UK Spouse Visa Extension Rules & Requirements

Do you want to extend your Spouse visa? Learn how to apply for a UK spouse visa extension including new rules, requirements, documents and fees.

When applying for a Spouse visa extension, you must meet requirements including a genuine relationship, cohabitation, income thresholds, and English skills.

The extension process can be as challenging as your initial Spouse visa application, requiring proof of relationship, finances, and residency.

The UK Home Office has set out specific requirements and procedures for spouse visa extensions. This guide helps you navigate the extension process successfully.

Need legal assistance with your Spouse visa extension application? Contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What Does a Spouse Visa Extension Mean?

If you hold a UK spouse visa and your current leave is about to expire, you must apply for a spouse visa extension to continue living in the UK with your partner.

A successful spouse visa extension grants you an additional 2.5 years (30 months) in the UK. After five years of continuous residency on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Duration and Timing of Extension

A UK spouse visa is initially granted for 2 years and 9 months. To keep your residency, apply for an extension of 2 years and 6 months before your visa ends. The earliest you can apply for an extension is 28 days before your visa's expiry date.

Eligibility Requirements for a Spouse Visa Extension

After completing an initial 2.5 years on a spouse visa (5-year route), you must meet specific eligibility criteria to extend or renew your UK spouse visa.

To qualify for a spouse visa extension, you must:

• meet financial requirements.
• meet the minimum income threshold (£29,000 per year) or provide sufficient savings.
• meet the genuine and subsisting requirements.
• have lived together continuously in the UK.
• meet the English language requirement.
• have suitable accommodation.
• not have breached any immigration laws while in the UK.
• meet additional requirements depending on your circumstances.

Relationship Requirements for UK Spouse Visa Extension

For a successful spouse visa extension, you must show your relationship is 'genuine and subsisting' with a partner who must either:

• be a British or Irish citizen
• have indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
• have settled status
• have proof of permanent residence
• have protection status
• have permission to stay as a refugee
• have permission to stay as a stateless person

Your relationship must be a legally recognised marriage, civil partnership, or an unmarried partnership proven to be akin to marriage for at least two years.

Here are some common documents you can submit to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship:

• Joint mortgage statement
• Joint tenancy agreement
• Proof of children together, such as a birth certificate
• Photographs showing you've spent time together
• Joint bank account or savings
• Text messages or social media chat logs

Financial Requirement for Spouse Visa Extension

To extend a UK spouse visa, you must meet the minimum financial requirement set by the UK Home Office. This ensures you can support yourself and your spouse without relying on public funds.

When applying for a family visa as a spouse, you and your partner typically need to show a combined annual gross income of at least £29,000.

This minimum income requirement rose from £18,600 to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. This increase means applicants will need to ensure their financial circumstances align with the updated rules before applying.

If you are applying with dependent children, you need to show an extra £3,800 per year for your first child and £2,400 per year for each additional child. Remember, a "child" is anyone under 18 who depends on you financially.

To extend your visa, you and your partner must earn enough:

• £29,000 (as of April 11, 2024)
• £38,700 (expected in early 2025)

If you have dependent children (not British or settled in the UK), you need more money:

• £3,800 for the first child
• £2,400 for each child after that

This income can be from:

• Employment or self-employment (yours or your partner's)
• Savings (above £16,000)
• Other sources like pensions or maternity benefits

Some people don't need to show they have enough money. If your partner gets Disability Living Allowance or Carer's Allowance, you might not need to show income. The Home Office will check if you can live without public help.

English Language Requirement

For a UK spouse visa extension, you must demonstrate that you can read, write, speak, and understand English at a minimum of level A2 on the CEFR scale.

You can meet the knowledge of English language requirements by:

• Passing an approved English test, OR
• Holding a degree taught in English, OR
• Being a citizen of an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).

Some people over 65 years old or with certain health issues might not need to prove their English skills.

Adequate Accommodation Requirements

To extend a UK spouse visa, your accommodation must meet specific government standards. It should be:

• Free from health and safety hazards.
• Adequate in size for the couple.
• Equipped with a separate bedroom.
• Accessible to essential facilities like a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen.
• Located in a safe and suitable area.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful visa extension application.

