I have been living with my bf in Thailand for 4 years now. We plan to visit the UK next April with the view to settling back there and we also want to make a civil partnership. We can prove the relationship is genuine with bills and rental agreements, We have a business together, he also has a good job in a US company and owns a property. So what visa should he go for? If I return to the UK in December is there anything I should do to prepare, like registering? He plans to work. Are there any restrictions on him and if so how long is it before he can work? I have read bits and pieces on the subject but some clear advice would be appreciated

Your partner can either apply for a proposed civil partnership settlement visa which will give him an initial six months in the UK during which time you have to form the civil partnership and then he has to apply for permission to remain, or, as you've been living together now for four years, he can apply for an unmarried partner settlement visa which will give him two years from the word go.

With the "fiancé" visa, he wouldn't be able to work until given permission to stay in the UK after the civil partnership has been formed. With the latter option, he can work immediately. The cost of both is £500.00 but the former will involve an additional application to the BIA at a further cost of £395.00. So, to summarise, to apply for the unmarried partner settlement visa is cheaper in the long run, and your partner can work from the outset.

Scouse.