PSW to dependant or spouse or partner

[InfoR]

I was recently granted a Post Study Work visa which is valid until August 2016. I graduated with a Masters in Computing in March 2012. I am currently unemployed and looking for work/invest.

I will be applying for ILR under 10 year lawful residence in March 2013.

This topic is regarding my fiancé who is currently employed as a Savings Advisor. She currently holds a Post Study Work visa, which is due to expire in January 2013. She completed her Masters in HR in December 2010 and has been in employment ever since.

We got engaged in January 2012 in Pakistan, and have been in a relationship since 2008. (evidence available)

She is looking to move into a Post Study Work dependant category as my dependant (partner/spouse). She has £1200 in her savings, as required for most routes i.e. Tier 1 tier 2 etc.

As far as I understand there are some clauses, which could stop her from applying under psw dependant. Mainly the clause which states that "we should be living together for at least 2 years".
Unfortunately this isn't the case with us, as she was based in London and I was in another city since we got into a relationship.

Also, being from a Muslim background, it wasn't the best of options to "move in".

However she moved to my city in February 2012 and since has been sharing the same address.

As it stands, she will also not be able to apply under tier 2 as she would need a sponsor and have a salary of at least 23K. Therefore, the tier 2 route at this stage seems highly unlikely.

Although I will be applying for ILR in march 2013, I don't want her to leave the country and give up employment. It will not only cause stress but limit our future ambitions at the same time.
Therefore the best scenario would be to apply from within the country.

Keeping in view the above, I would like to know about the available options.

P.S Are nonEU citizens allowed to get married in UK? As both of us do not have "settled" status. We both currently hold PSW visa.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[geriatrix]

If your partner wishes to become your dependant before Feb. 2014, then the only option is that you two marry.

[InfoR]

If your partner wishes to become your dependant before Feb. 2014, then the only option is that you two marry.

We are definitely considering that but are we allowed to marry in the UK? Or do we need special visa/permission for that? Just confused with the whole civil marriage thing.

[geriatrix]

Getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK

[InfoR]

Getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK

Thanks for the link but i cant seem to find anything specific about two non nationals marrying in the UK.

[Greenie]

Would suggest you read it again as this link contains all the information you need to know.