Youth Mobility Visa -> IDL

[alextmilne]

I am confused as to whether I am able to apply for Indefinite Leave or whether I have to apply for another extension to my current partner visa.

My partner and I have been living together in a relationship since 2008. He is a British Citizen, born in NZ - where he also holds citizenship. I am a New Zealander.

We moved to the UK as a couple in 2011, continuing to live together. We were advised at the time that I should travel on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, and transfer to a partner visa when needed in the UK. We did that on 7 Aug 2013.

Am I now able to apply for IDL? We have been living as a couple, in the UK, for 4.5 years - but only since 2013 under a partner visa.

[secret.simon]

Since July 2012, you need five years on a partner visa to qualify for ILR. So, you will need to renew your partner visa and will be eligible on that basis in August 2018.

Had you got a partner visa before July 2012, you would have qualified after two years of the visa and likely would already have got British citizenship by now.

[Casa]

secret.simon is correct. Your clock was re-set when you switched from a YMS Tier 5 visa to spouse. You will have to apply for a further 2.5 year extension on form FLR(M). The postal fee is currently £649 or an in-person application submitted at a Premium Service Centre (PSC) will be £1049. PSC appointment slots are released onto the system 42 days in advance (although there seems to be a delay at present).

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _11-15.pdf

As a National of NZ you won't be required to pay the NHS surcharge.