How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: A Complete Guide (2024)

If you’ve been living in the UK on a spouse visa, you’ll need to apply for an extension after 2.5 years to continue your stay legally. This process is crucial for those who plan to settle in the UK with their British or settled partner and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). In this guide, we will walk you through the spouse visa extension process, including the necessary documents, eligibility criteria, and fees for 2024.

Why is a Spouse Visa Extension Required After 2.5 Years?

The UK spouse visa is initially granted for 2.5 years (30 months), after which you must apply for an extension. The spouse visa extension is necessary to fulfill the minimum residency requirement of five years before applying for ILR. Without the extension, your legal stay in the UK could be jeopardized, and you may face difficulties with future immigration applications.

Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Visa Extension

To apply for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you must meet several criteria:

1. Genuine Relationship: You must continue to prove that your relationship with your British or settled partner is genuine and subsisting. This can be demonstrated through joint documents such as utility bills, rent agreements, and shared financial responsibilities.

2. Financial Requirement: You and your partner must meet the financial threshold, which is a combined income of at least £18,600 annually. If you have dependent children, the financial requirement increases:

   • £22,400 for one child.
   • An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.

3. English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate that you can speak and understand English by passing an approved language test (unless you are from an exempt country or have a degree taught in English).

4. Accommodation: You must show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK without needing public funds.

5. Continuous Residence: You must have continuously lived in the UK on a spouse visa for the past 2.5 years without breaching immigration laws.

Documents Required for a Spouse Visa Extension

When applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Valid Passport: Your current passport and any previous passports used to travel to the UK.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If you have been issued a BRP, this must be provided.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents like marriage or civil partnership certificates, photographs, joint bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements.
• Financial Evidence: Payslips, bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), and employer letters to demonstrate the required income.
• English Language Test Certificate: If applicable, you must provide proof that you have met the English language requirement.
• Proof of Accommodation: Documents showing that you and your partner live together, such as a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.

Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years Fees (2024)

The cost of applying for a spouse visa extension in 2024 includes several components:

1. Application Fee: The current fee for a spouse visa extension application in 2024 is £1,048. This fee covers the processing of your application.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year. For the 2.5-year extension, you will need to pay £1,560 upfront for the IHS.

3. Biometric Appointment Fee: When attending a biometric appointment, you may be required to pay a fee, typically around £19.20 to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

4. Optional Priority Service: If you wish to expedite the processing of your application, you can opt for the priority service, which costs an additional £500. This ensures a faster decision, usually within 5 working days.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension

Here are the steps to apply for your extend spouse visa uk:

1. Online Application: Visit the official UK government website and complete the FLR (M) form. This is the form used to apply for a spouse or partner visa extension. Make sure all the information is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.

2. Pay the Fees: Once you complete the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

3. Book a Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

4. Submit Supporting Documents: You can upload your supporting documents online through the UKVCAS system. You may also be required to bring originals to your biometric appointment.

5. Wait for a Decision: After your biometrics are submitted and your application is complete, you will receive a decision within 8 weeks (standard processing time) unless you have chosen the priority service.

Common Challenges and Tips for a Successful Application

• Double-Check Financial Requirements: Ensure that you meet the financial threshold and have the necessary proof. This is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals.
• Keep Documents Up-to-Date: Ensure that all joint documents (bills, bank statements, etc.) are up-to-date and show a consistent address and shared finances over the past 2.5 years.
• English Language Test: If you need to take the English test, book it in advance to avoid delays.

Conclusion

Applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years is an important step in your journey towards permanent residency in the UK. By following the eligibility criteria, preparing the right documents, and paying the relevant fees, you can increase your chances of a successful application. With the right preparation, you can continue to build your life in the UK with your partner.

Make sure to plan ahead, as this process can take time and involve significant costs. Keep up with the latest immigration rules and fees for 2024 to ensure a smooth application experience.

How to Extend Your Spouse Visa in the UK: A Complete Guide to Spouse Visa Extension

If you are living in the UK on a spouse visa, extending your stay is crucial to continue living with your partner without disruption. A spouse visa extension is an important step toward achieving indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship. This guide will walk you through the process of extending your spouse visa in the UK, covering eligibility requirements, necessary documents, application steps, and fees.

