We recently received some brilliant news that our client’s (“the Applicant”) spouse visa extension application was granted. The Applicant was returning to seek advice from our immigration solicitors for a second time. Our solicitors assisted the Applicant with her entry clearance application 30 months ago. In our initial consultation with the Applicant, we discussed the issues involved and the appropriate action required. We reviewed the Applicant’s case and advised that her application had a good chance of success if prepared properly in accordance with Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE to the Immigration Rules.
The case for a Spouse visa extension
The Applicant was a national of Yemen. The Applicant was granted entry clearance to the United Kingdom and she entered in July 2016. The Applicant and her Sponsor met through family friends and married shortly after. Over the course of their relationship, the couple spent ample memorable time together in the United Kingdom. The couple also had British national children. The Sponsor was in fulltime employment so the Applicant was able to meet the financial requirement of her application. In our initial discussions, we advised the Applicant and Sponsor of the requirements for leave to remain application under Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE to the Immigration Rules. After our discussions, we were instructed to prepare the leave to remain application.
The 3 main requirements in a Spouse visa extension
There are three main requirements for a spouse visa extension application under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. It is also important to consider the relevant Home Office policy guidance as these explain the requirements in finer detail.
The first requirement is the relationship requirements. It is important for Applicants to show that their relationship with their Sponsor is still genuine and subsisting. This can be demonstrated through documentary evidence. The second requirement is the financial requirement. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet the financial threshold of £18,600 individually or jointly with their Sponsor. The financial requirement can be met through salaried employment or self-employment or cash savings. In order to meet the requirement through savings Applicants must show that they have held £62,500 for a period of 6 months. It is also possible to combine salaried employment with cash savings. The third requirement is the English language requirement. From 1 May 2017, the Home Office introduced a new English Language requirement at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) for spouse visa extension applications.
It is important for Applicants to demonstrate that they meet all of the Home Office requirements listed under the Immigration Rules and the relevant appendixes. Applicants must ensure their application is prepared as strongly and diligently as possible as this will give them the greatest chance of success. Our specialist Immigration team have an in-depth understanding of the Immigration Rules and take great care and attention in preparing spouse visa extension applications. Our bespoke service gives our clients the confidence to return to us to help prepare Home Office visa applications.
How we can assist submit a successful spouse visa application
Our solicitors successfully guided the Applicant through the application process and prepared outstanding legal representations. Our team of solicitors directly tackled all the issues involved in the Applicant’s application and highlighted how the Applicant met the UK immigration rules.
In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provided multiple substantial reviews of the Applicant’s documents to ensure that she submits the correct documentary evidence in the correct format, which meets the Home Office’s requirements. We also prepared and assisted the Applicant with the application form and ensured the supporting documents were submitted in a clear manner so the Home Office caseworker would be at ease.
Using Legal Representation to submit a Spouse visa extension
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Further Leave to Remain application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application has the greatest chance of success.
Successful Spouse visa extension application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Further Leave to Remain application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your UK Visas and Immigration Application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss your Further Leave to Remain Application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.