Expediting Unmarried Partner Visa

[cjftaylor]

Hi there,

I am currently in the UK with a work permit. My girlfriend is here on an ancestral visa, and I'm in the process of switching over to become an unmarried partner as my work permit is going to expire in a couple of months and the company I work for is laying-off staff and requesting reduced hours, so very unstable and chances of having my permit renewed are slim.

I have to be in my home country to apply for this visa, and I need to hand in my girlfriend's passport along with the thousands of other documents proving that we've been living "akin to marriage" for the last 2 years when I apply.

I've been told it can take between 4 and 12 weeks to process, possibly longer, further jeopardising my work prospects and potentially leaving my girlfriend alone over Christmas. It would also be jeopardising her career as she might need her passport.

Would anybody know if there is a way to expedite the process other than including a letter in my application, which isn't guaranteed to help?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Chris