UK Spouse Visa

UK Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: A Complete Guide for 2024

If you're living in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you'll need to apply for an extension before your initial 2.5-year (30 months) visa expires. The Spouse Visa extension allows you to remain in the UK for another 2.5 years and is a crucial step towards eventual indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to extend spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, including eligibility, fees for 2024, and the application process.

Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Visa Extension

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa extension, you and your partner must continue to meet the following conditions:

1. Genuine Relationship: You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse or civil partner, who must be either a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK.

2. Financial Requirement: As with the initial visa application, you and your partner must meet the minimum financial threshold of £18,600 per year. This amount increases if you have children:

   • £22,400 for one child.
   • An additional £2,400 for each child thereafter.

   Evidence of your income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, savings, or other qualifying sources.

3. English Language Requirement: You will need to demonstrate your English proficiency at a higher level than the initial application. You must pass an English language test at level A2 or above, unless you're exempt (e.g., being from an English-speaking country).

4. Accommodation Requirement: You must continue to have adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents.

5. No Recourse to Public Funds: You cannot rely on public funds to support yourself or your family, as this could negatively impact your application.

Required Documents for Spouse Visa Extension

You’ll need to gather several documents to support your Spouse Visa extension application:

• Valid passport and any previous travel documents.
• Evidence of your continuing relationship, such as correspondence, joint tenancy agreements, or bills showing shared responsibility.
• Financial evidence (bank statements, pay slips, tax returns, etc.).
• Proof of accommodation (tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, etc.).
• Evidence of English language proficiency (A2 level certificate or equivalent).
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.

Ensure that all documents are translated into English if required.

Application Process for Spouse Visa Extension

1. Online Application: To extend your Spouse Visa, you’ll need to apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The online application form is called FLR(M) (Further Leave to Remain, Marriage).

2. Biometric Appointment: Once the online form is submitted, you’ll need to book a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. You can either upload your supporting documents online or take them with you to your biometric appointment.

3. Submit Your Documents: Ensure all documents are uploaded or submitted at your biometric appointment. You’ll need to demonstrate that you continue to meet all the requirements.

4. Wait for Decision: Processing times can vary. Standard applications take up to 8 weeks, but priority services are available for faster decisions (typically within 5 working days).

UK Spouse Visa Extension Fees 2024

The fees for a Spouse Visa extension in 2024 are as follows:

• Application Fee (from within the UK): £1,048.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, meaning you’ll need to pay £1,560 for the 2.5-year extension.
• Biometric Fee: £19.20 for providing your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

Additional Costs:

• Priority Service (optional): £500 (for a decision within 5 working days).
• Super Priority Service (optional): £800 (for a decision by the end of the next working day).

These fees are for applications made within the UK. If you’re applying from outside the UK, different fees apply.

Extending for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After successfully completing 5 years (two 2.5-year periods) on a Spouse Visa, you will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). ILR allows you to live in the UK without any time restrictions and is a step toward British citizenship.

Common Challenges and Tips for a Successful Extension

1. Financial Evidence: Be sure to gather sufficient evidence that your income meets the financial requirement. Inconsistent or incomplete documentation is a common reason for delays or refusals.

2. English Language: Ensure you meet the updated English language requirement (A2 level or higher). Failing to pass the test could result in a refusal.

3. Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Applying early can help avoid overstaying, which can impact your future immigration applications.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years fees 2024 is an essential step for non-UK partners looking to continue their life in the UK. By ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements, gather the right documents, and are aware of the costs involved, you can improve your chances of a smooth and successful extension. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, seeking the help of an immigration lawyer can provide peace of mind.