celeliza

Hi,


My kiwi husband has been on his 2.5 year UK spousal visa and it is due to expire early next year.


We have been contemplating whether to apply the 2nd stage (for another 2.5 years, then it will be 5 years in total). I understand we would have to do the paperwork just we did in the first round with me being a UK sponsor.


The thing is, hubby is wanting to return NZ to live sometime next year, whereas I intend to stay here as I've been happy since returning from NZ.


Is there an option to apply for an extension at a short time e.g. 6 months to give us more time to work things out instead of paying over £1K for the visa and other bits for the other 2.5 years?


Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Claire

BritInParis

In short, no. Remember that after 5 years your husband will be eligible for ILR and naturalisation immediately after so he could obtain a British passport and he can come and go as he pleases between the UK and NZ.

celeliza

So, if we don't proceed the 2nd stage application and supposing we go on a trial separation (that he returns to NZ). If we get back together later, would we have to start afresh with a new spousal visa or would it make it more difficult?

Thanks, Claire

BritInParis

You would just have to start from scratch.