Dependant Visa (John, your opinion would be valued)

[drewchad]

I arrived in the UK in December of 2002 on a WHV, my girlfriend arrived in the UK towards the end of June 2003, we had been together for about 18 months before I left, but not living together. She is currently on a 2 year WHV due to expire this June.

On her arrival we didn't have a fixed address & as stereotypical antipodeans we were living on other peoples couches, floors etc. As such we can only show definitive proof of living together from September 2003, in the form of a lease & other documents.

I received a HSMV in December 2004. How do we go about extending her visa on the basis of a de-facto relationship?

As the 2 year period will only be satisfied the day her visa runs out does that mean we should send the required form (is it FLR(IED)?) the day before her current visa expires?

Also, if it is initially rejected due to lack of proof in the initial 2 months could we re-apply, assuming processing times will still be at 13 weeks we would then have sufficient proof of 2 years at the point of re-appplication.

Another option would be marriage (although not preferable), does this negate the 2 year rule? Or would we need to marry outside the UK (would this have to be New Zealand?) & apply for a settler visa?

Re: the new marriage rules, how do you go about declaring your intention to marry before the Feb deadline?

Thanks for your help.

[Chess]

Drew,

Marriage will be an option. Just make an appointment with a registrar and give notice - then you can marry within 12 months of the notice date.

If notice is to be given after 01/02/05 - the procedure is lengthy.


Last but not least - If ''Lady Luck'' is on your side (as was possibly the case with HSMP and FLR-IED ) then you should be able to get your girl friends depedant Visa anytime!!!!

Good Luck

[John]

Drew, I agree with Chess, if marriage is a possibility then act quickly ... phone the local Registrar now! Today! Make an appointment.

As Chess says .... "the procedure is lengthy" .... to which I would add .... "expensive .... the permission to marry application as non-EEA citizens will cost each of you £135." And that would be on top of the usual Registrar's fee.

Some Registrars have a waiting list of a week or two ... hopefully you are not too late already.

[drewchad]

Chess, how would I go about applying now?

Am I incorrect in assuming we need to wait until we have been living akin to marriage for 2 years before applying (without marriage)?

[Chess]

Chess, how would I go about applying now?

Am I incorrect in assuming we need to wait until we have been living akin to marriage for 2 years before applying (without marriage)?

After marriage, I think the appropriate application form would be FLR(M) or FLR(O) - not FLR (IED)

Application will have to be dealt with by Croydon and not Sheffield