1

You need to ask your local British Embassy (consulate) visa/immigration department.

2

You've got a 2 year visa, you can't book any flights more than a year in advance, therefore you have no option but to travel on a one way ticket.

3

My point is nobody is 'Guaranteed' entry despite efficient funds, visas etc.

4

What you wear and how you present yourself at immigration on arrival in the UK will dictate how you are treated. If you arrive looking like a slob from the third world in tattered t-shirt, board shorts and thongs (flip-flops) then the immigration agent might take a dimmer view of you than if you were in a collared shirt, trousers/jeans, and shoes that cover your feet (preferably with laces - good runners are fine). Also, arrive with a bit of a plan. Have at least your first week's accommodation booked, and a reasonably good idea of where you are going to go and what you are going to do. This means doing research, and that you will have to do yourself.

The UK economy is still suffering as a result of the recession. There are still jobs out there, but competition to get them is fiercer. I visited the UK last October/November and was amazed at the huge number of country and village pubs that had closed. Even places that I used to stop at for a drink had become derelict ruins. Also, living in the UK is expensive. I visit every year and was surprised at the increase in the cost of every day items on my most recent visit. Just bear that in mind when you're saving your cash.

Also, one last word of advice - you never EVER buy your flight ticket before your visa is approved.

5

'I visited the UK last October/November and was amazed at the huge number of country and village pubs that had closed.'

It's so sad isn't it? more recently the trend is to burn it down and claim off the insurance so often. The most common result is insurance companies don't pay up and the burnt out shell sits there rotting for years attracting squatters, rats and the likes of.

6

Thanks for the advice!
In hindsight, booking a flight probably wasn't the smartest thing to do prior to getting my visa but I do have quite a few months before i leave so I hope there wont be too many problems. If worst comes to worst I can just book another flight and spend my entire time traveling Europe without working.

7

I turned up in July 2011 with a vague plan, no job, a bank statement and the address of my cousins where I was going to stay. I think I got asked a few questions but they didn't ask to look at my bank statement, they just took my fingerprints and looked at my entrance card and asked a couple of questions. It took longer the two times I arrived without a job but every since then it's just been a variation of "What do you do for a job" "Where do you work" Where have you been" "How long were you there" "When are you planning on staying until" to figure out if I'm legit or not. I agree that it helps if you look the part but if your visa has already been approved and you've got the paperwork needed then there's no real reason for them to turn you away.

8

'if your visa has already been approved and you've got the paperwork needed then there's no real reason for them to turn you away'

Although that's no guarantee that they still won't!