Is there a 6-month gap for a UK visitor?

[xlnallnat]

May I ask this question?

I read that 'according to UK immigration rules, that a visitor must stay in the UK for no longer than 6 months within a 12 month period."

Does it mean that after staying for 6 months, the visitor must be outside of the UK for another 6 months before they can come back?

Can they come back after 2 or 3 months?

Thank you

[MPH80]

What you've read is the old guidance. The 6 in 12 rule used to be formal - now the guidance is that the person must not be appearing to reside in the UK while on a visitor visa.

Whether or not someone could return after 2-3 months would depend entirely on how much longer they planned on staying. If they were coming for a week - that's one thing - if it was for 6 months - that's another.

So the result is that the 6 in 12 rule is still the best one to use as guidance for yourself.

[xlnallnat]

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I have understood the issue better.