Thanks for your reply, i guess a third party is the answer.

It's strange how things differ from embassy to embassy - I've used the french embassy twice now and both times I had an appointment within a week and got my visa on the same day...makes you wonder

Hi...I have done a quick search but can't find much info..hence the post below.... I am the holder of a south african passport and have indefinite leave to remain but am not married to my british partner. I am off to valencia on 27 Feb for a week. I obviously need to obtain a schengen visa so I call...