Transpondia Immigration FAQ ©

Miscellaneous Frequently Asked Questions

I entered the UK on a fiance visa, but would to get married in Italy (France, Australia, etc). Is it ok?
Yes. But to come back in to the UK, you would need to get a spousal visa first.
I entered the UK on a fianc� visa, but my marriage has been delayed. What form do I use to get an extension?
The FLR(O) form should be submitted before your fiance visa expires.
I entered the UK on a fiance visa, but my relationship deteriorated. Can I marry someone else?
Yes, but not with a visa issued to a different sponsor. You will need to reapply first.
I am applying for a fiance (spousal) visa. Do I need to include round-trip air tickets with my application?
To begin, let's look at this comment from the UKvisas Independent Monitor... "...Linked to the allegation of vagueness is an associated one to do with a lack of booked hotels and tickets: I am aware that some Posts advise all applicants bar transit passengers not to book tickets or hotels until they have their visa. I endorse this approach. It is not right to require bookings which will cost money before a visa is obtained and UKvisas has now issued advice which states explicitly that applicant should not be expected to make travel or hotel bookings before obtaining their visa..."     --Report of the Independent Monitor 2004 (Immigration and Asylum Act 1999), published February 2005, UKvisas So the answer is No. Round-trip air tickets are not required to apply for a settlement visa, or any other type of visa for that matter (the exception being air-side transit visas which are outside the scope of this FAQ). The Foreign Office tells us that purchasing tickets in advance of an application is not recommended because of complications that can occur.
I am applying for a visitor visa. Do I need to include round-trip air tickets with my application?
No. See above. Also, the DSPs tell us that having a round-trip ticket is not, in itself, evidence of intent. If you are applying for a visitor visa, tickets should not be purchased until after the visa is issued.
I plan to visit the UK. Will I need to show the Immigration Officer round-trip air tickets when I arrive?
Arrival in the UK is different than applying for a visa abroad. If you are arriving as a VISITOR, the Immigration Officer is entitled to an assurance that your onward journey has been provided for, and accordingly may ask to see your return ticket. If you are entering the UK as a visitor and are unable to show a return ticket when asked to do so, you will be in a spot of bother.
When I entered the UK my return ticket was for two weeks later, and I would like to stay longer. Is it OK to cancel my ticket and book a later flight?
This is a mild form of abuse, but it is generally acceptable if there is a good reason and booking a later flight will not result in your overstaying. Take careful note that the Immigration Officer may record the date of your return ticket on the back of your landing card, and frequent abuse may ultimately hurt your credibility.
I am a non-visa national (American, Canadian, Brazilian, etc) and do not need an entry clearance to visit the UK. Can I 'renew' my visitor visa by going to France or Ireland and returning on the same day?
The IDIs tell us that there is no fixed interval required between successive visits to the UK, and this strategy is within the rules. But there is no guarantee that you will be readmitted. Also, the IDIs also tell us about the so-called "spent-leave rule", so this strategy should be used with care.
I would like to visit the UK and to finance part of my trip by performing as a street musician (juggler, magician, comedian, church choir singer, etc). Do I need a special visa for this?
Yes. You need to apply under one of the provisions within Tier 5 of the Points Based System.
I am in the UK as a fiance and I would like to work at home running an internet-based business. Does this breach the terms of my visa?
Yes. If your visa says 'No Work', it means just that. Working in the 'black economy' circumvents both the VAT and National Insurance schemes.

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