Options for a Girlfriend?

My boyfriend has accepted an offer with a United States company in the United Kingdom. They will be sponsoring his work so he is all set.

Now, it's my turn to figure things out. I applied for the HSMP but if that doesn't work out do I have any other options? We are not married, engaged and have not lived together.

If you have not lived together or are not getting married, then you cannot come on his basis and will have to qualify on some other basis by yourself.

Thanks. What if we are engaged but don't plan on getting married for 2 years or so? We will probably get married once back in the US.

Sorry, getting engaged has no special considerations in the eyes of UK immigration law. The 'Fiancee visa' is technically a misnomer as it is more like 'Entry to get married and stay' visa and even if you do get one you will have to get married in 6 months time. 2 years is pushing it a wee bit long.

So if we did get married within 6 months, I could stay?

I was under the impression that you'd have to be marrying a UK citizen?? My boyfriend is a US Citizen working for a US company in the UK.

nervousbytheday wrote:So if we did get married within 6 months, I could stay?

I was under the impression that you'd have to be marrying a UK citizen?? My boyfriend is a US Citizen working for a US company in the UK.

If you marry, you will get a dependent's visa, which is, hence the name, dependent on the length of your husband's visa (e.g. if he gets 2 years, you get 2 years; if he has 11 months, you get 11 months, etc). You can work, study, or do nothing on that type of visa - there are no restrictions on you.

When is he leaving for the UK? I'm sure you don't want a rush wedding just for immigration purposes, but if you're not going to marry, then his options to help you are nil. Apply for HSMP, a work permit (sponsored by a company) or come as an International student paying tens of thousands of dollars to stay here.

No other (LEGAL) option, I'm afraid.