Entering the UK as visitor before visa start date T5 YMV

Hi guys, holding an HKSAR passport here.

I have recently spoken with my UK visa consultant to get all my documents checked for my application. I will be providing my biometrics on the 29th of July 2019, and I meet all the requirements. I have spoken to her about my 2 trips (19th to 25th August and 10th to 22nd September, 1 week and 2 weeks respectively) to the UK before 31st December (as I have written that my arrival date will be in December) as a tourist.

She told me that it is highly unrecommended to enter the UK before I have my visa approved as the entry officers might think that I am taking advantage of the visa-free period and moving onto the visa's 2 years (6 months visa-free). I have my itinerary clearly indicating my go and return dates with flights, so hopefully, I will not be rejected entry. Is this true? May I ask has anyone been through this kind of situation? Will they really have a high chance of refusing you no matter the evidence you provide?

Also - I am planning to apply for a spousal visa as I plan to marry and stay with my girlfriend after the 2 years. She is a British citizen, born and raised in the UK. She currently has council housing/public housing from the government, can I apply that as my address when I open a bank account? And is it okay that I stay there while I work in the UK for those 2 years?

Many thanks!

xachalexson wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:12 pm

She told me that it is highly unrecommended to enter the UK before I have my visa approved as the entry officers might think that I am taking advantage of the visa-free period and moving onto the visa's 2 years (6 months visa-free). I have my itinerary clearly indicating my go and return dates with flights, so hopefully, I will not be rejected entry. Is this true?

No, but you seem to be making it very complicated. Why not complete your visits first, then apply for the Tier 5 YMS visa when you get back to Hong Kong.

xachalexson wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:12 pm

Also - I am planning to apply for a spousal visa as I plan to marry and stay with my girlfriend after the 2 years. She is a British citizen, born and raised in the UK. She currently has council housing/public housing from the government, can I apply that as my address when I open a bank account?

Yes. This is not an immigration matter.

xachalexson wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:12 pm

And is it okay that I stay there while I work in the UK for those 2 years?

That's for your girlfriend to check against her tenancy agreement.