₦airaland Forum

I need some information from anyone with similar experiences. I overstayed my UK visa for 6 years and I now travelled back to 9ja and I did not have any problems coming back, at the airport my passport was just looked at and handed back to me and I boarded my flight (on my own expense). Now my question is that (1) can i go ahead with my visa application plans to go back to uk on the assumption that no one knows I overstayed previously? My previous visa is in my old expired passport and I have a new one i got in UK. I intend to travel back after one year from the date I left UK so that way i know the one year ban that applies to me would have elapsed.

Any valuable information will be appreciated.
Thanks

[quote author=Naira_man]I need some information from anyone with similar experiences. I overstayed my UK visa for 6 years and I now travelled back to 9ja and I did not have any problems coming back, at the airport my passport was just looked at and handed back to me and I boarded my flight (on my own expense). Now my question is that (1) can i go ahead with my visa application plans to go back to uk on the assumption that no one knows I overstayed previously? My previous visa is in my old expired passport and I have a new one i got in UK. I intend to travel back after one year from the date I left UK so that way i know the one year ban that applies to me would have elapsed.

Any valuable information will be appreciated.
Thanks[/quote]In the visa application form, you will be asked these questions:
"have you ever applied for a UK visa before?"
"Was the visa issued?"
"Have you ever been to the UK before?"
And also, when and when did you arrive and leave the UK?
Now, how would you answer all these, are you going to use deception?
Well, either you declare the truth and get refused or you lie and get the 10 years ban. There is no escape in this.

[quote author=Naira_man]I need some information from anyone with similar experiences. I overstayed my UK visa for 6 years and I now travelled back to 9ja and I did not have any problems coming back, at the airport my passport was just looked at and handed back to me and I boarded my flight (on my own expense). Now my question is that (1) can i go ahead with my visa application plans to go back to uk on the assumption that no one knows I overstayed previously? My previous visa is in my old expired passport and I have a new one i got in UK. I intend to travel back after one year from the date I left UK so that way i know the one year ban that applies to me would have elapsed.

Any valuable information will be appreciated.
Thanks[/quote]Hmmm
are you sure there was no annotation made on your passport?

did you request for your arrival stamp to be backdated on arrival (not sure if they still do that stuff).

you might have been able to avoid detection that you overstayed if only you had renewed your passport at naija and not the UK

that said, there is no guarantee you will get the visa when you reapply considering the fact that you had overstayed 6years on the previous one

Vicjustice: In the visa application form, you will be asked these questions:
"have you ever applied for a UK visa before?"
"Was the visa issued?"
"Have you ever been to the UK before?"
And also, when and when did you arrive and leave the UK?
Now, how would you answer all these, are you going to use deception?
Well, either you declare the truth and get refused or you lie and get the 10 years ban. There is no escape in this.

@vicjustice, Bros...you are too nice, you for tell am d unpleasant truth straight!!

@naira_man: If you apply for another visa, you will be automatically refused under their general reasons for refusal i.e u've overstayed more than 28 days,most times the ban will start from the date you re-apply, whenever that is, and not from the date you return (vicjustice pls confirm?)....if you don't declare your previous visit, they will ask you what happened to your previous passport,you are required to give details of all ur previous passports, if you say that the current passport is your first, they will ask you how you got to the UK to obtain another passport since your place of birth is Nigeria (which you would have indicated on the form)and the place of issue of your passport is UK.
In my opinion your best option is to apply for entry clearance, tell them the truth, they will refuse you (see the application fee as you fine for overstaying), and the ban will start, after the expiration of the ban you can now re-apply and they will now consider that application on its own merit.

penfold: @vicjustice, Bros...you are too nice, you for tell am d unpleasant truth straight!!

@naira_man: If you apply for another visa, you will be automatically refused under their general reasons for refusal i.e u've overstayed more than 28 days,most times the ban will start from the date you re-apply, whenever that is, and not from the date you return (vicjustice pls confirm?)....if you don't declare your previous visit, they will ask you what happened to your previous passport,you are required to give details of all ur previous passports, if you say that the current passport is your first, they will ask you how you got to the UK to obtain another passport since your place of birth is Nigeria (which you would have indicated on the form)and the place of issue of your passport is UK.
In my opinion your best option is to apply for entry clearance, tell them the truth, they will refuse you (see the application fee as your fine for overstaying), and the ban will start, after the expiration of the ban you can now re-apply and they will now consider that application on its own merit.

Spot on, man.

