Once the 5 year Spouse visa route is finished?

[dixieleeds6]

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum, I was hoping for some guidance if possible.

My wife is Canadian and she is currently on a grant of leave to remain five year partner route which was issued this January. (I am British)

She left the UK early March to visit her family in Canada. Her return flight was cancelled due to Covid-19 (I have the documents to prove this). She is currently still stuck in Canada not being able to return to the UK due to Stupid such as Air Transat not flying to the UK.

I have got many mixed messages online regarding how long she will be allowed to stay out of the UK for. And how this could potentially effect her next visa extension and also her final settlement to remain visa at the end of the 5 year period. I have seen numbers like no longer than 90 or 180 days. I have also seen statements online where it says if you have been out of the UK longer than a 90 day period this will restrict you from obtaining the final settlement visa at the end of the five year period.

Can anyone help me with this?

I hope everyone is keeping safe.

Thank you,

Reece

[CR001]

There is no absence limit for spouse visa holders.

There is no 90 days absence rules for visa and ILR applicarions. The 180 days absence limit also applies to a completely different visa category and not to spouse visas.

[dixieleeds6]

CR, thank you for your reply much appreciated. You can end up in a little bit of a wild goose chase online sometimes. Thank you again mate.

[CR001]

You're welcom. Feel free to ask any further questions in this thread if you have any.

[dixieleeds6]

Hi guys,

I hope you're all well & safe.

I was curious about what the next step is after you have completed the 60 month spouse visa route in the UK.

Is it a similar process to applying for a spouse visa compared to applying for citizenship.

Are you required to pay for expensive application fees, prove your income etc.

I have tried finding this online, but appear to be struggling to find any information.

Thanks,

Reece

[CR001]

I was curious about what the next step is after you have completed the 60 month spouse visa route in the UK.

You apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) on form SET(M).

Is it a similar process to applying for a spouse visa compared to applying for citizenship.

ILR has the same requirements as a spouse visa, ie meeting the financial requirement and the visa holder needs B1 English and Life in the UK test. Citizenship and ILR are two completely separate and different applications, each with their own rules and requirements.

Are you required to pay for expensive application fees, prove your income etc.

ILR costs £2389 standard service and yes, you have to prove income, English and evidence of 2 years cohabitation in both names form 3 to 6 sources.