Leave to Remain as a parent

Hi,

I have been in the UK for nearly six months now on a visitors visa. My ex girlfriend gave birth to my son in April this year. My intention was to just come for the birth but I have now bonded with him and can't imagine going back to the states without him, however, this isn't possible as the mother of my child and I are no longer together. I would like to stay and help raise my child.

My questions are:

I have two convictions in the U.S one is for burglary when I was young hanging with the wrong crowd. I served six months in jail and five years probation. The other was for a domestic issue with an ex-girlfriend when I was 18. I participated in a program for anger and I completed it successfully. Would this affect my application ? If so could anyone advise what the likely outcome would be?

Can I apply within the UK or do I have to go back to the U.S?

If anyone can help or if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Anyone available to help? Please

kaos088 wrote:Anyone available to help? Please

Well here's a starting point:
https://www.gov.uk/remain-in-uk-family/eligibility

It seems it may not be possible to switch from a short-term visitor visa.

Your past is likely be taken into consideration - what the UK authorities call good character is certainly a big issue as people progress towards UK naturalisation.
But I guess it's early days.

Good luck.

You should have evidence that you have access rights to the child in the form of:
a Residence Order or a Contact Order granted by a Court in the UK; or a certificate issued by a district judge confirming your intention to maintain contact with the child
Return to the US and apply for entry as a person exercising access rights to a child resident in the UK. If successful you will being granted leave to enter the UK initially for a period of 12 months

Thank you both to Casa and noajtha. I was under the impression that I could remain in the U.K. after my visa expired but during the 28 day Grace period. I was told this by a lawyer he told me that under ex 1 I could be eligible and apply within country. I also, was told that the visa would be for 2.5 years... was I told the correct information?

kaos088 wrote:Thank you both to Casa and noajtha. I was under the impression that I could remain in the U.K. after my visa expired but during the 28 day Grace period. I was told this by a lawyer he told me that under ex 1 I could be eligible and apply within country. I also, was told that the visa would be for 2.5 years... was I told the correct information?

No - switching from visit visa has not been possible since 2003 - except under extreme compassionate circumstances and much as I'm sure you'd beg to differ - these aren't.

Okay thanks. could someone explain to me what application form do I need to complete would it be the set o form or the flr flp form? Thanks so much