James111 you don't even tell us what country you or her are applying for a visa for. Spain, South Africa? In anycase you should check the requirements for whatever country you are applying for.
james111, you can apply for a EU family permit if you are married to an EU citizen (or in a long term relationship…you have more to prove if you are not married however). The permit is free and they can only refuse if it’s a marriage of convenience or your partner is not exercising her treaty rights (if she is working or looking for work in the UK then she is exercising her treaty rights so its no problem). This permit gives you right to work in the UK. You don't need to prove you have funds, accommodation etc as the permit is based on EU law not UK law. They must issue this permit quickly also. The easiest thing to do is to get married in SA and apply for permit there (you can't apply in the UK). If you can prove you have been living together for something like 4 years you could still apply with out getting married.
The other option is to apply for a finance visa for the UK. This not free and you need to prove you have funds etc.
THanks Ben2006. We aren't yet married. I'm going back to SA to apply for my fiance visa.
Once i get it i'll be coming back to UK, we'll get married, then I'll apply for my UK spouse visa. We would have liked to get married in SA, but she's not able to get a vacation in the near future and besides, it costs so much for all the plane tickets etc.
So I fall into your last category "The other option is to apply for a finance visa for the UK. This not free and you need to prove you have funds etc."
I know its £500 and we got to prove our relationship, have accomodation etc. We got all that!
its just that theres no clear guide line of whats considered sufficient when it comes to FUNDS?
Sorry, should have been more clear since the start, but hey, there you are:)
thanks
james111, I don't think funds would be a problem if you are in the UK now and working, that means once you return you could also work and earn money so theres no chance you will need access to public funds. Even if your partner has a 22K pound a year job this would be fine I think, espeically if your going to be living together. But becareful if your current visa is running out they may say you are planning on getting married just to get the visa which could be a reason for denial.