Which is better- visa 3 years and extend or 5 years (GTV-Promise)

Stage 2
1

Hi,
I just got endorsed for GTV (Promise). I am bringing 2 dependents (partner & child below 18) with me. I am unsure whether to pay for a 3-year visa fee (+IHS) and later extend it for 2 years or pay for a 5-year visa now. Which is cheaper and convenient?

2

It’s possible to pay the IHS in installments but honestly, I don’t think it’s advisable.

A friend of mine did that, and unfortunately, he couldn’t renew for the second year because he wasn’t able to show proof of earnings in his area of endorsement whilst in the UK. There are also a few risks to keep in mind.

  • The IHS fee might increase before your next payment.
  • The renewal process can be stressful, especially with frequent policy changes.
  • And most importantly, getting and keeping a good job in the UK may be tough, one of those famous “three Ws” you should always think twice about - Work, Weather, and the other W you’ll find out soon enough.
  • Also you will pay new visa application fee when you want to extend.

If someone loses their job or has income gaps during that year, it could make it hard to prove eligibility when renewing.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as immigration advice. I’m not an immigration lawyer.

All the best.

4 Likes
3

Congratulations on your endorsement.

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4

thanks Raphael, I applied for stage 2, and given my dependent names. However, in the portal, only mine visa fee was asked and got processed (IHS & visa fee), and not the dependent. I wanted my dependent to have visa processing with the same start date as mine. Also the visa appointment is for me only and not my dependent. Why? Is it that first they will process my visa and then my dependent visa application will follow ?

5

Hi, please did they give a duration for when you need to pay your IHS & visa fee?

6

@Onye

Once you receive your endorsement letter, you must submit your stage 2 application within 3 months of receiving the endorsement letter. If you do not apply for your visa within that time window, the endorsement will no longer be valid.

So, you are required to pay the IHS & visa fee when submitting your stage 2.

Kindly note, that this is for informational purposes, I am not an immigration lawyer. I only guide applicants for the stage 1(Tech Nation Application)

All the best

2 Likes
7

Thank you, appreciate the feedback and this is noted.

8

You should have submitted all the application together.

9

Dependent have separate form and different link to apply. I have uploaded dependent details ( mapping my UAN) and the same process follows - iHS fees and visa fees. Booked the appointment on same date.

1 Like
10

If that’s what you did then it is fine. A decision will be made in theirs once yourse is approved