4 Month Visit to UK - recommendations for entry?

Hi All,

I plan on visiting the UK to visit my girlfriend for four months from January 3, 2012 until May 1, 2012. I'll have been to the UK six times for small, 8 day visits over the two years prior to entering for the four month visit.

I have no intention of jeopardizing future entry to the UK, including the possbility of legally immigrating to England via a marriage visa in the future, by overstaying my four-month visit at the start of 2012 or taking up illegal work.

At the time of entry, I'll be 26 years old with bank statements showing I have $30000 in saving available to me during my visit who currently lives at home with no rent expenses. I'll have left my full-time marketing job before entering the UK, technically making me employed. I will, however, have a letter from one of my former second jobs - a seasonal, summertime beach town business - stating that they are aware of my visit to the UK during the off-season and that I have accepted employment from them and am expected to report to work on May 6, 2012. I don't know whether this is important or not, but I do not have any pay stubs from this employer past 2008.

Also, during my time in the UK, I will not need to pay rent as I'll be staying with my girlfriend and her friends at their university house.

Does anyone have any advice, past experiences or feedback as to whether I should have any problem entering the UK for this four-month visit? Should I apply for a visa beforehand online or try my luck at the border? What proof should I bring with me to show I have no intentions of staying?

Thanks!   - Joe

Given that you're a male and that you have significant savings, you shouldn't have a problem just presenting at the border for entry.  As for proof that you won't be staying, you need a return ticket home, at the very least.

Do you own or rent a house in the US?  Having some kind of documentation of that would also show ties to the US, so it wouldn't hurt to bring along a copy of your mortgage/lease if you have one.

geeta: Apart from a return ticket home (which I’ll definitely have), what other proof would you recommend I bring to show I have no intention of staying in the UK past the four months?

Gus-Gus: No, I live at home with my parents, so I don’t have any lease/mortgage paperwork to bring with me. Any other recommendations documentation to bring?

Sometimes I recommend to bring a print out of Paragraph 41, but I think nobody ever does.  It can't hurt.

The paragraph of the Immigration Rules that Transpondia mentioned can be found here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/part2/

Sometimes I recommend to bring a print out of Paragraph 41, but I think nobody ever does.  It can't hurt.

Is there a print out for ILR holders when they are told to sit down for additional checks?

That's a really good idea transpondia would you also print it out when you are requesting entry clearance.

Love pads x

Is there a print out for ILR holders when they are told to sit down for additional checks?

Yes, Paragraphs 18 - 22. 

Transpondia: this might seem like a dumb question, but what purpose would a printout of Paragraph 41 serve during entry to the UK for my four month visit? What exactly would I do with it if/when questioned?

Transpondia: this might seem like a dumb question, but what purpose would a printout of Paragraph 41 serve during entry to the UK for my four month visit? What exactly would I do with it if/when questioned?

It's a very optional thing which has helped some in the past.  If it doesn't make sense for you, just ignore it. 

It shows that you are aware of the rules at least?

Hi All,

I've taken everyone's advice into consideration, and I plan on presenting at the border for entry instead of applying for a visa beforehand.

Below is a list of what I plan on bringing with me to show the IO upon entry in January:

- Full flight itinerary showing my return journey home on May 1, 2012
- Bank statements showing $30000 USD of available funds in my savings
- Letter from one of my current employers stating I've been granted a 'Leave of Absence' during my visit, also stating I'm expected to return to work in May 10
- Letter from a past employer stating I've been re-hired for the summer months when the business re-opens and that I'm expected back at work on May 7
- Letter from my girlfriend stating our relationship and that she'll be providing my accommodation during my visit at her university house
- Printout of Paragraph 41 to show I know and understand the rules of entry
- Invitation/save-the-date for my cousin's wedding on May 4, 2012 which I'll be leaving rhe UK to attend
- Invitation/save-the-date to a friend's wedding in early June which I'll be attending

Based on everything I’ve listed above, along with the fact that I have absolutely no intention of jeopardizing future entry to the UK – should I have a problem at the border upon arrival?

Should you have a problem? No.

Will you? No one knows.

Hi, I too am new to the forums and new to England.  I arrived here in August for a 6 month visit.  I was prepared with bank statements, letter from my employer etc....When I walked up to the window the gentleman said "Ahh I see you are going to the country to stay with the  country folks"  that was it....he stamped my passport and on I went.  I guess it just depends on who is in a good mood or not. I was coming to visit my my boyfriend who I had met in a online MMO game....we had been speaking for 6 months and now he is my fiance', so needless to say I was very nervous!  I think you will be perfectly fine, however like everyone else has said who knows...