A very common question, especially from spouses of U.K. citizens. Especially from nationals who don’t need a visa for 6 months, called the non-visa nationals in the Rules, such as Australians, Americans, Malaysians etc. Seems logical on the face of it: come for 6 months, then switch to a Spouse/Partner visa, financial requirements being met, what’s the problem? The ‘problem’ is the law simply doesn’t allow that, it’s what we call "Just a rule". The term ‘visa’ can be confusing. In UK law it means a Visitor visa, basically a tourist visa. Any other permission, like work or family, isn’t a ‘visa’. It’s a leave to remain or entry clearance, or permission of stay, but not a ‘visa’ in the legal terms. So, when you see "no visa is required for 6 months", it means no visa for tourist purposes or business visits. Visitors cannot work, cannot use the NHS or attend state schools. When you come here as a visitor, you can stay for 6 months. That’s 6 months from each entry, no...
