Question on new April rules for spouse visa renewal

[acdc007]

Hi, I am a British citizen (originally Indian), and my Indian nationality wife is about to complete her first 2.5yr spouse visa in end-Apr-2016. We were hoping to go in for renewal in the first week of April using the same-day premium service, but we have been informed that some new rules are coming in effect from 6th April.

Should we try to do a postal application before the 6th? Or is there any clarity available on what the new rules will be, to allow us to apply for the premium service just after 6th. We both earn above 35K - so that rule change doesn't impact us. Also, we heard that a rule change around UK test should not be required as she already had her first visa approved on the basis of doing a degree from a recognised English-language university in india.

Any clarity on what the new rules coming in on the 6th that impact spouse visa renewals will be very helpful? Thanks.

[Casa]

Where have you heard about these 'new rules'? The only change I'm aware of is the requirement to provide NARIC comparability for degrees awarded outside of the UK.

[acdc007]

My wife's workplace had an immigration lawyer answer some of her questions - and he highlighted that some new rules were coming into play from 6th April 2016, including the NARIC certification. Didn't know many other details.

And then some online research led me to - http://www.visa-office.com/uk-immigration-news/ - which seemed to imply that something new is coming through.

Anybody have confirmation on the complete list of changes (specifically for the spouse visa renewal in my case), and as its a renewal, is my wife exempt from having to get an NARIC certificate, given she qualified using her Indian university when she originally applied.

[Casa]

My understanding is that the requirement for a NARIC comparability statement is applicable only to all areas of the points based system, applications for ILR and British citizenship. I can't however confirm whether this won't be required for FLR. I believe the cost is around £55, so if you have the time it may well be worth having it for peace of mind.
Apart from the increase in visa fees, I don''t believe there are any other changes due to be introduced on April which will affect your wife's application.
She will have to pay the NHS surcharge of £500 online in addition to the visa fee. If she applied in person this will be £811 + £500 = £1311 + £500 NHS surcharge. A total of £1811.

[NomiKaay]

Hi, I am a British citizen (originally Indian), and my Indian nationality wife is about to complete her first 2.5yr spouse visa in end-Apr-2016. We were hoping to go in for renewal in the first week of April using the same-day premium service, but we have been informed that some new rules are coming in effect from 6th April.

Should we try to do a postal application before the 6th? Or is there any clarity available on what the new rules will be, to allow us to apply for the premium service just after 6th. We both earn above 35K - so that rule change doesn't impact us. Also, we heard that a rule change around UK test should not be required as she already had her first visa approved on the basis of doing a degree from a recognised English-language university in india.

Any clarity on what the new rules coming in on the 6th that impact spouse visa renewals will be very helpful? Thanks.

I believe you're confusing the 35K threshold introduced for some work related categories; that doesn't apply to FLR M applicantions.

Hope this clears the issue.

[acdc007]

Thanks both. Wasn't too worries about the 35K threshold anyway - so no worries there. Have finally decided to book a Walk-In service for the middle of April (booked it yesterday, so got the cheaper price), and have applied for the NARIC certificate. Fingers crossed!