bigals

Can anyone tell me that once we have unmarried partner visa how long do we have before we must arrive in the UK

roaringmouse

You *can* enter the UK up until the expiry date of the visa, however it is wise to enter the UK within 3 months of the "valid from" date.

This is because, presuming you have/will have the 27-month visa, you can apply for ILR 28 days before the 2 year anniversary of your initial entry to the UK, and not before.

If you're unable to meet the 2 year (minus 28 day) requirement, then you would need to apply for further leave to remain - presuming they still allow that when the rules change this year.

bigals

As we have been together 5 years and can prove this,am i correct she can get ILR with no restrictions and not have the 27 month waiting period ?

roaringmouse

The 4+ year requirement also includes at least the last 4 years living together outside the UK.

Bearing that in mind, it depends on if your partner has passed the Life in the UK test and applies for the visa before the changes come into force.

If the Life in the UK test hasn't been passed, then the endorsement "KOL Req" can be requested - again, presuming if the application is lodged before the change in rules. This will mean that once in the UK your partner can take the test and apply for ILR before the normal 2 year residency period - this is dependent on this provision not being caught up in the change in rules. And yes, that would mean another application fee.