Spouse Visa Extension / Renewal
To stay with your partner after your UK spouse visa expires, you must apply for an extension.
The spouse visa extension / renewal application can be just as rigorous and demanding as your initial visa application. You will again be required to evidence that you continue to meet the visa eligibility requirements in respect of your relationship and finances.
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Page Content
- What is Spouse Visa Extension / Renewal?
- What are the relationship requirements for spouse visa extension?
- What is the financial requirements for a Spouse Visa extension or Partner Visa extension?
- What is the English language requirement for spouse visa extension?
- What are the required documents for Spouse Visa Extension?
- What sources of income can be provided for Spouse Visa UK?
- How to apply for spouse visa extension?
- What is the fee for spouse visa extension?
- What to do if spouse visa extension is refused?
- What happens if my application for a Spouse Visa extension is approved?
What is UK Spouse Visa Extension / Renewal?
If you hold a UK spouse visa and your period of leave is about to expire, you must apply for an extension in order to live in UK with your partner.
The application for a spousal visa extension can be as rigorous and demanding as the initial visa application. You will be required to provide additional evidence that you continue to meet the visa eligibility requirements for your relationship and finances.
If your spouse extension visa application is approved, you will be granted an additional 30 months to remain in the United Kingdom. After five years of qualifying residency, you will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
What are the relationship requirements for spouse visa extension?
Your spouse must be either:
- British Citizen
- someone with indefinite leave to remain, permanent residence
- Someone refugee status, or humanitarian protection in the UK.
If you’re unmarried, you must prove you’ve been in a relationship like a marriage or civil partnership for two years.
You must also show that you have lived with your spouse throughout your UK residency and intend to do so for the entire extension period and even beyond.
What is the English language requirement for spouse visa extension?
Under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, spouse visa extension applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in speaking and listening at the A2 level.
You can also demonstrate your English proficiency by taking an authorised speaking and listening test.
The English language requirement is waived if
- you are 65 or older,
- a citizen of an English-speaking country or
- if you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting it.
What is the financial requirements for a Spouse Visa extension or Partner Visa extension?
If you’re applying for an extension of a spouse visa in the United Kingdom, you and your partner must have a combined annual income of at least £18,600. This amount increases to £22,400 if you have one child, and an additional £2,400 for each additional child.
A “child” is defined as a dependent under the age of 18. This minimum income threshold can be met through your partner’s salary or self-employment income, or through your own income if you have permission to work in the UK.
You can also use a combination of sources, such as a pension and maternity benefits, or savings of over £16,000 in place of income. If your spouse or civil partner receives certain benefits or allowances, like Disability Living Allowance or Carer’s Allowance, you may not need to meet the financial requirement.
It’s important to note that meeting the minimum income threshold is just one requirement for extending a spouse visa in the UK. Other factors, such as the length of your relationship and your plans for the future in the UK, may also be taken into consideration.
It’s advisable to seek professional advice for your specific situation to renew spouse visa uk, as other sources of funds may be acceptable.
Our law firm specializes in handling spouse visa extensions. With years of experience and a team of dedicated immigration attorneys, we are equipped to guide you through the process and help you successfully extend your spouse visa. Contact us for personalized assistance and peace of mind.
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What are the required documents for Spouse Visa Extension?
You must submit your current and previous passports, travel documents, and Biometric Residence Permit to renew your spouse visa.
The specific documents required will depend on your personal situation, but you should generally include the following to demonstrate you meet visa requirements:
- Documentation of your identity, such as a passport
- Proof of your spouse’s UK status, such as indefinite leave to remain, is required.
- Proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation for the duration of your UK residency, as well as correspondence, are required (e.g. utility bills, with both addressees)
- Proof of meeting the financial requirement, such as pay stubs or bank statements proving savings or income
- If applicable, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency, such as a degree certificate or a certified English language test certificate.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as a divorce certificate to prove that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended.
What sources of income can be provided for Spouse Visa UK?
To satisfy the minimum income requirement for your application for a UK Spouse Visa, you may use:
- Savings over £16,000
- Employment or self-employment earnings
- Pay for maternity, paternity, adoption, or illness
- Pensions
- Other income sources, such as rent or stock dividends
If your partner is applying from outside the UK, they can contribute to the total income amount with their savings, but not their earnings. However, if they are employed in the UK, their income can be included.
