[anyiddo]

I'm looking to enter the uk on a spousal visa. I have a son and would like to travel to the UK alone then return to China in a few months to collect my son (5 year old) and return to the UK to live.

Questions:
1.How long does a visa last for is it six months from issue to enter the UK?

2. Once I have entered can I leave to collect my son? (and return again!)

3. The border agency website says it takes upto 90 days for the visa - my husband is also worried that applying seperately may cause more problems and confusion (and questions) than apply together. If we apply together can we enter the UK at seperate times (question 2)?

thanks

 

[Joppa]

I'm looking to enter the uk on a spousal visa. I have a son and would like to travel to the UK alone then return to China in a few months to collect my son (5 year old) and return to the UK to live.

Questions:
1.How long does a visa last for is it six months from issue to enter the UK?

You can enter up to the day before the 'valid until' date. But because you need to apply for ILR after 2 years, and your visa is for 27 months, don't delay your entry, say, by more than a month from 'valid from' date.

2. Once I have entered can I leave to collect my son? (and return again!)

That should be possible, as your visa is multi-entry.

3. The border agency website says it takes upto 90 days for the visa - my husband is also worried that applying seperately may cause more problems and confusion (and questions) than apply together. If we apply together can we enter the UK at seperate times (question 2)?

Even if you apply together, visas are issued separately. Your son doesn't have to live the full 2 years in UK, provided he applies for settlement at the same time as you. Do you have the written consent of your son's biological father about going to UK?

 

[anyiddo]

Child at interview

Thanks for the reply.
I am getting a consent note off his biological father - thanks for reminder.

I live in Nanning and have to travel to Guangzhou for my interview (overnight train ride).

Do children (5 years old)have to turn up in person for interview or biometrics etc? or are they excluded?

 

[Joppa]

Thanks for the reply.
I am getting a consent note off his biological father - thanks for reminder.

I live in Nanning and have to travel to Guangzhou for my interview (overnight train ride).

Do children (5 years old)have to turn up in person for interview or biometrics etc? or are they excluded?

Yes, those aged 5 and over MUST attend in person and give their biometrics. There is no interview and all consideration of your application will be done on the form and documents you submit.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/china/applying/biometric/?langname=UK English#

 

[anyiddo]

Clear now

Thanks Joppa,

So it will probably be easier to get our visas at the same time and myself go to the UK quickly and come back in a few months for my son.

Either way we will both have to go to Guangzhou!