Visit Visa for Mother.

[Saleem Khan]

My mother is a widow and has got 5 year UK mutiple entry visa. She spend to spend most of her time with me in UK. Her age is 60 + .

Last month, she was stopped by immigration officer at Airport and told that on family visit visa, she cannot spend any more than 6 months within a 12 months period.

I will like to discuss options. Even though settlement is one option to go for, however, settlement applications have high refusal rates and I think, by applying for settlement, she may loose her visit via + not be able to secure settlement as well. Any suggestions in this regard will be appreciated.

This is first time I was alerted to this clause of 6 months stay within 12 months period. Prior to that, I was not aware of this.

[CR001]

Unless you look into Surinder Singh route via Europe and you move the centre of your life to a EU country, there is no other option.

Settlement is impossible to get and she likely won't qualify and yes, you are correct that any future visit visas will likely be refused.

A visitor visa is exactly that, for visiting not 'living'. There will likely be a notation on her file now after being stopped at immigration.

6 months in 12 months has been the general rule of thumb for many years.

[Saleem Khan]

I was wondering if option to remain in UK as a family member could be used by an elderly dependant relative. Details at
https://www.gov.uk/remain-in-uk-family/exceptions

I am a british citizen and my mother is 60+ and depends on myself.