Enter UK as a Tourist

[mclark15]

Hello there,

I was wondering if anyone could help me from experience.

I am a Canadian citizen and I have been issued a Tier 4 Student VISA. I initially applied for this VISA so I could travel a month before my course start date. I have just found out you can only travel 7 days before your course start date.

My valid start date is September 14, 2012. I booked my flight to Scotland on August 25th, 2012. I also have a flight to the canary islands for August 30-September 6th. I also have a return trip to Paris from September 12th-16th. I had booked these flights prior to finding out about my valid start date being only 7 days before my course start date.

I have tried to do some research and I have looked on a couple of different forums which advised me that it is possible to enter as a tourist prior to your start date as long as I leave the UK before my valid start date and re enter after the 14th of September. I was wondering whether my trip to France would qualify as re-entry?

My boyfriend lives in Scotland so I do not want to risk being banned for 10 years. He will be taking care of me when I arrive early. I also have proof of all my booked flights and confirmation for my hotel in the canary islands. Is there any other proof I can provide to immigration that would make my case stronger?

If there is a knowledgeable representative or someone who has had a similar experience to mine I would really love to hear from you as soon as possible.

Thank you

[Deviser]

it is possible to enter as a tourist prior to your start date as long as I leave the UK before my valid start date and re enter after the 14th of September. I was wondering whether my trip to France would qualify as re-entry?

Thats it! You can re-enter on student visa when returning from France.