Newbie questions on immigration...

[sghughes42]

These might sound like simple questions but I've spend the last few hours on the UK Border Agency website and I must admit I'm no wiser than when I started!

I have a friend who is originally from Taiwan but did a PhD in the UK, finishing about 6 months ago. She was intending to stay for the full 2 years after completing but got an offer from a university back in Taiwan for a one year contract.

Now, she has expressed a desire to move back to the UK once the year is uk, and while we didn't get to the point where we could say we were a couple before she had to go back there is very definite interest there.

So, what I'm asking basically is what happens when she comes back? I get the impression she would have to enter as a general visitor which is limited to 6 months.

Assuming the relationship flourishes where can we go from there? The UKBA website seems to say she wouldn't be able to change from visitor to anything else, so would we have to decide on our future in only 6 months?

Also, it says in many places she would be limited to a 6 month stay but it doesn't say how long she would have to be away before she could return. Does it work that way? Sort of like the parking restrictions, 6 months maximum stay, no return within x months?

Does the fact she has a PhD from a UK university help in any way?

Would us being in a relationship be enough for an extension or change in status or does it not work that way? Is there anything else I could do to extend how long she could stay here?

I have no problem supporting her - own house, good job (I'm educated to degree level as an engineer so good prospects) and I also work for myself part-time.

The legislation seems so complex it is really difficult to work out what the rules are, even on a basic level so any advise would be much appreciated.

[Obie]

Firstly what is your status in the UK, are you a british/ EU national or settled or someone with a limited leave.

The only option for her to stay is through marriage or if you can show defacto or common law relationship for two or more years.

Alternatively she can come in through point system if she qualifies under the respective categories

[sghughes42]

I'm a UK national, born and raised here.

Can you please give me some idea how the point system works and what to be looking for? I don't understand it at all...

Would it work for her to come here for 6 months, see how things go, leave again and come back at a later date? How soon could she come back after the 6 months are up?

My reading of the UKBA website is that we were to get married she has to enter the UK stating that. If she enters as a visitor then we decide to get married is that OK? Also, does the marriage have to happen within the 6 months or would getting engaged be enough to allow her stay to be extended?

Thanks for all help, something totally new to me!