Unmarried Partners a possibility?

[visage]

Hi,
I've exhausted all possible options (Tier 1 & Tier 2) alike, to stay employed in the UK. The only option is for my partner and I to explore the possibility of applying for unmarried partnership. I've been here in the UK since 2002, was a student here then got employed under a PSW in 2008.

Now my PSW is expiring in April 2011. Employer cannot pay the amount set out by the CoP, thus cannot go ahead with sponsorship.

This is our situation:

- My partner is British, self-employed and stable.

but:
- We have only been co-habitants for 18 months.
- We are planning to buy a house etc. together, but my visa expires before we reach the 2 year mark (October 2011)

My questions are:

- Is there any way we can extend my stay here so that I can reach that 2 year mark?

- If not, how do we demonstrate that we are partners if I am abroad?

- Is there a way to extend my stay in the UK for at least a further 3 months, granted I leave my employment?

Thoughts / advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.

-V