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Everything I've seen points to no (and I would love that to be true since applying for a visa online costs money) but I'm worried about getting refused due to the length of time I wish to stay, which is 6 months.

I went to university in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, but have never just been a tourist which is what I would like to do now. Since graduating, I have started working but am underwhelmed and would love to travel again. My original plan was Australia but now I would like to see the rest of the UK as well beforehand.

If I arrived with the following, would I be refused entry simply for not applying online?: an approved Australian work & holiday visa, a mini itinerary, bank statements for the last 6 months.

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    6 months is not tourism, it's immigration. If you go for 6 months, immigration officers will interpret that as planning to take up residence, getting a job or taking up studies. All of which requires a visa.
    – jwenting
    Commented Sep 5, 2014 at 6:55
  • @jwenting: US citizens are given a 6-month permit automatically when entering the UK. Therefore I don't think 6 months makes them think you're immigrating.
    – Flimzy
    Commented Aug 24, 2015 at 15:42

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The US is a non-visa national country which means you do not have to apply for entry clearance (visa) before you arrive. Instead, you have a landing interview with an Immigration Officer at the port. If your landing interview is successful, you will get 6 months leave to enter.

The landing interview will cover the points listed in Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. You would be advised to bring supporting evidence with you. The ones you listed will help. Because you were previously here on a T4, you should expect a more intensive landing interview because it may look like you are attempting to build up a life in the UK or look for work or possibly break the rules.

Genuine visitors do not stay for a long time because they have a life some place else. You should be prepared to explain how you will support yourself during your visit.

You can find Appendix V of the rules here.

Based upon what you wrote, a solid understanding of items V 4.2 is advised, particularly 'successive visits'...

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