Visiting UK

[Sara & Robin 1]

I just booked my flight to the UK for 2 months to visit Robin this is my first time going. I have no job the only Ties I have to the US is my son 19 yr old son an family

How do I show ties to the US ?

[Holly2234 66]

Do you rent a house? Do you have a car? If you do, you could show a tenancy agreement and a car lease or insurance payments or something.

Also, are you both applying for a visa to live in the US? If you are, show proof of that such as NOA1 or something to prove that you dont have plans to settle in the UK.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Holly2234

[Sara & Robin 1]

I own my home, an the cars are paid for

what about dr apt would that work ?

[Holly2234 66]

Proof that you own your home would be great.

[JohnR! 5,495]

I just booked my flight to the UK for 2 months to visit Robin this is my first time going. I have no job the only Ties I have to the US is my son 19 yr old son an family

How do I show ties to the US ?

Arriving in UK as an American tourist is not anywhere near as hard as the other way around. Chances are you will be asked very few questions and be sent on your way. You shouldn't worry about it.

[N M 96]

I'm ex-British Customs and still have friends working as front line Immigration officers.

The general rule of thumb is that British Immigration doesn't view overstaying by Americans as a huge risk. So unlike U.S. Immigration Officers, (who perceive every visitor as a potential overstayer), showing ties to America shouldn't be the main issue for you. I can't guarantee that you'll be ok, but you are unlikely to be pressed on ties to America.

British immigration IS however very, very concerned about people working without authorization. 2 months is a long time to spend in Britain, and you may be asked to demonstrate how you can afford to live for 2 months in a very expensive country without working. So bring credit cards, debit cards, a wad of cash, even bank statements if you have a healthy balance. You can also explain (if true) that you'll be staying with Robin for the whole period and therefore won't need to spend money on hotels.

[Holly2234 66]

It is very likely that nobody will even bother. My husband has never shown any ties when entering the UK and i never showed any when entering the US. We didnt even know we should take things back then!

I do think its a good idea to take a couple of things/photocopies. That way IF anything happens, you are prepared. Fail to plan and you plan to fail and all of that.

[*Snowdrop* 604]

It's usually easier than US immigration but not always so it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

My husband and I had a 2 year long distance relationship between UK and US before we were married, and then a year apart while we were waiting for the spousal visa to process.

During those 3 years he visited me about 18 times - roughly 6 times a year usually for very short trips 3-4 days, occasionally for a week or two.

He was waved through quickly for about half of those visits

He was very mildly questioned for about a quarter - "Let's see your return ticket"

He was questioned a bit more strongly for for the other quarter of visits (most of this happened after we were married, as he had the huge UK marriage visa sticker in his passport, and I think they always wondered if this was the visit he was going to choose to stay with his wife)

It wasn't much of a hassle though, he was gently reminded each time he wasn't to try and stay and adjust. Or he was asked what our long term plans were. They were usually pretty happy about his answers as long as he could show his return ticket etc. And sometimes they asked about his current job (now I'm wondering if that was a financial query about whether he could afford to support his trip, N M?) He works for a huge multinational organisation and when he told them where he worked that was usually the point they stopped questioning him and let him through.

[Sara & Robin 1]

would it help if Robin writes something stating that he is caring for me money wise ?

I will have 2000 in savings an 500 in cash on me is that good ?

[Holly2234 66]

Thats a good amount, dont worry! A letter is not really necessary, if they are concerned, they will call her. I think you will be just fine though.