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Spouse Visa Extension

You can apply for a Spouse visa extension UK before the expiration of your current spouse visa. It permits a person to stay in the UK for an additional three years.

Keep your love story alive, while we take care of the paperwork. Let us handle your Spouse Visa Extension, so you can stay together, legally. Contact us at 02033844389 for immediate, personalised assistance.

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Overview of UK Spouse Visa Extension

A spouse is defined as ‘a husband or wife, considered in relation to their partner.’

If you are currently living in the UK on a Spouse or Civil Partner Visa, after 30 months, you can apply for a spouse visa extension UK.

For the spouse visa extension, you must show that you have been in a real relationship with your husband or partner and plan to continue living together in the UK. These requirements are the same as for the original husband’s Visa.

Applicants will also usually need to show proof that they and their spouse or partner make at least £29,000 a year as of 2025. Check out the information below to learn everything you need to know about renewing your spouse’s visa after 2.5 years.

What are the UK Spouse Visa Extension Requirements?

In order to be eligible for an extension spouse visa UK, you will need to ensure that you still meet the same requirements that you met when you were granted your original Spouse Visa.

In addition to meeting the UK spouse extension requirements, you would have to satisfy the Home Office that you;

  • have a genuine subsisting relationship with your partner (demonstrated by specified evidence)
  • continue to meet the financial requirements
  • are able to pass a CEFR A2 English test
  • Getting things right the first time is imperative to avoid your existing visa expiring.
  • Furthermore, failure to maintain continued residence is likely to cause significant issues when attempting to achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain.


Our specialist team is able to help you navigate the pitfalls of the UKVI requirements and ensure that your spouse visa UK extension application is correctly prepared to promote the right outcome the first time around.

Speak to our immigration solicitors now to confirm your eligibility and options for free on 02033844389.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How do I Understand the Relationship Requirement?

If you want to extend Spouse Visa UK, you will have to show proof that you are truly in a relationship. Applicants must include a civil partnership or marriage licence that is valid in the UK with their application. If the person is not married or in a civil partnership with their partner, they will need to show proof that they have been dating their partner for a long time.

Furthermore, applicants will need to show more proof to show that they have been living with their partner throughout their time in the UK.

You can show proof of your connection by showing letters sent to both the applicant and the spouse at the same address.

The Home Office may want to see things like utility bills, bank statements, and council tax bills. Any proof you give must be in its original form, be signed, dated, and written on letterhead.

Finally, you must be able to show that you have been living with your partner while you have been living in the UK and that you plan to continue living with your partner in the UK during the extension time and possibly after that as well.

spouse visa extension
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What are the Spouse Visa Extension Financial Requirement?

Most of the time, Spouse visa users who want to renew their visa will need to give information about how much money they and their partner have.

Here are the most important financial conditions for an extension:

  • The person applying and their British citizen or settled partner must make at least £29,000 a year as of April 11, 2024. By early 2025, that amount will rise to £38,700.
  • As of April 11, 2025, the amount of money needed for children goes up to £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.


A “child” is someone under 18 years old who is not from an EEA country and depends on you or your partner.

Several options are available to meet the financial need, such as:

The extra money you and your partner make from jobs or businesses you run together

  • Savings of £16,000 must add up to at least £29,000 over the 2.5-year grant term. If you only have cash savings, you need to show that you have £88,500 saved (£29,000 x 2.5 + £16,000 = £88,500).
  • State meetings and private ones
  • Maternity benefits
  • Benefits for grieving


Kindly keep in mind that income from some other sources might be okay. The best thing to do is to talk to an immigration expert. Moreover, they can help you figure out what kinds of income will be accepted to meet the requirements.

For any help, or to get information about spouse visa extension rules, call us at 02033844389 to talk to an immigration expert. 


Exemptions from Financial Requirements

The financial standards are an important aspect of most Spouse visa applications, but some people who want to stay in the UK will not have to meet them.

You will not have to satisfy the cash requirement if your partner (sponsor) gets one of the following benefits:

  • Allowance to Live on Disability
  • Allowance for Serious Disabilities
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Allowance for Attendance
  • Payment for Personal Independence
  • Injuries at Work
  • Disability payments 
  • Police Pensions for injuries
  • Payment for living on your own or a guarantee of income under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
  • Allowance for Constant Attendance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What are the Criteria for Character Suitability?

People who want to extend extend UK spouse visa will have to meet character suitability conditions, which is also known as the “good character requirement.” The Home Office will look at both your past immigration background and how you have behaved while you have been in the UK.

You won’t meet the character suitability standard if you have broken the law or any rules that came with your UK residency. The Home Office will also look at whether you owe money to the NHS, a court, or another organisation.

You should meet the character suitability requirement if you have lived legally in the UK and have usually been responsible.

What is the English test for the Spouse Visa Extension?

The Home Office changed the English language test for all candidates in 2017.

