How Long Can I Stay?

Hey guys, I'm a US citizen looking to eventually move to the UK on a fiancé visa.

I know the maximum stay (unless it's changed in the last few years, I really hope not!) as a visitor is 180 days, and I have tickets to visit for something close to that for spring/summer next year.

But... things are getting really rough where I am right now and so I was wondering if it would be possible for me to go to England for approximately 90 days, come back to the US for a month or so, and then go back out on the six month trip? Or might they turn me away? Is there a certain gap that has to be met before I'll be allowed back into the country?

Hey guys, I'm a US citizen looking to eventually move to the UK on a fiancé visa.

I know the maximum stay (unless it's changed in the last few years, I really hope not!) as a visitor is 180 days, and I have tickets to visit for something close to that for spring/summer next year.

But... things are getting really rough where I am right now and so I was wondering if it would be possible for me to go to England for approximately 90 days, come back to the US for a month or so, and then go back out on the six month trip? Or might they turn me away? Is there a certain gap that has to be met before I'll be allowed back into the country?

There's no hard rule but the general rule of thumb is no more the 6 months in any 12 month period, so you'd be going over that.

Also ensure you have plenty of documentation showing your ties to the US if you plan to enter the UK for that length of time.

Thanks for the quick reply!

What sort of documentation ties me back to the US?

To stay for such a long period of time (really anything over 2 months), you should seriously consider applying in advance for a visitors visa.  It's not required but there is a risk you will be returned to the US at the border if they are not fully satisfied with your documentation.  If you get a visa in advance, you know you'll be allowed in and won't waste money on flights and risk being denied entry.

You should provide:
 - A letter from your employer / school showing the date you are required to return to work / school.
 - A copy of your lease / mortgage that you will be maintaining while in the UK
 - Payslips and bank statements proving you have adequate funds to fund your stay in the UK
 - Accomodation, if you will be staying with your fiance, a letter from him saying you are welcome to stay with him for no cost during the duration of your stay
 - a basic itenerary of what you want to do while in the UK (need to show you are a genuine visitor and not attempting to live in the UK without a visa that allows you too)
 - health insurance to prove that you will not attempt to use the NHS while on your trip

To be approved for a six month visitor visa you need to show STRONG ties back to the US to prove that you will leave the UK.

I've been in the UK for six months before (back in 09-10), and the guy I talked to looked over my printed flight itinerary, asked me a few questions, then went into the back with my paperwork to call my fiance and double-check our stories. Then he came back out and told me I should be fine so long as I don't try to work or get free health care and he let me through. Is this only dependent on who is checking me over?

I've been in the UK for six months before (back in 09-10), and the guy I talked to looked over my printed flight itinerary, asked me a few questions, then went into the back with my paperwork to call my fiance and double-check our stories. Then he came back out and told me I should be fine so long as I don't try to work or get free health care and he let me through. Is this only dependent on who is checking me over?

Yes.  You never know what you'll get on the day.  Some people get through on the day, some people don't.