trying to stay in the UK - student visa? other ideas?

[kdynamic]

I am a US citizen here on a visit visa (about 6 weeks into the 6 month term). I am living with my boyfriend (non-EU citizen with ILR status in the UK). I am trying to figure out how I can stay here longer than 6 months.

I haven't broken any immigration rules. I am trying to find employment and get a work permit sponsored. I have a BA and some skills, and recruiters have told me if I search for several months I may find someone willing to sponsor me. I am trying. But I am not overly optimistic, as the market is flooded with UK citizens, EU citizens, working holiday makers, people here on heritage visas, etc. I am sending my CV all over but companies simply don't sponsor work permits period.

I can't get a heritage visa. I can't get HSMP (only 50 points). I can't get a domestic partner visa (haven't been with my boyfriend nearly long enough). I have tried to look into all my options but I could really use some advice.

I am looking into the idea of going to school here and staying on a student visa. My research turned up a lot of very expensive programs (especially for international students) and a lot of dirt cheap English schools. Are there any somewhat more affordable programs that would qualify me as a full time student (I think the minimum is 15 hours a week of study) in something other than English? I think a native English speaker signing up for English lessons would raise some eyebrows at immigration....

Anyway, I am not here to try to beat the system. I don't want to break any laws or work illegally. I would be perfectly happy to work part time as a student visa allows (or full time if someone would sponsor me!), but I really can't afford 8000 or 10,000 pounds to go to school right now. Does anyone know of inexpensive schools that can qualify me for a student visa, or have any other ideas for someone in my situation? I am interested in a wide range of subjects and I have some money to put toward education, within reason.

Also, let's say that I can't figure out a way to get a visa within six months and my visit visa runs out. How likely is it that they will let me in for another six months if I go back to the US and then turn around and come back to the UK 4 weeks later? Technically there is no rule against visiting twice in a row (right?) but I have a feeling getting another stamp so soon might not be easy....

[vinny]

See also 10.2 Requirements for a visitor under the Rules (Frequency and duration of Visits) and Passport Control at Heathrow and Exploring the decision making of Immigration Officers.

Try contacting one of the American colleges?

[paulp]

How about accounting? The fees aren't as much as a university and you do get a valuable qualification at the end.

[avjones]

Hi - there is no absolute rule about how long you are supposed to be here on a visitor's visa, but the BIA use a rule of thumb that you shouldn't spend more than 6 months out of any 12 months here.