Spouse 2.5 year extension - lawyer required ?

[R888]

Hi all, just a brief background on our visa.

When we originally applied for my wife's spousal visa, we used an immigration lawyer (who was the same nationality as my wife, was handy for her). The lawyer was very helpful, and thankfully her advice was good and we were able to prove that it's a genuine relationship to the powers that be.
Skip forward a couple of years or so and we're getting ready to apply for the extension (October).

The first question I have is: will a lawyer be advised/required for the extension ?
I felt for the initial visa, it was worth having the professional guidance as it's quite complicated !

The second question I have is regarding the correspondence/proof that we've been living together this whole time.

When she initially moved here, we were just coming out of lockdown or something like that (Feb 21), after about 6 months she got a job locally that's she's been full time with ever since. Prior to her job there isn't much evidence I can think of that shows her here (for obvious reasons).
Once she was working she got a bank account, contract/payslips/phone in her name/Dr's/invoices for online purchases etc.
We are jointly on council tax (only about 1 year, we amended the council tax and back paid what we owed of course).

Where we live at the moment is my property, and I have just exchanged on this, due to complete in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately the next place were buying isn't quite ready, my buyer was pushing or threatening to pull out, so I had to break the chain.
We'll temporarily be at my Mum's place hopefully only a very short time but I will register us on the council tax, and Dr's - plus update whatever else I can.

I'm just wondering how this will affect our application extension, and how we can provide good evidence.

Appreciate any help !

[AmazonianX]

Hi all, just a brief background on our visa.

When we originally applied for my wife's spousal visa, we used an immigration lawyer (who was the same nationality as my wife, was handy for her). The lawyer was very helpful, and thankfully her advice was good and we were able to prove that it's a genuine relationship to the powers that be.
Skip forward a couple of years or so and we're getting ready to apply for the extension (October).

The first question I have is: will a lawyer be advised/required for the extension ? Your decision to make however note that numerous persons apply and get positive decision without a solicitors input.
I felt for the initial visa, it was worth having the professional guidance as it's quite complicated !

The second question I have is regarding the correspondence/proof that we've been living together this whole time.

When she initially moved here, we were just coming out of lockdown or something like that (Feb 21), after about 6 months she got a job locally that's she's been full time with ever since. Prior to her job there isn't much evidence I can think of that shows her here (for obvious reasons).
Once she was working she got a bank account, contract/payslips/phone in her name/Dr's/invoices for online purchases etc.
We are jointly on council tax (only about 1 year, we amended the council tax and back paid what we owed of course).

Where we live at the moment is my property, and I have just exchanged on this, due to complete in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately the next place were buying isn't quite ready, my buyer was pushing or threatening to pull out, so I had to break the chain.
We'll temporarily be at my Mum's place hopefully only a very short time but I will register us on the council tax, and Dr's - plus update whatever else I can.

I'm just wondering how this will affect our application extension, and how we can provide good evidence.

Appreciate any help !

Evidence of cohabitation from at least 3 sources spread 3-4months apart and covering last 2years preceeding the application.

[R888]

Much appreciated, and noted down.
I will potentially look around for a solicitor or two, just to get a rough idea of what kind of money we're talking about (as well as looking at the exact things req for this extension).

[AmazonianX]

Much appreciated, and noted down.
I will potentially look around for a solicitor or two, just to get a rough idea of what kind of money we're talking about (as well as looking at the exact things req for this extension).

Seems you got some to throw around....ultimately your choice.

[R888]

Much appreciated, and noted down.
I will potentially look around for a solicitor or two, just to get a rough idea of what kind of money we're talking about (as well as looking at the exact things req for this extension).

Seems you got some to throw around....ultimately your choice.

I definitely DON'T have any to throw around at all !


I don't want us to make a mistake and jeopardise our future, everything that's going on at the moment is the most stressful time I've ever gone through (job/family/moving - ALL at the same time).

[AmazonianX]

Much appreciated, and noted down.
I will potentially look around for a solicitor or two, just to get a rough idea of what kind of money we're talking about (as well as looking at the exact things req for this extension).

