I have been in a relationship with a Chinese lady since April of this year. At first, I did not think our relationship would be anything than a casual, short-term thing, but our feelings for each other have grown and we are now very close. However, last weekend, she tearfully confessed to me that she is here illegally, having overstayed a visitors visa, which expired in December 2012 (almost a year ago).
Now that I have been made aware of this, I want to legalise her status here as swiftly as possible, but do not know what our first steps should be. Has anyone on here been in a similar situation, and can offer advice? I should add that we have been living together since June of this year, and our utility bills are in joint names, as we plan to get married at some point. A friend has suggested we apply for her to stay, under Article 8 of the Human Rights act?? I have been told that if we go down the route of marrying in China / applying for a spouse visa, she may be refused re-entry to the UK
Please help !