On visitor visa - is FLR(o) an option (aged parent)

[Spider82]

Hi everyone

My gran is 80 and visiting UK as a visitor with her son and his family. They have been exploring options to have her remain etc but as a visitor most you cannot apply for/change to

What are the chances of FLR(O) being successful? She is 80 and basically alone back home and safety is an issue (was hijacked at gunpoint last year)

Dont want to persue a route that wont be successful and likely to negatively affect future travel

Also - if they apply, is she able to travel while waiting for the response? If it is successful, would she be allowed to travel back home to pack up her stuff?

[CR001]

Visitors cannot switch to any other visa category within the UK

Virtually zero chance of success and just about impossible to get since the changes in July 2012 and only a very small number of success through very expensive appeal processes but these were for applications submitted BEFORE the changes in 2012.

If you choose to do this and it is refused, the door to any future visitor visas will be closed to her as her intention to settle will be known.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/immigr ... 87771.html

You don't say what her nationality is or what your UK immigration status is. Any family in home country?

Also - if they apply, is she able to travel while waiting for the response?

No, she has to submit her passport with any application she might make.

[Casa]

This article by Freemovement explains the situation clearly:

https://www.freemovement.org.uk/out-with-the-old/

[Spider82]

Thank you everyone much appreciated. these were my thoughts as well, but i wanted to get input from others who may know better to help guide the family

CR001 - she is from south africa and is pretty much on her own and was hijacked last year and i guess knowing she is now 80 obviously its pretty daunting to age along and probably die alone....the aged parent visa since 2012 is a no go as they make it impossible which is sad when families work hard to contribute to the economy and if the aged parent would not need public funds etc...but its one of those things i guess.

Also when i was reading links (see below) it noted the visa types who could apply included a visit visa - but if chances are basically 0 then i wouldnt chance it...?

http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/sy ... _03-16.pdf

http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/sy ... _04-16.pdf

http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/sy ... es-v18.pdf

http://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration- ... -in-the-uk

[CR001]

South Africa is not considered high risk. It is a bit scary living there yes.

HO don't operate on the basis of emotions, that is important to remember. I hope she is not using free NHS services as she is not allowed to.

If you are BC, you could look at moving the centre of your life to Republic of Ireland and use the EEA route, which is substantially cheaper and she can get a visa on arrival. Google Surinder Singh route. This route is being made more difficult by HO though.

[Casa]

This article by Freemovement explains the situation clearly:

https://www.freemovement.org.uk/out-with-the-old/

Did you read this article ?

[Spider82]

This article by Freemovement explains the situation clearly:

https://www.freemovement.org.uk/out-with-the-old/

Did you read this article ?

Hi Casa

Yes I did thank you....very disappointing so to speak

i wonder if it will ever be changed/improved?

CR001 - no she is not using any services while on holiday and has taken out travel and medical insurance - she has visited for a year at a time previously when a year was still an option as her son moved there over 20 yrs ago

Thanks everyone

[Casa]

You also need to ensure that she isn't spending more time in the UK in a 12 month rolling period than she is spending in her home country. This would be considered as residing, not visiting.