FLR, (further leave to remain) and this extension is awarded by the UK border agency. The FLR is currently valid for 2 years and 9 months and allows your wife to then work legallly.

We take care of all online and paper application forms and associated letters and are completely hands-on from start to finish whilst constantly communicating to update local and overseas customers on the application progress so you can relax and leave it to us

An English owned and managed company with bilingual English / Thai staff who will help your Thai partner through the entire process with no hassle and full support from the beginning of the process right up until you receive your visa

We are a well respected company and affiliated with the Pattaya Expats club. Our team go above and beyond to offer simply the best visa service in Thailand with additional benefits not offered by any other company such as an airport concierge for solo travellers.

Like the UK settlement visa, the benefit of this visa is that your Thai wife, after the extension is given, can then work legally in the UK and get a UK National Insurance number from the Department of Works and Pensions and also open bank accounts etc. They can do everything you would expect your settled wife to be able to do. The only thing that is not permitted is requesting government benefits. Tax child credit is allowed if you have a child together that is a British Citizen, as this is a permitted benefit.

When to apply for a fiancee visa

Most of the time we would advise a client to apply for this visa after they have first been to the UK on holiday. This is because mainly it is felt that your Thai girlfriend, fiancée or wife has to experience the UK before deciding to settle and the unwritten sentiment of the embassy is the same; why really should your Thai partner be given the full benefit of living in the UK if they have not experienced the UK previously? We will always deal with a clients request as not everybody’s circumstances are the same, but do consider a holiday in the UK before a long stay visa.

As with the UK Settlement visa, included in the UK fiancee visa application are three major hurdles you need to overcome. These include the UK Key A1 English test, which was introduced into the curriculum in November 2009, and the mandatory tuberculosis test. These are not to be feared as 99% of our clients pass the tuberculosis x ray the first time, due to our experience and training of the Thai applicant.

The main fear many of our clients have is the financial criteria for which we have a separate educational section on this website but, in short, the main aspect is the embassy officials wish to see that you have earnings of 18,600 pounds per year before tax if working, or a lump sum of 62,500 pounds in the bank that has been there for 6 months and at the disposal of the sponsor or pensions adding up to the sum of 18,600 pounds before tax which you must get correct. If you do not, the application will be refused immediately so if you do not meet this financial requirement as set out on the FM-SE you should not attempt to apply.

We first start by advising the sponsor and the Thai applicant of the documents required on the telephone or by e-mail or fax making sure that both parties fully understand all the requirements.

Darren McGarry is the English speaking staff to deal with the sponsor and we have Thai staff to deal with the partner, which is important to make sure that document supplied to us are correct and complete.

When the documents are received we collate and do the translations that are needed for the visa application.

We book your Thai fiancee’s tuberculosis x-ray appointment and then take her for the x-ray.

We accurately prepare the online application and organize the visa application fee.

We set up the NHS portal account for your Thai partner so the new NHS surcharge can be paid.

We write all associated letters for you and your Thai partner to ensure the necessary wording.

We book the appointment to submit the visa application with your Thai partner in Bangkok and make sure your Thai wife is word perfect.

We make sure that your Thai partner says the correct information to the officers, which is important when submitting the visa application, as they submit a report.

We then get an application tracking number and check the status of the application every day until the decision has been made.

When the decision has been made we collect the application, passport and UK visa on behalf of your Thai fiancee from the UK visa application center in Bangkok (VFS Global).

We advise you when the visa has been issued and the start date so you can prepare flights for your wife which, for a settlement visa, can be a one way flight to the UK.

