2 non-EU students, can 1 stay as a dependant, i heard of dif

[vitalik]

hi everybody, could you please suggest a solution to my situation.

we are both from ukraine (non-EU) , we met here, i have been here for 5 yrs, currently studying for professional qualification in accounting at degree level; she s been here for 3 years, she is at university = bachelors. we are both on student visas. we would like to live together but i would like to finish my studies so i heard we can apply for one of us to stay here as a dependant.

questions:
1. i heard that it might be difficult to get a dependant visa. a couple i know were absolutely in love with each other and lived together for 2 years and he got a refusal, i do not know details yet. so is it just an exception or it is ineed difficult to get it?
2. any suggestions, what are the usual pitfalls, mistakes people make, anybody heard about a refusal?

i would appreciate anybody's help very much.

Thank you.
V

[John]

When do your current visas expire? Is there any pressing need to change the visa arrangements?

we would like to live together but i would like to finish my studies so i heard we can apply for one of us to stay here as a dependant.

You can of course live together if you want. There is no law against students living with one another .... indeed it seems that in some Universities it is almost expected! Well it is very common.

Are you already living together? If so, how long have you been living together "in a relationship akin to marriage"?

Is marriage a possibility?