If you are staying in the United Kingdom with your spouse or partner, you must be a spouse visa holder. The initial validation time for a spouse visa is 2.5 years, and you have to extend it for further 2.5 years if you want to continue your staycation with your spouse in the UK. In addition to that, you have to apply for a UK spouse visa extension. Before applying for a UK spouse visa extension, you must know the 28-day rule of a UK spouse visa. This article will teach you about this specific rule and other essential information about this extension.
What is a UK Spouse Visa Extension Application?
The steps of a spouse visa extension can be as demanding and meticulous as your initial visa application. For the extension as well you have to follow the previous steps again and provide all the required documents and evidence to meet the eligibility criteria for a spouse visa extension. Once your visa application gets approved by the UK home office, you will be granted a further 2.5 years of extension to remain in the United Kingdom. So after completing five years in the United Kingdom, you will also be able to apply for British citizenship.
28-Day Rule for UK Spouse Visa
You should apply for a visa extension six months before the expiry date. However, if you cross this time limit and have only 28 days to the visa expiration date, you will have to provide evidence of your financial status to stay in the UK for the next 28 days. You must apply for the extension 28 days before the expiry date. After that, you won’t be able to extend your UK spouse visa while in the country. Hence this time is essential for you as an applicant.
Application Process for Spouse Visa Extension
To continue your stay in the United Kingdom with your spouse or partner, you must apply online for an extension before the expiry of your existing visa. You must ensure to have all the documents in hand and provide them to UKVI as per the requirement. You must provide the following documents while applying for an extension.
- A copy of your marriage certificate.
- A copy of your spouse’s US passport or a copy of their permanent resident card.
- A copy of your initial UK spouse visa and any other immigration documents you received earlier.
- As evidence of your current immigration status, you can provide a copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Fill the Form I-539 to extend your spouse visa, download the form from the USCIS or request it through email.
- Submit the visa extension documents to USCIS in person or by email with all the required documents.
- Remember to pay the necessary fees for your visa application.
After submitting the visa application, you need to wait for the decision of UKVI. You can receive an outcome within a few weeks or months via email. You must remain in the United Kingdom while your spouse visa application is processed. Your application may get refused if you leave the country in between. It can be a complex process, and you may find it difficult; hence it is advisable to get along with UK immigration lawyers. They can help streamline the whole process and ensure a positive outcome. Various law firms, such as A Y & J Solicitors, provide impeccable services related to UK immigration and visa proceedings.
What are the Spouse Visa Application Extension Fees?
The spouse visa extension fees are the same as the initial application fees for the type of spouse visa you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a K-3 spouse visa extension, the price can be $265. If you are applying for a CR-1 spouse visa extension, the cost can be $535. However, you must know that these fees are subject to change, and you can always check the USCIS website to learn the current fee structure. You may also be required to pay some additional charge as a biometric fee or a priority service fee. You have to submit the costs at the time of application submission. On the other hand, a UK immigration lawyer can also help you understand the fee structure and how much you need to pay as per your requirements.
Conclusion
An extension of your spouse visa is essential if you want to stay back in the UK with your spouse or partner. You must apply for the extension before the expiry date of your initial visa. The visa extension process is similar to the initial application. You have to submit all the essential documents again and make sure you provide them with all to avoid delay.
If you are staying in the United Kingdom with your spouse or partner, you must be a spouse visa holder. You must apply for the extension 28 days before the expiry date. After that, you won’t be able to extend your UK spouse visa while in the country. Submit the visa extension documents to USCIS in person or through email with all the required documents. It will help if you remain in the United Kingdom while your spouse visa application is being processed. Your presence in the country is quite crucial while processing your application. While applying, you need to pay the required extension charge. It can be between $265 – $535, and you may also have to pay some extra costs as a biometric fee and a priority service fee, if you want to expedite the process. If you find this process complex or challenging to go ahead with, you can take help from a UK immigration lawyer. They can help you with the documentation process as well as with the visa application. But the thing is, if you skip the expiry date of your initial visa application can do not apply for the extension before the expiry, you may have to face the consequences.
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