Further Leave to Remain – Spouse of British Citizen/ILR Holder FLR(M)
Spouse Visa Extensions and Variations: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re married to a British Citizen or an individual settled in the UK (holding ILR), you can apply for an extension or variation of leave as a spouse under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Whether you’re extending your stay after two and a half years in the UK or switching to a spouse visa from another immigration category, you must meet the following criteria:
Key Requirements:
1. Suitability Criteria: Fulfil the suitability criteria as outlined in the Immigration Rules.
2. Genuine Relationship: Be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British Citizen or a settled person in the UK.
3. Financial Requirements: The UK spouse must earn at least £29,000 per year (from employment, self-employment, or other sources) or have minimum savings of £88,500 if the entry was granted after 11 April 2024. For applications made before 11 April 2024, the requirements are £18,600 annual income and £62,500 in savings.
4. Residency Requirements: Provide evidence of shared addresses with your sponsor since being granted leave, or, if applying for a variation, demonstrate your intention to live together.
5. English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level A2 as per the UK Immigration Rules.
If the leave was applied for before 11 April 2024, the sponsor’s gross annual income must be at least:
– £18,600, with an additional £3,800 for the first Non-EEA child, and £2,400 for each additional Non-British/Settled child (capped at £29,000), or a combination of specified savings of £16,000 and additional savings equal to 2.5 times the difference between the gross annual income and the required amount.
Acceptable Financial Sources:
– Income from specified employment or self-employment
– Specified pension income
– Maternity allowance or bereavement benefit
– Other specified income
– Specified savings
If all requirements are met, you will be granted a further 30 months’ leave to remain, with a condition of no recourse to public funds.
Application Refusals:
If your application is refused, you can appeal to the First Tier Tribunal within 14 days of receiving the refusal letter.
How West London Immigration Services Can Assist
At West London Immigration Services, our expert advisors are well-versed in handling applications for further leave to remain as a spouse or partner (unmarried/civil) of a British Citizen or settled person in the UK. Our deep knowledge and experience ensure we identify and address potential issues, maximising your application’s success.
Our Services Include:
– Consultation: Detailed instructions and advice on relevant immigration laws and procedures.
– Application Review: Thorough discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of your application.
– Document Preparation: Guidance on required documentary evidence and supportive discussions.
– Form Completion: Assistance with completing the immigration form and preparation of a sponsorship declaration if necessary.
– Cover Letter Preparation: Crafting a cover letter to introduce and support your application.
– Follow-Up: Liaising with the UKV&I for a swift decision on your application.
– Outcome Notification: Informing you of the UKV&I’s decision and its implications.
Contact our OISC-regulated advisor for fast, friendly, reliable, honest, and professional immigration services. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the spouse visa extension process.
Call us on 0191 3862 327 for more information, a free initial assessment of your requirements, and for fee details.