Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension

The Tier 2 Dependent or Family Visa is one of the UK's most popular visa routes. The Tier 2 Dependent visa allows the family of Tier 2 General Visa holders to join their family member who is in the UK. If you are now coming to the end of your initial period of 2 and a half years in the UK, you will need to know your options. In this article, we will look at the Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension process in more detail. We will look at the requirements for the visa extension and the documents required in order to make a successful application. We will also look at your options while on the visa.

What are the requirements of the Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension?

As long as you still match the requirements of your original visa, there is no reason that you should not be able to gain an extension to your current visa. As a reminder, we have listed below the requirements for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension;

A dependent is one of the following:

• A husband, wife or partner

• A child under the the age of 18

• A child over the age of 18 if they're currently in the UK as a dependent

The Tier 2 General Visa holder will also still need to be working in the same circumstances that they were on their original visa application. As long as none of these criteria have changed, applying for a visa extension should be straightforward.

What documents are required to prove eligibility for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension?

There are a number of documents that may be required when it comes to extending a Tier 2 Dependent Visa. You will need to ensure that you have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your employer (they must be the same employer that you used to come to the country in the first place) you may also be asked to prove your relationship status and any number of other pieces of documentary evidence that will be required to prove eligibility. You will not need to pass the resident labour market test again, but you will need to ensure that you are still paid an appropriate salary.

You will also need to give your biometric data again for your new Biometric Residence Permit. This will be done at either a centre, or more usually, at a local branch of the Post Office. You will need to check the application guidance available online. If you are unsure you can get in touch and we can help you with your Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension.

What family members can apply to join a Tier 2 General Visa holder in the UK?

Any of the following family members of a Tier 2 General Visa holder can come to the UK to join their family member:

• A husband, wife or partner

• A child under the the age of 18

You can make a seperate application for these family members or they can be added at the time of the Tier 2 General Visa application being made.

There is no particular benefit to applying together or separately as individual members will still build up their 5 years for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) separately. But if you would like to discuss the pro's and con's of making a joint application, please get in touch and we'll be happy to assist you.

How do I apply for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension?

If you are already based in the UK (i.e. for an extension), you can make an application online or in-person at an appropriate centre. As well as the application, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to cover you and your dependents health service usage whilst in the UK. You will also need to provide your biometric data once again for a Biometric Residence Permit and this will need to be taken at either a processing centre or a local branch of the Post Office.

If you need any help with your Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension, please get in touch and our highly-skilled and experienced immigration specialists will help you to curate and submit your application to ensure that everything is in order and to give you added peace of mind.

How Much Does it Cost to Extend a Tier 2 Dependent Visa?

The fee for an extension of a Tier 2 Dependent Visa will vary according to where you originally came from and how long you wish to stay in the UK. Check out the Gov.uk website article for an overview of the cost, from here you should be able to work out where you fit in and how much you will need to pay. If you are unsure, please get in touch and our immigration specialists can help to work out what you need to pay and can even help with submitting your application.

How long does a Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension take to be processed?

The Government website states that you should receive a decision for your application within 8 weeks for online applications. You can speed this up by using either the Priority Application Service (processed within 10 days) or the Premium Service (usually processed the same day). This process may be slower if your case is particularly complicated or their is a large number of applications waiting to be processed.

You will still be able to work as normal, even while waiting for a decision, as long as you applied before your current visa ran out.

Where can I get more help?

If you need more help with your Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension application or indeed any other immigration query, please get in touch and our highly-qualified immigration solicitors will be able to help and put your mind at ease. So for more information or to begin using our services, please get in touch.