Tier 2 Employer Sponsored or Civil Partner visa?

[caid]

Hi there

After much googling, I'm confused by the conflicting info out there - hopefully someone here can help.

My partner and I are looking to move to the UK in July/August as she has been offered a job at a hospital over there.

I have a UK-born grandfather, and can apply for an Ancestry Visa.

My partner's employer will be applying for a Tier 2 Employer-sponsored visa for her, but with the new Tier 2 cap that came into effect on 6 April 2011, I'm having pangs of worry that she might miss out - 20,700 people doesn't seem like that many.

So, my question is, would the Tier 2 route still be the best way for her to go, or should we look into a Civil Partner visa? We're a same-sex couple, have been together for more than 5 years, and in a Civil Union for a year and a half. If she's declined for Tier 2, can we then try again for a Civil Partner visa?

Any advice gratefully received

[geriatrix]

Tier 2 for your partner, you as dependant - She will qualify for settlement in her own right and your settlement in UK will depend on your partner's eligibility. Tier 2 migrant's employment restricted to named sponsor and change of employment will require new sponsorship. Dependant not subject to employment restrictions (other than working as doctor / dentist in training).

Ancestry visa for you, partner as dependant - Your partner' settlement in the UK (as our dependant) will depend on you becoming eligible for settlement. No restriction on employment for you or your partner.

Tier 2 for your partner and Ancestry visa for you - Another possibility! But change to dependant status of the other cannot be done from within the UK.

If application is refused under one category, you may apply again - under the same category or a different one.

[caid]

Thanks so much, that's exactly what I was looking for!

To be honest we'd completely overlooked the fact that her work visa would be tied to her sponsor. What a hassle that would be if she found she hated the job! Maybe we will look into the dependant options.

Thanks again