Help, trying to settle in the UK, Student or Spouse VISA?

[nathalie.sicard]

Hello. I'm 22 years old girl, mexican. I am currently finishing university (Bachelor in Business Administration). I'll graduate by december this year. I am with this guy from England and we totally want to marry and live together. Though he is younger than me, he's only 18 and he doesn't really have a fixed job and is still in college. I have studied in the best university in Mexico and work as an intern (till I graduate) for this american company named Procter & Gamble (8 months exp). I myself care a lot for my career, want to have a chance to work in England on a job related to my career.

OPTION 1. I am not sure if I should apply for a settlement VISA, because maybe it's very hard to get? Specially since my boyfriend doesn't really have financial stability, but his father does, and he lives in one of his father houses. But we will definitely marry and live together and with me having a job it could be just fine.

OPTION 2. Maybe I should just apply for a student VISA? Problem is I have no savings. Can't really afford those super expensive tuition fees they have in England. So I'm really not sure what to do.
- In this option I'm concerned. How easily is it to get a work permit as a student? And how long will I be able to stay? Might it be easier for me to be a student and then settle?

OPTION 3. Should I just go there as a visitor since they let us for 6 months with no VISA and just stay and hide not to be deported, working in the black market or something? lol

Thanks for help.
HELP!

[sakura]

For someone concerned about their career...option 3 is the worst one to take! (I know you were just kidding!) Overstaying might make it harder to re-enter the UK, e.g. for work, visit, or a settlement visa. Do Mexicans need a visa to visit the UK? If not, you can always come here and try applying for jobs and attend interviews, see what the market is like for you.

Option 1....is possible, but there was a ruling a few months ago that third-party support is not allowed in settlement applications. Since your boyfriend doesn't have a job, any savings, etc, it might be hard to prove he is suitable to be your sponsor. BTW - have you met each other?

Option 2...yes it is expensive - try getting a scholarship - the UK government has quite a few. If you're smart enough to go to Mexico's best university, then you stand a good chance! Look far and wide - there are many, and universities also have scholarships. If you study for a bachelor's degree or above, you are entitled to apply for a one year extension to work in the UK - this is a good stepping stone to get a further work permit to remain in the UK.

Another option is just to wait one or two more years - your boyfriend doesn't look capable of sponsorship - he's a full-time student with low funds - but I might be wrong! If your placement at P&C provides you with good work experience, you should use your skills to apply for the HSMP or a work permit. These might be good for you.

Would you be interested in other EU countries, e.g. Spain?

[yankeegirl]

Hi Nathalie,

I just wanted to add a bit to sakura's suggestions.

1. There are two ways of doing this. Apply for a fiancee visa, which is valid for six months. You must come to the UK and get married in that six month period, and then once married, apply for further leave to remain in the UK as a spouse. Or, your boyfriend comes to Mexico, you marry and then apply for a spousal visa from Mexico. however as sakura said, your boyfriend must be in a position to prove that he can support you without any public funds. It sounds like that may be difficult for him at the moment.

2. I just wanted to add that if you are in the UK on a student visa you are allowed to work for 20 hours per week.

3. I know you were joking, but absolutely don't do this. It could hurt you in the long term. What are you currently going to school for? And, what type of work are you doing for Proctor and Gamble?

[VictoriaS]

Once you graduate you could see about employment options..perhaps Proctor and Gamble would be interested in sending you to their UK offices?

Victoria