Family Visa Extension UK

If you hold a UK family visa, you can apply to extend your stay for an additional 2.5 years to continue living with your family before your current visa expires. To extend your UK family visa successfully, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements for your visa type.

At Wembley Solicitors, we assist applicants through the entire process, making sure your application is accurate, complete, and more likely to succeed.

For legal assistance with your UK family visa extension application, call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or complete our online enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Family Visa Extension?

A UK family visa extension allows individuals to continue living in the UK with their family members, whether as a spouse, partner, parent, or child. This extension is generally granted for 2.5 years, giving families the time to maintain their life together legally in the UK. It is important to apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying or affecting future immigration applications.

After completing a continuous period of residence, usually five years on a family visa, you may qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR provides permanent settlement rights in the UK, allowing you to live and work without restrictions and paving the way for potential British citizenship.

Common Types of UK Family Visa Extensions

Different family visas have specific rules and eligibility requirements. Here are the most common extension types:

• Spouse Visa Extension (5-Year Route & 10-Year Route)
• Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year & 10-Year Routes)
• Civil Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Same-Sex Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Parent of a British Child Visa Extension (5-Year & 10-Year Routes)
• Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa Extension
• Child Visa Extension (5-Year Route)

Each type has its own requirements, particularly regarding relationships, income, and residency.

Who Can Apply for a Family Visa Extension?

Family visa extensions are available to individuals already in the UK on a family visa, including spouses, partners, parents, and children. Eligibility requires holding a valid current family visa, complying with Appendix FM requirements, and meeting all relationship, financial, and accommodation criteria.

For applicants who do not meet the standard 5-year route requirements, the 10-year route provides an alternative pathway. This route is especially useful for families who need more time to satisfy financial or other criteria while continuing to live together in the UK.

Family Visa Extension Under the 5-Year Route

The family visa under the 5-year route is the most commonly used extension pathway. Family visas under this route are generally valid for 30 months if applied for inside the UK, and 33 months if applied from outside the country.

Applicants must apply to extend their visa for another 2.5 years before the current visa expires. After completing five continuous years in the UK on the 5-year route, individuals may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows unrestricted living and working rights in the UK and can eventually lead to citizenship.

Family Visa Extension Under the 10-Year Route

The family visa under the 10-year route is designed for applicants who do not meet the financial or other criteria for the 5-year route. This option allows additional time to fulfil the requirements needed for a family visa extension.

If circumstances change, applicants on the 10-year route can switch to the 5-year route, which accelerates the path to ILR. This flexibility ensures that families can adjust their visa route to meet changing circumstances while remaining legally in the UK.

When Should You Apply for a UK Family Visa Extension?

You should apply to extend your UK family visa before your current visa expires, typically within the last 28 days. Applying early ensures you maintain legal status and avoids complications such as overstaying or affecting future immigration applications.

Key Requirements for Extending a UK Family Visa

The requirements for a UK family visa extension generally include:

• Hold a valid and current family visa.
• Comply with all immigration rules, with no overstaying or breaches.
• Maintain the required relationship with your UK sponsor.
• Meet the minimum income requirement, currently £29,000 per year.
• Demonstrate English proficiency at A2 CEFR level, unless exempt.
• Provide suitable accommodation in the UK.
• Support yourself without recourse to public funds.
• Show evidence of cohabitation if applying as a partner.
• Ensure no violations of UK immigration laws.
• Fulfil any additional requirements based on your visa type and personal circumstances.

Income Requirements for UK Family Visa Extension

To extend a UK family visa, both the applicant and sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 gross per year. To demonstrate that you meet this requirement, you and your sponsor must provide financial evidence, such as payslips, bank statements, and tax returns. The Home Office will consider income from specific sources, including:

• Earnings from employment or self-employment
• Pensions received by either the applicant or the UK-based sponsor
• Certain benefits, such as maternity allowances or bereavement support
• Other declared income or savings from the applicant or sponsor

Additionally, the financial requirement can be satisfied through cash savings, provided you or your sponsor has at least £88,500 in a bank account. Supplying clear and accurate financial documentation is crucial for a successful family visa extension application.

English Language Requirement for UK Family Visa Extension

To extend a UK family visa, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of English, equivalent to A2 on the CEFR scale, unless they are exempt. Meeting this requirement ensures that applicants can integrate successfully into British society and communicate effectively in daily life.

There are several ways to satisfy the English language requirement:

• Approved English language test: Pass a Home Office-approved test at the required level.
• Academic qualification: Hold a degree or qualification taught in English from a recognised institution.
• Country of origin: Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language.

It is important to provide official evidence of your English proficiency when submitting your family visa extension application. Failing to meet this requirement can lead to delays or even refusal, so careful preparation and documentation are essential for a successful application.

