Alan, thank you ever so much for your very comprehensive response and for taking the time to do this, I'm so grateful. Trying to get information like this online is so confusing, I should have come to PIO in the first place! Thank you!
I just wondered, if she came out on the 12 month tourist visa, could she apply for the non contributory visa while she's here and get a bridging visa? If the conditions of the NCPV are too restrictive could she apply for the new 5yr visa while she's here? Do you know what the processing time is for the 5yr visa?
I will have a chat to Mum and to my sister and see what they think and then come back to young to discuss the best option.
Many thanks again!
Hayley