TIER - 1 EXTENSION QUESTION (UNIQUE CASE)

[Kabira]

Hi

My wife and me came to UK in August 2008 on HSMP/Tier 1 general visa (visa from Aug 2008 through Aug 2011).

In June 2009, I was travelling for work in USA and lost my passport. The UK embassy there gave me a NEW HSMP/Tier -1 starting June 2009 though June 2012. This was inspite me trying my level best to explain to them as well as the agent about my case and also submitting scanned copy of my old visa. I came back to UK 3 weeks later on my new Tier -1 and few weeks later some good soul found my passport in US and sent it to me.

Now the question is given my wife's visa is expiring in August 2011 and my visa in new passport on June 2012 (i.e. we are on two different time lines.)

1) Should I just apply for my wife Tier-1 extension in Aug 2011 or for both me and my wifes extension even though mine expires in June 2012 ?

2) How will the time line work for PR ?

3) Will I have to pay two times to home office now and june 2012?

4) Any other tips will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[geriatrix]

Now that you have been issued a new endorsement, the old endorsement is no longer valid - irrespective of whether your erstwhile lost passport is back in your possession. Therefore:

1. Apply for wife's extension only. Include your new passport with the new endorsement.
2. A new endorsement on account of loss of passport doesn't affect your "qualifying residential period" for settlement.
3. One must pay the relevant every time one makes an immigration application - unless one belongs to an exempt category.

IMHO, you should have reported the error in dates to UKBA (UK office) upon returning. Perhaps, you may wish to do it now .... before it is time for your wife to apply for extension... to find out if they can correct the expiry date (back to June 2011). If they do, you and your wife will be able to apply for extension together (and perhaps will save you money in the long run given the different expiry dates).

[rizwan567]

Sush is very right.

My two cents...If you qualify for extension in Aug 11 then its better if you get the error corrected now by contacting UKBA. And after correction apply for extension on the basis of original visa issued in 2008. (you will have peace of mind as everything is in order).

If you do not qualify for extension then better apply for your wife dependent visa in Aug 11.

[Kabira]

thank you - I have sent them an email and will keep you posted on how it goes.