Visa for stepson

[cooperman123]

Can someone give me some advice. My stepson lives abroad with his father and his fathers parents. So he doesn’t live an independent life. He is 19 years old. His mother has been living with me here in the uk and we’ve just applied for ILR
My stepson has already been here on a 6 month visa and he abided with all the conditions. He wants to come back for another 6 months visa. But I know if the visa rules apply that he would prefer to stay longer here in the uk but only if uk rules allow it
Does anyone know whether he might be eligible for a long term or settled visa and under what circumstance?

Obviously if the answer is a no he will be satisfied just to come for 6 months

Thanks

[CR001]

As he is over 18, he won't qualify for a settlement visa. He also cannot stay in the UK long term on a visitor visa as then he is not a 'genuine visitor'. The general rule is a visitor cannot spend more time in the UK than they spend in their home country as then they are residing and not visiting.

He would have to find a visa he does qualify for, i.e. tier 4 student visa, tier 5 if from a qualifying country etc.

[cooperman123]

Many thanks for your advice