Newly widowed; wondering about immigration status

I was living in Scotland studying when I met my English husband. We married in the states and had been happily living there together for four years when he died unexpectedly/suddenly three months ago.

We planned to return to the UK in the next couple of years, but hadn't started any immigration stuff. I really would like to return, because his family and friends are my family and friends and it was the place where I was always the most happy.

In my state of mourning and grief, I can't concentrate well enough to read through the Home Office site to find the information I need. So, does anyone here know if I am able to immigrate to the UK as the widow of a UK citizen? If you can help point me in the right direction, I would be grateful. (I've only ever held student visas in the UK.)

Oh, gosh, Frances...I am so sorry. I'm sure someone who knows what they're talking about will be along, but I had to say something, however useless.

My worst nightmare.

I don't know the answer to your question, Frances, but just read this and wanted to send my condolensces.  Am so sorry to read of your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I am sorry for your loss, and so, so sorry to have to say this, but I really don't think you can.  The Worldbridge information for husbands, wives and partners makes no mention of widowed spouses of UK citizens who aren't yet settled in the UK.  My understanding is that if you had already been settled here, they might have let you stay, but you won't be able to obtain entry clearance for settlement any more.  Immigration laws are heartless.  Is there any chance you could get a Tier 1, or even return as a student?  

aye, indeed I am sorry for your loss

Frances, I don't know the answer to your question but I wanted to say that I am so very sorry for your loss! I remember when you guys moved back to be closer to your parents and how you always wished to move back to the UK in the future.

I hope you can find the answers and move back.

Oh Frances... I am so sorry. Back in the day, you were a great UKY member and like Jules, I remember when you moved back to the US. I do hope that you will be able to move wherever it is you want to...

(((hugs)))

Bereavement is an in-country thing that requires an existing FLR.  When successful, the bereaved spouse switches from FLR to ILR.  There are no out-of-country provisions for bereaved spouses that deal with it as a circumstance unto itself.  You can have a look under Paragraph 317 to see if there's a qualifying sponsor.  Beyond that, there's nada.

Getting to extremes, you can also make an appeal directly to the SSHD, or even HM.  But the chances of success in these routes are so remote that they are academic anyway.

The general principle in all of this is that the couple lives in the place where their ties are the strongest, and for you that would be the US.  The concept makes sense.  Short of Paragraph 317, there's really no practical inward route.

I'm so sorry for your loss 

Frances, I see you've already had your question answered but I just want to add my condolences, I'm so sorry.  I hope you can find a way to move back to the UK if that is what you still want.

Oh Frances, I am so very sorry for your loss.  I hope you can find a way through immigration nightmares.

I remember you too Frances and I just wanted to add my condolences and hope you can find a way to back here to the UK.

I see the question has been answered above, but I just wanted to add how sorry I am for your loss.

Frances, I am so very sorry for your loss. And even sorrier to hear that there is no easy way for you to return to the UK. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.