Unmarried partner visa

[tier2genmisery]

Hi

If things go right I will become a British citizen soon.
My 'unmarried' partner is currently on a Tier 2 General sponsored work visa which is about to expire.
We have been living together for the last 4 years.

1) What is the best way for me to keep my partner in the UK as my dependant without affecting her job? Which visa should we get to help my partner get an ILR and British citizenship as quick as possible?

2) If we switch to a unmarried partner dependant visa, does that reset the 5 year qualifying period clock for ILR and citizenship?

3) How do you actually prove you are 'unmarried' partners? What supporting documents do we need to provide? (we have tenancy agreements, council tax bills, photos etc.) How much is enough?

Thanks

[CR001]

1. Your partner could have changed visas once you got ILR. No need to have waited till you are BC as it is the same visa whether you are BC or hold ILR. There is no short cut. FLR(M) is required to switch to unmarried partner visa. How long has your partner been in the UK for??

2. Yes it does.

3. Substantial evidence for the at least the last two years proving cohabiting and joint commitments 'in a relationship akin to marriage'. See the FLR(M) form and guidance notes.

[tier2genmisery]

1. Your partner could have changed visas once you got ILR. No need to have waited till you are BC as it is the same visa whether you are BC or hold ILR. There is no short cut. FLR(M) is required to switch to unmarried partner visa. How long has your partner been in the UK for??

4 years only. And we have been living together throughout.

I guess if my partners employer is willing to cover all visa fees, it might be better and cheaper to apply for a 2 year Tier 2 Gen extension so that my partner can get ILR quickly.

I just found out that dependant visas are for 2.5 years and you still pay health surcharge etc. So it is actually pretty costly to reset that 5 year clock...

[CR001]

Employers do not usually cover visa and IHS fees. It is the applicants responsibility.

How long has Tier 2 General been held by your partner, 4 years??

[tier2genmisery]

Employers do not usually cover visa and IHS fees. It is the applicants responsibility.

How long has Tier 2 General been held by your partner, 4 years??

No just 3 years on T2Gen
First year was on T4Gen

My employers always covered all T2Gen costs. I guess I was lucky then!

[tier2genmisery]

1. Your partner could have changed visas once you got ILR. No need to have waited till you are BC as it is the same visa whether you are BC or hold ILR. There is no short cut. FLR(M) is required to switch to unmarried partner visa. How long has your partner been in the UK for??

If we do it now as ILR dependant, do we then need to change anything or notify anyone after I get BC?

Also, does this have any impact whatsoever, including time impact, on the consideration of BC application? Or are we sure they are considered completely separately?
FLR M can be done on the day with Premium Service I guess..

[CR001]

Partner would need to inform her current employer if her visa changes.

Whose BC application, yours?? Completely separate and different departments.

Yes same day service can be used.

Remember it will reset her clock to zero for ILR of partner switches to flr m.

[tier2genmisery]

Partner would need to inform her current employer if her visa changes.

Whose BC application, yours?? Completely separate and different departments.

Yes same day service can be used.

Remember it will reset her clock to zero for ILR of partner switches to flr m.

Yes, my BC application.
It is unfortunate that it resets the clocks (and frankly it is a cruel rule !) but at least then my partner can change jobs freely..

[CR001]

Not cruel. Different visas = different rules and requirements. It is an applicants choice to change categories!!