I've been in the UK since 1998 (june) on permit free training visas until April 2004 when I applied for unmarried partner of a EU citizen visa status and was awarded this.
Unfortunately
we separated recently.I need to sort out my visa, and thought that HSMP seemed the way to go. I applied for this and got a positive response in a week! Amazing.
Armed with my HSMP status I applied for leave to remain, and was knocked back after a few days - apparently I am not allowed to switch status in country.
Argh. So now I need to figure out what to do -
Option 1 - bad - return to australia at short notice and wait to get it there.
Option 2 - bad - is there an option 2? E.g. apply in another country? E.g. apply at border? Anything?
Any advice appreciated.
And, anyone who is applying for unmarried partner status, be warned that it may be uncomfortable (in more ways than one) if you separate. If the HSMP option is open to you, it may make more sense, despite your best romantic intentions. Hope that saves someone from my trap.
Muchos thanks.
toby.