My partner is in the process of obtaining an L1 (inter company transfer) visa to come to the US from Australia. Initially we didn't realise the US didn't recognise defactos (of which we have been for the last 7 years and can provide documented evidence we've lived together for this time). We're both 31, have worked all our lives, no convictions or anything. Apparently this is still not acceptable proof we are a genuine couple.

I don't fall into what the US considers a skilled worker category (I'm a real estate specialist but my knowledge is only useful here in Australia). The problem I'm facing is we can financially support me attending a degree course at a US uni - however some of the questions they say they ask in the interview for a student visa and the reasoning behind them makes me think I won't be sucessful.

Basically I will be quiting a job here in Australia - so have no proof of a job to return to.

We had our house on the market and it has just sold - so technically - while we have a load of casholla we have no "residence which you have no intention of abandoning" like they ask and I don't think our "well we were selling it before we found out about the job transfer anyway" will cut it even though it's the truth.

The only option to us appears to be a shotgun marraige (while we're not "anti-marriage" it's just not something we want to do just to get a visa) plus it could mean a Court house marraige and all done asap and our family would be super un-impressed!

Has anyone else been in this situation before and had a favourable outcome or found a way around it?