Guys, I have a similar issue. Had overstayed for 1yr 9months and used a fresh passport when coming back. I was fingerprinted at gatwick as I told immigration that my previous passport was lost and I had to get a new onw to travel at my cost. Came back to nigeria and reapplied. I had added my initial passport to my visa application which I had gotten it stamped here in lagos but didn't add the passport I returned with when re-applying. They refused me, banned me for one year and asked me what happened to the passport I came back with and how come my previous passport that I declared missing has resurfaced in nigeria with an entry stamp on it. I was at a loss as to how to answer those questions. I was banned for one year and at the end of the ban period, I reapplied again and I was refused with the same reasons as to what happened to my previous passports and the entry stamp which I haven't till date been able to explain out. I need solutions to my dilemma now. Who has solutions for me now as I need a british visa asap now. Who knows a strong and influential immigration attorney that can handle this case? I need referrals pls. Someone shd kindly help. Thanl you and expecting to hear your opinions.

passionup: Guys, I have a similar issue. Had overstayed for 1yr 9months and used a fresh passport when coming back. I was fingerprinted at gatwick as I told immigration that my previous passport was lost and I had to get a new onw to travel at my cost. Came back to nigeria and reapplied. I had added my initial passport to my visa application which I had gotten it stamped here in lagos but didn't add the passport I returned with when re-applying. They refused me, banned me for one year and asked me what happened to the passport I came back with and how come my previous passport that I declared missing has resurfaced in nigeria with an entry stamp on it. I was at a loss as to how to answer those questions. I was banned for one year and at the end of the ban period, I reapplied again and I was refused with the same reasons as to what happened to my previous passports and the entry stamp which I haven't till date been able to explain out. I need solutions to my dilemma now. Who has solutions for me now as I need a british visa asap now. Who knows a strong and influential immigration attorney that can handle this case? I need referrals pls. Someone shd kindly help. Thanl you and expecting to hear your opinions.

Maybe its the time to come out clean and tell them the truth?

passionup: Guys, I have a similar issue. Had overstayed for 1yr 9months and used a fresh passport when coming back. I was fingerprinted at gatwick as I told immigration that my previous passport was lost and I had to get a new onw to travel at my cost. Came back to nigeria and reapplied. I had added my initial passport to my visa application which I had gotten it stamped here in lagos but didn't add the passport I returned with when re-applying. They refused me, banned me for one year and asked me what happened to the passport I came back with and how come my previous passport that I declared missing has resurfaced in nigeria with an entry stamp on it. I was at a loss as to how to answer those questions. I was banned for one year and at the end of the ban period, I reapplied again and I was refused with the same reasons as to what happened to my previous passports and the entry stamp which I haven't till date been able to explain out. I need solutions to my dilemma now. Who has solutions for me now as I need a british visa asap now. Who knows a strong and influential immigration attorney that can handle this case? I need referrals pls. Someone shd kindly help. Thanl you and expecting to hear your opinions.

Friend, your ban is not for one year, but for eleven years.
You got a one year ban for overstaying in the UK, and then another ten years ban for the use of deception by which you made a false declaration that your passport was lost, and then you had it fraudulently stamped for deceptive purpose.
NO SOLICITOR CAN HELP YOU IN THIS, this is the truth

vic justice, this your opinion is a strong one ohh but i feel all hope isnt lost. there would always be a way sha. i believe that if am banned for 10years, i should be informed but in this case i havent been informed. I will not relent .

passionup: vic justice, this your opinion is a strong one ohh but i feel all hope isnt lost. there would always be a way sha. i believe that if am banned for 10years, i should be informed but in this case i havent been informed. I will not relent .

OK, keep re-applying and keep binning your money.

hello people,i am in the uk right now on a six months visit and i wih to join the british army whose laws just changed that visitors cannot join unless you have been in the country for five years or have an indefinite stay in the uk.so i want your advice on what to do if i should go back to nigeria without overstaying and reapply for a settlement visa as a family dependant over 18yrs on a british citizen who happens to be my brother.and i will like to know the procedures for application and documents to provide while applying as well as my chances of being issued the visa.thanks

[quote author=Naira_man]I need some information from anyone with similar experiences. I overstayed my UK visa for 6 years and I now travelled back to 9ja and I did not have any problems coming back, at the airport my passport was just looked at and handed back to me and I boarded my flight (on my own expense). Now my question is that (1) can i go ahead with my visa application plans to go back to uk on the assumption that no one knows I overstayed previously? My previous visa is in my old expired passport and I have a new one i got in UK. I intend to travel back after one year from the date I left UK so that way i know the one year ban that applies to me would have elapsed.

Any valuable information will be appreciated.
Thanks[/quote](1) Whats the month + year on your expired passport?
(2) What month + year did you get your passport renewed ?
(3) If your expired passport + visa were dated while you were in the uk, and your new passport contradicts your new passport application dates, you have played right into their hands
(4) Did you get finger printed while you were in the for any purposes whatsoever?
(5) Because you initially over-stayed on your previous visa, their is already a breach of trust and the likelihood of having another visa issued to you, i would say is about 1%

@enisjsj
It is very difficult to qualify as an over 18 dependent of a uk citizen
Probably disabled to stand a good chance

thank you for the reply,why do u think it will be very dificullt and moreover shouldnt they respect the fact that i returned back to nigeria without overstaying to consider me another category of visa

enisjsj: thank you for the reply,why do u think it will be very dificullt and moreover shouldnt they respect the fact that i returned back to nigeria without overstaying to consider me another category of visa

you have done nobody but yourself a favour by not overstaying. each application is judged on its own merits and you must meet the set citeria.

