Below I provide, in order: A) my observations about the refusal, B) a quick background history with facts and C) the refusal letter. I hope someone in this forum can help me.
A) Out of the 4 points raised by the officer:
1) This point concerns me. It is not clear what conclusion the officer made about her circumstances in Thailand. It seems to me that the officer is just explaining how it works, instead of detailing an issue. Having said that, I have no idea how to fix it.
2) Stupid mistake. One of the questions on the form was "How much money are you planning to spend on your visit to the UK?" and I answered >£1k (exact value omitted). I assumed that was the cost of her trip, not a value that she would need to pay herself. In the form and in the invitation letter I said I was paying for absolutely everything, but if the question was meant to show money she needed to pay then I made a mistake. Is that the case?
One more thing in relation to "elaborate further" with regards to her savings: What else do they require?
3) My mistake again. I filled in the form and did it all without explaining to her all details. I never thought they would call my girlfriend. They called early morning and she was confused and ended up saying if the visa was for 6 months she would stay 6 months. Also, she said the course could take 3 months. This I believe can be fixed by clarifying the details with my girlfriend and confirming the dates of her trip: flight dates, exact return date and dates of any English courses.
4) It seems to be just a conclusion. Anything else I should fix?
Other things I think I missed, but were not mentioned by the officer:
- I didn't explain where and how we met (in a bar)
- Should I add a more detailed itinerary to the invitation letter, with dates and prices of train tickets, instead of just saying "we plan to visit cities A, B and C in the UK"?
B) History and Facts
I met my GF in Thailand in the end of December 2016. We stayed together for 8 days and went to two ASEAN countries together. I went back to Thailand BOTH in February and March and we visited a new ASEAN country in each trip, being together for 8 more days in each trip. I went back in April for 8 more days and this time stayed in Bangkok only.
My GF doesn't work. She lives in a remote village in Thailand with relatives, doesn't have properties and I send money to her every month.
I know that taking into account her financial situation (none!) and the fact that we met less than 5 months ago, against all the odds I thought I had a strong application for the following reasons:
- I went to Thailand 4 times in 4 months. In the last two opportunities I met several of her friends (proved with photos).
- She visited 4 ASEAN countries with me in 3 different months and got 4 stamps on her new passport.
- I sent all details about my financial situation which showed no problems with paying for her stay or supporting her.
- I sent logs of daily chats and daily video-calls (just extracts, but showing the excessive amount of communication)
- I sent proof of every single fact I put in the invitation letter, including air tickets, stamps on mine and her passports, photos (of us with her friends and us in each ASEAN country visited), logs of calls and chat, etc.
- My mortgage statement, payslip, P60, bank account extracts
- Proof of monthly money transfer from UK to Thailand
- Her ID card, a document with her address, and both ID and address document of closest relative.
- My invitation letter also clearly explained purpose of visit (visit boyfriend after my 4 visit to Thailand and short English course) and provided proof for every claim.
C) Below is the refusal letter, with some personal information masked. Please can anyone help me?
I have refused your application for a visa because I am not satisfied that you meet the requirements of paragraph(s) V4.2 - V4.10 of Appendix V: Immigration Rules because:
1) You have applied to visit the UK to see Mr X who you say is your boyfriend. You have said on your visa form that you intend to stay in the UK for 30 days. I acknowledge the letter of invitation, copy of your sponsors European Passport and evidence of his financial documents which you have submitted in support of your application, however I must take into account your own circumstances in Thailand as part of an overall assessment of your application and intentions in the UK.
2) You have said that you are currently unemployed and have £X (<£1k) in savings, however have elaborated no further. Whilst I note that you have said that your sponsor will contribute £X (>2k) to the cost of your visit and he has confirmed these details, I note, you have also said that you intend to spend £X (>1k) on your visit. Whilst you have submitted a copy of your personal bank statement, the closing balance on this account is £1k. I am therefore not satisfied that you have access to these funds.
3) In addition to the above, you were contacted on XX/XX and a routine interview was conducted, of which you confirmed you understood all questions put to you and the transcript of which is held with your application. You stated during interview that you intended to stay 3 months in the UK and would take an English course. You were unsure how long the course would be and stated that you would stay longer if needed to finish. Whilst I appreciate that you mentioned in your application form that you may take a short English course but that this would be for 1-2 weeks only. I further note that during interview you confirmed that if your visa was valid for 6 months you intended to stay for 6 months.
4) Given the contradictions between statements made by your at interview and the information you provided on your application form, I am not satisfied that you are a genuine visitor and that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit. Your application is refused under paragraph V4.2 (a) and (c) of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules.
Many thanks in advance
Paolo
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