thanks for your help terpe.

my girlfriend received a 12 month ban effective from september last year.

her visa agency turned out to be a fraud, and she appealed, but unfortunately lost the appeal.

she received a 12 month ban, since she was considered an overstayer since august 2012, since the UKBA didn't recognise my gf as having a valid visa from the date at which the 'fraudulent' visa went live.

she was on a a student visa prior to this 'fraudulent' visa.

our initial plan was for my gf to achieve grade 7 in ielts and get 1 years nursing experience before returning, however, we are concerned she will be rejected again, given the fact that many 'banees' (is this even a word?!)/banned people get rejected on re-applying.

we are madly in love with each other, and our love for one another has only grown, despite the distance.

we are very concerned about the situation, however we are v v determined to be together.

for this reason, we are considering fiancé or spouse visa, but do not know whether or not the ban apply to these types of visa.