Can someone help me with the particulars of my situation??

Me - US citizen, 25, recent graduate, magazine assistant/freelance writer
Him - UK citizen, 28, member of soon-to-be signed band, financially tenuous

We would like to apply for an "unmarried partner" visa so that I might join him in the UK, with the ability to work. A few problems I need help/advice on:

a.) Though we have been dating for three years, me flying back and forth, essentially living here and there, we have not been technically "living together" - do you think this can be negotiated?? How do they KNOW we haven't been living together, or how often I've been flying back and forth? Do they check my entry/exits to the UK via my passport?
b.) How important is it that he be financially able to "sponsor" me?? Technically I suppose he is self-employed, but the financials are difficult to prove until his band is signed in August. I have $9000 saved while I look for a job, assuming the visa is granted. He has essentially NO money in the bank. Think "starving artist."
c.) Can I move to england after applying for the visa but BEFORE it is granted?? (I would be freelance writing, and hopefully our officially living together status would be more convincing to anyone looking into our relationship.) Once my visa is granted I can take on a "professional" job and am hoping to open a business.

Help with any/all of these issues would be GREATLY appreciated. Currently I am planning to officially move to England in July but am PETRIFIED my visa may be denied, leaving me unable to work.

Alternatively, if you can think of other application methods which would be easier (no, a work permit is not an option since I'm a recent graduate in such a creative field), any input would be great.

 

In this case - if I move there in August, and wait until August to apply for my visa, when he will have the financials to prove he can support me, will I automatically be denied because I'm already living in the UK??

Thanks so much for your help. I've spent hours on hold for the home office. This site is a godsend.

 

I don't think you understand what I'm asking... I mean...

Can I apply for this visa once I'm already IN the UK, living with my boyfriend? Or would I HAVE to apply from within the U.S., or be required to fly back to the U.S. and wait while it's processed?

Thanks again, so much.

 

okay so... surprise surprise... we've decided to get married. so now i have a few further questions (god you must get tired of this)... i'm so spoiled of this "one-stop-shop" to have all my questions answered...

i'll be moving from the US to the UK in september (entering as a visitor - no visa) and we'll get married shortly after, then immediately apply for a spousal visa... but i anticipate nothing is this easy... what are the kinks in this plan?

a. will i be required to obtain a fiancee visa? or can i just enter as a visitor without further complication? if i need this fiancee visa - can i apply for it from within the UK, as a visitor?
b. will i be required to leave at any point - and for how long?
c. where would be the easiest place to get married - that is - if we flew to some country in europe, would that simplify this process??

Thanks again, so much.