The UK spouse visa allows individuals to live with their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. However, after the initial 2.5-year period, visa holders must apply for a spouse visa extension to continue living in the country legally. This article covers everything you need to know about the spouse visa extension, including the requirements, the application process, and key tips for a successful application.


What Is a Spouse Visa Extension?

A spouse visa extension allows visa holders to extend their stay in the UK for another 2.5 years (30 months). After completing five years on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the next step toward UK citizenship.

Who Needs to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension?

If you are currently living in the UK on a spouse visa (also known as a family visa) and your initial 2.5-year period is coming to an end, you must apply for an extension. This is essential to avoid overstaying your visa and to continue residing with your partner in the UK legally.

Spouse Visa Extension Requirements

To apply for a spouse visa extension, you must meet several requirements. The UK Home Office will assess your eligibility based on your relationship, financial stability, and accommodation, among other factors. Below are the key criteria you need to meet:

1. Relationship RequirementsYou must be legally married, in a civil partnership, or living with your partner in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.You and your partner must continue to intend to live together permanently in the UK.You must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, such as joint bank statements, utility bills, or letters from family and friends.2. Financial RequirementsYou and your partner must meet a minimum income threshold to show that you can financially support yourselves without needing public funds. The spouse visa extension requirements for the spouse visa extension is:£18,600 per year if it’s just you and your partner.An additional £3,800 for your first child, plus £2,400 for each additional child.The income can come from various sources, including employment, self-employment, savings, and pensions. You can also use savings to meet the requirement if you do not earn the necessary income.3. English Language RequirementYou must prove that you meet the English language requirement for the spouse visa extension. If you did not meet this requirement during your initial visa application, you must provide proof of passing an approved English language test (at A2 level) unless you are from an English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.4. Accommodation RequirementsYou must demonstrate that you and your partner have suitable accommodation in the UK. This could be owned or rented property, but it must be adequate for both of you (and any children) to live in without overcrowding.5. Good Character RequirementYou must meet the good character requirement, meaning you should not have any criminal convictions or immigration breaches. If you have any criminal history, it could affect your spouse visa extension application.Documents Required for Spouse Visa Extension

To ensure your application for a spouse visa extension is successful, you need to provide a range of supporting documents. These include:

Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, photos, joint financial documents, correspondence, etc.Proof of Financial Requirement: Payslips, bank statements, P60, or documents showing income from other sources.Proof of English Proficiency: English language test certificate or proof of an English-taught degree.Proof of Accommodation: Tenancy agreement or mortgage documents, utility bills, and council tax bills.Other Documents: Current passport, your partner’s passport, biometric residence permit, and any other immigration documents.How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension

To apply for an extension, follow these steps:

Online Application: Complete the spouse visa extension application (form FLR) online on the UK government’s website. You will need to register for an account and fill out the required information.Upload Documents: You will need to upload your supporting documents online, ensuring they meet the specific requirements.Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, you’ll be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photo.Pay the Fees: The fee for a spouse visa extension application is £1,033. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year of the visa extension (a total of £1,560 for a 2.5-year extension).Decision Waiting Time: The decision on your spouse visa extension application typically takes up to 8 weeks if you applied from inside the UK. You can opt for a priority service to receive a faster decision, but it comes with an additional fee.Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Spouse Visa Extension

To increase your chances of success, avoid these common mistakes:

Insufficient Documentation: Ensure all documents are provided in the correct format and are up-to-date. Missing or outdated documents can lead to delays or rejection.Failure to Meet the Financial Requirement: Double-check that your combined income meets the minimum threshold. Be precise with your financial calculations.Incorrect English Language Test: Make sure the English test you take is from an approved provider and meets the required level (A2 for spouse visa extensions).What Happens After Your Visa Is Extended?

Once your spouse visa extension is approved, you will be granted another 2.5 years of leave to remain in the UK. After completing a total of five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which will allow you to stay in the UK without time restrictions. From there, you may eventually apply for British citizenship.

Conclusion

Extending your extend spouse visa uk in the UK is a straightforward process if you meet the necessary requirements and prepare your application carefully. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your application is complete and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Always ensure you start the application process early to avoid last-minute stress and potential complications.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consulting with an immigration advisor or solicitor can provide additional guidance to help you secure your spouse visa extension.