Spouse Visa Extension
If you’re in the UK on a spouse visa and your current leave is nearing expiry, you’ll need to apply for a spouse visa extension to continue living with your partner legally in the UK.
The spouse visa extension process requires you to prove that your relationship is ongoing and genuine, and that you continue to meet the financial and accommodation requirements. This application can be just as detailed as your initial visa submission.
Once granted, a spouse visa extension provides an additional 30 months of leave. After five years of continuous residence under the spouse visa route, you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Spouse Visa Extension
Who Needs to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension?
As a foreign national in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you will need to apply for an extension before your initial visa expires if you wish to remain in the UK with your British citizen or settled partner. This applies to those who are:
- Married to a British or Irish citizen (by birth or naturalisation).
- In a civil partnership with a British or Irish citizen.
- In a long-term relationship with a British citizen or a settled person in the UK (with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), permanent residence, or EU Settled Status) and were granted leave under the partner route.
- Partners of those holding refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- Partners of those possessing a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa.
Continuing to meet the fundamental requirements of a genuine and subsisting relationship and the intention to live together permanently in the UK remains crucial for a spouse visa extension.
Spouse Visa Extension Requirements
To apply for a UK spouse visa extension, you must show that your relationship remains genuine and subsisting, and that you continue to meet the financial and English language criteria. Supporting documents are crucial to prove your eligibility.
1. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
You must demonstrate that your relationship with your spouse is still ongoing and that you intend to live together permanently in the UK.
2. Financial Requirement
Your UK-based partner must earn a minimum of £29,000 per year (as of 2024) or provide sufficient alternative financial evidence.
3. English Language Proficiency
You need to meet the English language requirement by either holding an approved degree or passing a recognised English test (e.g. A2 level for extensions).
4. Adequate Accommodation
You must show that your living arrangements in the UK are suitable and not overcrowded.
5. Tuberculosis Test (If Applicable)
Applicants from certain countries must provide a valid TB test certificate.
6. Valid Passport and Documents
You’ll need a current passport (and possibly previous ones) along with supporting documents like joint bills, photographs, or tenancy agreements.
How Do I Apply for a UK Spouse Visa Extension?
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa Extension involves a structured process that Axis Solicitors guides you through with expertise and care. Here are the key steps:
- Assess Your Eligibility: The first step is to thoroughly assess whether you meet all the current requirements for a Spouse Visa Extension under either the 5-year or 10-year route. Axis Solicitors will conduct a detailed review of your circumstances to determine the most appropriate route and ensure you are eligible.
- Gather Required Documents: Once eligibility is confirmed, the next crucial step is to gather all the necessary supporting documents. Axis Solicitors provides a comprehensive checklist tailored to your situation and assists you in compiling a strong and compliant evidence portfolio.
- Complete the Online Application Form: The application for a Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M) or FLR(FP)) is typically made online via the UKVI website. Axis Solicitors will assist you in accurately completing the online form, ensuring all information is correct and consistent with your supporting documents.
- Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You will need to pay the relevant application fee and the IHS as part of the online application. Axis Solicitors will advise you on the current fees and guide you through the payment process.
- Upload Supporting Documents: After completing the online form and paying the fees, you will need to upload electronic copies of all your supporting documents through the UKVI portal. Axis Solicitors ensures that all documents are correctly formatted, clearly labelled, and uploaded in a timely manner.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment: Once your online application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how to book and attend a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS centre. At this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. Axis Solicitors will ensure you are prepared for this step.
- Submit Your Application: After attending your biometrics appointment, your application is officially submitted.
- Wait for a Decision: The processing time for Spouse Visa Extension applications can vary. Axis Solicitors will keep you informed of any updates and communicate the decision to you as soon as it is received.
Throughout this process, Axis Solicitors provides continuous support, answers your questions, and addresses any concerns you may have, ensuring a smooth and stress-free UK Spouse Visa Extension application.
