Fiance or Spouse Visa?

[Anna-x]

I have been living in the UK for almost 2 years with my partner under Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme). I am from Australia and he is a UK citizen. I have to leave the country in July when my visa ends. We're engaged to get married but are unsure the best way to go about this. We had planned on him visiting Australia and getting married there. Then I would apply for the spouse visa. But I was just going through the UKBA website and read this - http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... /how-long/

It says we need to have been married for at least 4 years for me to come over? Does this mean we cannot go through with our current plans? Would it be better for me to first apply for the Fiance visa in Australia, come over to the UK to get married, then apply for the spouse visa?

[geriatrix]

That's for spouses eligible for Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE).

The same page states the following:

If your application is successful but you do not meet the above criteria, we will grant you a visa lasting 27 months. This is known as your 'probationary period' or 'qualifying period'.

That's a spouse visa, in simple words.

[Casa]

You could marry here before your YMS visa expires and apply from within the UK for a 2 year spouse visa extension on form FLR(M).