Discretionary leave extension

[Nicole-Louise]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted a little advice. So, I was given 2.5 years leave to remain in 2013, this was based on the fact the I've been in the UK more than half of my life. Before then I applied, I got refused because they had calculated that I spent 2 weeks more in my home country than in the UK. Nonetheless, I reapply in Nov 13 and got my leave in Dec 13- very quick. Now I have to apply for an extension next year and I wanted to know if I'll be faced with any problems, as I'm no longer between the age of 18-25. I will be 26 when I apply for the extension. I have express myconcerns to my lawyer and he said I will be ok but because I had such a horrible experience last time, I'm trying see if anyone is in the same position as me, have you apply extension and how was/is it going.

Thank you for time.

[Amber]

You're right to be concerned, as you'll now need to show:

is aged 18 years or above, has lived continuously in the UK for less than 20 years (discounting any period of imprisonment) but there would
be very significant obstacles to the applicant’s integration into the country to
which he would have to go if required to leave the UK.

[Nicole-Louise]

Right. That's a bit weird that there is a big gap. Thanks for your reply Amber. I'm not too concerned anymore. Nothing is new under the sun, so I am sure I am not the first individual to encounter this issue since the rule change in 2012. I know it will go into "active review" and nothing has changed except mu age, which is inevitable. But looking at from a legal point, they would be suggesting that a 25 year old whom was already given leave, because they are now 26 has less rights to be here then they did the year before? I've spent most of my life, that's how got my initial leave so God is in control.

[Michelle21]

Hi Nicole

I am in the same position as you! I have been searching for something on the Web regarding experiences but nothing. I would also very much like to hear of others experiences on here. I have found most of the topics on here are quite "similar"; as it's usually based on family life. Quite sad really. It would be spineless for them to give us leave due to the fact that we are for most of our life and then just refuse us . I hope others share their experiences. More importantly, I hope we will be ok.