Leaving forces, wanting to stay in UK

I have been living in London for the past 6 years, and now in Cornwall. My "partner" is english, and i being in the U.S. forces haven't had the need for "papers" to stay, but as i am fed up with the military I am planning to leave in a year and hope to be able to stay here and find a job without being forced to get married. Any hints, tips, ideas or help would be greatly appreciated and can be rewarded with Reeses Cups or other USA treats.

Ben

Do you live with your Partner?  If so for how long?   If it's been two years or will be two years when you get out of the military, you could apply for an Unmarried Partners Visa, provided you have proof that you have indeed lived together.
 
I'm not sure about the Work Visa.. I do know that in the states your new employer has to basically sponsor you;ie guarantee that you will be paid, live off the system, etc, but not sure in the UK... but I'm sure others (Garry) will know for sure

any one ever try unmarried partner program?

If you've been here for 4 years can't you apply for indefinite leave to remain in your own right? Not sure if this applies to overseas service personnel but I'm sure someone else will know. We have a fe ex-service members I think.

Sorry, no hints, tips or ideas -- just wondering where you are in Cornwall?

I think military personnel are here on a different arrangement so their time here doesn't qualify as "residence."  I'd say the unmarried partner visa is the best way to go.  There are lots of people here who have gone through this process and it is fairly easy to get, as long as you have actually been living together for two years in a relatinship akin to marriage (and can prove it, of course!)  And you'll need to prove that you can support yourself once you get out of the military. 

Any hints, tips, ideas or help would be greatly appreciated and can be rewarded with Reeses Cups or other USA treats.

Just jumping in for the chance for some PX goodies...

Ben, if you have the co-hab evidence, there's nothing to stop you from applying now and get a head-start on your post-military career.  It takes 500 pounds and about 2 hours in Lunar House and you're done. 

If your co-hab evidence is hard going back 4+ years, you can try for the permanent residence concession as an unmarried partner, otherwise you can get the 2 year probationary visa which gives you everything you need to start out.

I advise to focus on the hard evidence.  I've done 3 unmarried partner apps in the last 8 weeks for 3 different couples.  Each app had ONE (1) photo, and ONE (1) email for soft evidence and that's that.  One photo only.  Use high-quality hard evidence and your app will sail right through!  But that's free advice, use whatever suits

So.  A 1 gallon jar of Peter Pan Creamy please!

You could always try getting a job with Aafes and getting sponsered through them. That's how most ex-military people stay. Of course there is the risk of having to do TDY - yes even if you are running a Burger King for the base On the plus side, you would be able to keep base privledges, including gas, alcohol & commissary.

Rosie

thanks for the help everyone, and i will keep everyone posted as to how it goes with the visa. if anyone is in cornwall, let me know. i always have Yankee-BBQ's. Last one was really good, from what i remember. Also, any realistsic requests from my side may be filled ( i looked for 1 Gallon peter pan, biggest they do is 32oz.).

any tips on unmarried partner visas, would be great. how much it costs, etc. and also it gives me right to work as well???

Yes, the unmarried partner visa will let you work. But, as stated above, you must actually be able to prove you've been living with your partner for 2 years. Take a look at the Visa board here for all the stories about people her who have done this. And go to the Home Office web site for all the applications and info on fees, etc. The fees have just changed but basically you'll need to provide documentation (bills, leases, etc) proving you have lived with your partner.