I was just scrubbing out my PC and giving somebody some advice on settlement visa when I realised that my own recent experience gave me some great documentation on how to get a UK settlement visa, which I've decided to share with you all.
Firstly a disclaimer. The evidence that I suplied worked for me....I cannot guarrantee that they'll work for you...the devil's in the details.
Secondly the information is for your reference only. You really should re-word it all according to your own experience, though of course most of our personal details have been omitted.
Thirdly, my circumstances will of course not be your circumstances, but this is, as far as I know, the only such document online which roughly details the circumstances of an English teacher in Thailand looking to return to the UK with family, and NOT the usual older settled Brit in the UK trying to move his holiday romance over which I have mostly found on sites such as Thai Visa or UK Thailand.
Fourthly it's a bit rough, but this visa application process is not an exact science...yes it could be prettier, but moving back in 10 days I really lack the time to make it perfect.
I hope it is of help to somebody. You need to be logged in to download attatchments!
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Added 8/3/08
Defender has very kindly added his settlement visa application template. If you need some guidance with accommodation with family it would be better to read this one than mine on that matter as I was renting my own place.
I borrowed a good deal of his guidance for my own reference as well as from a thread on the subject from the
Thailand UK forum. They unfortunately require registration in order to read this info, and do not allow yahoo, hotmail or gmail accounts, so you need to get creative with the email addy you supply.
Thai Visa also have a thread on the subject, but a returning teacher might find it a little unrealistic, and centric to a settled UK resident.
Rob's Guide To UK Settlement Application Preparation. - Thailand Forum
Having said that, both Thai Visa and UK Thailand are excellent resources for settlement visa advice, though be wary about taking some of the doom and gloom too seriously. One minute I could be all smiles about our prospects and then boom...one failed application thread later and I'd be shitting bricks.
Remember they have to find a reason NOT to grant the visa. Not a reason TO grant the visa.