Hi all!
Just like everyone else I've been looking on the official websites and going round in circles!
Here's a summary of my situation: Lived in UK since August 2000 (except January-August 2005) on student, and then work visas. Got HSMP status in autumn 2008. At the time, a friend who works in immigration law here said he thought I would be able to apply for ILR in August 2010 (sadly he and my best mate have since split so ringing him out of the blue to ask questions no longer a free option!). The current HSMP leave to remain is valid until 08/11.
My current job ends 31 April. My area is experiencing quite the downturn, and I have not been able to secure a new position. However, I do have a job offer at the same salary level - though crucially not in the same field nor with similar educational level requirements.
My fella and I started dating in 01/09 and moved in together 08/09. We're talking about marriage but have no set date in mind yet. So here are my questions! If anyone has input on some, an or all of these I would be v v grateful, or even pointers of where is the right place to start looking.
- If I switch job type, does this affect the HSMP if I don't go for ILR this year and decide to renew HSMP at some point in future?
- Is it really the case that I would be eligible for ILR this August? And would doing the above affect that?
- If we marry soon (presumably in the UK, but not written in stone), is it the done thing to stay on your current visa and make a new application when it's closer to expiry, or to switch visas straightaway? I don't have to leave the UK to do that, do I???
- If we marry soon, when is an optimum time visa-wise to do that? Six months or longer before my current one expires, right?
- Now, marriage and changing jobs - should we do it before I change jobs (re: validity of HSMP worry above).
Phew! I hope that covers it. As you can tell I've a million questions!!!