Why Do You Need a Spouse Visa Extension?

A UK spouse visa is initially granted for 2.5 years (30 months), after which you must apply for an extension to remain in the country legally. This extension allows you to meet the 5-year residency requirement needed to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Without this extension, your legal right to stay in the UK will expire, and you may face complications or even removal from the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for Extending a UK Spouse Visa

To be eligible for a spouse visa extension, you must continue to meet the same requirements as when you first applied for your spouse visa:

1. Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship with your British or settled partner is still genuine and ongoing. This is done through joint financial documents, shared housing contracts, photos, and other evidence that demonstrates your relationship is real and subsisting.

2. Financial Requirement: You and your partner must have a combined income of at least £18,600 per year. This threshold increases if you have children:

   • £22,400 for one child.
   • An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.

   You can meet this requirement through income from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of these.

3. Accommodation Requirement: You and your partner must continue to live together in adequate accommodation, which can be shown through rent agreements, mortgage statements, and utility bills.

4. English Language Requirement: You must meet the English language requirement by either passing an approved test at level A2 (or higher) or having a degree taught in English.

5. Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the UK continuously on your spouse visa for the past 2.5 years without violating any immigration rules.

Documents Required for a Spouse Visa Extension

When applying for your spouse visa extension, you’ll need to gather and submit several important documents, including:

• Valid Passport: Both yours and your partner's passports to prove your identity and travel history.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate, joint bank statements, utility bills, and photos to show that your relationship is ongoing.
• Financial Evidence: Recent payslips, bank statements, tax returns (for self-employed individuals), and employer letters to demonstrate you meet the income requirement.
• Proof of Accommodation: Rent agreements, mortgage statements, or utility bills showing that you and your partner live together.
• English Language Test Certificate: If applicable, a certificate from an approved test provider showing you’ve passed the A2 level of English.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If you’ve been issued a BRP, you must provide this as part of your application.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension in the UK

Follow these steps to apply for a spouse visa extension:

1. Complete the Online Application (Form FLR(M)): The spouse visa extension application is done online using the FLR(M) form on the UK government website. Make sure to provide accurate information that matches your supporting documents.

2. Pay the Application Fee and Health Surcharge: As part of the application process, you’ll need to pay:

   • Application Fee: £1,048 (as of 2024).
   • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, totalling £1,560 for the 2.5-year extension.

3. Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment: You will be required to attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The biometric fee is typically £19.20.

4. Submit Your Supporting Documents: You can upload your supporting documents online through the UKVCAS system, or in some cases, bring them to your biometric appointment.

5. Wait for a Decision: After submitting your biometrics and documents, you’ll receive a decision on your application. Standard processing can take up to 8 weeks. If you choose the priority service (for an additional fee of £500), you can receive a decision within 5 working days.

Spouse Visa Extension Fees (2024)

The total cost of extending your spouse visa in 2024 includes several fees:

• Application Fee: £1,048 for the spouse visa extension application.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,560 for the 2.5-year extension.
• Biometric Fee: £19.20 for fingerprints and photographs.
• Optional Priority Service: An extra £500 if you want faster processing.

Key Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Extension Application

• Ensure Financial Compliance: Double-check that you meet the income threshold and have the correct financial documentation, as this is one of the most common reasons for refusals.
• Prepare All Supporting Documents: Make sure your relationship and accommodation evidence is up-to-date and well-organized to avoid delays or rejections.
• Take the English Test Early: If you need to meet the English language requirement, book and take your A2 English test early to avoid last-minute stress.

After Your Spouse Visa Extension

Once your extension is granted, you will receive a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), allowing you to remain in the UK for another 2.5 years. During this period, you must continue to meet the financial and relationship requirements to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years.

Conclusion

Extending your UK spouse visa is a crucial step toward long-term residency and securing indefinite leave to remain (ILR). By ensuring you meet all the requirements, providing the necessary documents, and submitting your application within the specified time frame, you can smoothly transition into the next phase of your life in the UK. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the fees and requirements for 2024, as they can change, and start preparing for your spouse visa extension well in advance.