Seems you got some to throw around....ultimately your choice.

I definitely DON'T have any to throw around at all !


I don't want us to make a mistake and jeopardise our future, everything that's going on at the moment is the most stressful time I've ever gone through (job/family/moving - ALL at the same time).

If so you may want to start the application process and ask for guidance every step of the way on here.

[R888]

Well, it looks like the current company I'm at will have mass redundancies in the coming weeks.

I've been at this place for around 8 months now, and as a precaution I'm looking elsewhere but I doubt I'll be kept on due to the lack of incoming work for the company. Unfortunately my particular career of 12+ years has a massive issue with a shortage of work due to indirect causes recently. If I'm lucky I might land in another company, if not I will do my absolute best to find whatever job that meets the salary requirement.
I am temped to request reduced hours or salary that will potentially cover me, it sounds like they're also offering extended leave.

So my concern is, will that be acceptable upon application?
ie: going from one job, and then going down considerably in salary to a completely different occupation ?

I presume it doesn't matter because I actually had EXACTLY the same thing happen to me just before we got married, and were due to apply for the initial spouse visa a few weeks after getting back from our honeymoon )
(covid redundancies)

In regards to my wife, she was working in a supermarket clothing department, for nearly 2 years. She had to leave the job because our new place that we are buying is 1.5hrs away from that store, however they left her on a seasonal contract 'just in case'.
She is actively looking for work now that we have a date for moving into the new area. It's likely she'll have a gap of 1 month or so depending on the availability of work and luck I guess (seems like a lot of part time but no full time )

My wife's visa BRP states 17th October on it, so I'm guessing we'd need to apply around 17th Sept ?

At least a positive thing is that we have exchanged now but the main concern/stress for me is work and my wife's visa.

[R888]

(sorry, I couldn't find the edit button!)

If it makes a difference, she landed in the UK on 21/02/21.
The BRP is valid until 18/10/23.

[AmazonianX]

(sorry, I couldn't find the edit button!)

If it makes a difference, she landed in the UK on 21/02/21.
The BRP is valid until 18/10/23.

Based on the entry date into UK on initial spouse visa you gave above she is already eligible to apply for her spouse visa extension since 24/07/2023

[R888]

(sorry, I couldn't find the edit button!)

If it makes a difference, she landed in the UK on 21/02/21.
The BRP is valid until 18/10/23.

Based on the entry date into UK on initial spouse visa you gave above she is already eligible to apply for her spouse visa extension since 24/07/2023

Thank you so much for replying again.
It might sound dopey but do we need to prove (with flight tickets or something) that is the true date she came here ?
We have her A2 test booked on Saturday, so I think we should probably apply sooner than later.

[AmazonianX]

(sorry, I couldn't find the edit button!)

If it makes a difference, she landed in the UK on 21/02/21.
The BRP is valid until 18/10/23.

Based on the entry date into UK on initial spouse visa you gave above she is already eligible to apply for her spouse visa extension since 24/07/2023

Thank you so much for replying again.
It might sound dopey but do we need to prove (with flight tickets or something) that is the true date she came here ? No, the HO has the record of her entry and do note that scanned copies of pages of her passport will be uploaded as part of the application process.
We have her A2 test booked on Saturday, so I think we should probably apply sooner than later. That will be ideal.

[R888]

I do apologise for the incoming questions over the next couple of days but I am searching through other threads, so trying not to ask what has been asked many, many times before !

Once again, I do sincerely appreciate the help and advice that people offer, it's really impressive and humbling !

• So first question I have is in regards to payment of the extension - does this need to be paid by myself (the sponsor), or can this be paid by someone else ?

The HO will see a lot of my funds withdrawn over this week due to exchange/completion deposit with solicitors

• Once I start the application process, should it be done within one day or does it matter if it takes a week for ex ?
  (I only ask as we're awaiting my wife's official A2 result, we know she passed, and should be completing on home purchase this Fri if title deeds are req)

[Ticktack]

I do apologise for the incoming questions over the next couple of days but I am searching through other threads, so trying not to ask what has been asked many, many times before !

