OK to transfer in UK 1 day before visa starts?

I would like to transfer in London (not leaving the airport) one day before my visa starts on my way to Perth, Australia. Is this going to give me trouble or am I ok? The reason for the trip is my fiance is working in Perth and I'd like to get my entry stamp in the UK on the way BACK from Australia. Basically I want to transfer in the UK the day before my visa is valid and get stamped for the first time on day 26 after my visa start date on the way home.

I haven't booked the flight yet...wanted to ensure this wouldn't in some way impair my Tier 1 visa or prevent me from carrying on to Perth.

Thanks in advance. I apologize if this is a stupid question--paranoia reigns!

Fine as creamed gravy.  Worry about something else....

As long as you stay airside there will be no problem.  If you are going to go landside, then you'll need to explain, but should be no problem once you do.

NYC to Perth via London.  That a hell of a flight!  Enjoy!

Vicky

As long as you stay airside there will be no problem.  If you are going to go landside, then you'll need to explain, but should be no problem once you do.

NYC to Perth via London.  That a hell of a flight!  Enjoy!

Vicky

Thank you so much Garry and Vicky!    I'm sorry I didn't thank you sooner. I had a slip of the mind and thought I hadn't posed this question but my fiance remembered me doing it and sure enough! 

I'm very relieved that this shouldn't be a problem. It WILL be a hell of a flight (I'm actually transferring in Dubai after London.) I am dreading the flying bit but looking forward to being on holiday before my grueling job hunt in the UK. 

*UPDATE*

I hope I haven't screwed up, but here goes....

As mentioned earlier in this thread I'll be having a layover in London one day before my visa starts. However as of yesterday I have a job interview scheduled for the time of my layover in London. It doesn't affect my flight times at all (I have a big window between arriving in London and departing for Perth.) Will immigration give me trouble if I try to leave to go to an interview and then come back to carry on to Australia? Will they not like the fact that I'm having an interview? I was so excited to be able to interview without cancelling my holiday in Australia but now I'm worried the IO might not let me in for the few hours I need. Any idea? 

I think it is reasonable for someone with a big stop over to want to go airside and leave the airport.  I also think that someone with a visa to work in the UK and a flight ticket to Perth is not going to be seen as likely to scupper all of that money and effort to work illegally in the UK as a visitor.

Complex, but explain and I still think you will be okay.  Evidence fo the fiance in Australia may help.



Vicky

I had a friend who moved to the UK from Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. She scheduled her flight a day earlier than her visa started (accidentally?? ) and was worried she would have to wait it out in the airport, however immigration let her through without much of a fuss.

I think it is reasonable for someone with a big stop over to want to go airside and leave the airport.  I also think that someone with a visa to work in the UK and a flight ticket to Perth is not going to be seen as likely to scupper all of that money and effort to work illegally in the UK as a visitor.

Complex, but explain and I still think you will be okay.  Evidence fo the fiance in Australia may help.



Vicky

Wonderful! I'm so relieved! I will definitely bring evidence with me. I'll have the copy of my ticket, but I'll also get a copy of the hotel reservation and the program from the ballet my fiance is conducting in Perth. Hopefully that will keep me from having too much trouble. Thank you again for responding. I feel such a weight lifted off of me. Now if only I can get the company to hire me!   Vicky you'll have to let me take you out for a bite to eat and a pint (or 10) for all the advice you've given me!

I had a friend who moved to the UK from Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. She scheduled her flight a day earlier than her visa started (accidentally?? ) and was worried she would have to wait it out in the airport, however immigration let her through without much of a fuss.

Thanks for sharing! It is definitely reassuring.  

Anytime.

Vicky