A few YMS questions

[Snow93]

Hey everyone.

My girlfriend will be coming over to the UK for two years in July from Australia on a YMS Visa after her 20th birthday. If she stays those 2 years she'll be 22 and I'll be 21. I know that you can't extend your stay on a YMS Visa but from what this page says:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... igibility/

She could obtain a fiancee or proposed civil marriage visa once she arrived back in Australia couldn't she? We would have 2 years of proof of physically living together to help our case.

That's the "worst" case scenario though. Is it possible if we got married after the first year of the YMS to then apply for a spouse visa while she was still here on the YMS and then switch to the spouse visa? Would that let us stay together with no need for her to return?

Also, does the period of validity start from when she enters the UK for the first time with the YMS Visa or does it count down from the day she is granted? She's going to be applying soon and I know the UK has roughly 30,000 places for Australians. Assuming that is starting every year in January, just personally, do you think there will still be enough places for her to apply still?

Any answers would really help me out, thanks.

[wf]

Yes, she can switch to spouse visa without leaving the UK under the current rules. Ensure you accumulate sufficient proof of living together, tenancy agreements, joint bank statements etc.

YMS validity starts from date on the visa - this can be post dated by up to 3 months from date of application ('intended date of travel' on form).

I doubt the 30000 limit is exhausted in the entire year and certainly won't be now.