1

Immigration-wise, it doens't look good!
No fixed abode in the USA
Probably no job to return to either
No return ticket
Just enough money to buy a return ticket
Sponored by a girl friend,
intention to get marry a British citizen
Eventually wants to settle in the UK.

What would you do as an IO at point of embarkation?

2

Personally I would not suggest that he mention that he will be staying with you nor would I sugest that he indicate that he doesn't have a job or a place back to live back in the US. In fact, he should be looking at both immediately.

In my view, he should also have a return ticket to the US in 3-4 months to prove that he isn't planning to stay illegally and some story as to where in the UK he will be traveling.

You don't want to give the immigration officer any doubt that he is intending to stay.

I have grandchildren in the UK and visit regularly, several times a year. At my last three entrances I have been questioned by immigration officials regarding whether I am living in the UK. I have had them try to count the number of days that I have spent, question me about every entrance and exit. Each time I have been able to show that I am not residing illegally in the UK but each time it has taken longer to get through immigration. I am glad that my passport will need to be replaced soon as it already has the maximum number of pages which are almost all filled with visas and entry/ exit stamps. Hopefully this will stop the questions for a few years.

Ruth

3

You're on the computer everbrite, it is not the stamps in your passport that are ringing bells. A new passport will not change anything. I would suggest you speak to someone at UK Immigration on the phone while you are over there on a visit and try to get a note put on the computer that explains your regular visits.

"the fact he doesnt know to the exact day when he is going back there as he needs to find a new apartment etc (he was only renting previously)."

Rubbish. He is not going to find a new apartment in the US while living with you in the UK. So that excuse is certainly not going to fly.

He is very likely to be refused entry if he tells them what you have written here. I'd refuse him without hesitation, he's a perfect fit for an illegal immigrant. In fact, I find myself doubting what you have said about his planning to return to the USA.

4

I understand that I am in the computer. This last time the IO explained that part of the problem is that they don't consistently stamp on exit.

The reason that I am hoping that a new passport will help is that now often the entry and exit stamps aren't on the same page. I am hoping that in the future, I will watch more carefully where they put the entrance stamp and be sure to get an exit stamp to match.

Ruth

5

@Everbrite, have you had extra pages added to your (I assume US) passport? Ah right I get the entry/exit stamp challenge. It's been a big problem for me in China too.

@OP Last year when I traveled through the UK - just for ten days - I was coming from my house in Sicily (where I'd spent 3 months renovating) and had an onward ticket to Bangkok, where I was based at the time. I'd been in the UK three months earlier for one day, transiting from Asia. That was the first time I'd been to the UK in about ten years.

UK immigration appeared convinced that I was trying to enter the UK:

1. To stay indefinitely (illegally)

or:

2. To stay for 3 months and then re-enter the Schengen zone in order to live in Sicily, infinitum.

Next time my English husband will be in the line with me, instead of the zippy UK citizens' line.

Regardless of your intentions, be sure he's got a ticket back home. One that he can change. I get that you wouldn't want to put pressure on the relationship by talking about a fiance visa or marriage early on, but living (or working) in another country illegally is never a good idea for a career, and can put stress on your relationship too.

Edited by: waxybrushes

6

Everbrite - He was over here for 3 weeks about a month ago, but had to return to the USA for personal reasons (someone was ill). I believe he told them then he was staying with me, but I would have to double check with him. His parents are sorting accomodation for him for his return (they have room for him, as do his friends that he has in the NY/New hampshire region of things), and he has just recently left the army hence no job but I think he wants to have a little him time before he throws himself back into work. He is looking, but he is pretty apprehensive as to what he can actually do because all he has known has been the forces.

I did say that it would be best to have a return ticket, he is going to need one and so long as the date can be moved should anything arise and he needs to go back sooner/later than expected.

travelinstyle - As I stated above, he has not long come out of the forces, is looking for work but is wanting some time out of the stress for a little while, hence him coming over here and chilling with me. I am also VERY aware of the legality surrounding the visas etc, and have spoken to solicitors etc over here and am rather familiar with the criteria set out by the UKBA. We are either going to apply for a fiance visa in due course when I fully meet the financial requirements (I am a single mum who has managed to get off of benefits and go back to work to support myself, but I havent quite been doing it for 6 months yet.). I dont think it is too much of a bad thing to want to be able to spend time together whilst abiding by the law. I wouldnt do a single thing that would risk him being deported, as our relationship wouldnt stand a chance. I would not be able to easily leave the UK, as my childs father would stop me. So, hopefully now you can see that I am hoping to do things legally? I really love this guy and wouldnt jeopardise a thing, hence my spending hours at a time speaking to solicitors about our situation. I would have spoken to them about this, but as it was the weekend I thought I would ask here. They have said it is ok for him to come back so soon after his previous stay, as I was concerned about that also.

Waxy - We have spoken about the fiance visa/spouse visas etc, and I have already started compiling the supporting documents for the fiance visa in preparation for when he can get it all done (from the USA - hence why I know he is returning there!). Looking at the UKBA guidelines for the 6 months tourist visa, he complies with all - though I understand the return ticket will be more proof than his bank statement, which does show more than enough for the time over here and the ticket.

I hope perhaps I have made the situation a little more clear. We are in no way, shape or form trying to "con" the Immigration guys, he is returning to the States and he will be returning so he can file the application for the fiance visa and get his biometrics done :)

7

Much better explanation of the situation LMSB.

My advice in that case is that he say he is coming as a tourist to visit the UK, full stop. He should have a return ticket though as well.

Going back to basics and ignoring for the moment your relationship, he is a US citizen intent on visiting the UK. As a tourist he is welcome to do so for up to 6 months. Bear in mind that Immigration is not in the business of discouraging tourists, they are in the business of catching illegal immigrants attempting to enter the country.

Therefore, if they have no reason to suspect he is anything other than just another tourist he should have no problem at all. He doesn't need to tell them about his personal relationships in life. He can IF ASKED say he is just out of the forces and is taking some time to travel before returning home to settle down. That's quite easily believeable.

Most tourists do not get asked any questions beyond, 'What is the purpose of your visit?' - tourist. 'How long do you intend to stay?' - 5 months maybe, I have a return booked then although I may return earlier.'

The simpler he keeps it the better. Mentioning your relationship at all simply complicates things and leads to more questions.

8

everbrite - Unless things have changed very recently the UK does not have exit immigration. They may be able to track you leaving through the airlines, but there will be no "exit stamp".

9

I agree with #7 - get a return ticket, try not to mention the relationship, and if asked then the thing about leaving the forces and wanting to travel friendly places for a bit n your own schedule is quite believable.

10

eurotrash - that's the problem. No exit stamp from the UK and inconsistent stamps when I go to the US and other places in Europe.

Ruth