Visiting the UK as a tourist with no proof of employment

Hello,

I finished a master's degree in September 2009 and then returned to my country (Venezuela) after graduation. Now I am looking for a job in the UK and I have been invited to an Assessment Centre as part of the recruitment process of a large company. I don't have a Post Study Work Visa or any other kind, but I can enter the UK as a tourist without needing a visa.

My plan is to go to this Assessment Centre (end of march), visit my friends from uni for a week while I'm in the UK, and then travel to Ireland for 2 months to visit my boyfriend (as a tourist too). I would go back to the UK if I get asked for another interview and finally to return to Venezuela. In total, I was thinking of buying a return ticket for a trip of 2 and a half months. I can stay as a tourist for 3 months in Ireland, and 6 months in the UK.

My question is, will I have many problems with Immigration at the airport? I did study there for a year, but left before my visa expired and never worked. I will have a return ticket, a letter from an sponsor on where to stay while in the UK, and sufficient funds.
- I have an account in the UK with more funds than my account in Venezuela, could I show them electronic statement of this UK account? or will this make me look suspicious?
- I am now working but since I am planning a long trip I will have to quit, so technically I can't proof that I intend to return to my country, except for my return ticket.
- Also, should I pack light? could i bring my laptop? It will be useful while preparing for the interview.

Thanks for the help. This is one Assessment Centre I can't miss, but I was hoping to see friends and boyfriend at the same time since the plane ticket is sooo expensive.

To be frank your entry as a visitoe to the UK isn't guaranteed. An IO could probably make a case for your refusal under para 43 on credibility grounds. Far safer to obtain an optional visit visa before you travel.

An optional visit visa? you mean at the Consulate/Embassy in Venezuela? If Venezuelan citizens (with a biometric passport) are not required to ask for a visa to enter the UK as a visitor, can I still request one? I had no idea this was a regular procedure.
Could you suggest any otherdocuments that would help my credibility with immigration at the airport?
Thanks

mdg wrote:An optional visit visa? you mean at the Consulate/Embassy in Venezuela? If Venezuelan citizens (with a biometric passport) are not required to ask for a visa to enter the UK as a visitor, can I still request one? I had no idea this was a regular procedure.
Could you suggest any otherdocuments that would help my credibility with immigration at the airport?
Thanks

A visit visa in itself would be quite enough.

But UKBAbble neglects to mention that in reality entry clearance officers (who work at consulates) are FAR more likely to refuse a visa application than an Immigration Officer is to deny entry when you arrive in the UK.

They look for reasons to refuse you, not to approve you. This is particularly so in the last 18 months. If you apply for a visa you will probably be refused based on what you've said. If you just travelled and took a chance it would be more 50-50 or better.

Some Immigration Officers at ports don't even ask about your job or anything. If you apply for a visa you have to answer questions about your funds,, your job, your ties to Venezuela etc. You COULD be asked that at the port but might not. If you apply for a visa you are making certain that they ask you all the questions.

With respect South Americans are closely questioned at the airport and although I agree that getting a visa is not so easy chances of a para 43 reusal are quite high.