FLR(O) General Visitor Category

I did a search but didn't find anything similar, so I thought I'd ask a (probably rather dumb) question.
I just looked at the form flr(o), Further Leave to Remain Other Categories, and they have a General Visitor category listed. Does that mean that you can only apply to extend your stay as a general visitor if you're already on a general visitor's visa? Or could I extend my leave as a general visitor even though I'm currently on an IGS visa? (Obviously I wouldn't be able to work, but it would be a sight easier than having to fly back to the US first!)

-Anne

2.1.3 Leave to Remain
The requirements to be met by a person seeking to remain in the United Kingdom as a general visitor are set out in Paragraph 44 of HC 395 as amended by HC1113.

where

(iii) has, or was last granted, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a general visitor or as a child visitor.

However, US passport holders may to go to France, or other Schengen countries, and then travel to the UK as a visitor.

You may be able to extend your visa if you are too ill to fly, have a funeral to attend, or other compassionate grounds. 


Vicky

And if you don't have a damn good reason, then travelling to another Schengen country or applying to extend beyond a period of 6 months within any 12 month period as a visitor will likely fail.  While not a rule set in stone, most, if not all IOs follow that guidance these days and will bounce you in a heartbeat.

Curses! Foiled again!

I guess that means leaving the UK for a month or two and then coming back in the country for a few months to 'top up' my cohabiting time with my boyfriend wouldn't work, since it says '6 months in any 12 month period' and I've lived here two years.

Thanks for the input.

Yeah, it could work.  You weren't here as a visitor before remember, so that won't apply.

Vicky

Oh reallllly? *shifty eyes* Interesting. Very interesting.

Man the UK immigration rules system is a veritable labyrinth! (I wonder if David Bowie will show up at any point?)