Fantastic honest very speedy firm would very much recommend them I had passport renewal in 9 days and didn’t have to do anything top man Darren and totally honest,great communication from him and very very prompt and definitely would recommend to others
5 / 5 stars
Jonathan Watts

Excellent service, professional every step of the way. Just outstanding how good these guys are!!!!!
5 / 5 stars
Paul Sandilands

No hassle service, very professional, polite and hardworking staff. If you are looking for a visa of any kind i can certainly recommend Key Visa, thanks Darren and your staff.
5 / 5 stars
Andy Watts

What can your Thai wife legally do in the UK?
A UK fiancée- settlement visa allows your Thai wife to work legally, obtain a National Insurance number, be eligible for National health care, sign on with your local doctor and do pretty much all the same things as an English wife would be able to achieve. Your Thai wife cannot claim Government benefits including job seekers allowance which is actually stated on the visa as, “no recourse to any public funds.” So as the UK sponsor, your job is to financially take care of your Thai wife for the duration of your lives together in the UK. Settlement visas do cement your relationship and allow you to build your lives together in the UK without the fear of looking over your shoulder for the immigration police.
Things that must be done before a UK fiancee visa can be processed
A1 Test For UK Fiancee Visa Applications
All applicants must pass the A1 English test called the Key English Test (KET) before considering applying for the visa without the test past you cannot apply for a UK fiancée visa please click for details. This English proficiency test is mainly about reading, speaking, listening and writing to a basic level and there are numerous you tube mock test available on the Internet. All applicants aged 18 years and over must pass this exam.
Tuberculosis x-ray
This x-ray must be completed by all applicants including children under the age of 12 years old but there is no need to worry as part of our service the trained Key Visa staff will book the appointment and prepare the associated documents and take your Thai partner to Bangkok to undergo the x-ray and if the applicant passes which is normal then a certificate will be issued on the same day by the IOM.
Financial criteria set out of the FM Appendix
To obtain a UK fiancée visa there is a financial criteria which we have detailed on another section. These rules were introduced in July 2012 and are designed to prove to the British government that you can provide for your wife or her children financially. This includes being employed, or self employed, or living on pensions or savings – but it mainly comes down to being able to prove that you are earning 18,600 UK pounds before taxes, which is the income threshold set by the British Government. The income threshold is the biggest burden most people face with relation to this particular visa which is why professional help from Key Visa Company is paramount.

To obtain a UK Settlement visa it is very difficult and we always advise getting professional help and at Key Visa we are specialists with the documentation and the presentation of the visa application. The application is done in two stages; the first being the online visa application and then the financial application which we call the separate financial appendix. One mistake and you lose the application and your money so why take the risk? Let Key Visa Visa consultants use their experience to get the application correct first time.

My name is Mr. Darren McGarry and I am the owner and the main visa consultant of Key Visa Company.

I have given you my procedures and inclusive costings for the UK Fiancee Visa application and you will see there is no financial risk and that the fee is reasonable.

I find that when the visa has been awarded most clients feel they are happy to have paid a professional company to obtain and present the visa application to get it correct first time.

expat

18 years of visa experience, honesty and integrity for both our Thai national and expat clients.

nationwide

Nationwide service across Thailand, no matter where you live in the country we can solve your visa problems

no-visa-no-fee

No visa, no professional fee. If you don’t get the visa we don’t get paid – No hassle, no heartbreak.

