mentalist

Hello guys. My Kenyan wife has leave to remain until May 2021. Can anyone tell me if the £65,000 cash in bank requirement has increased since Aug 2018 when we last applied for an extension. Also, what is the main difference between the English language test she took in 2018 and the one she will need to take next time. She first resided in the UK in Jan 2016 if that helps. Many thanks.

SanDiegogirl

Savings are still 62,500 GBP . No change as yet.

BritInParis

Which IELTS level did your wife pass last time?

mentalist

No idea which level, sorry. I will try to dig up her paperwork if essential. She took the first test overseas in 2015 and the second here in 2018. She will have been here 5 years by the time her next visa extension is granted. Would you be kind enough to provide the links to the relevent website for the savings requirement and the language test?

mentalist

Is it still 6 months of bank statements?

Andrew_AJP

Yes
If wife need a test tell her to take the B1 at £150 (in UK) she only has to take her life in The UK for the ILR if she wants to later on as I understand it

mentalist

Thanks Andrew. I hope the stock market recovers somewhat by September as I would struggle to maintain £62,500 in cash savings before then. It's ridiculous that ISA and house values count for nothing even if the house was bought with cash. Maybe I will have to consider the Equity Release option.

mentalist

It was the A2 Speaking & Listening Test she took in June 2018

BritInParis

If she has A2 then she can use that for her FLR but she’ll need B1 for ILR.

mentalist

No idea what FLR and ILR means. Are you saying that she needs two?

Andrew_AJP

Further leave to remain and then indefinite leave to remain
You have the initial visa application
Then after 2 1/2 years ish further leave to remain
Then after another 2 1/2 years indefinite leave to remain if you are on 5 year route if it's 10 years then a couple extra further leaves

SanDiegogirl

For savings, yes...