Unmarried Partner Visa -- Should I Even Apply?

[monica555]

Hi all,

I am considering applying for an Unmarried Partner Visa in January 2016, but am not sure about my case. Here is a brief rundown:

By January 30, 2016 (the end date of my current Tier 4 Visa), my UK partner and I (USA) will have been living together in the UK for almost two years (exactly 8 days short). I read varying thoughts on whether this would matter to UKBA, from "Even 1 day short would be rejected" to "1 or 2 weeks should be fine". Is it simply a case of "Depends how they feel that day"? I know that anything much more than that wouldn't be admissible, but I can't apply any later than due to my visa expiring.

We lived together for 7 months at his parents house and do not have joint paperwork from these 7 months, but have enough official documents pointing us both to that address for 7 months. The remaining 1 Year and 5 Months is at our flat we rent jointly, so we have plenty of joint Council Tax, Electric bills, a tenancy agreement, etc.

If I decide to go for this visa, I will ensure we do enough saving or get the right jobs to meet the financial requirements, not worried about that as my work can be used to since I'm applying from within the UK. We will get married one day, but I don't want to get married solely for a visa. I am also hesitant to try for a Tier 2 as I don't want to be tied into one job.

Does it seem like we'd have a reasonable case or is your first reaction to say "You'll never get it!". I know there is always a risk involved and no one can ever advise for certain, I'm just trying to determine how large of a risk it is.

Thanks so much!