Application for extension of stay in UK

[fushun]

My wife was granted a spouse visa on 23 Oct 2006, but didnt come to UK until 16 Dec 2006. This was due to a problem with the Home Office issuing an accompanying visa to her son, and we had to wait for this to be issued; when it was issued, it was back dated to same date as her visa. We were married prior to coming to UK so all documents relating to marriage were provided with the spouse visa application.

Anyway she arrived on 16 Dec 2006 to basically assist in arranging for schools, etc and then returned to collect her son on 21 May 2007 and returning 7 July 2007.

In order to obtain perm residence in UK, they need to have been in UK for 2 years, and so she will therefore need to get an extension of stay in the UK - does anyone know if this needs to be a continuous period or just in total? I was also after some general help on completing Form FLR(M):

1. Section 4.1 of form ask if extension sought due to reasons of requiring more time for learning of life in UK, etc, or relationship issues. Neither of these apply, so I am wondering how Home Office identify reasons for extension, and therefore whether a letter needs to be submitted with application to explain the situation? Also, does that mean I dont need to provide 20 documents per Section 10?

2. Section 10B of form - do we really need to provide copy marriage certificates, and old divorce documents as these were already provided when making application for Spouse Visa? These would all have to be translated, etc, and I am just wondering actually whether we can ignore Section 10 totally since we answer "no" to Q 4.1?

I am a UK citizen since birth, so I assume this extension should be a formality as if rejected I don't want to think of consequences re life, schooling, etc.

Any help anyone can provide would be much appreciated. Thanks to anyone who can help.

[vinny]

In order to obtain perm residence in UK, they need to have been in UK for 2 years, and so she will therefore need to get an extension of stay in the UK - does anyone know if this needs to be a continuous period or just in total?

See also Section 1 - Spouses (4.5. Further guidance).

You should also submit a covering letter to explain her circumstances.

[fushun]

Thanks for your response Vinny.

I guess the covering letter provides the answer to my Q4.1 query, as it effectively provides the backgroud required.

Sorry to labour the point, but I assume that therefore I don't have to submit the 20 documents requested in Section 10 at this stage? Also, in 10B it asks for copy marriage certificate, divorce papers, etc - do I ignore this section too as these were provided in original application?