Help Needed for Visa

[Peej]

Hi, I am a UK national, I have been with my Russian girlfriend for about six months now and we plan to move in together quite soon.
Her student visa of 2 years, runs out in december.
She has a masters degree, and I am in full time employment.

We have no idea how the system works, what we need to do, and how to even start to ask. So this place seemed like a good start.

My question is that can we plan a future together in this country?
If so, what do we need to do?

Any help would be apprieciated.

[VictoriaS]

If she is about to graduate or has just done so, she can apply for the INternational Graduates Scheme.

Unless you are going to marry, she cannot stay as your dependent, as you have not been living together long enough.

VItcoria

[Peej]

She is about to graduate, she already has a degree though.

I don't know about marriage just yet, it may be a little soon for that!

Although we are very much in love and do propose to make a life together, marriage has not been discussed.

Can we just say that we intend to marry in the future? which would not be lying as this time next year, that would probably be the case.

Also, what conditions are there for the Graduate Scheme?

[sakura]

She is about to graduate, she already has a degree though.

I don't know about marriage just yet, it may be a little soon for that!

Although we are very much in love and do propose to make a life together, marriage has not been discussed.

Can we just say that we intend to marry in the future? which would not be lying as this time next year, that would probably be the case.

Also, what conditions are there for the Graduate Scheme?

When she graduates, she can get a letter from her school saying she has passed all the requirements, including handing in the dissertation (if there is one). Look here for more details: http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/workin ... cheme.html

Then after she gets her IGS visa, it is valid for 12 months (no extensions allowed), and during that time you can decide to marry. You won't qualify for an unmarried partner's visa, because that requires 24 full months co-habitation.

So - once she has finalised her degree, apply for the IGS visa (in-country, btw), then before that time is up, you can decide to get married! Other than marriage? She'd need to qualify for the HSMP or work permit or as a student (or other category) in order to stay in the UK.

[Peej]

It all seems a little harsh doesn't it?

We are just a couple in love and wish to spend our lives together, I cant understand why she would not be able to live with me, as it's not like she would be a burden to the state. It would be very sad for us both if she were not allowed to stay beyond december. But such is life I suppose...

Thanks for your advice, I shall pass the information on to her, then we shall decide the course of action to take.

[Wanderer]

It all seems a little harsh doesn't it?

Not at all - UK system is much easier than most - just freaking expensive.

Not saying this about u, but sooo many of these international realtionships fail, so our Gov is actually protecting us from more unmarried burdens on the state, by making this process quite difficult.

Joking apart I think it should be more difficult, my gf is Russian, and hover in Anglo-Russo circles and I see a LOT fail, adminttedly by MOB type looking for arm candy.

Udachi vam, Ludi nado lubit'!

[jimquk]

Peej said
It all seems a little harsh doesn't it?[/quote]

Welcome to the world of "firm but fair" immigration control.

The IGS scheme sounds like a good option, or maybe HSMP; check

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front ... 4565654333

Alternatively, do consider spending some time in Russia, geting to know her family and culture, getting married there and applying for a spouse visa to bring her back.

Good luck![/quote]