Because of these changes, people who want to apply for a Spouse Visa will generally have to show proof that they speak and understand English at the A2 level, which the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages sets.

If someone didn’t have to take the English test when they first applied for their Spouse Visa, they might have to when they ask for an extension.

There are several places in the UK where you can take the test. Please be aware that the exam can only be administered at centres that have been certified as Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Providers.

If you don’t take the test at a recognised location, your certificate won’t be accepted, and your claim for an extension will be turned down.

Exemptions from the English Language Test

Some candidates will not have to take the English test.

Among these are:

  • An English-speaking country citizen
  • A person under 18 years old or over 65 years old who has a degree or higher from a UK NARIC-recognized school where they were taught or studied in English
  • Further, a person who has a long-term mental or physical illness
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is the Spouse Visa Extension Form?

The FLR(M) form is what you need to fill out if you want to extend your spouse’s visa after 2.5 years. The application is long, and you need to send in a lot of different kinds of material and documents. You must fill out the FLR(M) form completely and properly. Any mistake, no matter how small, will lead to a refusal.

You have to go to a face-to-face interview if the Home Office thinks you haven’t given them enough proof.


Spouse Visa Extension Documents

For an extension visa UK spouse, you typically need to provide the following documents:

  1. Application Form: Complete and sign the application form for a spouse visa extension.
  2. Passport: Your current passport or travel document.
  3. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If you were issued a BRP for your initial visa, include it.
  4. Proof of Relationship: Evidence of your ongoing relationship with your partner, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence of cohabitation.
  5. Financial Documents: Documents to demonstrate that you meet the financial requirement, including payslips, bank statements, tax returns, employment contracts, and/or evidence of savings.
  6. Accommodation Details: Evidence of suitable accommodation for you and your partner, such as a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
  7. English Language Requirement: If applicable, proof of meeting the English language requirement, such as passing an approved English language test.
  8. Tuberculosis Test Results: If you’re from a country where a tuberculosis test is required.
  9. Other Supporting Documents: Any additional documents requested by the Home Office or that you believe strengthen your application, such as photographs, travel records, or letters of support.
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

UK Spouse Visa Extension Fees

The usual fee to apply for a spouse visa extension is £1,048.  However, other fees might need to be thought about.

Any files or papers that are written in a language besides English or Welsh will need to be translated by a professional. Something else to think about is the cost of taking the English language test if you have to.

An extra £19.20 will be charged for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which is part of the filing process. Moreover, the BRP gets your fingerprints, a picture of your face, and your name, date of birth, and place of birth.

Sponsor Licence Cost
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

UK Spouse Visa Extension Processing Time

The UK spouse visa extension processing time usually takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment under the standard service. Applicants who require a faster decision can opt for the super priority service, which provides a response within 1 working day for an additional fee. Processing times may vary based on case complexity, document verification, and seasonal demand. To prevent delays, ensure your application is complete and all supporting documents meet UKVI requirements. 

The processing time for a UK spouse visa extension can vary depending on various factors such as the country you’re applying from, the volume of applications being processed, and any additional scrutiny your application might undergo. 

Spouse Visa Extension Processing Time for all Stages

Extending a spouse visa typically involves different stages based on the length of time you’ve been in the country.

  1. Initial Spouse Visa: When you first apply for a spouse visa, you might receive permission to stay in the country for a certain period, often 2.5 years. This is usually a probationary period to ensure the relationship is genuine.
  2. Extension After 2.5 Years: Eligibility Criteria for the Spouse Visa Extension after 2.5 years. To be eligible for a Spouse Visa extension, you must meet certain requirements: You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse. You must have sufficient accommodation for you and your dependents.
  3. Spouse Visa 5-year Route Extension: After completing a total of 5 years in the country on a spouse visa (including both the initial 2.5 years and the subsequent extension), you may be eligible to apply for further leave to remain or settlement, depending on the immigration rules of the country. This could lead to permanent residency or settlement status. 

Renewal of UK Spouse Visa

After you have gathered all of your proof and filled out the FLR (M) form, you need to send your application to the Home Office.

After you finish the application and are ready to send it, you must make the full payment. If you do not pay the full amount, your application will be automatically turned down.

Normally, renewing spouse visa UK should not take more than eight weeks to process. On the other hand, the super-priority service can get you an answer much more quickly for most UK visas. This service costs an extra £610 and will handle the renewing application in one business day.

What do I do if I get turned down?

If your application for a spouse visa extension is turned down, you will be told what choices you have on the letter of rejection. If there was a clear reason for the rejection, the best thing to do is to fix the problems on a new application and send it in.

Moreover, f you think your application was turned down unfairly, you can generally appeal the Home Office’s decision. You might be able to do this through an administrative review or an official request for a spouse visa. Moreover, in your letter of refusal, it will say if you can go these paths.

