Applying visit visa before end of cooling period

[magneta]

Hi

We would like to invite my sister in law's family for my child's first birthday party. However their cooling period doesnt end until 8 days after the party. They live in Norway and have a PR from there. They will sponsor their own trip as well. Is it possible to apply before the end of cooling period? Will the visa be rejected based on this reason? Is this a set rule?

Please could someone clarify this for me?

Regards
Magneta

[CR001]

What do you mean by 'cooling period'? What is the UK immigration history?

[magneta]

By cooling period I mean, If they have been here on visit visa before, they could not apply for another visit visa within 6 months after the end date of their visa. Is this correct? I have read before that on any single year, visitors can only be in the country for maximum 6 months. Is my understanding correct?

Their UK immigration history is that they have visited here 3 to 4 times, not staying more that 2 weeks each time. Prior to these visits, they were temporary residents here on Tier 2 visa.

[CR001]

The term 'cooling off period' is specific to the Tier 2 category of visas, so you have used it in the wrong context for a visit visa.

When did they last visit?

How long did they visit for last time?

How many days have then been in the UK in the last 12 months before their planned visit now?

[magneta]

Oh! That is my mistake. I thought it applied to visit visas as well.

They last visited in August for 5 days. That's only 5 days in the whole 12 month period.

[magneta]

Does this mean they can apply for visit visa now?

So, If I understand correctly, A person can reapply for visit visa if they have not spent their entire 6 months period from their previous visa. On any period, a person can only stay a maximum of 6 months on a single visit. Is this right?

[CR001]

A 6 month visit is not visiting is it, it is residing. If they have only stayed in the UK for 5 days in the last 12 months, then they should be fine.

A visitor should not be spending more time in the UK that in their country of residence. They should be fine to apply.

[magneta]

Great. Thank you so much for this information. very helpful

[Wanderer]

Great. Thank you so much for this information. very helpful

Think of the 6 months visit visa as being VALID for 6 months and compare with the 10 year visit visa. 10 years is only it's validity, not the length of stay allowed, and the 6 month one is no different.