If you are currently living in the spouse visa uk and your visa is about to expire, you will need to apply for a spouse visa extension to continue living in the UK with your British or settled partner. This visa extension allows you to remain in the UK for an additional period, after which you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually apply for British citizenship.

In this article, we'll guide you through the eligibility requirements, the application process, necessary documents, and what to expect when applying for a UK spouse visa extension.

What is a UK Spouse Visa Extension?

A spouse visa extension allows individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with settled status (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain), or a person with refugee or humanitarian protection status to extend their stay in the UK. Typically, the initial spouse visa is granted for 30 months, and you must apply for an extension before the visa expires.

By extending your visa, you can continue living, working, and studying in the UK for another 30 months, and after completing 5 years of continuous residence on this visa route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

To apply for a spouse visa extension, you and your partner must continue to meet the same key eligibility requirements as when you first applied for your spouse visa. These include:

1. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

You must be able to demonstrate that your relationship is still genuine, ongoing, and legally recognized. The Home Office will want evidence that you and your partner are still living together and committed to your relationship. Acceptable evidence can include:

• Utility bills or tenancy agreements in both your names

• Joint bank accounts or financial records

• Photos and communication history between you and your spouse

• Proof of shared responsibilities, such as children or financial commitments

2. Financial Requirement

To be eligible for a spouse visa extension, you and your partner must meet the financial requirement to show you can support yourselves without relying on public funds. As of 2024, the financial thresholds remain the same as the initial application:

• A minimum income of £18,600 per year for the couple

• An additional £3,800 for the first dependent child and £2,400 for each subsequent child

The income can come from various sources, including employment, self-employment, savings, or pension funds. If your British or settled partner is receiving certain benefits, such as disability-related benefits, the financial requirement may be waived.

3. Accommodation Requirement

You will need to demonstrate that you and your partner have adequate accommodation where you can live together without relying on public housing. The accommodation must meet UK living standards in terms of size and safety.

4. English Language Requirement

You must continue to meet the English language requirement to qualify for an extension. You can meet this requirement by:

• Passing an approved English language test at A2 level (higher than the A1 level required for the initial spouse visa)

• Providing proof that you have a degree or qualification taught in English

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

5. Good Character and Immigration History

You must not have any serious criminal convictions or breaches of immigration law, such as overstaying a visa, that could affect your application. The Home Office will assess your character and immigration history during the application process.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension

The process for extending your spouse visa involves several steps. Here’s an outline of the application procedure:

1. Submit Your Application Online

You need to complete the FLR(M) (Further Leave to Remain) application form online through the UK government’s official website. You must apply before your current visa expires, as staying in the UK without a valid visa could affect your immigration status.

2. Pay the Fees

When submitting your application, you will need to pay:

• The application fee of £1,053 per person (as of 2024)

• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year, so £1,560 for the 2.5 years of your visa extension

3. Provide Supporting Documents

As part of your application, you will need to provide a variety of supporting documents to prove you meet the eligibility requirements. Common documents include:

• Your valid passport and your partner’s passport or proof of citizenship

• Evidence of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, communication history)

• Proof of cohabitation (e.g., joint tenancy agreements, utility bills)

• Financial documents (e.g., bank statements, payslips, tax returns)

• English language test results or proof of exemption

• Proof of accommodation in the UK

• Biometric residence permit (if applicable)

4. Biometric Appointment

As part of the application, you will need to attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You may also be asked to submit supporting documents at this appointment or upload them online.

5. Wait for a Decision

The processing time for spouse visa extensions can vary, but it typically takes 8 weeks for a decision to be made if you apply using the standard service. You can opt for the priority service, which costs an additional fee and may provide a decision within 5 working days, or the super priority service, which can give a decision the next working day.

What Happens After the Visa Extension is Granted?

If your spouse visa extension is granted, you will receive a new biometric residence permit (BRP) confirming your right to live and work in the UK for another 30 months. With this visa, you will:

• Continue to have access to work and study in the UK

• Access the National Health Service (NHS)

• Be able to travel in and out of the UK, but must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period (to avoid affecting your ILR application)

You can apply for further extensions if necessary, but after 5 years of living in the UK on a spouse visa, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Once you have ILR, you can apply for British citizenship if you meet the residency and other criteria.

Reasons for Refusal

Spouse visa extensions can be refused for several reasons, including:

• Failing to meet the financial requirement

• Not providing sufficient evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship

• Failure to meet the English language requirement

• Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application

If your application is refused, you may have the option to appeal the decision or submit a fresh application, depending on the circumstances.

Conclusion

Extending your extend spouse visa uk is an essential step if you want to continue living in the UK with your partner. The process involves meeting several key requirements, such as demonstrating a genuine relationship, meeting the financial threshold, and proving your ability to speak English. To avoid delays or complications, ensure you apply before your current visa expires and provide comprehensive documentation.

If you are unsure about any part of the process or need assistance, it may be helpful to seek legal advice or consult with an immigration advisor to ensure your application is successful.