... and
, Athena.
You've been very upfront and honest about your situation ... and, in my eyes, are the kind of person who fully deserves to be granted a Tourist Visa. Sadly,even though YOU have every intention of returning to your homeland within the timescale of your visit, the British Embassy is less likely to be convinced of this ... due to the 'System' having been abused so many times in the past. In other words, these overstayers ... by flaunting the Immigration Rules ... have made things increasingly difficult for genuine people like yourself, for instance. And, of course, the fact that your friend is a student - and therefore *unable to support you financially in the UK - doesn't help matters!
But, having said *that, I'm wondering if your friend's family - e.g., his parents and/or **sister you mentioned [**and have already met] - might be able to offer sponsorship?It's something worth considering, don't you think?
So, rather than abandon all hope, I would suggest you stay tuned to this site, if only to elicit the responses of other members who might well come up with various alternatives to what I'VE suggested.
