Hi

I am trying to get clarification on the changes to EEA family permits that will come into effect at the end of April.

I am an Aust citizen with no avenues to enter the UK other than as a tourist. My partner has ILR through Irish citizenship and has been living and working on and off in the UK for over 10 years. We have been together for almost 2 years, both in Aust and overseas. Our problem is that we would not satisfy the requirements for a spouse visa even though we have lived together and are in a legitimate relationship. This is fine, they are the rules and that is that.

What we are hoping for is that the changes to the EEA family permit will help me to legally work in the UK. We only want to be able to settle there for short periods of time so the fact that I would have to be there for 5 years to gain any sort of permanency is not a problem for us.

What we need to know is the nitty gritty of the EEA family permit. Can anyone tell me what is considered a "durable relationship" and how we would need to prove this. We have emails and what not but never got our leases in joint names and don't have joint bank accounts. Also, is this something that we apply for in Aust or do I get it when I arrive in the UK (risky at best). My partner will be back in Aust and travelling to the UK with me so we can apply for it together.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. We see the EEA permit as a last resort for 2 people who are together but do not want to be forced into marriage just to get a visa (at the suggestion of the BHC in Aust!!!).

Many thanks in advance.