I am a South African living in the UK with a spousal visa which is about to expire. what do I do next?

Question

We are living in the UK and I have a spousal visa. We would like to know what are the next steps. My wife is British and I am South African. We have been living in the Uk just under 2 years and my visa expires in August. We have look at all the websites and forms but are getting confused as to what froms we should complete. Should I apply for extension of my visa, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship? We have been married for 2 and a half years? Please help as soon as possible as I have 28 days to send forms in. Much appreciated.

Answer 1

Indefinite leave to remain. Then, after one year you can apply for citizenship. Have you passed the 'life in the UK' test? If not, get a move on - they won't grant you ILR without it!

Answer 2

you have to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR),you have to do it quickly bec. one of the requirements to apply for ILR is  to pass the life in the UK test.

Answer 3

goodness - stop worrying - all you need to do is apply for indefinite leave to remain - you can apply for an extension if you wish but you are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain so my advice is do it.

I have attached the form you need here so all the very best to you.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/siteco...

oh yes and you need to pass the life in the UK exam as well before you can apply for indefinite leave so if you cannot get an appointment to sit the test before your visa expires my advice is to apply for the extension.

here is a link to the life in the UK test website.

http://www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk/

Answer 4

Contact your embassy

Answer 5

you could try the citizens advice bereau, which is free, because whatever people tell you on here, you will not no for sure if it is the correct advice, & you really need to make sure you do the correct thing.

Answer 6

well my friend it looks like jump on the next plane you think so

Answer 7

Your wife is british and you have a spouse visa so you will be allowed to apply for indefinate leave to remain, however it all depends on your circumstances for it to be granted.

Answer 8

Take a look at the Border & Immigration Authority website for applications for Settlement (otherwise known as Indefinite Leave to Remain). The list of forms and advice as to which form to use can be found here:

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/ukresid...

You need to read this infomration carefully but it looks to me as if you need to use form SET(M).

Your timing is perfect - now is exactly the time to apply. Whatever you do, make sure you make the application before your visa expires.