Unmarried Partner, 7 year relationship - Help

[MrMBB]

Hello,

I am a native of Brazil currently working on a Master's degree in London, and planning on soon applying for the Post Study Work extension.

I have been in a committed relationship with an American for 7 years. (I did an exchange year + 5yr undergrad + 1yr extension in the USA). We have plenty of evidence of these 7 years together.

She was in London for 6 months as a tourist, and we cohabited during this time.
Other than that, we haven't officially lived together, though we lived at the same University campus for 2 years (different dormitories). Also, I get bank statements delivered to her parents house in the USA, and so does she.

What are the chances I could successfully have her join me as a non-married partner in my Post Study Work?
What other options could I consider?

[Obie]

He may qualify if he/ you meet the requirements of Paragraph 319A to 319K and Appendix E of the immigration rules.

[MrMBB]

Hi Obie, and thanks for your post.
I have read the Paragraphs, but my question remains about the following section:

"(iii) the applicant and the Relevant Points Based System Migrant must have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for a period of at least 2 years."

Does this necessarily mean cohabitation?

Our relationship has been similar to marriage for at least 6 years, but due to circumstances (could not live together on campus, I often go to Brazil, although we both stayed at her parents house during summers), we have less than 2 years of cohabitation.

Again, we have extensive documentation of a long, sustained relationship. Does this matter, or is there still a chance of obtaining the Unmarried Partner?

[vinny]

I think that cohabitation for at least two years is necessary.

[Casa]

Co-habitation of a minimum of 2 years with documented proof of joint address is mandatory for an Unmarried Partner Visa. You would also have to submit evidence of 'a relationship akin to marriage' throughout the 24 months, with joint commitments one would expect to find with a married couple.
A long distance relationship, even with several years duration won't qualify. At present you would be considered to be 'boyfriend and girlfriend'.

[Obie]

Cohabitation is essential, as already mentioned by some of the forum's most experienced.

However, if you can show evidence of proof of residence at her parents place in USA together with yours at Brazil, by means of bank statement, as well as the 6 months you spent in the UK and time you spent at university together, even though it was in different units, that may help. It is essential that the evidence shows that she was living in her parents place as well as yours.

They might take into consideration that the relationship is akin to mariage, and had it not been for Studies and visa restrictions, you would have been living together permanently.

If all fails, you could get married