Spouse Visa Extension Fee
Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with your Spouse Visa Extension application:
- UKVI Application Fee: £1,321 per applicant
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year for adults (e.g., £2,587.50 for a 2.5-year extension)
- Biometrics Appointment Fee: £0 to £250+ (for premium appointments)
- Priority Service Fee (Optional): £500 per applicant
- Super Priority Service Fee (Optional): £1,000 per applicant
- English Language Requirement Test Fee (if applicable): £150 to £250+
- Translation Costs (if applicable): £30 to £100+ per document
- Copy of Title Deeds (if applicable): Approximately £7
- Postal or Courier Charges (if applicable): Varies
Spouse Visa Extension Documents
When applying for a spouse visa extension, you must submit a range of documents to prove that you continue to meet the visa requirements. The exact documents needed will depend on your individual circumstances, but typically Spouse Visa Extension documents include the following:
- Proof of identity: Your current and previous passports, as well as any previous UK visa or immigration documents.
- Proof of your partner’s UK status: For example, evidence that your spouse has indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship.
- Proof of your relationship: Your original marriage or civil partnership certificate, along with documents showing you’ve lived together since your last visa grant (e.g. joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or correspondence addressed to both of you).
- Proof of financial requirement: This may include payslips, bank statements, tax documents, or evidence of savings depending on how you meet the £29,000 income threshold.
- Proof of English language ability: A valid English language test (e.g. SELT A2), a UK degree, or Ecctis-verified qualification.
- Proof of accommodation: Documents confirming your living arrangements, such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord.
- Personal statements: Optional but helpful — letters from you and your partner describing your relationship and your plans to live permanently in the UK.
- Additional documents: If applicable, items like a divorce certificate or evidence of children from the relationship.
At Axis Solicitors, we provide a personalised document checklist and full assistance in compiling and submitting your application. Our team ensures your supporting evidence is complete, well-organised, and meets all UKVI standards — giving you the best chance of approval.
Checkout UK Spouse Document Checklist For complete guide.
Applying for FLR(M): Spouse Visa Extension After Initial Grant
Before your initial Spouse Visa expires, you must apply to extend your leave for a further 30 months under the Further Leave to Remain (Partner) – FLR(M) category. To be eligible for this spouse visa extension, you must continue to meet the core requirements outlined above, with particular emphasis on:
- The financial requirement, which will be a minimum income threshold of £29,000 if your extension application is made on or after April 11, 2024, and is expected to increase to a higher threshold in April 2025.
- The English language requirement at A2 CEFR level or higher, unless you are exempt.
The ongoing genuine and subsisting relationship and accommodation requirements.
Spouse Visa Extension Form: FLR(M) and FLR(FP)
The primary forms for applying for a Spouse Visa Extension are the FLR(M) form for those on the 5-year route and the FLR(FP) form for those on the 10-year route (based on private and family life). Axis Solicitors has extensive experience in navigating these forms and will ensure they are completed accurately and comprehensively on your behalf.
What is FLR(M) Form?
This form is specifically for further leave to remain as a partner. It requires detailed information about your personal circumstances, your partner’s details, the history of your relationship, your financial situation, accommodation, and English language ability. Axis Solicitors will meticulously complete this form, ensuring all sections are filled correctly and consistently with your supporting evidence.
What is FLR(FP) Form?
This form is used for applications based on private and family life, which includes the 10-year partner route. While it covers similar areas to the FLR(M) form, it also includes sections to explain any exceptional circumstances or significant obstacles to living outside the UK, which are often relevant for those on the 10-year route. Axis Solicitors will ensure that this form accurately reflects your situation and presents a strong case for your Spouse Visa Extension.
Axis Solicitors understands the intricacies of both the FLR(M) and FLR(FP) forms and will guide you through the specific requirements of the form relevant to your Spouse Visa Extension application.
Spouse Visa Extension Refused?
