Question:
I am a South African citizen and have been in the UK on student visa since April 2001. I switched my visa status at this date from a working holiday visa, as it reached its two year expiry.

The dilemma I am facing is that I have been staying with my British boyfriend fro the past two years and do not wish to return to South Africa as yet. We are also not ready to get married yet and I have no wish to study further simply for the sake of obtaining a Visa. Are there any other options available?

Answer:
If you have been living with your British boyfriend for a period of at least two years you may qualify for the unmarried partner permit.

You will need to prove that you have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage, which has subsitsted for 2 years or more. If you are successful in your application you will be able to work in the UK without any work restrictions.

Hannes Breytenbach, a Lawyer

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