Hope I'm not in trouble

[southernsol]

I am an American national and currently hold a Tier 4 student visa which is set to expire on 30/1/2013. I am leaving London for a month long visit to South Africa on 21/1/2013 and will be there until 20/2/2013. My return on the 20/2/2013 will be to London where I was planning on staying for two and a half weeks to tie up loose ends, finish packing, etc then return to the U.S on 10/3/2013.

Do you think I will have any problems at the UK border? I was told that it is acceptable to return to the UK as a visitor as long as you are away for at least 30 days. When I returned to London on 20/2/2013, I was hoping to be able to enter as a visitor. Does that seem okay, or do you think I will be stopped by UKBA?

[Lucapooka]

I was told that it is acceptable to return to the UK as a visitor as long as you are away for at least 30 days.

There is nothing in the immigration rules and guidance that defines this. Your re-entry into the UK will be at the discretion of the Border Force agent on duty. If he likes your story, he will admit you. I think you should be fine.