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    Robert P.
    Robert P.
    00:40 05 Jun 23
    Very fast, simple smooth, efficient service.
    Lewi L.
    Lewi L.
    03:04 21 May 23
    If you need assistance with any visa related this is the place in Pattaya.
    Stephen A.
    Stephen A.
    07:41 05 Mar 23
    Key visa was the best. Sadly the owner, Darren, past away December 22.
    danny W.
    danny W.
    03:43 13 Feb 23
    Absolutely fantastic service great staff totally stress free and professional services I highly recommend.
    Bob C.
    Bob C.
    11:33 09 Feb 23
    Dave C.
    Dave C.
    14:30 08 Feb 23
    been using this company for years, great service.
    Keith J.
    Keith J.
    04:01 26 Jan 23
    Tom A.
    Tom A.
    23:04 21 Jan 23
    kook A.
    kook A.
    10:17 18 Jan 23
    DAVID C.
    DAVID C.
    06:47 17 Jan 23
    Recently obtained a visa for myself and British passport for my partner..No hassle no immigration queueing. Great staff great service thank you Key Visa Thailand…..
    Frank J.
    Frank J.
    10:43 01 Jan 23
    Very helful and efficient.
    Francisco M.
    Francisco M.
    08:20 31 Dec 22
    I went to key visa company for a consultation about marriage visa. it turned out they don't do that type of visa but there was another option and the lady was professional and courteous. but since my visa is not finalized I can't honestly give a full report on visa company.
    tony L.
    tony L.
    01:17 30 Dec 22
    The service and support I received from Darren & his Team in relation to a recent Passport Application for my son was exemplary.The service & professional way in which they expedited the application & explained clearly each step of the process's involved, was faultless.All of which resulted in a speedy & positive result.Darren & TeamThank you very much & I wish you all,A Very Happy & Prosperous New Year 2023 ( post Covid)Tony
    Kristijan C.
    Kristijan C.
    16:48 22 Dec 22
    Great helpful staff
    Sean T.
    Sean T.
    11:39 21 Dec 22
    Job done, Thank you team and sorry to hear of the passing of Darren 🙏
    Thomas K.
    Thomas K.
    14:21 13 Dec 22
    Thank you for your reply, but there is no ringtone or pickup when ringing your office and none of my mails and messages have been answered.
    Michael S.
    Michael S.
    15:42 10 Dec 22
    I read today that Darren suddenly has passed away - far too early in his life.It's never too late to write a review and his services on his company - named Key Visa Co. - so I will use this review to say that I have always been satisfied helping me by his large knowledge about the visa system in Thailand.Every time I met him I was surpriced to noticed his honest and friendly commitment, and over the years I was always convinced that he was not only helpful but also indicated in his way of recognizing his customers. You could always count on him and I was never disappointed.It pains me that he has passed away at such an early age, but I believe that his customers will always remember him as a businessman who only wanted to give his customers the best possible experience and service.He will be missed!R.I.P. Darren.
    C B
    C B
    15:54 09 Dec 22
    Seems to know about visas in Thailand
    Peter W.
    Peter W.
    07:23 08 Dec 22
    The Key visa team led by Darren have 18 years of experience navigating the visa minefield.I am just one of Darren’s satisfied clients.
    Chris T
    Chris T
    13:24 03 Dec 22
    Fast and friendly
    Ross C.
    Ross C.
    16:28 30 Nov 22
    Fantastic company. Darren & his team couldn’t of been better! Polite, responsive, knowledgeable and most importantly they know what they’re doing & get the job done!! Very pleased with the entire process start to finish, me & my GF will be using the company for all of our visa needs moving forward! Thank you Darren & the team!!UK tourist visa application for Thai national.
    Leo T.
    Leo T.
    09:53 25 Nov 22
    Fantastic service
    Christopher W.
    Christopher W.
    08:01 25 Nov 22
    key Visa has a proven track record. They have got me a retirement visa for years and renewed my passport without me having to go to Bangkok. They also got my daughter, born in Thailand, an English passport.Use Key Visa to sort out your retirement visa problems and for getting passports renewed or being obtained for citizens of dual nationalityExceptionally efficient
    finlay S.
    finlay S.
    10:06 24 Nov 22
