Spouse Visa Extension Under the 10-Year Route

You can apply for a Spouse visa extension under the 10-year route if you still do not meet all the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules.

To extend a UK Spouse Visa on the 10-year route, you use the FLR(FP) form, showing you remain in a genuine, cohabiting relationship with your UK partner. Unlike the standard route, you don't need to meet the financial (£29,000+) or English (A1/A2) requirements. Settlement is typically achieved after four 2.5-year extensions, totalling 10 years before ILR.

You must apply to renew ('extend') your Spouse visa under the 10-year route before your current visa expires to continue living and working in the UK.

You should apply for a Spouse visa extension within 28 days of your current visa expiring. It's advisable to start gathering documents and completing the application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

This guide answers the most common questions about extending a UK Spouse visa on the 10-year route, explains what evidence you need, and outlines the costs and timelines, all in simple terms.

For legal help with your Spouse visa extension application under the 10-year route, contact Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 or fill in our enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What is the 10-Year Spouse Visa Route?

The 10-year spouse visa route is a path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for spouses and partners of UK citizens or settled persons who do not initially meet the requirements for the 5-year route.

This route allows couples to remain together in the UK while building a case for settlement. It focuses on the genuineness of your relationship and continuous cohabitation rather than strict financial or English language thresholds.

At Wembley Solicitors in London, we frequently advise clients on whether this route suits their circumstances, ensuring that every extension complies with Appendix FM Paragraph EX1.

Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension under the 10-Year Route?

A spouse visa extension under the 10-year route is available to individuals who are already in the UK on a 10-year spouse visa and wish to continue living with their UK partner. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship.

This route is designed for couples who may not meet the stricter 5-year route requirements, such as the financial threshold of £29,000 or English language tests, making it an important pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after ten years.

Eligible applicants include:

• Those already on a 10-year spouse or partner visa in the UK
• Individuals married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person
• Couples who have maintained a genuine relationship over time

At Wembley Solicitors, we assist clients in confirming eligibility and compiling evidence to ensure a smooth application for extension under the 10-year route.

Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa Extension under the 10-Year Route

The main requirements for a UK Spouse visa extension application under a 10-year route are as follows: 

• Both you and your partner must be 18 or over.
• You must hold a valid Spouse visa under the 10-year route.
• You must be in a genuine relationship with your British or settled partner.
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You must meet the requirement of adequate accommodation.

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding your Spouse visa extension (10-year route) application.

Document Required for Spouse Visa Extension under the 10-Year Route

You will need to provide:

• Your valid passport
• Your birth certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship
• Photos showing time spent together
• Evidence of communication (emails, chats, call logs)
• Sponsor's UK immigration status (passport, ILR, or settled status evidence)
• Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK (e.g., tenancy agreements)
• Details of any criminal convictions, if applicable
• You may be required to demonstrate why you cannot meet the financial, language, or other requirements under the 5-year route
• Additional supporting documents, depending on your personal circumstances

Book an appointment with our immigration solicitor for an eligibility assessment and to get a comprehensive UK Spouse visa document checklist.

How to Apply for a 10-Year Route UK Spouse Visa Extension?

To extend your UK spouse visa on the 10-year route, you must apply using form FLR(FP). This application is submitted online from within the UK. Unlike the standard 5-year spouse visa route, you generally do not need to meet new financial or English language requirements for these extensions. The main focus is on showing that your relationship with your UK partner remains genuine and subsisting, and that you continue to live together as a couple.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

The first step is to confirm your eligibility. You must already hold a visa under the 10-year spouse route and be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with a UK partner. It's essential to ensure that your current visa status is valid and that you have complied with all the conditions of your existing visa.

Step 2: Gather Required Evidence

Next, you need to gather the necessary evidence. The focus is on proving that your relationship continues to be genuine and that you live together. This can include joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, joint bank statements, photos taken together over time, and correspondence that demonstrates cohabitation. Properly organised evidence increases the chances of a smooth approval.

At Wembley Solicitors, we help clients organise these documents to meet Home Office expectations.

Step 3: Complete the FLR(FP) Form

Once your documents are ready, you complete the FLR(FP) form online. This form is specifically designed for spouses seeking to extend their stay under the 10-year route. Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial when providing information about your relationship and living arrangements.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and IHS

After completing the form, you must pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). As of 2026, the FLR(FP) application fee is around £1,321, and the IHS is £2,587.50 per adult per year. Ensuring that fees are correctly paid helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Online

You then submit your application online, uploading all supporting documents and double-checking that every piece of evidence is clear and corresponds with the information in your application.

Step 6: Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required)

In some cases, you may be asked to attend a biometrics appointment at a local UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide fingerprints and photos.

