Non-EEA citizens living in the UK on a Spouse Visa can apply for an extension. The extension allows citizens to stay in the country after their Spouse visa has expired. The Spouse Visa Extension is valid for 30 months, similar to the Spouse Visa. Once your extension expires, you can apply for IRL and gain citizenship permanently. Give this article a complete read to learn how to extend a spouse visa.
To be eligible for an extension of a spouse visa, you need to fulfil the requirement almost similar to the original spouse visa application. It would be helpful if you showed that you have the intention to stay in the UK with your spouse and your relationship is genuine. You can prove the originality of your relationship by providing proof of the combined income of you and your spouse.
How to be eligible for a Spouse Visa extension?
The conditions for a Spouse Visa extension differ based on the individual’s unique circumstances, but one consistent criterion is documentation of your relationship with your partner.
Your sponsoring spouse must be a British citizen or have gained an IRL to extend your spouse visa. You are also eligible for an extension if your spouse is under refugee protection status.
You need to provide details about your spouse’s relationship. You must be able to prove that your relationship is healthy, natural, and has been established legally according to all marriage laws of the United Kingdom. To extend your spouse visa, you must have been married or have been in a civil partnership for two years and have not separated in that time.
In addition to having a real relationship, the majority of candidates must meet the following criteria:
- You and your partner earn total revenue of approximately £18,600.
- Have complied with all immigration and other laws
- Have English proficiency of reading and speaking the language
- Have a character certificate
What is the financial requirement for an extension?
Mainly, you must provide financial details about yourself and your spouse to apply for an extension.
The following are the essential financial prerequisites for an extension:
- An applicant’s and their partner’s combined salary must be at least £18,600.
- The minimal income criterion rises to £22,400 if the applicant has a kid.
- For each additional child, the applicant has a threshold rises by £2,400.
- A child under the age of 18 is not from an EEA nation and is financially dependent on you or your partner.
You can manage to fulfil the financial requirement in the following ways:
- Over £16,000 in cash savings
- You and your partner’s earnings from work or self-employment
- Sessions in public and private spheres
- Allowances for maternity leave
- Benefits of Bereavement.
What is the Spouse Visa extension English test?
In 2017, the Home Office implemented adjustments to the English language test that all candidates must take. Following these changes, a person applying for Spouse Visa must prove his English proficiency that he can speak and understand level 2 English.
Some people are not required to give English proficiency proof when applying for a spouse visa, but they may be required to provide evidence when they use it for an extension.
You can take an English test at centres all over the United Kingdom. Keep in mind that you must take the test at a Secure Teaching English Testing (SELT) Provider approved. It is essential to appear at the trial within a credible centre, or you won’t receive a genuine certificate, leading to rejection of the application.
How much does a spouse visa extension cost?
The extension fee for a spouse visa can vary depending upon each case, but the base fee is £1,033. Apart from these charges, additional charges may be enforced in some cases. If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated into Welsh and submit them. Taking an English test is also a requirement to get a visa for a fiance. In some cases, that has additional fees.
A Biometric Permanent Residency (BRP) will be required as part of the application, which will cost an additional £19.20. The BRP included your name, birth details, biometric scan, and a supporting picture.
What is the process if my application is rejected?
If you are rejected, you will be informed of the options available to you in your rejection letter. If you are aware of the reasons for rejection, you can resolve those issues and then apply again to avoid any trouble.
If you think that the authorities had no reason to reject your application, you can file an appeal to the Home Office and confront them. You may do so through a formal request or an administrative review. Your termination letter would then state whether or not you can pursue these options.
The final option is to seek a Judicial Review, but keep in mind that this would be a long and complicated process. Seek Total Law immigration services for more information regarding Spouse visa extension information.
