defactos in the UK

Hi x86i,

If you don't mind the weather, I can speak from experience in saying that you will have no problems coming to the UK under the unmarried partners visa.

The UK is bringing in civil unions this December, but even today if you can prove that you and your partner have been together for 2 years, you should have no problems getting a visa to stay here if your partner is an EU citizen. I can speak from experience, I am from New Zealand, my boyfriend is a Spanish citizen, and we have been living here in London for 3 years now. After living here 4 years you can apply for permanent residency, and after a final fifth year you will be awarded a british passport which would allow you to live in any EU state.

www.ukvisas.gov.uk has very helpful information, but I think the most relevant is as follows below - best of luck wherever you both decide to settle.

From UKVISAS:
Can I join my unmarried partner in the UK?
You can apply to join your unmarried partner in the UK, as long as:

they currently live and are settled in the UK, or they are coming to live permanently in the UK, and
you are aged over 18 and your sponsor is aged over 18.


How do I qualify to join my unmarried partner in the UK?
You and your unmarried partner must show that: any previous marriage, or similar relationship, has permanently broken down
you have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for two years or more
you have suitable accommodation which is owned or lived in only by you and your household, and where you and your dependants can live without any help from public funds
you can support yourselves and any dependants without any help from public funds
you intend to live together permanently
your partner is not under 18, and
you are not under 18.
The Entry Clearance Officer will need to see evidence of a two-year relationship. This may include:

documents showing joint commitments, such as bank accounts, investments, rent agreements or mortgages
letters linking you to the same address, and
official records of your address, such as your National Insurance card or health card.
At first, you will be allowed to stay and work in the UK for two years. Near the end of this time, if you are still partners and intend to continue living together, you can apply to stay permanently in the UK.