Orchid of Siam UK Visas For Thais
UK Visa For Thai Nationals Specialists & Immigration Appeals Help & Advocacy, Bangkok & Epsom Offices.
 
 

Today the UK Government announced that the new minimum salary required to sponsor a wife, husband or partner will increase to £29,000 on 11th April 2024.

The minimum salary for a skilled worker to get a visa will be £38,700 from 4th April 2024.
The UK Government is increasing the IHS as from 16/01/2024 to £3105 for a settlement visa for an adult and £2328 for a child under 18. These figures are approximate as they are not paid in £sterling and will depend on the prevailing exchange rate.

For further leave to remain in the UK this will be £2587.50 for an adult and £1940 for a child under 18.
We have been advised today that the Home Office are now taking about six months to process family and settlement applications after attendance at the application centre in Bangkok. This is due to the situation in Ukraine.
Within hours of Tony being interviewed twice by ITV Meridian for the news at 6 today the case in question has been immediately overturned by the Home Office and the visa issued. This was a case where the Home Office refused a settlement visa for a wife by applying the incorrect rule. Tony was asked for his comments on this case.

 
 
 



From 29th November 2010 all applicants for settlement visa to the UK as a fiancee, spouse or partner  have had to demonstrate that they have passed an English examination approved by the UKBA at level A1 or above. This is a very basic test of speaking and listening ability. A1 is defined as:

'Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.'

Only examinations conducted by approved bodies listed on the UK Visas & Immigration (formerly known as the UKBA) website are accepted.

From 1st May 2017 a pass at A2 is required in order to apply for further leave to remain in the UK after the first 2.5 year period is due for renewal.

 

If the visa applicant has a degree at Bachelor's level that was taught in English or is a national of a majority English speaking country then the requirement is waived. Please note that degrees at higher than Bachelor level are  acceptable if they can be verified by NARIC UK.

Applicants aged over 65 or under 18 are exempt from testing.

Should applicants have a physical or mental condition the Secretary of State may exercise discretion in the applicant's favour and waive the requirement.

Similarly in exceptional compassionate and compelling circumstances the requirement may be waived.

 

The Exam is called IELTS SELT (Secure English Languag Testing) Life Skills A1/B1. There are many other exams available so when booking you must ensure the correct exam is booked as the fees are not refundable.


Approved test providers in Thailand are:

British Council and IDP Education both in Bangkok. For more information visit http://www.ielts.org

 

British Council 254 Soi Chula 64, Siam Square, Pathum Wan, Bangkok. Telephone 026575678  E-mail: ielts@britishcouncil.org.th Bookings can be made online or in person. The test fee is Baht 7830.

IDP Education 4th Floor, CP Tower, 313 Silom Road, Bangkok. Telephone 026383111  E-mail: ielts.thailand@idp.com



We regret that we cannot enter into correspondence regarding the A1 test.

 
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