The last choice is to go through a Judicial Review but keep in mind that this takes a long time and is hard to understand.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What should I do next after getting an extension on my Spouse's Visa?

You will be able to stay in the UK for another 30 months (or 2.5 years) if your application for a partner visa extension is approved. This means that you will have lived in the UK for five years by the time the extension runs out.

Next, you would need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain status if you want to live in the UK forever. This is a type of lifelong residence that lets someone live and work in the UK without any trouble.

After living in the UK for a year with Indefinite Leave to Remain, a person can apply to become a British citizen. Also, they will be able to apply for a British visa.

Our offices are in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. If you need help with your Spouse Visa Extension, you can call us there, or use our office finder to find the office closest to you.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Benefits of Choosing UK Immigration Solicitors

Navigating the complex and ever-changing immigration rules demands attention to detail and compliance. Failing to meet these stringent rules could lead to application rejection, causing emotional and financial strain for you and your family.

Additionally, our role is to stay fully informed on the latest immigration rules, policies, and procedures. We provide a clear strategy, outlining steps to achieve the desired outcome. Moreover, with our vast experience, we anticipate and address potential issues proactively.

Our fixed legal fees are agreed upon at the outset, ensuring transparency and control over costs. Unlike many online agencies, we are a fully regulated, multi-award-winning law firm specialising in immigration. With over 60 years of combined expertise and 8,000+ handled cases, our reputation speaks for itself.


Key Features of our Services: 

  • Free Detailed Assessment: Our immigration specialists assess your circumstances and needs.
  • Senior Solicitor Review: A senior immigration solicitor with a minimum of 8 years of experience reviews your information and confirms your options.
  • Agreed Fixed Fee: We provide a transparent quotation for handling your case until the initial conclusion.
  • Personalised Legal Consultation: A senior immigration solicitor conducts a one-to-one consultation, advising on the best way to meet your objectives.
  • Detailed Legal Advice: Written legal advice covers necessary steps, documents, and strategies for success.
  • Document Review and Validation: We review and validate documents to meet UKVI evidence requirements.
  • Legal Arguments and Representations: We prepare legal arguments and representations to support your application.
  • Draft Application: A draft application is shared with you for review before submission.
  • Application Submission: We apply securely as well as keep you updated on its progress.
  • Decision and Implications: We secure a decision on your matter and guide any secondary applications if needed.


To discuss your case with an experienced UK immigration solicitor call 02033844389.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most of the time, a child needs a visa in order to live in the UK. For instance, if their parent is a foreign national working or studying in the country, the child may need a Child Dependant Visa.

Sure, here’s a condensed version:

  1. Proof of genuine relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, joint finances).
    2. Financial stability (e.g., income/savings to support yourselves).
    3. Suitable accommodation evidence.
    4. Payment of immigration health surcharge.
    5. English language proficiency (if required).
    6. Police clearance certificates.
    7. Completed application forms and fees.
    8. Biometric information submission.

The fee for extending a spouse visa (partner visa) after 2.5 years in the UK was £1,523 for online applications made from within the UK. However, fees are subject to change, so it’s crucial to verify the current fee on the official UK government website before applying.

For a spouse visa extension after 5 years in the UK, the fee is £1,033 for online applications made from within the UK, as of my last update in January 2022. However, fees can change over time, so it’s important to check the most up-to-date information on the official UK government website before applying.

The A2 English test is a language proficiency requirement for spouse visa extensions in certain countries, including the UK. Moreover, it assesses the applicant’s ability to communicate in English at a basic level.

The fee for a spouse visa extension in the UK  is £1,033 for online applications made from within the UK. However, it’s essential to verify this information on the official UK government website, as fees can change over time.

There are several steps that non-EU spouses must take to get a UK visa:

  • See if you’re eligible.
  • Pick the right kind of visa.
  • Collect the necessary papers.
  • Fill out the application online.
  • Pay the visa application fees.
  • Make an appointment for biometrics if necessary.
  • Send in your application.
  • Keep waiting for processing.
  • Get a decision.

You must fill out an FLR (M) form in order to be qualified for a UK Spouse Visa extension after 2.5 years in the UK. In most cases, you’ll also have to fulfil these prerequisites:

  • A minimum shared income with your partner of £18.600
  • Proof of an A2 level of English (unless excused)
  • in a real relationship and plan to keep living together in a suitable place
  • Meet the requirements for character suitability, which have to do with your behaviour and character, as well as your past immigration experience.
  • You must have the right immigration status, which means you must be legally in the UK.

Here is a concise checklist for a spouse visa extension:

Proof of genuine relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, joint finances).
2. Financial stability evidence (e.g., income/savings to support yourselves).
3. Suitable accommodation proof.
4. Payment of immigration health surcharge.
5. English language proficiency (if required).
6. Police clearance certificates.
7. Completed application forms and fees.
8. Submission of biometric information.

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