need help!

[zebra3]

am just writing today to see if there are any channels I can follow to
sort my situation out.

I am 36 years Old and I come from Algeria.

I have been living in the UK for nearly 11 years on unlawful basis (don't
hold a visa), I have never been in trouble so far.I have a been with my
British partner for 9 years.

is there a way we can apply to the home office so I can sort my situation
out. taking into consideration the following points:

1) I have been with my partner in genuine relationship for 9 years

2) my partner owns her own place and all paid no mortgage outstanding

3) my partner hold a full time job and never claimed a penny in her life

4) we are living together since we got married feb 08 and willing to live together for the rest of our lives as we are a very happy couple

5) I have photos and Tel bills to prove that the relationship existed for 9
years

6) I can get you some letters from some of our friends to prove that they have know us for that period of time (2 of the friends are professors at university)

7) we got married at a mosque in feb08 as I am a muslim

8 ) we have joint account, and bills on our names, for the last 3 months, and have paper work on my name at her address for the last few years.


and one final think that my help:

1) I have a brother who has a British Citizenship
2) I have a Brother Who has an Italian Citizenship and has ILR (Indefinite
Leave to Remain)


I look forward to hearing from you with some advice

[transpondia]

The last time you entered the UK, did you enter legally?

[zebra3]

no, I came from belgium august 1997 and met my partner july 98

[Liberal Immigrant]

your nikah (islamic marriage) with your partner is not recognised as a "marriage" in the eyes of English law as far as immigration law is concerned.

you should therefore consider applying for a CoA i.e. certificate of approval which the Home Office MAY grant you. this will allow you to marry in the local council registrar's office. your chances of being granted CoA should be very high bcoz u claim u have evidence of 9 years relationship but before you apply, you need to appreciate that they may, on refusal of the CoA, take removal action against you!

once you do this (marry at registrar's office), then all u gotta do is apply for a spouse visa, although you would probably have to return to algeria to apply from there.

you have other options too e.g. both of you emigrating to another EU state and then returning to UK but for allllllllllllll options, you need to be married i.e. married in the eyes of law, not in the eyes of islam.

[zebra3]

thank you for your help

[ricky]

zebra , i think an in country application will take long time and very risky because of the new rules after 1 october they will be very strict !
it will be easier and won t take long to leave the country during these 6 months concession and get married in your country and apply from there avoiding any ban

[zebra3]

thank you very much for the advice

[Liberal Immigrant]

by the way, if u do decide to return and apply for spouse visa from ur home country, then dont 4get to return before 1st October 2008 bcoz the new rules come into force on 1st Oct!!!