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how to stay legally in UK, only eligible for visitor visa
I am a US citizen and I have been in England for the past 5 months, having obtained a 6 month visitor's visa upon arrival in the UK. The reason for the visit was to meet my UK partner face to face after a long phone/internet/mail relationship.
Unfortunately before coming here, I was given poor advice and told I could just leave the UK for approximately a week before my visa expired and return after the expiration date. I had planned to go to Spain for a week, then return. From what I understand now from BIA, that is not exactly the easiest method to return here. I could return to the states and apply for a long term visitor visa, but BIA tells me that it is still customary to spend no more than 6 months at a time in the UK before returning to my country of citizenship.
We are planning on marriage in the future, but due to the time UK divorce takes, it would be longer than the 6 months I've been given. Also, as we have not cohabitated for 2 years, I also am not eligible for an unmarried partner visa. Also not eligible for HSMP and from what I understand, it's very difficult for a US citizen to obtain a work permit for the UK otherwise.
Anyone else in this situation or that might know of alternatives I could explore? We really do not want to go to the states, as he can only stay as a visitor for 90 days. Also we have children here in the UK. We consider ourselves a blended family.
One suggestion that was made to me was to apply for a volunteer's visa (good for one year and renewable,) which I could do in country. Anyone have experience in this area?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
peyton
Unfortunately before coming here, I was given poor advice and told I could just leave the UK for approximately a week before my visa expired and return after the expiration date. I had planned to go to Spain for a week, then return. From what I understand now from BIA, that is not exactly the easiest method to return here. I could return to the states and apply for a long term visitor visa, but BIA tells me that it is still customary to spend no more than 6 months at a time in the UK before returning to my country of citizenship.
We are planning on marriage in the future, but due to the time UK divorce takes, it would be longer than the 6 months I've been given. Also, as we have not cohabitated for 2 years, I also am not eligible for an unmarried partner visa. Also not eligible for HSMP and from what I understand, it's very difficult for a US citizen to obtain a work permit for the UK otherwise.
Anyone else in this situation or that might know of alternatives I could explore? We really do not want to go to the states, as he can only stay as a visitor for 90 days. Also we have children here in the UK. We consider ourselves a blended family.
One suggestion that was made to me was to apply for a volunteer's visa (good for one year and renewable,) which I could do in country. Anyone have experience in this area?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
peyton