Since UK immigration rules can be complex, consulting a UK spouse visa solicitor can help ensure your application meets all requirements and improves your chances of approval.

For reliable legal advice and assistance with your UK Spouse visa extension application, contact our immigration solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our enquiry form.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension

To apply for a spouse visa extension, you must submit your application online before your current visa expires. The process begins by completing Form FLR(M) on the UK government website, which requires you to provide essential personal information.

Along with the form, you will need to submit several supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility for the Spouse visa extension. These documents typically include proof of identity, proof of your relationship, financial documents, and an English language certificate if applicable.

Additionally, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photo, which are essential for your application.

Lastly, the application requires payment of the necessary fees. The fee for the Spouse visa extension is £1,258, and you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year, which grants you access to healthcare services while living in the UK. Make sure to complete each step thoroughly to avoid delays in your application process.

Application Process

1. Online Application: Fill out the FLR(M) form on the UK government's website.
2. Document Submission: Prepare and upload all needed documents, like proof of income, English language certification, and accommodation evidence.
3. Biometric Appointment: Go to an appointment to give your fingerprints and photo.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee of £1,258 and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year.

Spouse Visa Extension Form

To apply for a spouse visa extension, you need to complete Form FLR (M) online through the government's website.

If you wish to apply for indefinite leave to remain, you must use a different form, as FLR (M) is not for settlement applications.

Documents Required for Spouse Visa Extension

When applying for a UK Spouse visa extension, you must submit several supporting documents, including your passport, marriage certificate, proof of income and more.

You will need to provide:

• Your valid passport.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.
• Evidence that you meet the financial requirements.
• Proof of adequate accommodation.
• An English language test certificate (unless exempt).
• Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
• Additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

Missing or incorrect documents can result in a Spouse visa refusal. Contact us if you're unsure about the required documents for your Spouse visa extension application.

UK Spouse Visa Extension Fee in 2025

As of 2025, the UK Spouse visa extension application fee is £1,258 per applicant, including for dependent children.

In addition to the application fee, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The IHS costs £1,035 per year.

Please note that visa fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to contact our spouse visa solicitors in London for the most up-to-date information.

What Happens If Your Spouse Visa Extension Application Is Refused?

If your UK Spouse visa extension application is refused, you'll get a refusal letter explaining why. which could be due to financial, accommodation, or English requirements not being met.

Depending on the reason for refusal, you may have the right to appeal the decision. You will typically be informed about how and when to file an appeal.

If an appeal is not possible, you may be allowed to reapply for a spouse visa extension. However, you will need to address the issues that led to the refusal in your new application.

Working with Wembley Solicitors from the beginning of your Spouse visa extension application significantly reduces the chances of refusal.

Wembley Solicitors also assist individuals who have received a spouse visa refusal letter after seeking guidance elsewhere.

If your Spouse visa extension application is refused while you are in the UK, it is important to act without delay. You should either appeal the decision or apply for another UK visa right away, as overstaying can significantly harm your future settlement chances.

Getting a spouse visa extension needs thorough preparation and accurate documentation. Knowing the latest financial, relationship, and language requirements helps. This ensures a smooth application process and moves you closer to permanent residency in the UK.

For expert legal advice, consider talking to an immigration solicitor. They can help improve your chances of success.

How Our Spouse Visa Solicitors Assist with Your Application

Our expert UK immigration solicitors in London assist with all Family and Spouse visa applications.

Step-by-step support from our spouse visa solicitors:

• Expert immigration advice tailored to your case.
• Eligibility assessment for you and your sponsor.
• Step-by-step guidance on the UK Spouse visa extension process.
• Personalised document checklist based on your application.
• Document verification to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Application form completion with detailed cover letters.
• Biometric appointment booking for your convenience.
• Document uploading to support your application.
• Direct liaison with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process.
• Keep you updated with every stage of your application.

Contact our UK Family visa solicitors in Wembley, London on 0203 417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for a Spouse Visa Extension?

Our affordable UK immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee of £1,000 plus VAT for legal assistance with a UK Spouse visa extension application.

Our fixed fee includes all legal services, excluding disbursements, until we receive the Home Office's written decision.

Contact UK Spouse Visa Solicitors in London

Need help with your Spouse visa extension? Contact our spouse visa solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 and let us help you achieve a successful result.