It’s also possible to meet the requirement by combining earnings and savings. It’s important to remember that you must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial support for the entire length of the permit.
To calculate the amount of savings you’ll need, subtract any other qualifying income from the minimum requirement, multiply the result by 2.5, and then add £16,000.
How to apply for spouse visa extension?
You should apply online for a spouse visa extension (Form FLR-M) before the expiration of your current UK spouse visa. Ensure that you have compiled all the necessary supporting materials and have all the necessary information on hand.
You will be required to provide information about your spouse or partner, including the nature of your relationship with them, as part of the application process.
You may be invited to an interview if, for instance, you have been unable to provide the Home Office with all the required evidence.
The application will not be accepted until the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge have been paid.
What is the fee for spouse visa extension?
The fee for extending a spouse visa from within the United Kingdom is £1,175. (at January 2023).
Registering your biometric information (£19.20 as of January 2021), taking the English language test (if applicable), and translating documents into English are additional costs.
Additionally, you may be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is a mandatory fee that grants you access to the National Health Service for the duration of your leave as a spouse visa holder in the United Kingdom.
You may be able to pay an additional fee for expedited application processing. Priority and super priority service processing has been impacted by COVID, and applicants are advised to confirm the availability of premium services prior to submitting an application.
What to do if spouse visa extension is refused?
The Home Office will send you a decision letter outlining the reasons for refusal. In the majority of instances, these are minor errors that can be corrected and the application resubmitted.
There is no right to appeal a refusal to extend a spouse’s visa. If you think the Home Office made a mistake, you can ask for a “Administrative Review” or, in more serious cases, a Judicial Review.
You should seek legal counsel as soon as possible after receiving a refusal from the Home Office, as strict time restrictions apply when appealing a decision.
What happens if my application for a Spouse Visa extension is approved?
After a spouse visa extension is granted, the individual with the visa can continue to live and work in the UK for the duration of the extension.
They will also have access to public services, such as healthcare and education, during this time. It’s important to note that the spouse visa extension does not automatically lead to indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency) in the UK.
After a certain amount of time, typically 5 years, the individual may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain. However, there are specific requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for indefinite leave to remain, such as passing the “Life in the UK” test and demonstrating sufficient knowledge of English.
It’s advisable to seek professional guidance on the process for applying for indefinite leave to remain.
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Related Visas to UK Spouse Visa
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UK Spouse Visa Extension
A UK Spouse Visa Extension is a request to extend the validity of a Spouse Visa that has already been granted. A Spouse Visa Extension allows you to continue living and working in the UK with your spouse or partner beyond the initial period of validity of your visa.
Read more on UK Spouse Visa Extension
ILR on the Basis of UK Spouse Visa
To be eligible for ILR on the basis of a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet certain criteria, including being married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person, being able to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, and having sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.
Read more on ILR on the basis of UK Spouse Visa
UK Spouse Visa Refusal
A UK Spouse Visa refusal is a decision by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to deny an application for a UK Spouse Visa. A Spouse Visa refusal can occur for a variety of reasons, including failure to meet the eligibility criteria, incomplete or incorrect application documentation, or insufficient evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse or partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are the Requirements for extension/renewal of Spouse Visa UK?
Nexis Law has qualified Immigration Lawyers who can assist you with your visa application process. This may include detailed advice, helping your choose the right visa route. We then fill out forms, preparing supporting documents, and submitting your application to the Home Office.
What is the minimum income required to extend a Spouse Visa UK?
The Home Office established the minimum income considered necessary to sponsor your partner or spouse to enter the United Kingdom in July 2012 at £18,600.
How to extend spouse visa?
You apply online and submit evidence of your qualifying relationship, financial status, and English proficiency.
When can I apply to extend my spouse visa?
You can apply for an extension of spouse visa 28 days before your visa is due to be expired.
What is the English language requirement for extension of Spouse Visa UK?
If you are applying for an extension of a UK spouse visa, you must pass the A2 English language test from an approved test centre. You may be exempt from this requirement if you are from an English-speaking country.
What happens to a UK Spouse Visa in case of divorce?
If you decide to dissolve your relationship or divorce your spouse, you must notify the Home Office of your divorce or separation.
You must either apply to stay or leave the UK ASAP.
Contact Nexis Law for the support you need.