    Had to renew my uk passport and chose key visa to deal with my application as I am up country in Chaiyaphum province.Great service from Darren and staff always quick and friendly replies to emails.Passport back in 11 weeks time it takes for uk to process.Collected by Key visa and posted by ems to me with old passport and letter to transfer visa stamps to new passport.Great service.
    Michael H.
    Michael H.
    07:31 20 Nov 22
    Michael “Mick” N.
    Michael “Mick” N.
    11:05 19 Nov 22
    Polsky E.
    Polsky E.
    01:56 11 Nov 22
    After attempting for 2 days to get a retirement visa myself with my Thai girlfriends help to no avail and being left totally frustrated I eventually gave up and contacted Darren. After consultation with Darren he calmly brought me back down to earth, reassuring me that the visa would be procured with little effort by myself. I left feeling very confident and reassured at what Darren had said. Yesterday I collected my passport with said visa for 15 months. Many thanks to Darren and team, Key Visa did a great job.
    Alan J.
    Alan J.
    00:20 08 Nov 22
    Non imm "O" extension quick efficient no hassles service.
    Bryan P.
    Bryan P.
    02:53 06 Nov 22
    Very pleased with the service I received here. Darren was very knowledgeable. Now my retirement Visa has been issued. I am delighted with Key Visa. Fantastic service. I am very grateful.
    Tim M.
    Tim M.
    08:08 30 Oct 22
    No wasting time
    Martin William B.
    Martin William B.
    09:43 27 Oct 22
    Only go to the best !!!
    Joe on the Go !
    Joe on the Go !
    02:44 24 Oct 22
    Maurice P.
    Maurice P.
    10:51 21 Oct 22
    Having had a difficult time renewing my UK passport I have to thank Key Visa service for their excellent help in difficult times in successfully getting my updated passport. Covid has played a big part in delays from the passport office along with increased demand and the Ukraine conflict but for those non UK residents this has caused many delays. Darren and his staff have been most helpful in ensuring this was completed as quickly as possible and I thoroughly recommend their service to anyone who are looking for this type of service. Many thanks for a five star service.
    berny P.
    berny P.
    06:23 20 Oct 22
    Australian friend having problems with thai wife spouse visa, agency are being very helpful with a excellent customer service
    Christopher B.
    Christopher B.
    15:21 18 Oct 22
    As always absolutely top class advise and speedy response - these guys have been looking after us for around twenty years and in my opinion the very best.
    J T.
    J T.
    07:55 15 Sep 22
    Thanks to Darren and his team for renewing my retirement visa and re-entry permit! I got it back in ONE DAY! Awesome service. I highly recommend Key Visa and will definitely be using them again in the future!
    Brenda B.
    Brenda B.
    03:16 12 Sep 22
    Friendly and efficient service ...
    Nicholas D.
    Nicholas D.
    22:35 19 Aug 22
    In difficult times they got the job done. UK passport renewal in 2022. My only gripe is my emails and phone calls went unanswered during the process. I was rude to the lady in the office. Sorry about that. When we asked for my (old) passport to be sent back on short notice for the 90 day renewal they sent it back immediately. Thanks guys. Sorry for the trouble
    Steve H.
    Steve H.
    06:47 12 Aug 22
    Darren and his staff are friendly, helpful and most of all very knowledgeable. If you need real and accurate advice then look no further.
    Pieter M.
    Pieter M.
    14:23 31 Jul 22
    perfect help to get a visa
    Ian L.
    Ian L.
    04:53 08 Jul 22
    Darren and his team are truly excellent offering an exemplary service. Was updated regularly as visa was processed and everything went smoothly. Darren took time to explain the process and was always available to answer questions. Highly recommended. Thank you
    Wayne C
    Wayne C
    01:52 07 Jul 22
    Great service from Darren and his Team, highly recommended! They get the job done courteously and professionally every time.
    Dave N
    Dave N
    06:32 06 Jul 22
    Easy process to get my 15 month visa. I highly recommend Darren and his team. A+
    Chris H.
    Chris H.
    04:22 06 Jul 22
    Passport renewal
    Travelling O.
    Travelling O.
    01:43 05 Jul 22
    Good and quick service, reliable staff that can handle all visa issues within reason.
    Jason M.
    Jason M.
    15:16 02 Jul 22
    Great staff very helpful. Highly recommend Key Visa.
    Nicholas W.
    Nicholas W.
    00:38 02 Jul 22
