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Topic: Sponsoring a foreigner

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nelmo

via mobile 06/4/2019 at 2:14pm
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My dad has (stupidly IMO) married a Thai women he met on the internet. They have been together for 2 years or so and he seems happy (despite the fact neither can speak each other's language 😧), so who am I to judge

Anyway, they are now moving here permanently and my dad had asked me to sponsor her. She is working at a Thai restaurant but I doubt she is paying taxes etc which grates on me. My dad tells me that sponsoring just means telling the government my salary and I will be responsible for her living arrangements - my dad (a pensioner) says I will never have to pay anything as she will live with him.

Anyone know the implications of doing this? I'm worried I'll be liable if they ever try get her for tax evasion or none payment of some fine or other in future or something else...

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Gram

06/4/2019 at 2:36pm
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I would suggest looking here for starters, although it appears to apply more to your father as applicant/sponsor.
"Qualifications" are referred to, including income and language capability - I suspect your income would not qualify....
...but my gut reaction (no offence) would be to steer well clear - you cannot be sure of whatever problems and liabilities you may end with.

Gram

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bofs

06/4/2019 at 2:42pm
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Without wishing to be pessimistic, but trying to think of all possible scenarios, what would happen if she and your dad should split up later down the line? Would you then be responsible for funding her upkeep etc? I'm sure in theory it's just a matter of confirming she will not be a drain on the UK state system, but if something should go wrong you might find yourself being responsible for her.
I would find out from an official source what being a sponsor actually involves.

Fiona W

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Check the UK Visa Bureau website www.visabureau.com They are an Independant service, monitored by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner. The website has information on Visas & Immigration. I assume your Thai stepmother would be looking for Indefinite Leave to Remain but it might be wise to talk to someone with a lot more experience than any of us here on UKCS - you can request a call from a consultant by clicking on a tab on that website. You can then make a well informed decision - don't rely on your father knowing all the facts.

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Colin21

06/4/2019 at 2:57pm
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Quote: Originally posted by nelmo on 06/4/2019

Anyway, they are now moving here permanently and my dad had asked me to sponsor her. She is working at a Thai restaurant but I doubt she is paying taxes etc which grates on me. My dad tells me that sponsoring just means telling the government my salary and I will be responsible for her living arrangements - my dad (a pensioner) says I will never have to pay anything as she will live with him.

"tellng the government your salary" and "you will be RESPONSIBLE FOR HER LIVING ARRANGEMENTS". That sounds like quite a legal commitment to me. You definitely need to seek professional advice on this one! I'd be very wary!

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Ewen c

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Technically it is the UK partner who is supposed to meet financial requirements, not a stepchild. Also sponsorship means you are liable. Sponsorship usually is undertaken by an employer. Sponsorship by a private individual is usually for a visit, not long term. You would have to prove that you or them have sufficient funds for the visit. It puts a lot of responsibility on you.
Your dad's wife would fail under language requirements and (probably) under partner's income. The two of them have to have enough money to live without recourse to public funds.
Even if successful, the visa is only for 2 1/2 years with no ILR until 5 years so a new visa after 2 1/2 years.

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nelmo

06/4/2019 at 7:13pm
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Thanks all - the problem is that none of those sites tell you what is expected of a sponsor and what you may be liable for.

But I was never keen on this and I just wanted to check I wasn't the only with concerns....

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thetootells

06/4/2019 at 7:15pm
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This is really pessimistic but I would look into your obligations should your father die during the timescale people have mentioned.

David Klyne

06/4/2019 at 7:57pm
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Nelmo

If your instincts are that you are uncomfortable with doing this then my advice would be not to do it regardless of any rules and regulations.

David

bofs

06/4/2019 at 8:46pm
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Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 06/4/2019
Nelmo

If your instincts are that you are uncomfortable with doing this then my advice would be not to do it regardless of any rules and regulations.

David

Well put David, my feelings too.

Mister_Tee

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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-visa-applicant-form-su07

Info on sponsorship.
You would be agreeing to ensure that she is not going to have to claim any public funds / benefits / services. So only emergency NHS, no social services, no council housing, no benefits - nothing. And if she needs any of this, it falls to you.

Ina

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Ignore, on this occasion, the footnote on your post. I think you may very well regret what you DID do in this particular instance, not what you didn't do.

Only my opinion, but from what I've read, you are sticking your neck out, way too far.

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nelmo

06/4/2019 at 11:02pm
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Yup, don't worry, it's not happening...

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'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain

magnolia

07/4/2019 at 10:46am
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Quote: Originally posted by nelmo on 06/4/2019
Yup, don't worry, it's not happening...

Phew! Once again I am late to the party but I did give a huge sigh of relief at your last post.

Surfin

07/4/2019 at 1:00pm
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Quote: Originally posted by magnolia on 07/4/2019

Quote: Originally posted by nelmo on 06/4/2019
Yup, don't worry, it's not happening...

Phew! Once again I am late to the party but I did give a huge sigh of relief at your last post.

And me.
Wish i had read it before i sponsored the kid next door, gonna shoot round and get my quid back.

Mike3003

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