Application Options

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone can help me. I am a UK national, and my boyfriend is an Indian national who has been here for the past 5 years, initially on a student visa and more recently this was renewed on a Tier 1 General Visa (Jan 2011). The current visa expires in Jan 2013. I am aware that this visa option is now no longer available under the new regulations.

We have been together since October 2009. However, we live in different cities and as yet are not living together - this is proving difficult as we have both agreed he will move here but finding work is hard. We want to move in together but this is wholly dependant on how long it takes for him to find a job.

My mind is already, as you can imagine, on options for the future. I was wondering if anyone could advise me on the options that will be available to us when the time comes for him to renew his visa. What options do we have, and what do we need to be doing in the meantime to prepare for this? Does the fact that he will have been here for 7 years in 2013 broaden his options? What options do we have as a couple?

I realise that this is a lot to ask, but I am already concerned about the future and don't really know who to turn to for advice! Anything anyone can share with me would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

miss_teacher wrote:I am aware that this visa option is now no longer available under the new regulations.

This option is no longer available to new applicants wishing to become a Tier 1 (General) migrant. Existing Tier 1 (General) migrants can extend their leave, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria. For current eligibility criteria, see Tier 1 (General) policy guidance.

Given that his leave is due to expire in less than 2 years, not sure if living together from now on will help but getting married before his leave expires is an option.

Thanks sushdmehta, that's really helpful.