Extending visit visa for mother in law

[amthekkel]

Hello,

My friend recently had his baby and his mother in law has come over as tradition to help out with settling the mother and the baby. She is on a 6 months visitors visa which expires in Nov. Is it possible for her to extend it for another 6 months while she is here and before her current visa expires.
If not, are there any categories that are more suitable than a visit visa?

Also, if she has to go back, how soon can she apply for a new visit visa, i.e. is there a minimum time spent required before a fresh applications can be made. I have heard rumours of people being sent back at immigration because they had new visit visa soon after the old one expired.

thanks

[MPH80]

When did she arrive here?

It is possibly to apply for an extension - but they are normally only granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g. I came here with my family, one member has fallen ill and is in hospital, I need to remain with them) as opposed to the description you've given so far which I think boils down to 'I'm enjoying my time with the baby and the family could use the help - so I'd like to stay longer'.

There isn't a more appropriate category than visitor and each visitor is admitted for 180 days on each visit (or to the limit of their visa whichever is sooner).

In terms of getting a new visa - there USED to be a rule about not visiting more than 6 months in any 12. The rule has now been changed to say that the ECO has discretion in this area and should look at a number of factors to see if the person is de-facto residing in the UK.


M.