My American mum lives alone in the US and was struggling in lockdown after many months of barely seeing another soul. She came to stay with us for a few months and due to the covid situation developing as it did she's had to reschedule her return so she's been here for almost six months, which is the limit of the permitted visit period. She has her own home and life to which she fully intends to return as soon as I've had my second jab and can travel back with her. Theoretically she could fly by herself but she's 80 and it isn't ideal, I don't know how she'd manage if there are long queues, she can't stand for very long.
I've googled this a hundred different ways and this seems like the most relevant info: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents I'm inclined to email as suggested in the link to ask to extend a visa ('request for an exceptional assurance') but can anyone clarify if that's the right place to start? She doesn't have and didn't need a visa so I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do. I'm not even sure how to refer to this visa-free visit period so I can google it effectively?
Or should I just prepare to return with her asap before the six month period has elapsed (against all advice to avoid travel)? DMil has just broken her shoulder and DH is busy dealing with that so I was hoping to postpone mum's return until June.
Sorry so long, trying not to drip feed.