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7by7, on 2011-07-01 01:49:26, said:
Like any process that involves dealing with a bureaucracy, applying for a visa, especially settlement, can be a lengthy, tedious affair, which in a perfect world should not be necessary.
Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world.
The key is to know what it is the visa regulations of the country you are applying to require for the type of visa you want. This can be found out by researching the relevant government websites, asking on forums such as this or paying an agent to tell you. Although any one of these can give you the wrong information!
Once you know what is required, then it is a matter of preparing the necessary documentation to show that you meet those requirements; again using an agent to assist if you so desire; though, of course, if health checks or a language test are required an agent can't do them for you, ditto if an interview is required.
But, if thinking of using an agent, be careful; there are a lot of sharks out there who overcharge and make promises they know they can't keep! There's a pinned topic on visa agents I'd recommend anyone who is thinking of using one read first.
Then, once you have everything prepared it is a matter of submitting the application and waiting for a decision.
For some countries, the whole process is a lot simpler and quicker than it is for others. Based upon what I have read here, it seems a lot easier, and quicker, to get a settlement visa for the UK than it is for Australia or the US. It was certainly easier for my wife and step-daughter to get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and then British citizenship then it will be for me, when the time comes, to ever get permanent residence in Thailand, let alone Thai citizenship!
To all those currently going through the process, for whichever country, best of luck; and remember that patience is a virtue that is difficult to have, but essential in situations like this. If you, or your loved one, meet the requirements for the visa, and have shown that this is so, then you will get what you want; even though it may take a while. A settlement visa is for a lifetime together; surely the preparation and the weeks or even months of waiting for it is worth it in the end.
We had a gap of nearly 5 months between submitting the application and my wife and step-daughter arriving in the UK, now after over 10 years together in the UK, my wife and I certainly think the effort and wait were worth it!
Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world.
The key is to know what it is the visa regulations of the country you are applying to require for the type of visa you want. This can be found out by researching the relevant government websites, asking on forums such as this or paying an agent to tell you. Although any one of these can give you the wrong information!
Once you know what is required, then it is a matter of preparing the necessary documentation to show that you meet those requirements; again using an agent to assist if you so desire; though, of course, if health checks or a language test are required an agent can't do them for you, ditto if an interview is required.
But, if thinking of using an agent, be careful; there are a lot of sharks out there who overcharge and make promises they know they can't keep! There's a pinned topic on visa agents I'd recommend anyone who is thinking of using one read first.
Then, once you have everything prepared it is a matter of submitting the application and waiting for a decision.
For some countries, the whole process is a lot simpler and quicker than it is for others. Based upon what I have read here, it seems a lot easier, and quicker, to get a settlement visa for the UK than it is for Australia or the US. It was certainly easier for my wife and step-daughter to get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and then British citizenship then it will be for me, when the time comes, to ever get permanent residence in Thailand, let alone Thai citizenship!
To all those currently going through the process, for whichever country, best of luck; and remember that patience is a virtue that is difficult to have, but essential in situations like this. If you, or your loved one, meet the requirements for the visa, and have shown that this is so, then you will get what you want; even though it may take a while. A settlement visa is for a lifetime together; surely the preparation and the weeks or even months of waiting for it is worth it in the end.
We had a gap of nearly 5 months between submitting the application and my wife and step-daughter arriving in the UK, now after over 10 years together in the UK, my wife and I certainly think the effort and wait were worth it!
A very good post 7x7 you speak from personal experience and your wise words about patience are very apt , much respect !
