WHy can't my partner apply like all the rest 8 July 2012?

101hassle

The law changed on 8th July 2012 to not requiring actual marriage or civil partnership to be a necessity of a spousal visa. Just that you're in a genuine relationship; which we are.

I'm young and in love with my partner, but marriage at this age scares the heck out of me.

Anyone who came to the country before 8 July 2012 must apply to the old rules; which states a necessity for marriage.

But I don't understand, how can this be? Can we dispute and go by the new law?

My partner entered the country on student visa in 2009.

Here is a link:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/before9july/

Also what does the "Can you switch if you're already in the UK?" section mean? Switch what?

Switch?? http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/before9july/can-you-apply/

Thanks guys, all help and advice is highly appreciated. I don't want my partner deported or having to leave, but marriage is not something I'm willing to consider at this young age, it carries so many responsibilities and changes my circumstance in the law of finance etc.

Treevo

If he means that much to you then marry him. If you won't even consider it then he obviously doesn't matter to you.

101hassle

Treevo wrote: »

If he means that much to you then marry him. If you won't even consider it then he obviously doesn't matter to you.

Of course I'm considering, but there's so much pressure it will put on me. And I don't believe in marriage anyway, so even harder.

If we can apply on the new law, I won't have to marry, just prove our long standing relationship.

That's why I'm here to ask; not to be judged for my inability to fully embrace marriage.

Though thanks for your opinion I'm still no further on. ;-)

Treevo

If you don't believe in Marriage then surely there's no consideration to be made? You get married. It means nothing to you so what's the difference?

Person_one

Feel free to ignore Treevo. Marriage is an enormous thing to enter into and not to be taken lightly, this poster just likes to stir it.

I'm afraid I have no advice on the visa side of things, but there will be knowledgeable posters along shortly I'm sure.

101hassle

Person_one wrote: »

Feel free to ignore Treevo. Marriage is an enormous thing to enter into and not to be taken lightly, this poster just likes to stir it.

I'm afraid I have no advice on the visa side of things, but there will be knowledgeable posters along shortly I'm sure.

Yes thanks for the advice.

Hopefully there are some egg heads around and yes marriage isn't just simple.

I'm tarred with a different bucket of feathers after marriage and there's just so much I don't understand about it, that I'd rather avoid for as long as I possibly can.

ViolaLass

101hassle wrote: »

Yes thanks for the advice.

Hopefully there are some egg heads around and yes marriage isn't just simple.

I'm tarred with a different bucket of feathers after marriage and there's just so much I don't understand about it, that I'd rather avoid for as long as I possibly can.

What's there to understand? If there's some financial implication for you (bursaries? Benefits?) are you sure that there aren't the same implications for living with someone? (Not saying there are, just have you considered it).

balletshoes

OP the families board isnt really the place to get expert advice on spouse visa requirements for non-EU citizens wishing to settle as a spouse in the UK with a British citizen.

I suggest you google for suitable forums (depending on your partner's nationality there may be suitable groups of partners who can guide you through the current rules for spouse settlement visas).

And if you're really serious about contesting the existing rules for your particular situation, it might be an idea to find an immigration lawyer who can give you some advice (they may do a half hour consult for free etc).

ViolaLass

101hassle wrote: »

Also what does the "Can you switch if you're already in the UK?" section mean? Switch what?

Switch?? http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/before9july/can-you-apply/

Read the sentence underneath that heading. It does explain it.

101hassle

ViolaLass wrote: »

Read the sentence underneath that heading. It does explain it.

Actually my partner falls under both categories of that.

So coming here did help; I now now understand we can apply as proposed rather than all out married.

Yes, I can do this without marriage.

Phew..

skintchick

101hassle wrote: »

Actually my partner falls under both categories of that.

So coming here did help; I now now understand we can apply as proposed rather than all out married.

Yes, I can do this without marriage.

Phew..

It says this: you are currently in the UK with permission as a fiance(e) or proposed civil partner

So are you saying you plan to enter a civil partnership? I got the impression before that you weren't.