would have been eligible for ILR - unmarried partner

[Kate06]

I hold a 2 year partner visa - issued in Aug 04. Before that I lived in the UK for 3 years (continuously on a work permit - no gap between the two visas)

I would have been eligible to apply for ILR in August 06 - However I'm currently in South Africa as my partner and I moved out here in September last year. He is completing a 2 year contract.

(I hold South African Citizenship)

We're getting married in October in South Africa. My partner is British.

I know that by leaving the UK and having been out of the country for this long disqualifies me for ILR right now. I accept that.

However, I wish to go back to the UK in August to visit my friends (for 3 weeks) whom I've left behind. By then my UPV would have expired.

We'll only be returning to the UK in October 2007 - at which time we'll be married and I'll just apply for a spousal visa again.

My question : arriving at Heathrow in August, do you foresee any problems with me arriving alone and having an expired Unmarried Partner Visa in my passport?

I know South Africans do not require visas to enter but I've been to England before, as a student, in my early twenties visiting my sister and I was interrogated for 3 hours being suspected of being out there to work - when I wasn't. And the experience was daunting to say the least.

Should I apply out here with the High Commission for another 2 year partner visa? Then go over?

Thanks for your time - hopefully I didn't waffle too much.

Kate