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Once submitted, the Home Office will review your application, focusing on the genuineness of your relationship, continuous cohabitation, and compliance with the suitability requirements outlined in Appendix FM Paragraph EX1. Processing times vary, so it's essential to apply well in advance of your current visa's expiration date.

Step 8: Receive Your Extension

Finally, if your application is approved, you will receive your Limited Leave to Remain for the next 2.5 years. This process is repeated every 2.5 years, meaning that after four successful renewals, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Professional guidance from experienced immigration solicitors, such as those at Wembley Solicitors, can help ensure that each stage of the process is completed accurately, thereby reducing the risk of delays or refusals.

How Long Does It Take to Extend a UK Spouse Visa Under the 10-Year Route?

Applicants extending their UK spouse visa on the 10-year route can expect a decision within 8 to 12 weeks after submitting the FLR(FP) form and completing biometrics. If you need a faster decision, the Priority Service is available for an extra fee, giving a decision within 5 working days.

What Is the Cost of Extending a UK Spouse Visa on the 10-Year Route?

The total cost to extend a UK spouse visa on the 10-year route is roughly £3,908.50, which includes a £1,321 application fee and £2,587.50 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

How Often Do I Need to Renew a 10-Year Route UK Spouse Visa?

The 10-year route is divided into 2.5-year increments. You must apply to extend your visa every 2.5 years, which means you will complete four renewals before reaching the 10-year mark. Each renewal confirms that your relationship continues as required under Appendix FM Paragraph EX1, and helps maintain your legal stay while working towards ILR.

What Is the Spouse Visa 5-Year Route?

If you meet all the requirements of Appendix FM, you can apply or switch to a Spouse visa 5-year route to settlement.

A Spouse visa under the 5-year route means you can apply for ILR to settle in the UK after completing 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.

Switching From a Spouse Visa 10-Year Route to a 5-Year Route?

If your circumstances have changed and you now meet all the requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the immigration rules, you can apply to switch from the 10-year spouse visa route to the 5-year route.

If you do switch to the Spouse visa 5-year route from the 10-year route, then any time spent on the 10-year route will not count towards your qualifying period for ILR.

Wembley Solicitors has an expert team of spouse visa solicitors in London to assist you with your Spouse visa extension application under the 10-year route.

How Wembley Solicitors Support Your UK Spouse Visa Extension on the 10-Year Route?

If you're applying for a UK Spouse visa extension under the 10-year route, our trusted team of immigration solicitors in Wembley, London, can guide you through every step of the process. We assist with all types of UK Spouse and Family visa applications, ensuring your case is handled efficiently and professionally.

At Wembley Solicitors, our immigration experts will:

• Provide detailed, personalised immigration advice tailored to your situation.
• Assess your eligibility for a UK Spouse visa extension and ensure your sponsor meets the requirements.
• Explain the entire UK Spouse visa application process clearly.
• Prepare a complete, personalised document checklist for your application.
• Review all supporting documents to ensure they are accurate, complete, and in the correct format.
• Complete your application forms and draft detailed cover letters or representations for the Home Office, aligned with the Immigration Rules.
• Book your biometrics appointment and guide you through enrolment.
• Upload all supporting documents on your behalf.
• Liaise directly with the Home Office UKVI until a decision is received.
• Keep you updated at every stage of your application.

For expert legal advice and assistance with your extension of a UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route, contact our UK immigration solicitors in Wembley, London, on 020 3417 3700, or complete our enquiry form for a prompt response.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors for a UK Spouse Visa Extension?

Applying for a UK Spouse visa extension under the 10-year route can be complex. Small errors in documents, finances, or eligibility can lead to delays or refusal. Wembley Solicitors specialise in immigration law and have extensive experience guiding clients through the Spouse visa UK process.

Here's why clients trust us:

• Vast Experience: Our team of specialist immigration solicitors has years of hands-on experience with Spouse visa applications, helping clients navigate even the most complex cases.
• High Success Rate: We have a strong track record of successful applications, giving our clients confidence that their application is in safe hands.
• Excellent Client Feedback: With a 4.9-star rating on Google, our clients consistently praise our professionalism, responsiveness, and support throughout the process.
• Regulated by the SRA: Wembley Solicitors is fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring your case is handled with the highest standards of integrity and expertise.

With Wembley Solicitors, you get expert guidance, peace of mind, and a higher chance of success for your UK Spouse visa. Call us on 020 3417 3700 to book a consultation with a specialist Spouse Visa solicitor today.

How Much Does an Immigration Solicitor Cost for a UK Spouse Visa Extension?

For complete guidance on extending your UK spouse visa under the 10-year route, our solicitors charge a reasonable fixed fee of £1,000-£1,200 (excluding VAT).

The price depends on several factors, including the type of visa you're applying for, the complexity of your case, and whether you need urgent assistance.

Need Help with Your UK Spouse Visa Extension?

For personalised legal support with your UK spouse visa extension, call Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com.