Long Term Visitor Visa - Duration

[rahulmisra204]

Hi,

My parents applied for a 2 year visit visa which was granted. The visa sticker on their passport shows a start and end date spanning two years as expected. However, the duration reads as 180 days. Does this mean the duration in each visit is 180 days or does it mean the total duration allowed in two years is 180 days?

I hope it is the former as the 2 year visa is a lot more expensive than two 6 month visas...

Regards,
Rahul

[Casa]

Your parents shouldn't be spending any more time in the UK within a 12 month rolling period than they are spending in their home country.

[rahulmisra204]

Is this a valid use of the visa

Trip 1 : - 4 months

Gap of 6 months

Trip 2: 3 months

Gap of 6 months

Trip 3: 3 months

Total duration in the UK within the 2 year period granted is more than 180 days. No single trip is more than 180 days. Total time spent in the UK in any 12 month period isn't over 180 days. However, the visa states Duration: 180 Days.

Thanks

[CR001]

A single trip cannot be more than 180 days, so for a 2 year visa, they can theoretically have 2 trips of 180 days each, with a 180 day gap in between. In saying that, 180 days is NOT visiting but 'residing'.