6 months as a tourist?

[giblet]

I'm a US citizen and I'd like to visit my bf in the UK for an extended period of time. My understanding is that I am entitled to 6 months visa-free as tourist because I am a US citizen. I have enough funds to show I can support myself for this period of time (I think). However, I have been told that female tourists are often refused at immigration if the immigration officer believes they are trying to illegally stay to be with their partners.

I have a few questions--


1. How much savings would I have to show to be able to prove I have enough funds for 6 months?
2. If I book a return flight that shows me leaving in a month, and then change it once I am in the UK to stay the full six months, will that look bad in any way for future visas? I have no intention of overstaying.
3. What other documents should I provide at immigration to be allowed to stay as a tourist for the full 6 months?

Thanks in advance.

[ouflak1]

I'm a US citizen and I'd like to visit my bf in the UK for an extended period of time. My understanding is that I am entitled to 6 months visa-free as tourist because I am a US citizen.

Technically true, but within reason.

I have enough funds to show I can support myself for this period of time (I think). However, I have been told that female tourists are often refused at immigration if the immigration officer believes they are trying to illegally stay to be with their partners.

Well sort of.... This has been a source of heated debate here on this forum, with several of us posting various links to support our side of the silly internet argument. I wish to avoid that so I will just say that IN MY OWN OPINION, NO MATTER WHAT THE FACTS ARE, UK immigration does not truly believe female tourists are any more likely to stay illegally than their American male counterparts traveling to the UK for the exact same reason. They have access to all of the relevant statistical data on the subject. There is a reason that Americans are allowed in without need to specifically apply for a visit visa (even non-visa nationals are implicitly under a visit visa). That reason has to do with the incidence of Americans who overstay their visas to the UK, which is a very very low incidence.

The real reason, in my opinion, *in my opinion*, (in my opinion), in my very own opinion, has to do with the natural conservatism in British culture with regards to women. Even if they say otherwise, they simply don't think it is proper for a young unmarried women to be traveling for these reasons to the UK. This is what your battling against.

Others will disagree. So be it.

A few questions that will be asked point blank: Have you physically met him before? Whether yes or no, how did you meet? Have you lived together previously? Have you ever, and I mean *ever*, talked about getting married?

I'm assuming he is a British citizen? If not, what is his nationality?

I have a few questions--

1. How much savings would I have to show to be able to prove I have enough funds for 6 months?

Well you've stated that you think that you have enough funds to support yourself. Presumably, you've done your homework on this and put that money aside. If you are asking us to confirm a general amount... mmmm... maybe a £1000 a month? That should be enough to pay for a youth hostel and most food and travel expenses. Probably more than enough. It would be good if you can show that you earned this money yourself and saved it up over time. This shows commitment to the fact that your journey is well planned ahead and that it is exactly for the reasons that you are stating.

2. If I book a return flight that shows me leaving in a month, and then change it once I am in the UK to stay the full six months, will that look bad in any way for future visas? I have no intention of overstaying.

My recommendation is to not do this. Plan every detail of your trip as exactly and transparently as you reasonably can. If you have any intention of staying the full six months, then buy your ticket with the thinking that you can curtail your visit if you need to head back stateside for any reason. What will look bad for this implied visa, and any future visa (excepting a spouse visa) is if you lie, appear deceptive, or show any lack of certainty in your intentions of visiting and returning. They smell fear.

3. What other documents should I provide at immigration to be allowed to stay as a tourist for the full 6 months?

Your work history in unison with your bank account details will do wonders for showing diligence and planning. Pretty much anything and everything showing that you have good reason to return is helpful. Do you have college degree, or are in the midst of obtaining some higher level of education? How long have you worked at your previous job? Will you still have a job when you return? Do you live on your own and do you expect to have the same accommodation waiting for you when you go back? All of these kind of things demonstrate the temporary nature of your visit and how sincerely you're committed to returning.

[giblet]

Thanks so much for your detailed reply.

Your work history in unison with your bank account details will do wonders for showing diligence and planning. Pretty much anything and everything showing that you have good reason to return is helpful. Do you have college degree, or are in the midst of obtaining some higher level of education? How long have you worked at your previous job? Will you still have a job when you return? Do you live on your own and do you expect to have the same accommodation waiting for you when you go back? All of these kind of things demonstrate the temporary nature of your visit and how sincerely you're committed to returning.

I was previously a HSMP and their Tier 1 visa holder (so yes, I have a degree). Unfortunately, I work freelance so cannot show ties to an employer at home and my apartment is only a rental. I do have substantial savings, however, and have never overstayed in the past. I am afraid that this my situation will look suspicious to the IOs. I have no plans to work, overstay or get married in the UK, but I don't know how to prove that to them.

[ouflak1]

I was previously a HSMP and their Tier 1 visa holder (so yes, I have a degree). Unfortunately, I work freelance so cannot show ties to an employer at home and my apartment is only a rental. I do have substantial savings, however, and have never overstayed in the past. I am afraid that this my situation will look suspicious to the IOs. I have no plans to work, overstay or get married in the UK, but I don't know how to prove that to them.

Well this is a useful bit of information! You have a lot more in your favor now; a positive traveling history, with the UK in particular, and skilled employment. Did you meet him during your previous stay? Those questions concerning how/when/if you've met are kind of key here. I'll reiterate: Have you physically met him before? Whether yes or no, how did you meet? Did you ever live together? Have you ever talked about marriage? You don't need to answer any of these questions here. I guarantee you 100% you will be asked these questions if they decide not to just waive/stamp you on through (which is entirely possible with your background).

You do not have to be tied to an employer. You only need to show that you've worked and gain sufficient income from that work. Billing statements, invoices, bank account statements ought to be well more than enough.

As far as 'proof'... well... my advice: Do not bring on this trip with you any copies, in hard or electronic format, of any resumes, degrees/certificates, employment search results, or anything that might suggest you would be considering a job search. They may search your bags and your computer/tablet/phone. You also need to be sure that you will not be doing any of your 'domestic' work for U.S. customers while here in the UK. This is rather complicated, and legal precedent is actually in your favor on this one, but I'd keep that complication out of your plans if you at all reasonably can. Your previous travel history plus an obviously well-planned journey will speak towards your not overstaying. Renting is good! Do you have a lease and will you maintain this residence during your stay in the UK? Bring a copy of your lease. This should be more than enough to show that you have every intention of going back. The marriage issue is an entirely personal thing and really none of the UK government's business. I have strong opinions and some not entirely positive experiences with the UK regarding marriage (costly and insulting Certificate of Approval process). You don't have to reveal such intimate discussion with your partner here on this forum but be mentally prepared for them to ask at the airport. Always be truthful, but be resolutely firm and decisive in your stance; you may have discussed it, but you have no plans in the near future to do such a thing and any changes to that kind of commitment will be entirely mutual and long-term in planning, not on some six-month holiday spree.

[giblet]

Thanks for the advice! I think I can answer all of the questions to their satisfaction. Just for peace of mind, I might apply for a visa in advance in my country of residence.

You also need to be sure that you will not be doing any of your 'domestic' work for U.S. customers while here in the UK. This is rather complicated, and legal precedent is actually in your favor on this one, but I'd keep that complication out of your plans if you at all reasonably can.

I'd love to know more about this--where can I learn more about said legal precedent? I will not need to do any freelance work while I am in the UK, but I would like to understand what the rules are.