Before starting your spouse visa extension application, it's important to understand the requirements set by the UK government for a spouse visa extension. Meeting these criteria is key to a successful application.

If you are considering applying for a spouse visa extension, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.

If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

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What is a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years?

You can typically extend your Spouse visa from inside the UK for an additional 2.5 years, after the initial period of 2.5 years (30 months). Applying for a spouse visa extension involves completing specific forms and satisfying specific criteria. 

After living in the UK for five years under the spouse visa (5-year route) category, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), granting you permanent residence in the UK.

If you want to extend your UK spouse visa due to the expiration of your current visa or because you are approaching the 2.5-year mark, contact us today for legal assistance.

Requirements for UK spouse visa extension after 2.5 year

To be eligible for a UK spouse visa extension, you must meet certain requirements:

  • You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse.
  • You and your partner must have a combined income or savings above a certain threshold to ensure you can adequately support yourself without relying on public funds. The exact amount varies depending on your circumstances, such as whether you have children or not.
  • You must have suitable accommodation for you and your family members in the UK.
  • You may need to prove your proficiency in the English language, depending on your nationality.

Depending on the type of your appication and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.

Financial requirements

The sponsor needs to demonstrate a minimum level of income to prove they can financially support their partner without recourse to public funds. The income threshold varies depending on whether there are any dependent children also applying.

Minimum income requirement

According to new rules, from 11th April 2024, you and your partner must meet the minimum income requirement, which is currently set at £29,000 gross per year. 

Suppose the sponsor doesn't meet the income threshold through employment income alone. In that case, they may be able to combine income from other sources, such as self-employment, cash savings, non-employment income, or a combination of these.

English language requirements

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

You can meet the requirements by:

Genuine & subsisting relationship

The UK Spouse visa applicant needs to be able to prove they are in a genuine relationship, such as a civil partnership, with their British citizen or settled partner. There are lots of different types of evidence you can send to the Home Office depending upon your personal circumstances, most common documents which you can provide to meet the genuine relationship test are:

  • A joint mortgage or tenancy agreement, either in the UK or outside the UK.
  • Evidence of any children you have together, such as a birth certificate.
  • Photographs that show you have spent time together frequently.
  • A shared bank account or savings.
  • Text messages or social media chat logs.
  • Travel documents that prove you have visited each other at least once before you got married or have met in person.
  • Any documents which prove that you intend to live together in the UK.

Adequate accommodation requirement

As part of your UK Spouse visa application, you will need to provide proof of accommodation that meets UK living standards.

Your UK national partner, who acts as your sponsor, will need to show that he or she can provide adequate accommodation for themselves, the applicant, and any dependents who intend to live in the UK.

Documents required for spouse visa extension

When you apply for your Spouse visa you must provide:

  • a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
  • biometric residence permit (if you have been issued a BRP)
  • evidence that you are still in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse
  • proof of accommodation such as a tenancy agreement
  • evidence that you meet the financial requirement
  • evidence of English language proficiency

The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.

How to apply for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years?

Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:

  • Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
  • Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
  • Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
  • Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
  • Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
  • Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.

You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.

UK Spouse visa extension processing time

UK spouse visa extension applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK using a standard service.  However, you may be able to use "priority service" to get a faster decision.

The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.

Spouse visa (5-year route) to ILR

After living in the UK for five years under a spouse visa (5-year route), you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), granting you permanent residence in the UK.

If you are considering applying for ILR as a spouse, our team of immigration solicitors will tailor our services to your specific needs. We offer personalised consultations to assess your eligibility, review your documents, and provide thorough guidance on the ILR application process.

How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?

Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:

  • Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
  • Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
  • Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
  • Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
  • Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
  • Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
  • Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.

Contact UK immigration solicitors today

If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.

To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions (UK Spouse Visa Extension)

You can typically extend your spouse visa in the UK for an additional 2.5 years, after the initial period granted.

It's recommended to apply for a spouse visa extension well before your current visa expires. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) advises applying at least 28 days before your visa expires.

Yes, you are usually permitted to work in the UK while on a spouse visa extension, provided you meet the relevant work eligibility criteria.

To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.

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