Thanks Tod, that's how i was led to understand the process too. I have to say i was pleasantly surprised with CM. It was well organised, not too busy and relatively quick. Arrived at 6am, out by 10am.
Would have been quicker too, but i had written my application in black ink (criminal i know), so had to redo everything in blue ink.
Thanks Robert. Its my partner, but not yet spouse. I'll talk to a Lawyer this week. That's a good idea about the border bounce, would give me another 8 weeks on top and save me 35k on the Ed visa.