I've had a look into my girlfriend getting a fiance visa, and suggested she do this, but I see it is only valid for 6 months. I love her, but I think I'd be more comfortable with a longer engagement than this. Is it possible for it to be extended, or for her to get the visa dated to start 6 months in the future, and then be over here as a normal visitor for 6 months before this?
Also, her current passport,when under scrutiny will reveal some overstays. She was never stopped leaving the country, but the stamps she has look suspicious. She's due to renew her passport soon anyway, but would it be better for her to apply for the fiance visa with the new clean stamp-free passport? We've got plenty of evidence of being together anyway (including a police report of a car crash we were in a year ago!)