1st 2 year spouse visa coming to an end. Where to start?

[jeude]

Hi!

Our first two year spouse visa is coming to an end in about five months time.


We used a lawyer to help prepare our original application, but I'd like to save some money and prepare this one ourselves.

We have a reasonable amount of evidence - havent counted it yet, and I'm not sure that it represents 6 pieces from 3 sources yet. We lived in a flat where bills were included (ie. not in our names) until recently and therefore might not have the usual set of evidence.


Anyway,

1) What are we applying for next?? Another visa or can we go for indefinite leave now?

If so,

2) What form do we use?

The rules seem to change so quickly.

3) Where do we get the latest definitive info on HOW to apply, and what our options are?

Sorry for the three questions all at once. I'm keen to get started on this soon, and need the latest, correct information.


Cheers!
J

[vinny]

The UK Border Agency will deal with your application to stay permanently in the UK. Before the end of your probationary two years Leave to Enter (LTE) has expired you will need to apply to the UK Border Agency for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. When you do this you will be required to pay a non-refundable fee and provide certain documents as specified on the UK Border Agency website: Form SET (M) and guidance notes. Before we can give you permission to stay in the UK permanently, you will need to pass the 'Life in the UK' test.

[Jim_AFCB]

WE didn't use a lawyer to apply for my wife's COA and Spouse visa, we did it ourselves.

We were careful to go through all the paperwork required, checked checked and checked again.

When we did the form, we did it as a dummy run first and when we were happy, we filled it in for real, did a triple check of all the paperwork, and sent it off by special delivery.
WE also included a Special Delivery envelope to return the documents.

You can do it yourself, and save a lot of money.

Good luck!