    Key Visa fantastic helpful staff you want your loved ones to go home with you this is the place that will make it happen.
    William F.
    William F.
    12:03 01 Jul 22
    I received the answers I wanted. Quickly and easily
    Brian C.
    Brian C.
    03:58 15 Jun 22
    I have used Key Visa since moving to Thailand over 3 years ago. Darren quickly helped sort out my VISA, back then and arranged for me to open a Bank Account with Bangkok Bank which is invaluable and a must for any long term stay or ex pat. Also directed me to some one who helped me get Motorbike and Driving Licence. 3 years later and on this occasion I asked them to arrange a new 50 page UK passport along with renew VISA etc. Highly recommend Darren and his staff of front office ladies to get you sorted. Thanks
    Tim F
    Tim F
    07:59 01 Jun 22
    A big thank you to Darren and the staff at Key Visa. I received prompt, courteous and professional communications and service for the annual renewal of my extention of stay and multiple reentry permit. I will be back once again this time next year. Great job!
    David H.
    David H.
    01:04 31 May 22
    T A.
    T A.
    06:30 27 May 22
    Great staff and excellent service.Both polite and prompt.
    H A
    H A
    12:05 24 May 22
    Professional and honest man, he extended my tourist visa in one day and at a reasonable price, definitely recommend this office.Hassan,
    andy W.
    andy W.
    03:21 24 May 22
    well Darren it had been 2 years since i last saw you ,i would like to thank you and your staff for an excellent service for my visa. I can highly recommend key visa for all services and i have used them for many years .Dont go anywhere else use Key Visa
    Jay R.
    Jay R.
    15:19 02 May 22
    Experienced & knowledge about all things immigration and visas
    John A.
    John A.
    07:11 20 Apr 22
    Rang them to update my tourist visa from 30 day to 60 day. Was advised I needed my passport plus another passport photo. I dropped them in the office, 5 mins paperwork. Email received day later job done✔️ Took the aggro of doing it myself as a first time visitor.Staff very helpful, I'm more than happy to give Darren and his staff a 5 star review
    paul C.
    paul C.
    19:04 04 Apr 22
    Very helpful and courteous.
    Charles C.
    Charles C.
    07:22 28 Mar 22
    Great place for expats to get visa applications completed in record time. They have great immigration contacts so you don't have to wait nearly as long as others do. Also this is only for expat visas. They don't do tourist visas.The only reason the didn't get 5 stars is because the employees are difficult to understand so I had to go in a few times instead of being able to handle things over the phone. The owner is a Brit so for English speakers he's usually always available for questions.
    Thinka B.
    Thinka B.
    05:27 12 Mar 22
    Excellent and prompt service, very professional.
    Linda G.
    Linda G.
    12:46 11 Mar 22
    Key visa staff were really helpful and knew exactly what to do for my request.My application was handled efficiently and quickly and my passport returned very quickly with the stamps required.I would definitely recommend Darren and his staff if you need any visa or passport assistance.
    John - C.
    John - C.
    13:55 07 Mar 22
    Excellent service from Darren and Key Visa. My only complaint was with The Thai Post office who managed to lose an EMS envelope with my passport in it. The passport was wrongly delivered to another town 20 miles away because the postal workers could not read English which was very clearly printed on the envelope. It took a whole day for my wife and the postman to track down the missing passport. Darren was very patient with me and my rantings and very supportive. I would advise anyone that has to deal with The ThaI Postal system to write their address in Thai. In the sticks very few people understand English.
    Scott Y.
    Scott Y.
    11:51 26 Feb 22
    I have known Darren many years and he has helped me with a range of visa processes during my time in Thailand over the past 15 years. Professional, honest, hardworking and a pleasure to do business with. His staff are friendly and welcoming and they will assist you every step of the way. I recently lost my job and thus had my work permit cancelled and Darren assured me he could help and that's exactly what he did. A pleasure to know. If you need any help and advice with visas, give him a visit - you won't be disappointed. Cheers for your help and kindness!
    Jura K.
    Jura K.
    08:03 24 Feb 22
    Very good service. Thanks.
