Unmarried Partner - Relocation to UK without having lived together for 2 yrs!

[Mezhdunarodni]

Hi There,

Just a quick query, I hope! My Russian partner (living in Russia) and I (UK citizen) have been in a long-distance relationship for approx 5 years; we have 4 yr old child living in Russia with UK & Russian passport.

I noted that there is a possibility if funds are available etc for an "Unmarried Partner" to move to the UK with child / children, but I then noted on the website that there is a legal requirement stipulating that we should have lived together in Russia, or elsewhere for 2 years prior to applying to relocate to the UK. This we have not done!

Does anybody know of any exceptions to this rule or any way to legally circumnavigate it?

Any suggestions, guidance or pointers would be much appreciated.

In advance, many thanks............

[CR001]

No exceptions unfortunately. It is a mandatory requirement to provide evidence of 2 years cohabitation in a relationship akin to marriage.

[secret.simon]

You could consider
a) Getting married
b) Moving with her and your child to another (non-UK) EEA country. She could apply as a durable partner. Each EEA country can have different requirements for a "durable partner", so you may wish to research them first.
I would suggest looking at Cyprus first. It has both a British community and a significant Russian presence (there are Russian radio stations and even a Russian political party there). The three Baltic countries, having significant Russian-speaking communities, may also be worth a look, so she may not experience a culture shock.

[Mezhdunarodni]

Many thanks for the suggestions to date.....Cyprus is a good idea.

Regarding that latter option, would that be affected after the fast looming BREXIT?

[secret.simon]

Many thanks for the suggestions to date.....Cyprus is a good idea.

Regarding that latter option, would that be affected after the fast looming BREXIT?

Yes. You would want to move and start exercising treaty rights before March 29 2019 (almost exactly a year from now). Your Russian partner and child can follow later if need be.

And as mentioned, you will need to research the Cypriot definition of "durable partner" before the move.

Alternatively, assuming that your child has claimed British citizenship through you, s/he can move to Cyprus - or one of the Baltic states (again before the referendum) with their Russian parent and exercise treaty rights by being self-sufficient in funds and having CSI (private health insurance). This is called the Chen route and does not depend on the definition of "durable partner", as it is based on the British child moving within the EU with their parent. However, be aware that the Chen route will not lead to permanent residence for your Russian partner, merely a renewable residence permit until the child turns18.

[Mezhdunarodni]

Many thanks for your useful responses to date - we shall now consider the Cyprus option which could work as my partner used to live in Cyprus and enjoyed her time there.

Thanks again...

[Mezhdunarodni]

Cyprus may no longer be an option as I must remain in the UK to meet a myriad of other commitments.

Because of this dilemma, are there any other avenues to explore?

[Casa]

Cyprus may no longer be an option as I must remain in the UK to meet a myriad of other commitments.

Because of this dilemma, are there any other avenues to explore?

Marriage?