Frequent short-term visits to UK during immigration process?

[JessieABC 159]

My husband and I are nearing the interview stage of the CR1 visa process and in the interim - he is the UK spouse and I am the US citizen.  During this process, I have been frequently flying on a monthly/bi-monthly basis to visit him from 7-10 days per visit. 

 

During my latest entry into the UK, i was asked quite a number of questions including how often I visited, how many days I stayed, etc.  I believe the official tried to trick me by asking what my NHS number was or something of that nature.  I wasn't sure what it was, so I asked if it was something specific to those living in the UK.  I believe it was a number that allowed you to work and get benefits in the UK - not too sure.

 

My question is are there possible risks of being denied entry when I have a permament job in the states, I have never overstayed (usually a week and a half trip), and definitely have strong ties to (and have spent more time in) the US?  I've never been denied entry or have had a visa rejected.  The only UK visa I've ever had was a marriage visitor visa which was only used for the 2 week period in 2016 to get married.

 

The border official was furiously scribbling during the short conversation so i was wondering if there were any other restrictions I might be unaware of.

 

Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Boiler 43,788]

Of course there are risks, you are not a UKC, you have no right of entry.

[trudi 1,317]

The U.K.  carries the same risk as the US border, they can and will deny you entry if they think you are visiting too often/staying too long.

 

It was probably your National Insurance number he asked for which is the U.K. version of the SS number.

 

I would carry proof of ties to the US and proof of application for US spousal visa so you can demonstrate your husband intends to move to the US and you have no interest in staying long term in the UK, but as with US borders there is never any guarantee of entry.

[JessieABC 159]

 

20 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Of course there are risks, you are not a UKC, you have no right of entry.

I know risks exist, I just wasn't sure what they were such as if there any requirements similar to the US presence test existed - e.g., substantial presence test, etc. - or other unknowns.  Was hoping others might be able to provide some insight.  Just trying to spend as much time with the hubby as possible during the lengthy visa process while minimizing the possibility of any unforeseen trouble.

 

18 minutes ago, trudi said:

The U.K.  carries the same risk as the US border, they can and will deny you entry if they think you are visiting too often/staying too long.

 

It was probably your National Insurance number he asked for which is the U.K. version of the SS number.

 

I would carry proof of ties to the US and proof of application for US spousal visa so you can demonstrate your husband intends to move to the US and you have no interest in staying long term in the UK, but as with US borders there is never any guarantee of entry.

Thanks!  I've never traveled this frequently to one country so your input helps   I always carry my employment letter showing almost 7 years with the same company and my apartment lease as well as our Interview letter just in case.  Hopefully this will be enough to satisfy their concerns if any arise.  Never had trouble so far but better to be prepared  

 

[Boiler 43,788]

UK Immigration are considered relatively wimpy, but theoretically similar rules apply as to the US.

[yuna628 9,547]

2 hours ago, JessieABC said:

My husband and I are nearing the interview stage of the CR1 visa process and in the interim - he is the UK spouse and I am the US citizen.  During this process, I have been frequently flying on a monthly/bi-monthly basis to visit him from 7-10 days per visit. 

 

During my latest entry into the UK, i was asked quite a number of questions including how often I visited, how many days I stayed, etc.  I believe the official tried to trick me by asking what my NHS number was or something of that nature.  I wasn't sure what it was, so I asked if it was something specific to those living in the UK.  I believe it was a number that allowed you to work and get benefits in the UK - not too sure.

 

My question is are there possible risks of being denied entry when I have a permament job in the states, I have never overstayed (usually a week and a half trip), and definitely have strong ties to (and have spent more time in) the US?  I've never been denied entry or have had a visa rejected.  The only UK visa I've ever had was a marriage visitor visa which was only used for the 2 week period in 2016 to get married.

 

The border official was furiously scribbling during the short conversation so i was wondering if there were any other restrictions I might be unaware of.

 

Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

There are risks at entry, but there are risks at any border. That being said, be advised that as a woman you may be targeted more frequently, and they have been known to be unkind to spouses/gfs etc. As a US citizen you are non-EEA so you have no right to free movement, and they have been known to take a look at those persons quite hard, depending on the officer. I cannot say how they will treat such constant visits, and some may likely wonder how you manage to pay for it and keep financially stable with job and home. That being said, the one difference to the UK than in the US -- if you should be denied and sent back, you can reattempt to enter on your own merits, (after a good long wait) provided you satisfy the next officer interviewing you. There are regulations about persons visiting the UK regarding healthcare that don't have free-movement rights, so yes they were likely trying to trip you up. You obviously satisfied the officer, but I don't know how long they'd be willing to keep letting you enter as normal. Always make sure you have evidence of returning back home.

[JessieABC 159]

1 hour ago, yuna628 said:

There are risks at entry, but there are risks at any border. That being said, be advised that as a woman you may be targeted more frequently, and they have been known to be unkind to spouses/gfs etc. As a US citizen you are non-EEA so you have no right to free movement, and they have been known to take a look at those persons quite hard, depending on the officer. I cannot say how they will treat such constant visits, and some may likely wonder how you manage to pay for it and keep financially stable with job and home. That being said, the one difference to the UK than in the US -- if you should be denied and sent back, you can reattempt to enter on your own merits, (after a good long wait) provided you satisfy the next officer interviewing you. There are regulations about persons visiting the UK regarding healthcare that don't have free-movement rights, so yes they were likely trying to trip you up. You obviously satisfied the officer, but I don't know how long they'd be willing to keep letting you enter as normal. Always make sure you have evidence of returning back home.

Thanks, this was really informative and explains why i always get some rather odd questions which I usually don't understand.

 

Thanks to all for your feedback!  I guess I'll prepare more paperwork for my next visit and make sure I bring the CR1 letters in case.  Much appreciated!