Questions about visitor, volunteer and student visas

Hi all-

I have been reading a ton of posts on visas on this board, and they have been very helpful! (Thanks!)  Even though the majority of folks here are dealing with fiance-type visas, I thought I would post my particular issue and questions to see if anyone had any warnings or advice!

My husband and I want to live in London for a year (who wouldn't!). We are taking leave of absences from our jobs, and have enough money to support ourselves.  However, I know there is a limit for visitor visas of 6 months per year.  I can't see anyway to extend that, but would love confirmation of that fact. I would also love to hear any thoughts on the following options:

Option 1: We travel around enough outside the UK so that our actual time within the UK is 6 months spread over the 12 month period. It seems like with this option it might be best to apply for a 1 year visa to facilitate going in and out. Would the visa make it easier? I assume from the many posts that the limit really is 6 months out of 12, and that going away for month and coming back in won't reset it so we can stay the other 5 months?

Option 2: We live in the UK for some number of months, and find an educational program and apply for a student visa (seems like we can do this from within the UK using the FLR(S) form? or so we need to be back in the US?). Seems like only one of us would need to do this, as the other would qualify as a spouse?

Option 3: We live in the UK for some number of months, and find an volunteer job at a registered charity and apply for a Volunteer/charity worker visa (seems like we can do this from within the UK using the FLR(o) form? or do we need to be back in the UK?). Seems like both of us would need to separately qualify.

We will have a note from my employer that my leave will end in one year, proof that we own a house here, proof of funds, etc. to show that this is temporary and not a play for permanent status.

Any advice/ideas? We are not intending to work/settle in the UK, just want to spend some time there.

Thanks so much in advance!

Aline

I'm pretty sure you have to apply for a student visa from outside the UK. You can't apply for FLR if you're here on a visitor visa as FLR is only for extending residency. And I'm also relatively sure that you can't volunteer on a visitor's visa either, though don't quote me on that.... Get your ducks in a row before coming over - don't come over as visitors and try to sort it out later - that always either ends in pain or illegality. That would be my advice.

If one of you can get a legitimate visa, I think the other could apply for a dependent visa - you wouldn't be able to work, but you'd be legal.

Thanks for your comments, I agree, I want to get it all straightened out before we go.

The Q&A below is what made me think that that I could apply for a visa as a voluntary worker while I was in the UK (from the home office web page on volunteer worker visas):

"I am in the UK in another immigration category - can I remain in the UK as a voluntary worker?

People who enter the UK in other immigration categories (including visa nationals) can apply to stay as voluntary workers if they meet all the conditions. "

Aline

I'm reasonably sure that "another immigration category" implies someone who has a residence visa of some sort. I don't think you can apply for ANY other visa from the UK while on a visitor visa. But I'm not totally sure. Garry, where are ya? 

Option 1: We travel around enough outside the UK so that our actual time within the UK is 6 months spread over the 12 month period. It seems like with this option it might be best to apply for a 1 year visa to facilitate going in and out. Would the visa make it easier? I assume from the many posts that the limit really is 6 months out of 12, and that going away for month and coming back in won't reset it so we can stay the other 5 months?

Unless you have an MEC issued by the consulate, you forfeit the balance of your unspent leave for that particular visa.  When you get the next one the clock starts ticking again with a new 6 months, but subject to the rule of spent leave.  Whether or not you want to apply for a MEC is really a strategy call on your part.  I've been helping Russians and Ukrainians get 2 year MEC's as family visitors and the consulate issues them without batting an eyelash.  NOTE:  having one does not eliminate the spent leave rule, it just cuts down on the paperwork.  It also eases the IO's nerves if you have a lot of stamps in your passport.

And yes, you can switch to a volunteer visa up until when they change the rules on it.

Not to discourage you, but did you consider the volunteer situation in London?  I don't mean specifically the work, but more along the lines of that it's not a secret?   It means people (i.e., your fellow countrymen, also Aussies, Kiwis, Cannuks, what have you) hang around waiting for them like vultures.  Like prized real estate or a sale at Ikea.  Competition is indeed keen, and some even have a waiting list. 

The hinterlands, like Exeter or Aberdeen, are much more feasible targets...  That's free advice only.

Great advice, all, thanks!  I will definitely look into the volunteer situation soon, but we will also consider spending that time in another place.

BTW, what's a MEC? I'm not sure I understand your first 2 sentences -would you mind giving me an example?  Sorry, but I am new to this! 

Aline

Because of the possibility to switch into them, they are incredibly sought after.  And you have the paradox arise that they can be harder to get than a real job.  For an example?  When the dig at Sutton Hoo got approved for volunteer intake, the fax machines went into meltdown and they actually had to start advising people not to fly over because students, visitors were crawling out of the woodwork.

It's not a secret.

Hope that helps!