Documents to take along on an Unmarried Partner visa interview?

The question is, were you formally denied the visa (i.e. did they take your money)?  I've heard people say in the past that often when you apply in person they will "reject" you (i.e. pretty much tell you you have no chance of getting the visa) without formally accepting the application... if this is the case then you should be ok to reapply straight away. 

On the other hand, If they did take your money & deny your visa, I couldn't see that it would really be a problem... yes, they would probably look at your application in more detail (is there anything else you can add to it?), but at the same time if they look at it in more detail it could potentially be a good thing...

Thanks again for the tips.  I failed to mention in my initial e-mail that I was turned away before we actually had to pay (thank goodness) - so I don't think that there is any record of me actually having submitted the application. Knowing that, would it still be bad for me to apply again in January?

If you're going to apply in January, you'll still be 5-6 months short of the two year requirement for the UP visa right?.  What makes you think they'll approve your application when you've only fulfilled 75% of the requirements?  (I'm not being a smartass...I'm genuinely curious.  I would be terrified to submit an application and the fee knowing that I hadn't fulfulled the requirements!)

Well, we're going to apply by post this time. I've heard that they are more lenient on the two year requirement with postal applications.  We were making monthly trips to see each other in 2002 and early 2003 and have lots of documents to prove that - we just had jobs in different countries at the time.  I'm hoping that they will consider that as part of our time in a relationship akin to marriage.

It's really frustrating that they require two years of living together - but are preventing us from living together by making me leave the country! It just doesn't make much sense.  If only my MSc program that I've just completed was a two year instead of a one year program! 

I've heard that they are more lenient on the two year requirement with postal applications. 

It's wrong. 

What's true is that some people get over in person, others get over by post.  It's down to the Examiner and his/her boss in cases of grey.  If somebody has a favourable experience using post, it could be the result of a zillion different factors, and to generalize from it is asking for trouble.

If they approve it, fine!  If not, you get an actual refusal rather than the rejection you got last time.

Yes, BEST WISHES for everything to get sorted out quickly!  I know it's not the most helpful advice, but if it comes down to it July '05 isn't THAT far away...

I posted it before, but are you eligible for BUNAC?  It will give you 6 months to live and work in england.  If you are doing a MSCoverseas you should be able to do it and it will make sure you make up the time.

Personally jessie, I would wait if I were you. My boyfriend and I were going to apply early but after extensive research and opinions from others on here and other boards, we decided to wait. We are actually waiting until the EXACT day we started living together so there will be no question to that factor. 5-6 months early is a lot of time where 5-6 weeks could even get you in trouble. I know it's hard as I am weeks away from my application and the time waiting has literally made me physically ill. BUT.........these are the rules and if you apply early and get denied, you are really going to have to be separated from the one you love. Isn't that the point.........to be together?

I looked at the BUNAC website breifly, but it seemed to indicate that it was only open to people who had recently graduated from University outside of the UK. Since I was attending uni in the UK I didn't think I was eligible. If anyone can point me to a webpage that says otherwise I would really appreciate the link so I can check it out. Also, is there an age limit for BUNAC? I'm 26.

You are right - it might just be better to wait rather than reapply. Half of me thinks it can't hurt to at least try - what do I have to lose except £150. But if I return to the US in February I could do temp work or short-term project work until I'm definately eligible for the visa. It's only a few months and we were seperated for a year before and although it stunk we got through it.

The other option we are considering is buying a house that needs doing up - and I could work on that and organise and supervise the tradespeople as my "job" while here on the visitor visa. Visitor visas are for 6 months, right? It would be tough trying to both live off my partner's salary, but it's an idea. Although everyone says the property bubble is about to burst...

Thanks again for all the tips and comments. This website has been a huge help over the past few years.