Visa Time Info

I visited the UK to be with my girlfriend from Jan 23 to July 3rd.  I was wondering since it was only 23 weeks can I go back after 24 weeks has passed.  I would like to spend Christmas with her.

No one here is going to be able to answer that question with any certainty.  Each time you enter the UK it is at the discretion of the IO.  They may let you in or they may not.  I'm inclined to think that if you only intend a short visit over the holidays that that would be OK, but no one can make any guarantees. 

Bottom line, you are only allowed to be in the UK for a TOTAL of 6 months a year. If you ever plan to marry her and fill out Visa applications you should keep this in mind.

When entering for the holidays be clear that it is only a short visit and you will be spending the time with 'friends'. I would not say girl friend.

Bottom line, you are only allowed to be in the UK for a TOTAL of 6 months a year. If you ever plan to marry her and fill out Visa applications you should keep this in mind.

This is untrue.  It is the IO's discretion to grant additional leave if they see fit. 

When entering for the holidays be clear that it is only a short visit and you will be spending the time with 'friends'. I would not say girl friend.

It is a UKY policy NEVER to advise lying to an IO.  The consequences could be severe.  If the OP is visiting a girlfriend then that is what s/he should say.  Calling a girlfriend or a boyfriend a "friend" is the best possible way to be refused entry to the UK. 

Bottom line DO NOT LIE! It's a sure fire way to get sent back on your own dime when they find out (not IF they find out) plus lying to an IO can get your visa refused later down the line as ANY deception used to gain entry to the UK (whether successful or not) can be grounds for refusal under section 320(11). The 'friend' line won't get you far at all.

320. Refusal of entry clearance or leave to enter the United Kingdom
320. In addition to the grounds of refusal of entry clearance or leave to enter set out in Parts 2-8 of these Rules, and subject to paragraph 321 below, the following grounds for the refusal of entry clearance or leave to enter apply:

Grounds on which entry clearance or leave to enter the United Kingdom should normally be refused

(11) where the applicant has previously contrived in a significant way to frustrate the intentions of these Rules. Guidance will be published giving examples of circumstances in which an applicant who has previously overstayed, breached a condition attached to his leave, been an Illegal Entrant or used Deception in an application for entry clearance, leave to enter or remain (whether successful or not) is likely to be considered as having contrived in a significant way to frustrate the intentions of these Rules.

Historyenne is correct. A 'visitor' should not normally spend more than 6 months in the UK during a rolling 12 month period however, however it is purely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at port of entry:

2.1.9 Frequency and Duration of Visits

There is no restriction on the number of visits a person may make to the United Kingdom nor any requirement that a specified time must elapse between successive visits. The fact that a person has made a series of visits with only brief intervals between them would not, in the absence of any other relevant factors, constitute sufficient ground for refusal.

It is reasonable, however, for the immigration officer to consider the stated purpose of the visit in the light of the length of time that has elapsed since previous visits. A visitor should not, for example, normally spend more than 6 out of any 12 months in this country

Bottom line DO NOT LIE and bring your documentation that shows you meet the requirements as a 'general visitor' and you should be fine.

This page explains what documents you should have when coming to the United Kingdom as a general visitor.

They are:

■if you are employed, a letter from your employer granting leave of absence from your job for a specified period - the letter should also say how long you have been employed by that employer, in what job(s), and when you are expected back at work;
■if you are self-employed, evidence of your business activities and financial standing;
■evidence of any property you own in your home country;
■if you are a student, a letter from your school or college stating the course you are on, its start and finish dates, and the dates of the holiday period when you intend to visit the United Kingdom;
■evidence of any family or social ties and responsibilities to return to;
■evidence of any firm travel plans you have made;
■bank statements going back over a period of several months; and
■evidence of savings available to you.