    andrey tkachev T.
    andrey tkachev T.
    10:44 16 Jan 22
    Very efficient and fast service . Despite the expected slowdown due to the New Year holidays and Covid, Darren and his team did everything possible to solve my problem in a timely manner. I will definitely come here again.
    nigel R.
    nigel R.
    07:50 15 Jan 22
    Very good advice, fair prices.Best visa shop i have found in 20 years
    Gal Z.
    Gal Z.
    08:41 06 Jan 22
    Pretty lovely
    John S.
    John S.
    12:06 21 Dec 21
    Great service and friendly staff which make it easier to get a visa
    Robert H.
    Robert H.
    05:56 13 Dec 21
    I recently renewed my UK Passport through Key Visa and found Darren and his staff to be extremely helpful and efficient. My Passport arrived as promised with zero drama and/or issues. And as such, I highly recommend this company and will definitely be using their services again.
    j r
    j r
    10:13 29 Nov 21
    Excellent service will use again and recommend to all. Darren and his staff answered all my many questions quickly and efficiently . Even when all travel restrictions over I still think his professional service extremely good value, a great saving of my time and effort and great value JOHN C RAI
    Martin C.
    Martin C.
    08:50 04 Nov 21
    After experiencing problems with initial application for my son's passport Darren at Key visa resubmitted a second successful application at no extra cost. Very happy with the service I received.
    Wichan P.
    Wichan P.
    10:37 27 Oct 21
    Good and fast service .
    Colin C.
    Colin C.
    02:16 25 Oct 21
    Does what it says on the tin. Excellent service.
    Hasy H.
    Hasy H.
    04:26 24 Oct 21
    Great service friendly people specially great Darren
    Joe W.
    Joe W.
    06:05 19 Oct 21
    First time used but not the last excellent service can trust darren
    justin M. C.
    justin M. C.
    15:15 18 Oct 21
    Darren and his team are always professional and on point.
    Kim N.
    Kim N.
    09:25 16 Oct 21
    William
    William
    12:35 15 Oct 21
    Not my first dealings, they are excellent.
    Cameron A.
    Cameron A.
    05:17 23 Sep 21
    Great service for getting a new UK passport during Covid restrictions around Bangkok. Thanks Darren!
    Gary Z
    Gary Z
    02:44 08 Sep 21
    Darren does a great job at reasonable cost for those who find navigating Thai immigration cumbersome or complicated.
    justin S.
    justin S.
    16:46 28 Jul 21
    In the last 16 months Darren has assisted me with getting a new uk passport whilst living in Thailand and just recently a tourist visa for my thai girlfriend, he is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with, would highly recommend
    carl E.
    carl E.
    03:23 23 Jul 21
    Fantastic service highly recommended
    Lord Brett S.
    Lord Brett S.
    05:12 07 Jul 21
    I was dreading the prospect of going through the lengthy process of renewing my British passport so I decided to give Key Visa’s passport renewal service a try and I am so glad that I did.All I did was to provide two photographs and pay the all-inclusive fee of THB 12,000. This fee covers all the charges for Key Visa, British HMPO and two trips to Bangkok for Key Visa staff to submit the application and then collect the new passport. I was in and out of their offices within 10 minutes. All documentation was completed by Key Visa staff.After 20 days, I received an email from British HMPO that my passport was ready for collection.I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Key Visa for their amazingly prompt and efficient service and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their British passport renewal service to anyone who wants a stress-free passport renewal.
    scott C.
    scott C.
    02:41 03 Jul 21
    Excellent service, extremely efficient, UK passport renewal completed in 3 weeks.
    Brian Y.
    Brian Y.
    08:58 13 Jun 21
    Oh dear,just another boring comment from a satisfied customer.But there's nothing boring about Key Visa.This guy Darren and his team are amazing.I applied to renew my British passport.Took heed of reading about issue delays,but my new passport came back in under 4 weeks.I live in Phuket and was worried about traveling to Bangkok during this covid time.But I needn't have,Key Visa took care of everything,and the service isn't expensive when you consider air fares,accomodation,hassle.So i'll make it brief,Thank you Key Visa,Thank you Darren,Thank you team.
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