How to stay in the UK for more than 6 months?
I am a US citizen and thus can stay in the UK for 6 months. I am purchasing a live-aboard cruising boat to tour the UK via canals and rivers. I'd like to be able to stay for 10 to 12 months before I move the boat to Holland? How do I extend the 6 months - What kind of Visa do I need to apply for. This is strictly for tourism. I've been on the UK websites - the only things I can find tells me I do not need a visa.
Best Answer
Normally, US citizens can only visit without a visa for no more than six months. Some countries allow visitors to apply for a visa to stay for longer. However, that does not appear to be true for the UK. From Standard Visitor visa:
How long you can stay
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
You might be able to stay for longer if:
- you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment - up to 11 months
- you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research - you, your spouse or civil partner may be able to stay for up to 12 months
Staying for 10 to 12 months is outside what is permitted under a Standard Visitor visa. As far as I am aware, there is no other visa that would permit tourism activities for more than six months.
Although US citizens do not need a visa for visits up to six months, you will still be interviewed by an immigration officer (ECO, Entry Clearance Officer). They do have the power to refuse entry to you if they believe you are arriving to live in the UK (and if you say "live-aboard cruising boat" that sure sounds like you intend to live in the UK).
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Quick Answer about "How to stay in the UK for more than 6 months?"
How can I stay in UK long-term?
You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. If you're under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.Can I visit the UK for 6 months every year?
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.How long can I legally stay in the UK?
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you've been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as 'long residence'). Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It's also called 'settlement'....Fees and how long it takes.What you're applying forFeeExtend your stay\xa31,0481 more rowHow long can I stay in the UK with a 6 month visa?
You can stay in the UK for up to six months. You can also apply to extend your UK Visitor Visa, as long as the total time you spend in the UK is not more than 6 months. It is also possible to apply for long-term visit visas if you travel to the UK regularly. These visas are valid for 2, 5 or 10 years.STAY IN EUROPE FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS… JUST DO THIS! Schengen area and the 90 day rule for Van Life.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: C H, Mike B, Red Zeppelin, John Fisher