The UK Spouse Visa extension period is overshadowed by the challenges non-EEA residents face in this process. It provides two steps forward: first, you keep living in the UK, and second you can either apply for settlement and later naturalize as a British citizen. This not only makes it legal for you to continue living in the UK but also offers a chance of getting citizenship someday. This article about the Spouse Visa extension will be explored together with the most useful facts that will be explained and provided in it.
What is a Spouse Visa Extension?
The Spouse Visa extension is a significant immigration category, matching the Spouse category that provides for spouses who are already in the UK under the said visa. Should you want a longer time in the UK after the completion of the period of your first Spouse Visa, you have the option of an extension for the period of a further 30 months or 2.5 years. This requirement is a key step toward being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is an important milestone on the path to British citizenship.
Requirements for the Extension
You will only be eligible for a Spouse extension should some specific requirements be met by you. While these requirements are not the same in different situations, for sure, one common thing is the need for evidence that the relationship is true meeting the right person, and acknowledgment of the relationship. Here are some key prerequisites:
Partner’s Status
The main requirement for being granted settled resident status in the UK is that your partner or spouse must be a British citizen or have settled status, such as indefinite leave to remain.
Genuine Relationship
Your relationship must be proven as a certified one and recognized in the UK whether you and your partner tied the knot or you chose a civil partnership. Otherwise, there is a requirement for you to have experienced an established relationship that is in nature or spirit similar to that of marriage or civil partnership that has lasted for at least two years.
Financial Requirement
For many partners, you and your partner must receive a combined income of at least $ 18,600, which is the limit in most cases. This deduction is affected by the number of kids in the family of 5 individuals.
Other Eligibility Criteria
- You must not have violated any state laws or citizenship obligations.
- Also, You need to meet the language requirement, including demonstrating English language proficiency.
- You must fulfil all character requirements in full.
Proving the Genuine Relationship
The other equally important part is providing evidence that the relationship is real, and not just a scheme. Such a process mostly consists of giving a proper marriage or civil partnership certificate. Write an essay comparing and contrasting two different leadership styles, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in various contexts. However, you should prove your relationship is not a transitory component but a long-term partnership which is based on your evidence. Lastly, you need to prove that your lecturing period and living in the UK stretches for 2 years.
The proof could be, for instance, a courier addressed in two names who resides in one flat, and which includes bills for electricity, water, and state payment. It is crucial that paper notation, date, and letterhead paper are used.
Meeting the Financial Requirement
Coming to the important part for most Spouse visa applicants will likely be meeting the financial requirement being part of the application. Here are some key points about this requirement:
Income Threshold
The combined income of the applicant and their British citizen or settled spouse must total at least £18,600. The limit increased to be based on children’s number if you have children as well.
Income Sources
Financing needs can be maneuvered in different ways such as work employment or starting up a business and also income from savings. Moreover, under the state and private pension schemes, maternity allowances and bereavement benefits can cater to the need.
Seek Professional Guidance
It’s best to consult an immigration expert to understand which income forms are accepted to meet the financial requirement, as income from other sources may not count.
Exemptions from the Financial Requirement
Although financial requirements are typically part of the process for getting Spouse visa extensions, some exceptions may apply. If your partner (the sponsor) supports you and you receive a specific benefit, you may qualify for the financial test. Among the advantages are Disability Living Allowance, S.E.D.A, Carer’s Allowance, and others which I didn’t mention above. It’s critical to make sure that no day is passed without checking the latest instruction published by the Home Office to determine if you are eligible.
Character Suitability Requirements
The character standard evaluating the applicants for either Unlawful or Lawful extension of Spouse visas has to be met. The Home Office examined your trajectory and conduct while you were in the UK. As it was for the previous statement, what you did was to set the law aside or the possible violation of any residency terms, you may not be able to qualify for this. Also, money yet to be repaid to the NHS or having defense claims that have yet to be heard can jeopardize your bid. But the point is, you may have a generally unblemished record of being a legal UK resident and a person of good standing.
English Language Proficiency
Necessary test English is one of the aspects that were also introduced in 2017. If the submitted application is for the extension of a Spouse Visa, then the applicant needs to prove his/her level of communication skills as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in writing and listening; that is on the A2 level. While some applicants who didn’t take the test for their initial Spouse Visa may need to do so for the extension, exemptions apply:
Nationals of English-speaking countries
- Those individuals who hold a degree or higher grade of the U.K. NARIC institution which is usually an acknowledged language of instruction/research.
- Out of the two, the mentioned colloquial jargon mainly features words or expressions popular among younger audiences.
- Those people who have serious chronic physical or mental disorders are a crucial population.
Completing the Spouse Visa Extension Application
After some years, you must complete the FLR(M) to extend your Spouse Visa. These applications can be challenging and require meticulous attention to detail, as minor errors may lead to issues. If the Home Office finds the evidence lacking, they may request an in-person interview, which you should attend.
Required Documents
Assembling the required documents may maybe what crunches your Spouse Visa extension application. Original documents are usually required but if tax documents are lost some tolerance might be applied. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide:
- Personal details like passport and past visa can be checked as well.
- Financial documents which include bank statements and resumes.
- The one with an authorized certificate of proficiency in English if it is applicable.
- To prove that your partnership is real, providing the respective certificates of marriage or civil partnership will be highly appreciated
- The existence of ties together that display e.g. letter correspondence at the house indicates the habit of living together.
Seeking Professional Assistance
The Spouse Visa extension process can be complex and crucial for your stay in the UK. To increase your chances of success, consult immigration experts who can assess your case, clarify your eligibility, and provide accurate guidance throughout.
Fees and Processing Times
The normal amount for the grant of Spouse Visa extension applications is currently £1,033. Though extra costs like document translation above English and Welsh may be charged as well as the English proficiency examination fee are also applicable. The BRP fee is also explained. It begins at £19.20 payable with every application.
Most of the processing times for UK spouse visa extensions must be handled within eight weeks from the date of submission. Accordingly, there is a super-priority service for many UK visas that charges a fee of £610 for an extra day of processing time in one working day.
Dealing with Rejections
If your Spouse Visa extension is denied, it might seem like the end, but there are ways to address it. First, tackle any issues in your current application before reapplying. If you believe the refusal was unjust, you can appeal the Home Office’s decision or request an administrative review if your decision letter permits. Note that a Judicial Review is a complex and rigorous process.
What’s Next?
Upon approval of your Spouse Visa extension, you’ll be granted an additional 30 months (2.5 years) in the UK. This brings your total residency in the UK to five years. If your goal is permanent settlement, your next step is applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live and work in the UK without restrictions. After 12 months under ILR, you can apply for British citizenship and a British passport.
In conclusion, the Spouse Visa extension is a significant opportunity for non-EEA residents to continue their lives in the UK. It offers a path to long-term settlement and British citizenship, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and navigate the application process diligently. With the right guidance and preparation, you can successfully extend your stay and secure your future in the United Kingdom.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your application straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Visitor Visa or a Work Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the UK. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
