Is the limit for a UK visit 6 months or 180 days?
My mom was issued a two year multi-entry visa in July 2015. She came to the UK on the 5th July and returned on the 4th Jan 2016. We calculated six months from the date of entry however we have read that stay should not exceed 180 days. She wishes to return for a visit in Spring 2017 for two months.
Will there be a problem as when she came last she stayed 183 days?
The reason she stayed the maximum time was I hadn't been well and hence she was here to help out. I can't seem to find anywhere this information.
Best Answer
Whether "six months" means six calendar months or 180 days is a fascinating question, but ultimately not an important one in this situation.
Even if your mother did technically overstay for 4 days in her last visit, such a short overstay does not attract a re-entry ban (when leaving voluntarily, on her own expense after less than 90 days overstay, and with no other aggravating circumstances). So whether she will be allowed in again will depend on whether she can convince the immigration officer that she is a "genuine visitor" at that time. This is exactly the same standard as if she haven't overstayed!
Sure enough, the IO will be able to see the overstay (if an overstay it is) when making this determination -- but her travel history is available to them anyway. And the crucial information they will get out of that, no matter whether it's technically an overstay or not, is that she stayed for half a year and left right on the date when she reasonably believed she was required to. That is evidence of, on one hand, willingness to comply with the rules (which is a good thing), but on the other hand also of a desire to stretch her visit as long as possible (which could be cause for concern).
On yet another hand, the fact that she stayed out for more than a year after that long visit makes it less likely that she'll be seen as trying to live in the UK through long successive visits (which would be a really bad thing). So it could go either way -- but my unfounded wild guess would be that she'd probably be allowed in after some questioning.
At the end, in either case, it comes down to whether the IO finds her and her plans credible or not.
Pictures about "Is the limit for a UK visit 6 months or 180 days?"
Is the UK 180 day rule per visit or per year?
Visit visas allow stays of no longer than 6 months (or 180 days) per visit. Visit visas can be valid for long term periods (1 year or more), facilitating multiple visits. Additionally, those using visit visas are in general more limited in the activities they are permitted to undertake while in the UK.How often can I visit the UK in a year?
There is no limit on the frequency of visits or specified maximum period visitors are allowed to spend in the UK in any 12-month period. However, if you spend more time in the UK than in your country of residence the Immigration Officer may have grounds to believe that you live in the UK.Can I leave the UK after 6 months and come back?
Your new Visitor immigration permission may not be for a further six months: the Border Force Officer may give you just the time you need to complete your studies, or six months minus the length of time you recently spent in the UK as a Visitor.What is the 180 day rule UK?
If you've spent time outside the UKYou must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. If you think you're affected by this rule, the Home Office has guidance about how to calculate your time in the UK ('continuous residence').UK Visitor Visa | Visit the UK for up to 6 months | GSN Immigration | Part 1
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Spencer Davis, Mike, EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA, Breakingpic