Post
by JollyPhil » Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:01 pm
Hi all.
I'm hoping for some positive advice from the experts amongst you regarding my girlfriend's application for an Unmarried Partner Visa.
Briefly: I am a UK citizen, my girlfriend is Australian. We'd met and become friends in 2001 whilst I worked in Sydney, but the relationship proper only began in July 2005 when I returned to Sydney for a three month visit. I did live with her for several weeks towards the end of this holiday period but unfortunately we have no documentary evidence save for one doctor's letter sent to me at her address. I returned to the UK in September 2005, having made the decision that she would apply for a WHV and follow me to London. She duly arrived on 8 February 2006.
We signed a lease on 10 February – two days later – and have lived together since that date, albeit in two different London properties and with a three-month period of travel (together) sandwiched between the two.
So, to the rub.
We'd like to apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa but it appears that the minimum two year domesticity stipulation is set in stone. As I understand things, our period of travel together can be proven by passport stamps, credit card bills, photographs and the like. However, as we stand our application would still need to be made two days after her current WHV is due to expire. I always assumed that a couple of days here or there wouldn't be an issue, but having read some of the horror stories on here I'm just a little concerened.
Should I be? If so, can anyone offer a solution to this problem that doesn't involve her having to leave the country for the sake of a couple of days?
For the record, our two interim days between her arriving in the UK and us moving into our first property was spent together in a hotel. God knows if I have anything to prove this, but would it make a difference if I had? Alternatively, we do have email records of the discourse between us prior to her arrival in 2006 but I don't know if this would be proof enough to bring the 'domesticity date' forward.
Two days, jeopardising a happy couple's future together? Only in Britain...
Cheers in advance for your help and advice.
Phil