Updated: <6 months living in UK

[dreamsofuk]

Because my overall objective has changed, I'm bumping this up in hopes that someone can help me with my new scenario. I'm really interested in good opinions and very appreciative of legitimate replies!

[mulderpf]

I am just throwing this out there as something to look at - no idea whether it would work or not, but visa nationals can apply for Business Visit visas - can the OP not enter UK on the same premise (maybe even actually apply just in case - even though it's not necessary). Not sure if he fulfills the requirements for that, but worth a look I suppose.

[pennylessinindia]

i think you will find a businees visa allows for short business visits and not for boy and girl friend to live in the uk together !

[geriatrix]

Because my overall objective has changed, I'm bumping this up in hopes that someone can help me with my new scenario. I'm really interested in good opinions and very appreciative of legitimate replies!

The option available to you, even in the new scenario, has already been mentioned - general visitor.

[dreamsofuk]

The option available to you, even in the new scenario, has already been mentioned - general visitor.

Yes, this is why I changed my scenario on the first post. I am not seeking employment in the UK. If possible, I'd prefer to work for my American clients while living there so that I can wire money if needed. Obviously I'd prefer to have a built up savings before I arrive.

i think you will find a businees visa allows for short business visits and not for boy and girl friend to live in the uk together !

Right, not seeking a business visa, just a legitimate tourist visa to allow me to stay for ~5.5 months.

[PaperPusher]

You are not allowed to work. The visitor stamp says "no work", not no work for UK clients. Visitors are not allowed to provide services.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... les/part2/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

***I am updating this initial post because my goal is now different but related.***

I am a US citizen who wishes to temporarily relocate to the UK for just less than 6 months. My Russian girlfriend will be entering University for a 12 month program starting in October and I'd like to live with her for 5.5 months starting in October.

• I am 31yo white male.
  I do not have any recent British ancestors.
  I do not own a house or land; I will move back with parents while over in the UK to minimize expenses.
  I am a self-employed web designer with less than £10k in savings. I have worked full-time in my past for a couple of years but am currently freelancing.
  I hold a bachelor's degree from an American university.

For a five and a half month visit where I strictly live with my gf in her flat, how much in funds do I need in my bank account? I can only provide bank statements of my income in the states from clients that I get on a regular basis.

I also will need to work on my projects for my American clients while I live in the UK so that I can wire money and support myself, pay for food and living expenses and help contribute to my lifestyle. From what I've read, it's not legal for me to work while in the UK. But does this apply if I'm still doing business for my American clients?

Thank you for your advice and replies!

I am a US citizen who wishes to temporarily relocate to the UK for a year. My Russian girlfriend will be entering University for a year starting in September and I'd like to follow her.

I am 31yo white male.
I do not have any recent British ancestors.
I am a self-employed web designer with less than the required £200k capital for Entreprenuer Tier 1 visa. I have worked full-time in my past for a couple of years as well.
I hold a bachelor's degree from an American university.

It is my impression that the only way I might be allowed to work in the UK is for Tier 2, but I am now reading that the amount of positions for non-citizens will decrease on April 1st.

Is there other ways I can look at trying to get a job in the UK by the end of summer 2011? Thank you for your advice and replies!

[dreamsofuk]

You are not allowed to work. The visitor stamp says "no work", not no work for UK clients. Visitors are not allowed to provide services.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... les/part2/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

Right! I saw these and the main point in question is this:

(iv) does not intend to produce goods or provide services within the United Kingdom, including the selling of goods or services direct to members of the public;

I wasn't sure if this was directly referring to the UK public or worldwide.

[joh118]

it doesnt matter what it was referring to: either "uk public or worldwide"...
the point is, if you do this activity in the UK, it is classed as work. Also, note the word "including", this suggests that doing work in the UK is not allowed regardless of "uk public or worldwide"...

[pennylessinindia]

visit visas are for tourists.
As a non visa national you can visit for upto 6 months for a holiday . This is the rule .
there is no way round it you can not work without a visa . The same as it would be for me if I wished to visit the US . Come for a holiday if you decide you want to be togther you will then have to decide if you want to settle in the US or her country . Or the UK if you meet the requirements later .
This is all part of internatioal dating

[dreamsofuk]

visit visas are for tourists.
As a non visa national you can visit for upto 6 months for a holiday . This is the rule .
there is no way round it you can not work without a visa . The same as it would be for me if I wished to visit the US . Come for a holiday if you decide you want to be togther you will then have to decide if you want to settle in the US or her country . Or the UK if you meet the requirements later .
This is all part of internatioal dating

Right, I do not intend to be employed by anyone in the UK nor will I be seeking work from a UK employer. I do, however, have US clients I work for right now and will need to do occasional work for them while I'm in the UK.

International dating is tough and this situation makes it even tougher!

[mulderpf]

Right, I do not intend to be employed by anyone in the UK nor will I be seeking work from a UK employer. I do, however, have US clients I work for right now and will need to do occasional work for them while I'm in the UK.

International dating is tough and this situation makes it even tougher!

As a visitor - no working - it's based on where you are, not who you're working for. If you're doing something that brings in money while doing something, it's working.

I work for clients based in Europe and Australia - but I'm based in the UK. I had to get a UK work visa, not one for the European countries or Australia because my clients are there.

[joh118]

visit visas are for tourists.
As a non visa national you can visit for upto 6 months for a holiday . This is the rule .
there is no way round it you can not work without a visa . The same as it would be for me if I wished to visit the US . Come for a holiday if you decide you want to be togther you will then have to decide if you want to settle in the US or her country . Or the UK if you meet the requirements later .
This is all part of internatioal dating

Right, I do not intend to be employed by anyone in the UK nor will I be seeking work from a UK employer. I do, however, have US clients I work for right now and will need to do occasional work for them while I'm in the UK.

International dating is tough and this situation makes it even tougher!

check out the IDI on Visit Visas! You'd be suprised how complex visiting the UK can be.

[dreamsofuk]

check out the IDI on Visit Visas! You'd be suprised how complex visiting the UK can be.

Haha, been there done that!! I combed through this for an hour or two looking for relevant issues that I would face. I wish there was an indication of what their suggested amount to have saved up before visiting is. Is £10,000 enough to live on for 5.5 months?