Immigrationboards.com

Good evening everybody.

My Philippine husband just got 2.5 year extension visa granted, good news (I'm holding British passport).

On 5 year route.

First arrived UK on initial Spouse Visa in February 2021 - BRP/visa expired November 2023. Extension applied for and just granted until July 2026.

So will easily be over 5 years in July 2026 and of course can then apply for ILR ........

BUT my question is "Does he have to apply for ILR?"

Why I ask this is because of the following:

in June/July 2026 he will be 64 years old and to apply for ILR he would need to do The Life in the UK test and a B1 English Language Test.

Could we extend his visa in June/July 2026 for One More Year and then after he is 65 years old in 2027 apply for ILR without the need to do a Life in the UK test or a B1 English Language Test

Is this possible, are we allowed to do this and if yes, what form would we use to apply for, 'a One Year Spouse Visa Extension'?

Thanks for all your help and suggestions,
Best wishes,
Dory

Hello Everybody.

Just a quick question about the supporting documents that are required for an ILR application (at the end of Spouse Visa 5 year route).

We've just completed a Spouse Visa Extension application successfully BUT were so surprised at the Requirement of Supporting Documentation in Joint or Separate names at the same address that were required (x6 documents each) as we had never purposely kept all of our paperwork because we didn't know about this requirement.

What I would like to ask is for the ILR application that we will next face, besides all the usual supporting documentation that UKVI ask, are there any differences to the Spouse Visa Extension application (which was different to the initial Spouse Visa application) that we should know about and should start preparing for.

Really want to be properly prepared for the ILR application.

Thank you and best wishes, Dory

Your spouse is not forced to apply for ILR.
Read: indefinite-leave-to-remain/5-years-spou ... l#p2143664

The documentary requirement you saw is for cohabitation which is only required for ILR.
See: All you need to know about cohabitation evidence

Is this possible, are we allowed to do this and if yes, what form would we use to apply for, 'a One Year Spouse Visa Extension'?

There is no "one year extension". It is another 2.5 year extension with the associated visa fee and IHS fee payable for 2.5 years.

Many thanks for your replies CR001 and zimba.

Therefore as there is no 1 year extension - only another 2.5 years extension possible, not financially worth delaying applying for ILR when the time comes (to avoid paying for a B1 English Test and a Life in the UK test (for when he becomes 65)).

And all the paperwork / supporting documents that are required are essentially the same.

So here's to preparing him for ILR, Life in the UK Test and a B1 English Test.

Best wishes, Dory

noneeadory wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 08, 2024 4:30 pm

Many thanks for your replies CR001 and zimba.

Therefore as there is no 1 year extension - only another 2.5 years extension possible, not financially worth delaying applying for ILR when the time comes (to avoid paying for a B1 English Test and a Life in the UK test (for when he becomes 65)).

And all the paperwork / supporting documents that are required are essentially the same.

So here's to preparing him for ILR, Life in the UK Test and a B1 English Test. That was a fast change Dory

Best wishes, Dory

That was a fast change Dory

Hi AmazonianX, thanks for your comment.

Definitely a fast change of thought based on not saving any real money by delaying until he's 65 years old to avoid a B1 Test and a Life in the UK Test.

The cost of a 2.5 year further extension is £2,608 (but will surely increase when IHS increases), compared to an ILR cost of £2,885 plus £50 (Life in UK Test) plus £150 B1 English Test equals £3,085.

Only a short term saving of '£500' to try and avoid the 'annoyance' of having to study/learn/practice/ and arrange and undertake the Life In the UK test and B1 English test.

Long term ILR would still have to be applied for (as Naturalisation/British passport is obviously the ultimate) and would still have to be paid for.

So it was a thought, based on delaying until 65 years of age, but ultimately and quite clearly it is not worth doing so financially.

Let's hope that between now and when he's eligible to apply for ILR, no other tests or requirements are introduced as well and that costs don't get anymore crazy or expensive than they already are.

Thanks again AmazonianX and to all over the years who've replied to my questions on my long Immigration journey and now my husband's. Best wishes, Dory

Sounds like a good thought out course of action. You are welcome.