Visiting the UK - Six Months Total in a Year?

[everydyingember]

Hi all,

I'm just hoping to clear up something that's been bugging me about visiting the UK from Canada. Are we allowed to visit for a total of six months within a year? As in, would I be able to take a trip for a month, go home for a while and visit again?

I'm asking because I'm currently going through a divorce (my ex was a UK citizen who committed adultery, and the entire process has taken much longer than I anticipated) and I've started a new relationship in the meantime. I've been home in Canada (and my partner has visited my family for a couple of weeks). I'd like to go back to the UK and visit my new partner for a few weeks before we proceed with any further visas that would allow us to be together permanently.

The last time I visited the UK, I was given a six month stamp and was told I'd be able to use the six months within the year. So, is this the case? I've been hearing that I'd had have to use that six months all at once - but that doesn't make sense to me because I'm a visitor? I just don't want to get turned away and have that jeopardize any further visas we're looking at getting.

Thanks!

[Casa]

A visitor shouldn't spend more time in the UK within a 12 month rolling period than they are spending in their home country.