Kitty issue, re: Visitor vs. Fiance visa...

This is sort of a strange one, perhaps, but I (US, currently in the US) am planning to visit my UK boyfriend for (hopefully) 6 months. We have discussed marriage, but it's a bit soon in the r'ship to actually set a date. Basically, we want to be sure we are as right together as we suspect we willbe...so we want to live together on a "trial run"

We have been looking into whether to file for a fiance visa, or whether I should just stay on a visitor visa (I won't need to work while I'm there)...then come back to the US to marry and file for a spouse visa from here.

My question is...Would it look really ODD to customs officers if I brought my cat with me on a visitor visa? I need to bring my little guy...and I fully intend to do everything properly, legally, etc. I'm just wondering if this might set off some sort of 'red flag' at the airport? Because if so, I guess we would need to try for a fiance visa.

Sorry this is a bit long! I would appreciate any and all advice:)

It does seem a bit odd, but no one can say how the particular IO you get will interpret it.

thanks:) But I really can't just hope I get a nice one, then be stuck at heathrow with my cat, if I don't luck out...

It looks really odd that a visitor would be bringing a pet.  I think you can expect a bounce at the airport if you bring her. 

As former member WebyJ used to say, there is no "shacking up" visa so I think you'll have to bite the bullet with a fiance visa.  There's nothing that says you have to marry. 

I would think it very weird, but don't know what an IO might make of it.

On a visitor visa you'd have to return to the US before getting a settlement visa, so I would wonder why you were bringing your cat on visit 1 rather than visit 2.

Given the amount of $$ to export your pet to the UK and send it back again after 6 months, I think you will set off alarm bells.

If you weren't already aware you can't take your kitty in the cabin with you, pets travel as cargo and there is a specific process you have to go through which is detailed here:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/

Since pets don't fly in the cabin, the IO isn't going to know you're bringing your cat with you unless you volunteer the information. You go and pick them up in the cargo area after you've cleared; the IO doesn't need to see the paperwork.

I have a good friend staying with me right now; she brought her cat and she is on a standard, at-the-airport visitor visa. She's been in and out of the country several times, no one has ever even asked her about Kitty.

I have a friend who came over last year and stayed for 6 months.  She brought her 4 cats with her.  Gwenn666 is right.  The IO won't know, and if you have all your paperwork in order showing you intend to return, finances, etc., you should be fine.

Thanks, everyone!  I was in Prague for 6 months on a visitor visa (doing a TESOL course), and I took Nort (kitty) with me...they didn't bat an eyelash. I wasn't sure if it would be different for the UK.

I think those of you who opined that the fiance visa is the way to go...are probably right. It's just such a complicated process...as all of you well know!

It hadn't occurred to me that kitty won't be with me at customs...but you guys are absolutely right. He weighs 18 lbs, so he has to travel in cargo even within the US. But...I'm one of those people who would probably have a panic attack if I tried to 'be cool' and 'hope they let it slide' at customs...SO...I should probably go the more official route with more sensible paperwork.

Can anyone direct me to a thread about how long it takes to process a fiance visa? I've read the UK govt site, but it doesn't say, specifically. I've read tons of stuff on here - you guys are SO helpful! - but I haven't been able to find that particular detail...

thanks guys! happy holidays:)