Applying for Work Sponsorship whilst on a Defacto Visa

[Walthamstow]

If my AUS partner is in the UK on an unmarried partner visa. Could she easily switch to a sponsored work permit?

More importantly, how would/could this affect our (her) situation with either gaining an IRL or our right to marry?

[VictoriaS]

No, this would not be easy, as she'd have to go back to Australia.

But why would she want to do this? It would delay ILR from 2 years to a further five.

Victoria

[Walthamstow]

From my understanding, she could be issues with a work permit from anywhere between 18 months and 5 years. She would only have to temporarily return home for clearance.

Aside from the cost of returning to Australia and the cost of the visa, I do not see how this would be difficult.

[paulp]

Hi Walthamstow, the UPV will give your partner the same right to work as a WP. It's even better because she is not tied to an employer (can change whenever she wants) and gets ILR after 2 years compared to 5 years on WP.

Does she have a good reason to prefer a WP, such as are things not looking good for the two of you?

[Walthamstow]

not looking good for the two of you

That would be your answer!

[vinny]

This is a continuation from Is our defacto visa invalid?

[Walthamstow]

Yes. Different question entirely, though - hence the new thread.

Is that good?

[paulp]

Regarding ILR, your partner's 5-year clock will start again when she switches to WP. For right to marry, she can marry as long as her visa is longer than 6 months and there is more than 3 months remaining.