Receiving a refusal for your Spouse Visa Extension application can be distressing. However, it is crucial to understand that you have options. Axis Solicitors provides expert advice and representation if your Spouse Visa Extension is refused. The steps we typically take include:
- Reviewing the Refusal Decision: We will thoroughly analyse the reasons for the refusal provided by UKVI to understand the specific concerns and grounds for rejection.
- Identifying Grounds for Appeal or Administrative Review: Depending on the reasons for refusal and your circumstances, you may have grounds to appeal the decision or apply for an administrative review if there has been an error in the way your application was handled. Axis Solicitors will advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
- Preparing and Submitting an Appeal or Administrative Review: If you have valid grounds, Axis Solicitors will meticulously prepare and submit your appeal or administrative review application, presenting a strong legal argument to challenge the refusal.
- Considering Judicial Review: In cases where an appeal or administrative review is not possible or has been unsuccessful, we will assess whether there are grounds for a judicial review of the decision.
- Exploring Alternative Options: If an appeal or review is unlikely to succeed, we will explore other potential immigration options available to you based on your individual circumstances.
Axis Solicitors is committed to providing robust support and representation if your Spouse Visa Extension is refused, working tirelessly to explore all available avenues to help you achieve a positive outcome and remain in the UK with your partner. Contact us immediately if you receive a refusal decision so that we can provide timely and effective legal assistance.
Learn About Spouse Visa Refusals how to overturn the Decision.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After Your Spouse Visa Extension
The successful completion of your Spouse Visa Extension brings you closer to the final goal of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can be applied for once you have completed a continuous five-year period of lawful residence in the UK under the Spouse Visa route (combining the initial leave and the extension). The requirements for ILR under this route include:
- Still being in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your sponsoring partner.
- Passing the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British life and culture.
- Meeting a higher standard of English language proficiency, typically Level B1 of the CEFR.
- Satisfying the financial requirement that is in place at the time of your ILR application.
- Demonstrating that you have not had any significant immigration breaches or criminal history during your five-year period of leave.
The Spouse Visa Extension is therefore not an end in itself but a vital stepping stone towards achieving permanent residency and long-term stability in the UK.
Axis Solicitors Can Help in Your UK Spouse Visa Applications
Your dream of living in the UK with your spouse does not have to end with a Spouse Visa refusal.
- Expertise: We are experts in UK immigration law and appeals, with a proven track record of positive reviews and high success rates.
- Results-Driven: We have successfully helped over 5000 clients secure their cases.
Contact Axis Solicitors today for free initial assessment and a legal strategy to reunite with your loved one.
FAQ: UK Spouse Visa
Yes! A UK Spouse Visa provides you with the unrestricted right to work in the UK. This means you can work full-time, choose any job, work in any sector and even be self-employed.
This flexibility allows you to pursue your career goals and professional aspirations while living with your spouse or partner in the UK. Whether you aim to advance in your current field, explore new opportunities or start your own business.
While there’s no strict limit on absences for UK spouse visa holders, spending excessive time outside the UK can impact your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). As a general guideline, avoid exceeding 6 months (180 days) outside the UK in any 12-month period.
Extended absences should have valid reasons like work, studies, or family commitments, and it’s wise to document these to demonstrate your intention to live permanently in the UK with your partner. Remember, prioritising your UK residency will strengthen your case for settlement when the time comes.
It can take up to 24 weeks to get the decision from the Home Office for the family applications, which includes applying to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK.
It depends on the Home Office whether they allow you to appeal. The process for appealing is explained in the decision letter you receive from the Home Office.
Among all visa categories, Spouse visa applications have some of the highest rejections. Therefore, it is recommended to take legal advice from the Solicitors to prepare and submit your application according to the complex requirements of the Home Office to ensure that your visa application is successful.
There is no limitation on the number of dependents you can bring with you to the UK. However, the financial requirement increases with the increase of each dependent.
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