Thanks so much for your reply - it definately has helped to put my mind a little more at rest. My partner and I are already starting to build up the relationship proof we need and we have a trip planned to Oz this summer so he can meet my family - and yes i totally agree the extra time before we have to apply will help us to make sure we are making the right choice.
However I think my main concern was when would they count the start (or end) of the five years between sponsorships? As i've only just notified them of the end of my relationship with my ex - will it start from now or from end of relationship or does the five years mean between the start of original sponsorship and start of new one?
One more question (sorry!) - we have been living together for 6 months now, but (due to house prices in London area and my situation as a student) we live with another friend - will this be a problem in applying for a spouse visa (under the defacto requirement that we be living together as a married couple would be)? As if so we would certainly consider trying to find somewhere cheaper to rent thats just the two of us.
Thanks again - I really appreciate your thoughts - I'm probably getting myself overly worked up!
Sam
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