Justbee, I'm sorry if you have found some of the posts a bit harsh. Please understand that we are only trying to be realistic. The reality is that you are in quite a pickle and sadly, ignorance of the rules is not a good enough excuse. And truth be told, the HO - and I expect some of us here on UKY - are questioning just how ignorant you really are since you clearly knew about work visas, how long visitors visas are, and were willing to enter the UK via another port.
That said, I suspect you just didn't realize how incredibly serious immigration rules are taken by the govt. You are not the first person to come to UKY with such a story but the majority of us who frequent this site for all it's other wonderful features have jumped the hoops exactly as we are supposed to. It has cost us time, money, and emotional strain.
I suggest you follow Garry's advice - he is an immigration advisor.
This debate has continiued in a section called Pettifog which you can read but not post in (you have to have a certain number of posts to do that). There is a bit more advice there as well. But again, please understand that it is hard for those who have done this legally to not get upset when someone has willingly or not, broken the rules. Try not to take it too personally but please do take the advise that has been offered. You are at risk of deporation and WILL NOT be able to return if this happens.
Good luck.
