Introduction
Are you looking to extend your family visa in the UK? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process, understand your eligibility, and learn about the necessary requirements. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide you with the guidance you need to resolve your legal issues smoothly. Discover how to extend your family visa and secure your future in the UK with ease.
If you’re living in the UK on a family visa and need to stay longer, you can apply to extend your visa before it expires. A family visa includes partner visas, child visas, and visas for parents of children living in the UK.
What You Need to Know About the Application
The cost to extend your family visa typically ranges from £3,000 to £4,000, depending on your individual circumstances. When your application is approved, your visa is usually extended for an additional 2 years and 6 months. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, known as “indefinite leave to remain.”
Make sure to submit your application within 28 days before your current visa expires. If you miss this window and your visa expires, you will be considered to have “overstayed,” which can lead to losing your right to work in the UK. If this happens, it’s important to check your options for addressing the overstay.
Determine Your Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain
If you’ve been in the UK on a partner or parent visa for 5 continuous years, you may qualify for indefinite leave to remain, which allows you to stay permanently. However, if you are on the 10-year route, typically due to exceptional circumstances or private and family life considerations, you will need to have lived in the UK for 10 years before applying.
If your visa is nearing its expiration and you haven’t met the time requirement for indefinite leave, you should proceed with extending your visa. If you have been in the UK long enough, check if you can apply for indefinite leave.
Applying for Your Child’s Visa
If your child is also on a visa, you can apply for them to receive indefinite leave to remain at the same time as your application, regardless of how long they’ve been in the UK.
Requirements for Extending Your Visa
To successfully extend your visa, you generally need to meet the same requirements you did when you first applied. Here’s what you need to show based on the type of visa you hold:
For Partner Visas:
- You are still living together with your partner.
- You both meet the financial requirements.
- Your living situation is safe and suitable.
If you owe £500 or more to the NHS, you cannot extend your visa. If you are on the 10-year route, you won’t need to prove financial stability or the suitability of your living conditions.
For Parent Visas:
- Your child is still in the UK.
- You are responsible for your child or have regular access.
- You can support yourself without relying on public funds.
- Your living conditions are safe and suitable.
Again, owing £500 or more to the NHS will disqualify you from extending your visa. If you are on the 10-year route, the financial and living condition requirements do not apply.
What to Do If Your Relationship Has Changed
If your relationship with your partner has ended, you will need to explore other options for remaining in the UK. If your partner has passed away, you can apply for indefinite leave regardless of how long you have been in the country.
Spending Time Outside the UK
You can apply to extend your visa unless the Home Office believes you do not intend to live in the UK. If you’ve spent more than half your time outside the UK, this may be a concern.
English Language Requirement
Most applicants will need to take an English language test to extend their visa. However, exemptions apply if:
- You are from a country where English is the primary language.
- You have a degree taught in English.
- You are under 18 or over 65 years old.
- You are applying to extend a child visa.
- You are on the 10-year route to indefinite leave.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from passing the test, you might be exempt, but you’ll need a doctor’s confirmation.
What If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
If you find yourself unable to meet the standard requirements, you may still be able to extend your visa under “exceptional circumstances.” This could apply if denying your application would result in severe hardship for you or your family.
Next Steps
If you need to extend your family visa, it’s essential to gather your documents and submit your application on time. For more detailed guidance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. You can find more information on the official UK government website here.
By following these steps and understanding the requirements, you can navigate the process of extending your family visa and continue your life in the UK.
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