General Visitor looking to become permanent resident

[sjb1983]

Ok, here's my info;

I'm a British national with full citizenship, currently working in Bali, Indonesia. Looking to relocate back the Uk with my girlfriend of 1 year (not married, not planning to yet).

She is 30 years old & an Indonesian citizen. She has skills but they are not on the job shortage list.

I have a job offer in the UK and can financially support her but, and this is my main question, if I want her to come with me initially on a 'General Visitor' visa with an aim of getting her a full UK resident's visa in the future, how do I prove to the embassy that 'she is not planning to stay in the UK indefinitely' when that is indeed our plan? I understand that a sponsor's funds are important (which is not a problem thanks to my father's agreement to sponsor her) & her bank statements are in order and up to the necessary amount, but what about the showing necessity/desire to return part? I'm worried about this part causing us to be denied.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Steve

[ElenaW]

She needs to show strong ties of either employment, study, property ownership, etc... Also, of course she needs to have a return ticket. Please keep in mind that she will need to leave the country to later apply for a different visa. Also keep in mind that if she doesn't qualify for tier 1 or 2, the only option of keeping her in the uk would be either based on your relationship (marriage) or tier 4 but she would need to be accepted to a university/college and have a lot of money to pay for the tuition.

[sjb1983]

She needs to show strong ties of either employment, study, property ownership, etc... Also, of course she needs to have a return ticket.

Ok - I know that they basically want you to show enough ties to your home country to prove that you won't want to stay on & will 'have to' return home - but what if you are looking at a general visitor visa as a first step to getting residency later on?Or is the only option not to show any sign of this?
I am aware that a return ticketis necessary - someone suggested that we buy her a return ticket but once in the UK extend / change the dates as the visa would be valid for up to 6 months, however I'm not so sure this would be a good idea.

Please keep in mind that she will need to leave the country to later apply for a different visa. Also keep in mind that if she doesn't qualify for tier 1 or 2, the only option of keeping her in the uk would be either based on your relationship (marriage)

Also, as far as applying for a different visa goes, how does it change second time round to the first? Only after 2 years of residing in the UK can you go for a different visa, is that correct?
I believe that only after 2 years can you go for the 'partner' visa as I am not willing to get married just yet (even if it would be easier).

or tier 4 but she would need to be accepted to a university/college and have a lot of money to pay for the tuition.

I am not looking at this route as I am aware the costs would be substantial & also she is qualified enough so it would be an extremely costly way of getting her permission to stay.


Am I also right in thinking that once you are in the UK, it is easier to get another type of visa as this quote talks about changing to a General Tier 2 visa

"If you are already inside the UK in a different category, you may be able to apply to switch into the Tier 2 (General) category. If we approve your application, you will be able to live and work here for a maximum of three years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter."
(taken from http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/worki ... 2/general/)

I'm not saying that she wouldn't have to leave but I think you may have more of a chance of getting a sponsorship if you meet the employers face-to-face - or am I again mistaken?


Thank you very much for your help.

Steve[/i]

[sjb1983]

you know what, thinking about it, although I had originally wanted to go home soon, I think I might have to do another year abroad & then go home once we have been together for 2 years & get the unmarried partner visa. it would certainly be easier, even if I am homesick already!