Unmarried Defacto Visa

[ET_SG]

Myself and my girlfriend are considering moving back to the UK shortly (I am English, she is Australian), we have been living together for just over 12 months, but in a relationship for almost 2 years.

I thought I'd read somewhere of successful applications of couples with 16 months of documented living together? Does anyone know if the UKBA will only consider 2 years or more of documentation?

Thanks in advance

[Lucapooka]

Generally they only consider two years of co-habitation in a relationship akin to marriage. They expect to see shared lifestyle and resources to whatever extent the applicant can provide such evidence.

[anniecc]

If you haven't lived together for two years you will not meet UKBA's definition of a partner under the immigration rules. I did a lot of research before applying for this visa and did not come across any cases where people with less than two years' cohabitation had succeeded.

I wouldn't waste your money on the unmarried partner visa unless you've lived together for two years and can document it. If you want to move sooner you could consider getting engaged/married, or you could see if your gf qualifies for a visa in her own right e.g. Tier 5 youth mobility.

[Casa]

Also ensure you meet the tougher financial conditions now in place before applying for a spouse or fiance visa.