there's no harm in 'trying your luck' with the dependant category.

that said, do bear it in mind that it is now VERY difficult to join the British army. not forgetting the fact that they've been downsizing and many soldiers have been made redundant. so do not hang all your hope on joining the army, have a PLAN B.

thanks guys for the advise.now i am planning on returning back to nigeria a week before the expiry of my visa,though it was stated in my application form that i will be staying for 2weeks(pls let me knw if there's a problem with that) and i intend to reapply six months after for a 2yrs family visitors visa.i would like to know my chances of being issued the visa and if the £3000 bond will not affect me,thank you.

enisjsj: thanks guys for the advise.now i am planning on returning back to nigeria a week before the expiry of my visa,though it was stated in my application form that i will be staying for 2weeks(pls let me knw if there's a problem with that) and i intend to reapply six months after for a 2yrs family visitors visa.i would like to know my chances of being issued the visa and if the £3000 bond will not affect me,thank you.

How long have stayed in the UK?

i was given a six months family visitor's visa which started late july and i came into uk in september which is about a month and some days now but i intend to to return early january which is the month of expiry of my visa.pls advice me and thanks for you help so far

enisjsj: i was given a six months family visitor's visa which started late july and i came into uk in september which is about a month and some days now but i intend to to return early january which is the month of expiry of my visa.pls advice me and thanks for you help so far

So you are staying 5 months in total? Correct?

When you completed your application form for the 6 months visa, what did you write down as your occupation in nigeria?

yes 5 months is correct.i actually stated there in my application form that i am a student which i added a recommendation letter to from the school which stated that i was a student whichwas the main reason why i was denied but when i appealed which was an oral hearing that my brother(sponsor) attended as my non legal representative,i submited an IT letter proving that i am still a student of the polytechnic and my industrial training is a pre-requisite for my HND and a letter from the company i am attached to granting my 2weeks leave to the uk for a family visit.i also need to knw if the £3000 bond does not affect second time family visitor's visa applicant.thanks

@funky and vicjustice,pls i need an answer to my questions .help me out people.

enisjsj: yes 5 months is correct.i actually stated there in my application form that i am a student which i added a recommendation letter to from the school which stated that i was a student whichwas the main reason why i was denied but when i appealed which was an oral hearing that my brother(sponsor) attended as my non legal representative,i submited an IT letter proving that i am still a student of the polytechnic and my industrial training is a pre-requisite for my HND and a letter from the company i am attached to granting my 2weeks leave to the uk for a family visit.i also need to knw if the £3000 bond does not affect second time family visitor's visa applicant.thanks

the £3,000 bond (if it ever comes into effect) will not apply to you.

the fact that you were granted the 6 months visa is no guarantee you will get the 2years visa.

you still have to fufil the same basic terms and meet the set citeria.

staying 5 months at a stretch is not a wise move in my own opinion (you told them you were working ,that is, one year industrial attachment, so how can you explain spending so much time away from your 'job'). the ECO may not deny your application for renewal solely for that reason but he can come up with another reason

enisjsj: yes 5 months is correct.i actually stated there in my application form that i am a student which i added a recommendation letter to from the school which stated that i was a student whichwas the main reason why i was denied but when i appealed which was an oral hearing that my brother(sponsor) attended as my non legal representative,i submited an IT letter proving that i am still a student of the polytechnic and my industrial training is a pre-requisite for my HND and a letter from the company i am attached to granting my 2weeks leave to the uk for a family visit .i also need to knw if the £3000 bond does not affect second time family visitor's visa applicant.thanks

You stated that you are a student doing industrial program and you are planing to stay 5months even as your company gave you 2wks holiday?

Do you really think you will be able to renew your visa if it expires?

justwise: You stated that you are a student doing industrial program and you are planing to stay 5months even as your company gave you 2wks holiday?

Do you really think you will be able to renew your visa if it expires?

Ha! Justwise, Be gentle na. do you want the guy to over-stay?

you can see he has already explored the idea of joining the army. its obvious he is looking for how to stay there as long as possible

funkybaby: Ha! Justwise, Be gentle na. do you want the guy to over-stay?

you can see he has already explored the idea of joining the army. its obvious he is looking for how to stay there as long as possible

Seriously i couldn't be nicer, i don't know if its just me..but staying 5months while he indicated 2wks as a student is a silly move. It makes things difficult for genuine applicants

Joining British army? Oh well, the UK has woken up and block every loopholes

justwise: Joining British army? Oh well, the UK has woken up and block every loopholes

besides, they are scaling down their operations at afghanistan.so they have no need for large number of soldiers

funkybaby: besides, they are scaling down their operations at afghanistan.so they have no need for large number of soldiers

They are recruiting reserves now

justwise: They are recruiting reserves now

territorial army?

funkybaby: territorial army?

yup