Visitor visa to UK while waiting for spouse visa?

[anna105]

Really hoping someone has experience of this!

My husband applied for his spouse visa at the end of March from abroad. We paid extra to keep his passport so he could still travel. Does anyone know if UK border guards will be suspicious about his intentions if he visits the UK as a tourist while the spouse visa is being considered? He has a passport that allows a visa waiver, so he does not need to formally apply for a visitor's visa.

They were suspicious when we entered the UK as a couple before we were married (suspicious that he wouldn't leave), so we are worried they might not let him in and it could then affect his application.

Thanks for any advice!

[anna105]

We've now received the email from the Home Office saying that standard waiting time is now 24 weeks, so we're not expecting a decision till end of September now.

Is there really a ban on visiting the UK while waiting for a spouse visa??

[sohail111]

Since your application has been sent, how will border control know that is being progressed?
Furthermore, if something does go wrong, how will that impact a submitted application?

[Ticktack]

We've now received the email from the Home Office saying that standard waiting time is now 24 weeks, so we're not expecting a decision till end of September now.

Is there really a ban on visiting the UK while waiting for a spouse visa??

Just wondering where they would stick his initial vignette if it's approved? If approved though, he would need to exit and re-enter to activate the spouse visa

[anna105]

Yes, as part of paying to keep his passport during the application we were informed that once approved we then have to give them the passport (in the country he applied from) and may have to wait an extra 15 working days, I assume to get the vignette.

[AmazonianX]

Yes, as part of paying to keep his passport during the application we were informed that once approved we then have to give them the passport (in the country he applied from) and may have to wait an extra 15 working days, I assume to get the vignette. Correct

[JB007]

We've now received the email from the Home Office saying that standard waiting time is now 24 weeks, so we're not expecting a decision till end of September now.

Family visas: apply, extend or switch

...

How long it takes

If you apply outside the UK a decision will usually be made within 24 weeks.
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa

[Ticktack]

Yes, as part of paying to keep his passport during the application we were informed that once approved we then have to give them the passport (in the country he applied from) and may have to wait an extra 15 working days, I assume to get the vignette.

Yep, as the passport would need to be shipped to Sheffield and back to the country of origin.

[anna105]

Just to update this in case anyone finds it useful in the future.

We travelled to the UK together and all was fine at border control. We openly told them we have submitted a spouse visa application, they asked to make sure he was travelling as a visitor, and asked for evidence we have flights booked to leave the country, and let us through!

[TODMATT]

Just to update this in case anyone finds it useful in the future.

We travelled to the UK together and all was fine at border control. We openly told them we have submitted a spouse visa application, they asked to make sure he was travelling as a visitor, and asked for evidence we have flights booked to leave the country, and let us through!

This is good news!

I saw someone refused entry using the same route as yourself! It’s good you had a return ticket! Well done otherwise they would have doubt his intention to return home.