Is My UK Entry Still Within the Rules?
Is My UK Stay Compliant with Immigration Rules?
Hi there! I’m a Polish citizen (F19), and my British boyfriend (M19) and I plan to apply for an unmarried partner visa. However, we won’t be able to meet the financial requirements for another three months.
I first visited the UK at the start of summer 2024, staying for 1 month and 2 weeks. Later in the year, I returned for Christmas and will be staying until April 1, 2025, making that visit a total of 3 months and 3 weeks. In total, I’ve spent around 5 months and 2 weeks in the UK during both visits.
To avoid being apart while we wait to submit the visa application, I’m considering returning to the UK on April 14 for another 3-month stay before we head back to Poland to officially apply for the visa.
After that stay, I wouldn’t return to the UK without a visa.
Would this plan be legal and compliant with UK immigration rules? Am I within the limits of the 6-month stay regulation?
Update: I applied for an ETA today and received approval just a minute later.
Hello! It looks like you’re navigating a complex situation, so it’s great that you’re seeking clarity on your UK entry and immigration rules.
Based on the information you’ve provided, there are a few key points to consider regarding your plans:
Visitor Duration: As a Polish citizen, you can visit the UK as a tourist without a visa, but you are generally allowed to stay for up to 6 months at a time. However, frequent and extended stays can raise questions about whether you are genuinely visiting or attempting to live in the UK without the proper visa.
Cumulative Time in the UK: You mentioned spending about 5 months and 2 weeks in total across your visits. If you return on April 14, 2025, and stay for another 3 months, this would push your total time in the UK to around 8 months within a 12-month period. While there is no strict rule against this, immigration officers may scrutinize your pattern of travel to ensure you’re not abusing the visitor status.
Unmarried Partner Visa Application: Once you apply for the unmarried partner visa from Poland, it’s crucial that you meet all the requirements, including the financial requirements. It’s advisable to ensure that you submit your application as soon as you meet all the criteria to avoid any complications with your visitor status.
Advice: It would be wise to keep your visits manageable and maintain a clear distinction between being a visitor and intending to reside in the UK long-term. You might also want to consider seeking legal advice or guidance from an immigration specialist to ensure that your plans are fully compliant with UK immigration laws.
To summarize, while your return visit may not technically breach any rules, be cautious about the cumulative time spent in the UK, as this could lead to questions from immigration officials. Good luck with your visa application!