Spouse visa extension application questions

[tash290852]

Hi there

I'm applying to extend my spouse visa which expires on 26 October 2020.

I've just semi-completed the online application form online, however have a few questions before I submit, and would really appreciate some advice!

1) Length of time living in UK
In total, I have been living in the UK for 4 years and 5 months. The first two years were on the Youth Mobility visa. I then had a six month gap where I travelled then returned home (Australia), got married (to a Brit), and applied for my spouse visa. Since that was approved I've lived in the UK for 2 years 5 months.

Therefore, do I put the total amount of time I've lived in the UK as 4 years 5 months? Even though there was a gap in between where I was living in Australia & the first two years was on a different visa? Or should I just put the length of time I've been on the Spouse visa?

2) Have you been out of the UK since living here
Do I need to list every time I've left the UK in the last 4 years 5 months? Or just the times I've left since I arrived on the spouse visa? There's quite a lot... On mostly long-weekend breaks etc :-/

3) All our bank statements are online.
They are PDFs downloaded from our online banking with Nationwide, on official stationary. Will these suffice as proof of income and also for cohabitation evidence? Or do we need to get them stamped/letter from branch? Getting them stamped will be difficult due to COVID.

4) Evidence of monthly housing costs / council tax costs for UK accommodation
The online application has confused me. Please can you confirm that I only need to supply this if we're exempt from meeting the financial threshold (which we're not)? Therefore we don't need to submit them? I don't have my council tax statements, I've misplaced them.

5) Tenancy agreement, month by month
I am currently renting a property with my husband. Our lease was initially 12 months, from Feb 2019 to Feb 2020. We are now renting here on a month by month basis. To prove that we live here, is it okay for us to submit a copy of our original tenancy agreement + current evidence of cohabitation at this address? Or do we need notice from our landlord saying it's okay for us to stay here monthly?

Any advice is so appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

[CR001]

1. Time relevant to the spouse visa being in the UK.

2. Time spent on spouse visa only.

3. Yes, fine. No need to get stamped. You also need more than just bank statements for proof of 2 years cohabitation.

4. Not mandatory no. However, council tax statement can be used as one source of evidence of cohabitation.

5. Yes fine. No additional letter required. UKVI do know the 'month to month' arrangements once a tenancy agreement ends.

[tash290852]

Brilliant, thank you so much for your help!