FAQ tip for girlfriends/boyfriends pond-hopping this summer

I think that you are worrying unecessariy.  The fact that she has done this countless times before goes to show that there is nothing dodgy going on, and immigration are going to see this.  Although they have the power to turn people away, the chances of them doing so in this case seem...well....almost impossible! 

Relax, and just look forward to seeing your little girl again!

Victoria

Relax, and just look forward to seeing your little girl again!

Thanks VictoriaS. That's what I am going to do. Since my daughter comes and goes at the same time every year,  she will in no doubt, in a couple of years,  be on first name basis with the people at the Delta counter, the immigration officers, and the flight crews.

They initmidate the hell out of me, I must admit. And this past time was especially difficult. I wasn't told to stand aside for more questioning but the amount of questions was a lot lengthier and more intense than before.

I had that at Heathrow this time last year. The EO I had was very rude, told me she'd let me in this time, but next time there would be "a hell of a lot more questions and there is nothing stopping us from getting married and applying for a fiance visa." My passport was flagged at that point. I never had problems going in prior to that, even when I visited for 4 months on my prior trip.

On my next visit, I took bank statements and stuff to prove I had enough funds for my trip, didn't have an employment letter, actually never thought of having one. On hindsight, I should have. It would have been my proof of returning to the US - at least helped with that part anyways.

This isn't something I've thought about much at all. I spent a month in the UK recently and I'm beginning to think that this was only possible because it was meant to be a two week stay. When I went through customs I told them it was two weeks and if they had looked it up, they'd have seen that my return flight was for that period. I ended up skipping the flight and staying (almost) two more weeks. On the way out, of course, I did tell them I'd been in the UK for four weeks but even the questioning back in the US was more intense!

I could be wrong, but I'm sure they get that often. On my last trip to the UK I had a 5 week return ticket, but because I had brought an extra luggage (what they thought was too much - I had only brought some photos and music cds), they didn't believe I was going to be returning to the US at the end of 5 weeks. I was denied entry, but I was granted a 5 week temporary stay, my return ticket, they just kept my passport until I returned to the airport to leave.

As far as US immigration - I had that happen to me once when I returned from the UK after 4 months, but no one said a word to me after a 6 month return. I think they are just checking to see if you had been working etc. I didn't sweat it, my logic was, what was the US going to do? Deport me back to my own country, the US - I'm already there to get back in? lol.

So, what's a person to do? Would it be a really bad idea to try and go to the UK for a month or more? The purpose of the visit would obviously be to spend time with Richard (he has a steady job there, I don't have a job here so it makes sense for us to get some together time this way) but is that not enough?

Also, I'm feeling a knot in my stomach for the amount of times I've traveled with very little money on me. When I visit Richard, we stay at his parents' place or a hotel (or a combination) and of course, he funds the whole thing so I only need enough cash for the journey. If they question me further and find out that I don't have enough money on me to take care of myself for the entire stay will that look too suspicious? I could remedy this by him sending me money ahead of time but... then there's that little factor of me not having a job to return to. 

I would go prepared if possible. Whatever funds you do have in an account, take a print of, so they can see that you do have some funds. I'd also take a letter from your sponsor, Richard, stating he will be supporting you during your visit including how long you'll be there -  from what day to when, and where you'll be staying - with him or hotel, if hotel, who's paying for it etc. if with his parents, a letter from the parents stating you're staying with them while you visit. May not be a bad idea to include a pay slip from him as well, to show proof he can support you? Don't know if that's needed but just a suggestion.  My fiance (boyfriend then) was at the airport to pick me up and the EO asked him questions as well, he basically verified everything I had said.

Do you have any other ties to the US to prove you do need to return? Mortgage? Rental/Lease agreement? Any kind of ties back to the US will probably greatly help. Wish you lost of luck!

We've had some difficulty with people approaching the NYC and LA consulates for entry clearances and being told there was no chance to apply unless they had a prior refusal - some even going as far as saying that the opportunity did not exist and that the information posted in this thread was inaccurate. 

I put on my advocate's hat and asked UKVisas about it straight up.  Here's an extract from their response...



While there is no requirement for US Citizens to obtain visas in order to visit the UK, it is open to them to apply for prior entry clearance (= a visa), if they wish, particularly if they have previously encountered difficulties in entering the UK in the past.

This will simplify progress through Immigration control on arrival in the UK as it gives leave to enter (unless acquired by deception or the holder's circumstances substantially change).

If as you say, our Consulate Generals in New York and Los Angeles are not prepared to accept applications for Visit Visas from US Nationals unless they have been refused entry to the UK, we would be grateful if you let us have specific examples and we will make further enqureies.

However, I understand from what you [say] that the cases you refer to are not spending more than six months out of twelve in the UK. In this case it could be helpful to obtain a visit visa in these circumstances if a number of visits to the UK are envisaged in the course of the year but the six month limitation will not be exceeded.   



There's other references to the IDI's and what not, but the point is clearly made.

So yes, if you are experiencing stress clearing UK immigration controls then get an entry clearance.  And if somebody tells you that you cannot apply for that, then get their name and TELL VICTORIA OR ME 


ooops.  I forgot to add:  if they will not tell you their name, then get their description.  In the absence of a name, a description suits me just fine...

Thanks Garry, i think we will go for a 6 month visitor via the online method. I will let you know how we get on.

