Spouse Visa Extension

If you’re currently in the UK on a spouse visa and it’s about to expire, you’ll need to apply for a spouse visa extension to stay in the country with your partner.

Applying for a spouse visa extension is as challenging as the original visa application. You’ll need to provide proof that you still meet the criteria concerning your relationship and financial status.

A successful spouse visa extension grants you an additional 30 months to stay in the UK. By the end of this period, you should have reached five years of qualifying residency, making you eligible for indefinite leave to remain.

Are you wondering how to prepare your extension application?

Spouse Visa Extension Requirements

When you apply for a spouse visa extension, both you and your partner must be 18 or older, reside in the UK, and live together permanently.

Relationship Requirement

You must show that your relationship with your spouse, who must be:

A British citizen
Someone with indefinite leave or permanent residence
A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

Your relationship must be legally recognized as a marriage, civil partnership, or equivalent to these for at least two years.

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Financial Maintenance Requirement

You and your spouse must have a joint annual income of at least £18,600. If children are involved, the minimum increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional one. Various sources of income can be combined, including cash savings over £16,000.

English Language Requirement

You must prove A2 level English speaking and listening skills. There are exemptions for nationals of English-speaking countries, individuals over 65, or those with certain physical or mental conditions.

Good Character Requirement

You must also meet the good character requirement, which considers factors like immigration breaches or criminal convictions in the UK.

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Exceptional Circumstances

Even if you don’t meet all requirements, you may still apply under specific circumstances, like difficulties living as a couple outside the UK or if leaving would breach your human rights.

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

Apply online before your current visa expires, ensuring all required documents are prepared.

Spouse Visa Extension Fee

The fee is £1033 (as of January 2021), with additional costs for biometric information, English language test, and document translations. Immigration Health Surcharge may also apply, and fast-track processing might be available.

Need Assistance?

Unique Visa Services, specializing in UK immigration, can guide you through the extension process.

Spouse Visa Extension FAQs

Cost: £1033 plus other fees.
When to Apply: Within 28 days of the expiry date.
How to Extend: Complete form FLR (M) online and submit evidence.
Validity: An extension grants another 30 months, leading to eligibility for ILR after a total of 5 years.

By understanding the process and meeting all requirements, you’ll be better positioned to extend your spouse visa and continue living in the UK with your partner.