Ukrainian Wife Visa

[mark clift]

I have been married to my wife since 2008,we have a daughter 6 years old British Passport Holder my wife has a leave to remain which was granted for 2.5 years, we have been in the UK since 2011 and it took that long to get the LTR after 2 attempts I employed a barrister and it was eventually granted. The LTR expires in August does my wife have to apply for LTR or ILTR or can she apply for british citizenship, She has complied with the requirements as far as amount of time spent outside the UK, I spoke to the Barristers again yesterday they want an additional £1600 over and above the visa extension fee, Your advice would be much appreciated.

[CR001]

She cannot apply for citizenship until she has been granted indefinite leave to remain.

What is the full immigration history, include all the relevant dates please?

I will more your post to the 'Immigration for Family Members' sub forum as more appropriate there.

[mark clift]

30/5/2011 landed in uk ON TOURIST VISA.
12/10/2011 1ST APPLICATION FOR LTR SUBMITTED 12/10/2011
22/12/2011 application refused
Appealed refused
employed immigration barrister Kings court Birmingham, eventually granted 2.5 years received 08/02/2013 valid thru 08/08/2015

[CR001]

She is under the new 5 year route and will have to apply for an 2.5 year extension on FLR(M) meeting the English A1 requirement and the financial requirement. She will also have to pay the new NHS surcharge upfront at point of application for the full duration of her extension granted (£200 X 2.5 years).

She should apply for an extension no sooner than 28 days before her current visa expires (within 28 days before 8/8/2015)

landed in uk ON TOURIST VISA

That is the reason for her initial refusal as switching in country is not permitted on a visitor visa.

[mark clift]

Thanks for the information how long does the renewal take?

[CR001]

She can apply in person for a same day decision or by post which could take a few months.

To apply in person would always be my choice even though the fee is a bit higher.