I have just looked th the for VAF1 and we find ourselves in the same situation as she would at the airport exept in the comfort of our home..!! What i mean is what should she put on the form for the reason to be visiting and in the additional comments do we mention fiance and eventual marriage in the US ? i suppose we should and send evedidence.

Thanks Garry, i think we will go for a 6 month visitor via the online method. I will let you know how we get on.
I have just looked th the for VAF1 and we find ourselves in the same situation as she would at the airport exept in the comfort of our home..!! What i mean is what should she put on the form for the reason to be visiting and in the additional comments do we mention fiance and eventual marriage in the US ? i suppose we should and send evedidence.

There's a sample VISITOR letter on my site.  It's for visa-nationals, so it's a bit OTT for a fast-track country, but everything should be included in some way or another - statements and what-not, and how you met and some background and other questions the IO would ask.

Raising the topic about eventually being a fiance isn't so smart because it will get them thinking you need to submit the VAF2 form instead of the VAF1 form. 

*bump*

I am curious, has anyone here applied for this entry clearance? I had a hard time with immigration this visit, and am scared I will be denied entry in the future. I am considering applying for entry clearance, though not sure it's worth it if it doesn't guarantee I will not be denied either. Any input is appreciated, thanks!

I'm also wondering about applying for entry clearance.  I'm over 60, retired, and have a boyfriend in the UK.   I can't qualify for a retired person of independent means visa (no close relatives in the UK).  So I had hoped to come over and stay up to 6 months at a time, returning to the US for several weeks in between.  We need to have enough time for the relationship to develop before applying for a fiancee visa.

If I were to apply for entry clearance for, say 2 years, can I be honest and say I'll be staying with my bf but will not stay for more than 6 months per visit?  How do you apply?  How long does it take?  If they turn me down will I then be under closer Immigration scrutiny each time I go over on a visitors visa (especially if I stay for 4-6 months at a time)?

Thanks for all advice.

Nancy

With no ties to the UK you are unliekly to be granted a 2 year multiple entry visit visa.  Having a boyfriend here will not make a strong enough case.

If you haven't been refused entry before there is very little point in making an entry clearance application for a visit.  Come for (up to) six months, make sure you have proof of your finances with you, make sure you are prepared to asnwer questions about why you will return home, and there should really be no problem. 

The second time you come over, there may be problems, as they will see the length of time you have visited for previously, and will think that you are coming as a visitor to circumvent the residency rules, which in a way you will be.

Victoria

With no ties to the UK you are unliekly to be granted a 2 year multiple entry visit visa.  Having a boyfriend here will not make a strong enough case.

If you haven't been refused entry before there is very little point in making an entry clearance application for a visit.  Come for (up to) six months, make sure you have proof of your finances with you, make sure you are prepared to asnwer questions about why you will return home, and there should really be no problem. 

The second time you come over, there may be problems, as they will see the length of time you have visited for previously, and will think that you are coming as a visitor to circumvent the residency rules, which in a way you will be.

Victoria

I have tickets to arrive in the UK July 17 and return to the US Nov 30.  I will be living with my bf.  I had planned to come back to the UK a few weeks later in Dec.  Would they only permit me to come back only for 1 1/2 months (the remainder of the initial 6 months) or challenge even that?

This is really becoming a horror show!  I can easily support myself and am not dependent on my bf.  I have health insurance in the US.  I don't understand why I would have such a hassle.

You may have a hassle because they may suspect that you are not actually coming to the UK just to visit, but actually intend to settle there.  There is no guarantee that you will have a problem when you try to re-enter after the few weeks gap, but there is no guarantee there won't be. 

I am sorry this sounds all so vague, but what you are doing will raise eyebrows.


Victoria

You may have a hassle because they may suspect that you are not actually coming to the UK just to visit, but actually intend to settle there.  There is no guarantee that you will have a problem when you try to re-enter after the few weeks gap, but there is no guarantee there won't be. 

I am sorry this sounds all so vague, but what you are doing will raise eyebrows.


Victoria

OK if I do not mention boyfriend and tell them (when I travel there this summer) that I am going on holiday (just retired) and put down the address of a hotel in London (not bf's address) and say I'll be travelling around....then the second time come back after Jan 1 (a new calendar year) and tell them I'm coming over for football matches (which is somewhat true) and to visit friends...is that likely to raise eyebrows?  I've been coming over for a long time to visit friends and go to matches.

You may have a problem anyway as you will be spending such a long time here, with only a short break in the middle. I would never advise that you lie to immigration anyway, as they will realise.

I suppose if you have a ticket to show them for a match in December then they are more likely to accept that as your reason for coming back, but there is always going to be a risk.

Little hijack - I am a footy girl myself, and I am intrigued about your ground hopping....

Victoria

Very good advice, Victoria.  I could ask my mates to get me a few tickets for FC United matches (I'm a founder and member...can show proof...also in MU Shareholders Trust where I own a lot of shares and can document).  First team match tickets only go on sale a week or two before the game so may be more difficult, although possibly the Reading ones will be available sooner.  I've been coming over for matches (as well as to visit friends) for several years and mention it every time I go through Immigration (usually female officials ask me why I would want to watch footie...then roll their eyes as they stamp my passport).

NHow...I am going to PM you....rather than bore all the others about football in the immigration forums!!!

Victoria