Timeline for renewing spousal visa

[mwhollister]

I apologize in advance if a similar question has been posted and I missed it while scrolling through all the topics. I assure you I did my due diligence in trying to find an answer to this question before I posted.

I am living in the U.K. on a spousal visa which expires on 15 December 2015. My husband (UK citizen), 6 month old son (UK and US citizen), and I are traveling to America on 18 December for Christmas and have a return flight back on 30 December. Up until a few days ago we were unsure whether I was going to take a job in the U.S. come before my visa expired. I decided not to take the job and am planning on living here in the U.K. with my husband and son while he finishes his masters until July 2016. I have a few questions:

(1) Can I fly on the 18th of December and return on the 30th of December if my visa expires on the 15th of December if I intend to renew my visa as soon as I return? (I would do it now but am now concerned that I won't have my passport back in time to fly.)

(2) If I don't plan on working the remainder of my time in the U.K. is there a cheaper visa alternative for me to be over here with my family?

Advice on both of the above questions would be most helpful. Thanks in advance!

[CR001]

1. No, you can't. You should renew your visa BEFORE it expires AND before you travel. You can do the renewal in person for a same day decision.

2. Not likely no. You would still need to meet the requirements as you did initially for each step in the process.

[mwhollister]

Thanks for your prompt response.

My next question pertains to the financial requirement. I am currently on maternity leave and my husband has quit his job and is in a full-time masters programme. We are going to be living off of savings until his masters is finished. Is this going to cause an issue for my renewal?

[Casa]

If you have no income at all you will need £62.500 in savings, held for at least 6 months in an accessible account. Also bear in mind that if you apply for your FLR(M) extension in person the fee will be £1049 + £500 NHS surcharge.