Living Together Requirement for UK Family Visa Extension

If you are applying to extend a UK family visa as a partner, it is essential to show that you live together with your spouse or partner in the UK. The Home Office requires evidence of a genuine and continuous cohabitation.

Acceptable proof can include joint utility bills, tenancy agreements, bank statements with both names, and any other documents that confirm you share the same household. Providing clear and consistent evidence of living together strengthens your application and demonstrates the authenticity of your relationship.

Adequate Accommodation Requirement for UK Family Visa Extension

When applying to extend a UK family visa, you must provide evidence that your accommodation meets UK living standards. The Home Office requires that your home is safe, suitable, and adequate for you and your family during your stay.

Your accommodation should include a safe and habitable living space, a separate bedroom for the couple, and access to essential facilities such as a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen. Additionally, the property must be in a safe and suitable location for residence. Demonstrating compliance with these standards is essential for a successful family visa extension application.

Required Documents for Extending a UK Family Visa

When applying to extend your UK family visa, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

• Your valid passport or travel document
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if issued
• Proof of relationship with your UK-based family member (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
• Financial evidence to meet the minimum income requirement
• Proof of adequate accommodation in the UK
• Evidence of English language proficiency (unless exempt)
• Completed visa application form
• Details of any criminal convictions
• Additional supporting documents, depending on your visa type and personal circumstances

Providing a complete and accurate set of documents helps strengthen your application and reduces the risk of delays or refusal.

Step-by-Step Application Process for a UK Family Visa Extension

Applying to extend your UK family visa involves several important steps to ensure your application is complete and meets Home Office requirements.

Step 1. Assess Eligibility

Before starting your application, confirm that you meet all the necessary criteria for your visa type. This includes relationship requirements, financial thresholds, English language proficiency, accommodation standards, and compliance with UK immigration laws. Ensuring eligibility upfront reduces the risk of refusal.

Step 2. Collect Documents

Gather all supporting documents needed for your application. This typically includes your passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), proof of relationship, financial evidence, accommodation details, and evidence of English proficiency if required. Preparing your documents in advance helps streamline the submission process.

Step 3. Complete the Online Application

Submit your application through the official UK government portal. Fill out every section accurately and upload all supporting documents. Mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or complications.

Step 4. Pay Fees

The current application fee for a family visa extension is £1,321 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £2,587.50 for a 2.5-year extension. Fees must be paid online at the time of submission.

Step 5. Attend Biometric Appointment

You will need to book and attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre, where your fingerprints and photograph will be collected. This is a mandatory step for all applicants.

Step 6. Wait for the Decision

Once your application and biometrics are submitted, the standard processing time is around 8 weeks. In some cases, it may take longer if additional checks are required.

How Long Does a UK Family Visa Extension Take?

Typically, a family visa extension application submitted from within the UK is processed within around 8 weeks. This timeframe applies to all types of family visas, including spouse, partner, child, parent, and adult dependent relative visas.

However, if your application does not meet the financial or English language requirements, the processing time can be significantly longer, often taking up to 12 months.

For those who need a quicker decision, the Home Office offers a Priority Service for an additional fee, which can provide a decision within 5 working days. Using this service can be especially helpful for urgent or time-sensitive applications.

Tips for a Successful Application

To improve your chances of approval, apply early, ensure all forms and documents are accurate, and seek professional legal advice if needed. A solicitor can help avoid common mistakes and guide you through complex requirements.

How Wembley Solicitors Can Assist with UK Family Visa Extensions

At Wembley Solicitors, we offer comprehensive support for family visa extensions. Our services include initial consultations, document preparation, accurate application completion, submission to UKVI, and ongoing communication with immigration authorities.

Our services include:

• Initial Consultation: Assess your circumstances, eligibility, and immigration goals, and explain the application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
• Document Preparation: Guide you in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with UKVI standards.
• Application Form Completion: Assist in accurately completing your visa application forms, offering advice on providing necessary details to avoid delays or refusals.
• Application Submission: Organise and submit your application to UKVI, ensuring all documents are included, fees are paid, and deadlines are met.
• Communication with the Home Office: Act as your intermediary with UKVI, handling correspondence, requests for further information, and enquiries on your behalf.
• Follow-Up and Monitoring: Track the progress of your application, provide updates, and liaise with authorities to resolve any issues or expedite processing where possible.

By working with Wembley Solicitors, you benefit from professional guidance at every stage of your UK family visa extension, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Contact Wembley Solicitors in London at 020 3417 3700 or complete our enquiry form for professional guidance on your UK family visa extension.

Get Expert Help from UK Family Visa Solicitors

For professional guidance on your UK family visa extension, contact Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 or complete our online enquiry form. Our team can provide personalised advice and support to help ensure a smooth and successful application.