nigel_187

Hi,

My wife is an UK Citizen and has moved back to the UK. My application to enter as a Spouse/CP has been successful.
I'm an Australian Citizen.

I would like some advise; is it possible to enter the UK prior to the Spouse/CP visa valid from date. Am I able to enter the UK under a tourist visa (though a visa is not required if you're entering and planning on leaving before the 6 month period which I intend on doing), then leave the UK prior to the valid from date and return to get the stamp on the Spouse/CP visa?

Hope this is not too confusing. Any help or advise would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Nigel

Tr1boy

In theory yes but I'd say you run the risk of an ill informed UKBA officer inadvertently cancelling the Settlement Visa. Should be ok as long as you are firm with them.
Whether they believe you will actually leave the UK is another matter of course.

nigel_187

Well my plan is to have a ticket booked prior to getting to the uk to Paris. So that confirms that I'm leaving the uk prior to the start of the settlement visa and then return from Paris back to the uk when my spouse visa has commenced from the valid date. I wonder if that would help?
It's only a month gap from the time I want to get to the uk to the valid date of my spouse/cp visa

BritInParis

Technically yes. My other half did do this with her Tier 2 visa but she was made to sit on the naughty chair at Heathrow Terminal 5 and was given a dressing down by Matron before she was allowed in. Make sure you have proof of your ticket to Paris with you when you arrive.