Would it be taken against me...

[Arthur Little]

if I had a tourist visa for the UK but I never used it? I got it a few months ago but since I wasn't finished with my thesis, my professor and the dean didn't let me leave the US to visit my bf. We made plans for me to visit the UK this Christmas, but it looks like he'll be visiting me instead. I guess my concern is whether the folks at the embassy might find it a bit odd that I went through all the trouble and expense to get a visa but didn't even book a flight or anything. Would they think I'm just wasting their time?

... don't "quote" me, but I shouldn't think so!

But seriously ... as Terpe suggests, if it's a 6 months' visa - and remains valid over the Christmas period - then why not make use of it?

[dontpushme]

dontpushme,
Each visa application is assessed on its individual merits. Including looking at the travel history of the visa applicant. An unused visa is not normally considered to be detrimental to a subsequent visa application.

What is the status of your visa? If it's still valid and you are now able to travel you can still stay for 6months.

My visa expired last month, which just means i'm gonna have to shell out more money if i'm ever gonna get permission (again) to visit the UK. Bah!

yes you can extend your visa to be able to use it .

I honestly don't know when I'll be able to visit the UK. Since I no longer have a stipend these days and I promised the dean I wouldn't work until after I finish my thesis (yeah, pretty dumb, I know), It's gonna take me a while to be able to afford more than one trip to anywhere.

I would have thought that the fact you did not use it would if anything be a pro.

The thing they are looking for when one applies for a visa is that the person will not over stay. That you did not even visit would seem to show that you are less likely to overstay.

I know I'm gonna have to explain that I wasn't able to travel because I didn't get permission to, but what's stopping them from assuming that I'm ready to hide in the UK once I'm there? I mean, when I'm done with my thesis, there really wouldn't be anything keeping me here in the US. I don't have a job yet, my family's in the Philippines, and my boyfriend is in the UK.

... don't "quote" me, but I shouldn't think so!

But seriously ... as Terpe suggests, if it's a 6 months' visa - and remains valid over the Christmas period - then why not make use of it?

Haha! Even if it were still valid in December, I'd have to wait and see if the dean will let me leave. I feel like I'm in prison and I'm expected to pay for my stay (tuition and school fees, anyone?)