Under Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971, overstaying your UK visa for any period constitutes a criminal offence, which can lead to penalties, including fines or imprisonment. However, a 14-day grace period may be granted if a “good reason” (Is there a Grace Period for Overstaying a UK Visa) exists for the late submission of an immigration application. Furthermore, from the day your leave expires, you are given a one-month period to voluntarily leave the UK to avoid a potential re-entry ban, although during this time, you will still be regarded as an overstayer.

Example: That said, if your wife’s case concerning her spouse visa extension, I do not anticipate a negative approach to the late filing. This is primarily because she is a doctor currently undergoing GP training, and as you may be aware, doctors fall under the shortage occupation category in the UK. The authorities require a good reason for any delayed application. You could present the reason as an oversight due to your busy professional commitments, mistakenly believing the visa was expiring on a different date. Alternatively, you could provide a doctor’s note indicating a medical issue, or explain if any family emergency occurred.

As long as you submit all the required documents—including proof of the subsistence of your marriage (such as utility bills, NHS registration, and up to six pieces of evidence showing you’ve both lived together since her arrival in the UK), proof of income, and English language proficiency—your case should be well-supported.

To learn how you can succeed in your immigration matter and whether there is a grace period for overstaying a UK visa, contact our team of expert immigration solicitors in London. We have been serving clients since 2008 and are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Our experienced solicitors is ready to provide you with professional advice.

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