Moving from Post-Study Work to sponsored married partner

[JJohnson]

Is it possible to move from a Tier1-PSW directly to a sponsored married partner status?

Currently I am on the PSW and planning to get married in July. However, the PSW expires on 18 Feb. My thought is to do a civil ceremony in the next three weeks and then apply for my (by that time) wife to sponsor me using the FLR(M) form (Application For An Extension of Stay in the UK As The Partner of a Person Present and Settled in The UK...).

A related factor is that, while we have had a sustained relationship for the past 3 years (as of October), we have not been living together. Therefore, applying as an unmarried partner wouldn't get very far. Also, the job that I am in under the Tier 1-PSW would continue, unless there is some restriction of which I am not aware.

Can anyone shed anymore light on this?

Thanks.

[Lucapooka]

You'll have to hurry if you wish to marry and apply before you current leave expires. The minimum period for posting the banns 15 days. Settlement applications from inside the UK do permit the income of the applicant to be considered.

[JJohnson]

Thanks, Lucapooka.

Is there anything obvious that would hinder the sponsorship application if we're married by the time we apply? Would the short time of our marriage prior to the application effect it? Or would the fact that we would not plan to live together until July effect it?

[Lucapooka]

The application has a plethora of requirements. You have to meet all of the requirements at the moment you apply. You will be applying in less than 4 weeks.

[JJohnson]

Yeah, I've found that out! I think that we're going to go for it and hope for the best. There isn't any obvious reason why the application should be rejected, so we'll see...

Thanks again.