Dependent extension question

[atmutm]

True or false:

The extension for dependants can only be applied at times that are 1. the main applicant is applying for GTV extension; 2. the main applicant is applying for ILR; 3. the main applicant has got the ILR.

For case 1, the applicant has 1-5 years options to choose and same for dependants. So the applicant can choose extend only for 1 year so to save cost towards ILR.

For case 2 and 3, the dependants can only apply for a fixed 3 years extension which means 3 years non-refundable IHS fees for all dependants.

Are all of these true?

[zimba]

Normally, a dependant visa will match the expiry date of the main applicant's visa expiry. If the lead applicant has ILR, a fixed 3 years extension visa is the only option

[atmutm]

The lead applicant is eligible to apply for ILR via the 3-year route, while dependants must complete 5 years. The dependants currently have a 4-month gap to meet the 5-year residence requirement.

One option is for the lead applicant to wait and apply for a 1-year extension for all dependants to fill the gap. In this case, everyone would pay the extension fee and 1 year of IHS, which is less expensive than a 3-year IHS for the dependants.

Alternatively, if the lead applicant applies for ILR after 3 years and the dependants apply for an extension at the same time, this would require a 3-year extension. The dependants would end up paying IHS twice for the overlapping 2 years. Would the overlapping IHS be refunded, and if so, at which rate—£624 (from the initial payment) or £1,035 (from the extension payment)?

[zimba]

The IHS paid for a visa that is granted is never refunded. You do NOT get any refund after the grant of the visa if you then decide to apply for ILR. A new visa requires a new IHS payment

[atmutm]

It appears that overlapping IHS payments can be refunded if the remaining time on the initial visa exceeds 6 months, as outlined in this guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... le#refunds

However, it’s unclear whether the refund is processed at the initial rate or the new rate. The example of switching from a Student visa to an SKW visa suggests the refund is calculated based on the Student visa, but the specific rate isn’t mentioned.

This might be worth investigating further. But for my case, I will follow your suggested delay techniques to fill the gap and avoid needing an actual extension and the IHS fees.

[lolo2]

Unsure what you mean with initial and new rate.

Any IHS refund will be given based on the overlapping period as you rightly pointed out, considering the initial application (the money paid in that initial application).

The same guidance you cited explains that - with an example.

Once the overlapping period has been calculated, you should select ‘overlapping IHS payment’ to process the IHS refund against the initial IHS reference number.

Also, in line with your other post, when you apply for ILR no refund is given. This is specified in the guidance.

[zimba]

It appears that overlapping IHS payments can be refunded if the remaining time on the initial visa exceeds 6 months, as outlined in this guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... le#refunds

However, it’s unclear whether the refund is processed at the initial rate or the new rate. The example of switching from a Student visa to an SKW visa suggests the refund is calculated based on the Student visa, but the specific rate isn’t mentioned.

This might be worth investigating further. But for my case, I will follow your suggested delay techniques to fill the gap and avoid needing an actual extension and the IHS fees.

NO refund is given if you apply for ILR

[atmutm]

Unsure what you mean with initial and new rate.

Any IHS refund will be given based on the overlapping period as you rightly pointed out, considering the initial application (the money paid in that initial application).

The same guidance you cited explains that - with an example.

Once the overlapping period has been calculated, you should select ‘overlapping IHS payment’ to process the IHS refund against the initial IHS reference number.

Also, in line with your other post, when you apply for ILR no refund is given. This is specified in the guidance.

The initial IHS rate was £624 per year, which I paid for 5 years. The new rate is £1,035 per year and would apply if I extend my visa while the lead applicant applies for ILR(at the end of the third year). My ILR application will be made separately in 2 years to complete 5 years residence, by which time the refund for the overlapping IHS should have been processed. So the question is what would be the refund for the overlapping 2 years, 624 or 1035?

Technically I will not actually pay the IHS for the extension, so I can not validate it.

[zimba]

You will get a refund for the extra IHS you pay during the process of an application. There is no refund given for an already granted visa period. I told you this above. If you paid for 3 years of IHS and you got a 3 year visa, you paid and covered IHS for 3 years. If you apply again after one year for another 3 year visa and pay 3 years worth of IHS, they will refund two thirds of that and retain only one year. That is because you have already paid and covered IHS for another two years and only need to cover an extra year.