Once again, I do sincerely appreciate the help and advice that people offer, it's really impressive and humbling !

• So first question I have is in regards to payment of the extension - does this need to be paid by myself (the sponsor), or can this be paid by someone else ?

The HO don't care whose bank card is used. They just need to know that you guys have paid. All about the money!
The HO will see a lot of my funds withdrawn over this week due to exchange/completion deposit with solicitors

• Once I start the application process, should it be done within one day or does it matter if it takes a week for ex ? Just keep saving it. You can take as long as you like.
  (I only ask as we're awaiting my wife's official A2 result, we know she passed, and should be completing on home purchase this Fri if title deeds are req)

[R888]

Many thanks Ticktack !

[R888]

I wanted us to submit this today BUT we need to wait until we complete on the property (should be Friday), as the addresses we've used state this one (except of course for where we've resided the last 2+ years).
She got her A2 certificate today as well phew

Warning, dumb questions ahead....

We've begun filling out the online application, and we're currently at the 'declaration' stage.
How far can we go before you can't edit anything ?

1.Start
2.Application
3.Finance
4.Documents
5.Declaration
6.Pay
7.Further actions

So I just wanted to check, her current BRP is valid of course (until 18/10/23) but when do I book/apply for the next one ? I presume it's after a result from the application ?

[CR001]

You can't edit once declaration and payment made or ihs paid.

You don't apply for a new BRP card, it is automatically sent if her visa extension is approved.

[R888]

Thank you so much for that, we just want to triple check before going onto the payment.
And that makes sense re BRP, I think I'm just confused from other posts.

[R888]

One more for the evening - after looking at several posts, is 'super priority service' an option on the gov website ?
As in, when coming to the payment side of things, I would see an option box for standard, and sps ?

Looks like it should be in theory as this is FLR (M) according to their list.
I just didn't want to get to a point only to be told, na wrong website pal

[CR001]

The option, if available, will be on the payment page.

Note that Super Priority service is not a guaranteed service.

[R888]

Appreciate your help, thank you.

We have just paid for everything, and booked the biometrics appointment for early next week, and have uploaded all possible supporting files.
However, there isn't a 'finish' button or something obvious that I can see.

Should there be, or is it potentially due to us not uploading anything in the 'Documents supporting my other reasons to stay in the UK' ?

[CR001]

There is no such thing as a 'finish' button.

[R888]

Ah I see, thank you for confirming.

(not aimed at anyone here of course!)
I do wish that they have a pdf just explaining the outline of the steps involved, I know it's probably something that changes periodically but an overview would be extremely useful.

I presume with the initial pages filled out on the main gov site, plus the uploads to the biometrics site, then the appointment there, if we've paid for the priority service - is that 1 working day after the appointment itself ?

Thanking anyone in advance, I feel a bit daft constantly saying it but it Is sincere

[AmazonianX]

Ah I see, thank you for confirming.

(not aimed at anyone here of course!)
I do wish that they have a pdf just explaining the outline of the steps involved, I know it's probably something that changes periodically but an overview would be extremely useful. You can give the above as your feedback when contacted for survey.

I presume with the initial pages filled out on the main gov site, plus the uploads to the biometrics site, then the appointment there, if we've paid for the priority service - is that 1 working day after the appointment itself ? Within 24hrs for super priority service; do not that this itself is not guaranteed

Thanking anyone in advance, I feel a bit daft constantly saying it but it Is sincere

[R888]

Just to say a Huge Thank You All again!

We got the approved extension this morning, we're so so happy, as that was one of the biggest stresses to deal with currently. And there was zero way I could have visited her in her birth country.

This time I'll make sure we research very shortly what we need to have in order for the next step!

[AmazonianX]

Just to say a Huge Thank You All again!

We got the approved extension this morning, we're so so happy, as that was one of the biggest stresses to deal with currently. And there was zero way I could have visited her in her birth country.

This time I'll make sure we research very shortly what we need to have in order for the next step!

Congratulations. Now go enjoy yourselves with the money/fees the lawyer(s) could have charged you