Quitting job to visit my UK boyfriend for longer
So, I’m in a long distance relationship with a guy from England, we’ve been together for a little over a year now. He visited me here in the States for 2 weeks in April 2018, and I visited him for 2 weeks in Oct-Nov of 2018. My goal is to go back and visit him in a few months after saving up some money, however, I’m hoping to stay for a bit longer than 2 weeks, say for more like a month.
But I’m honestly not sure if my boss will grant me a month off to go visit him so I am dabbling with the idea of quitting my job to go be able to see him and just take it as an opportunity to look for a better job once I return home. Obviously I understand that not having a job as a tie back home is frowned upon so I guess I’m just hoping you guys can give me some advice on what some of my options may be in regards to being able to see him without causing a whole lot of scrutiny at the border.
I’ve read about some people advising on lying a bit on my reason for being there and whatnot and I have absolutely no interest in lying. Do you all think it would raise too many questions for me to go visit him for a month with adequate funds but no job? He is employed and would help with some of the financial burdens as well and we are debating on a week-long trip in London if I do get the chance to stay for a whole month, would having proof of accommodation there help me any or no?
I’m sorry if I seem stupid for my questions; I just know I miss him terribly and I’m ready to visit him again, but I want to do things right. Thank you guys for any and all input in advance!
Best Answer
Your question is impossible to answer with certainty. The official advice for visa-free entry is that you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months (if you are allowed entry and if the Immigration Officer doesn’t decide to curtail this). However, you should bring the same documents you’d need to apply for a visa, to show to officers at the UK border https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/usa/tourism The latter includes proof of your ties to the US. If your job is currently your only strong tie (no dependent family, no property, no savings to speak of etc) you may have difficulty convincing Immigration, if questioned, that you are a genuine visitor https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/673351/Visit-guidance-v7.0EXT.PDF#page15 given that your answers would be along the lines of ‘I recently gave up my job to be able to spend more time in the UK with my boyfriend’.
Having proof of accommodation for a week in London won’t necessarily improve your chances. What you should have if you decide to try this is a letter of invitation from your boyfriend stating the reason he’s inviting you, on what basis (eg accommodation only) and for how long. Having a return ticket that matches the end of visit date in the invitation would be essential.
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Can I bring my boyfriend to the UK?
To apply as a partner, you and your partner both need to be 18 or over. Your partner must also either: be a British or Irish citizen. have settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence.Can I leave the UK and come back in on a tourist visa?
The UK doesn't operate exit controls, so the first the immigration authorities know you've left is when you come back! Assuming you're on a tourist visa waiver, you can come and go as long as you continue to meet the terms of your leave of entry.Can I extend my visit visa in UK?
You may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK is no more than 6 months. You must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the \xa31000 fee. For example, if you have been in the UK for 3 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 3 more months.How long can I stay outside the UK with spouse visa?
The absence rule for most UK visas is that in order to qualify for ILR after 5 years you must not have spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months during the qualifying period. However, there is no absence limit for Spouse Visa holders.SHOULD YOU QUIT YOUR JOB? | A Very Eye Opening Speech ft Jordan Peterson
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Answer 2
I realise your question was a year ago and therefore probably this answer is too late. We had someone in our office in a similar situation (we are in the UK and her boyfriend was in New Zealand). She was able to arrange to have a year of unpaid-leave/sabbatical while keeping her job open for her return. This meant that she did still have a job, even though she was away for a year.
Whether this is possible depends on your company, how long you've been there, what position you hold and how keen they are to keep you, but it might be an option to explore.
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