6 mo visitor visa??

[lyla86]

So I am not new to going to the UK but on my most recent trip there ( about 3 weeks ago) the IO informed me my visa was about to go over. Here is me thinking that everytime I entered and they stamped me I had a fresh 6 months to be there...but no. I am just trying to confirm if it's 180 DAYS in a rolling year?

So my most extensive stay was from april- aug 2008...so aug 2009 that trip will drop iff my rolling year?

Thanks.

[lyla86]

someone is bound to know this

[paulp]

guideline is 6 months out of 12 but there is no hard rule.

[PaperPusher]

Hello

See this guidance:

2.1.9 Frequency and Duration of Visits
There is no restriction on the number of visits a person may make to the United Kingdom nor any requirement that a specified time must elapse between successive visits. The fact that a person has made a series of visits with only brief intervals between them would not, in the absence of any other relevant factors, constitute sufficient ground for refusal.
It is reasonable, however, for the immigration officer to consider the stated purpose of the visit in the light of the length of time that has elapsed since previous visits. A visitor should not, for example, normally spend more than 6 out of any 12 months in this country (but see guidance relating to visitors for private medical treatment).

2.1.5 Multi-Entry Visas
Visit visas are normally valid for 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, 5 and 10 years. The visas are valid for unlimited journeys within the validity period of the visa. However, holders of visit visas may only remain in the UK for a maximum of six months on any one visit, or until the visa expires if less than six months. This restriction is indicated on the visa by the entry “180â€

[Mr Rusty]

I don't understand the IO's comment, unless you are a visa national - i.e. do you have to get a visa to travel to the UK? If so, then the IO was informing you that the visa was nearly expired, and if you have stayed beyond the date on the visa, you are an overstayer. The second quote by Paperpusher sets this out quite clearly.

If you are not a visa national and get an entry stamp on arrival, the IO's comment is irrelevant, because although each time the passport is stamped "leave to enter for six months", that leave lapses when you leave the UK, and every time you come back, you are starting again. The first quote by Paperpusher indicates that if it is apparent you are spending protracted periods in the UK on visit stamps (not visas), the suspicion may arise that you are living here, and questions may be asked.

[lyla86]

I have never applied for a visa to enter the UK beforehand. I just go and get the stamp. If that's the case why would the IO say that to me? Scare tactic?

[Siggi]

Lyla,
May I ask what passport you hold?
Reason being a number of countrys, who used to visa free, now require visas.
Maybe check out BIA web site to see if your requirement to visit the UK have changed.

[lyla86]

^^^

Hiya. I hold an American Passport.

Also, if I was about to overstay, I'm sure he wouldnt of let me in this time. Well, he said I was close to breaching my visa time limits..

[Siggi]

Hi Lyla,

Well now I've heard it all, our closest allies at risk of being overstayers!

What happen to the special relationship???

Some IO's I have dealt with in pass seem to be very self opionated, little Hilters, with very big chips on thier shoulders.
Then on the other hand you get the really friendly IO's who is friendly and actually speaks and understands English.
You may also find they have a better understanding of the law too!
Don't worry you can come and go as you like, providing you don't stay longer than six months or try and work here.

[lyla86]

So it basically comes down to the IO's discretion??

It really should refresh every visit, but since he could of been suspicious of me he stated that I am going to breach 6 mo to maybe keep me away for awhile? haha