Extending Your Spouse Visa Post-Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the world into uncertainty and chaos. Lives have been irreversibly changed, plans have been indefinitely suspended, and whilst it has become something of a cliche, it really is a case of having to adjust to the ‘new normal’. 

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the desire to be close to the people you love. If your Spouse Visa is approaching its expiration date, there is no better time than now to start thinking about applying for an extension. The UK immigration system is a considerable way into its reopening schedule, and a sense of normality is returning to the process of applying for a UK Visa. However, there are some important things to bear in mind.

Booking a UKVCAS Service Point Appointment

As we collectively emerge from the COVID-19 shutdown, UKVCAS are opening additional service points to cope with increasing demand. As of the 28th of August, there were a total of 40 service points back open, with several more due to reopen in the coming weeks.

Further to this, the UKVCAS’ online booking system is being gradually reopened to greater numbers of customers. If you require a service point appointment as part of your Spouse Visa Extension application, availability in the booking system now extends to 27 September 2020.

It is important to note that a number of customers are struggling to find an appointment at a time, date and location that suits them. To address this issue, UKVCAS has reminded customers to scroll down and browse the entire list of service points currently displayed on the website. This increases the likelihood of finding an appropriate appointment.

In line with government advice, UKVCAS has asked all customers to wear face coverings, and all service points have undergone layout changes and equipment alterations prior to reopening. In addition, the number of customers allowed inside service points at any given time has been reduced in accordance with social distancing measures.

What are the Spouse Visa Extension eligibility requirements?

In order for your extension application to be a success, there are a number of eligibility requirements that must first be satisfied. The requirements are very similar to the original Spouse Visa application requirements, but are nonetheless a vital part of a successful application.

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• You must continue to meet the minimum income requirement of £18,600 per year;
• You must demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency;
• You must satisfy the ‘Good Character’ requirement- this involves demonstrating that you will respect and honour the rights and laws of the UK;
• You must still be married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or settled person;
• Your relationship with your spouse must still be ‘genuine and subsisting’;
• Your accommodation must continue to satisfy the UK Living Conditions guidelines.

How we can help

The Spouse Visa extension application process can be both complex and stressful if attempted alone. For this reason, it is strongly advised that you seek the help of one of our IAA-accredited lawyers.

After confirming that you are eligible, we will complete your application form to the highest possible standard, and conduct a thorough document check to ensure that all of your supporting paperwork is in place.

We understand that in uncertain times such as these, there is nothing more important than securing your future with the people you love.

Our lawyers are ready to help you, we have appointments available at all of our offices located in areas across the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester and London. Get in contact today on 0333 305 9375 to begin the process.