If you are in the UK on a Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa, after spending 2.5 years in the country, you will need to apply for a visa extension to continue your stay. This is an essential step for individuals who want to eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and settle permanently in the UK. The visa extension process can seem daunting, but this guide will cover everything you need to know, including fees, requirements, and how to successfully extend your UK Spouse Visa after 2.5 years.
What is a Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years?
A spouse visa extension allows those who have completed the initial 2.5 years (30 months) on a UK Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa to continue living in the UK with their British or settled partner. This extension is granted for another 2.5 years and is necessary to meet the 5-year residency requirement for applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Spouse Visa Extension Requirements After 2.5 Years
To extend your UK Spouse Visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements. These requirements ensure that your relationship is genuine, you have sufficient financial stability, and you meet other legal criteria.
1. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
- You must continue to prove that your marriage or partnership is genuine and ongoing. This can be done by providing evidence of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities, such as utility bills, joint bank statements, and tenancy agreements.
- You must still be married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship akin to marriage with your partner.
2. Financial Requirement
- Just like the initial spouse visa, you must meet the minimum income threshold. Your sponsor (British or settled partner) must earn at least £18,600 per year. If you have dependent children, this threshold increases:
- £22,400 for one child
- An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child
- You can meet the financial requirement through employment income, self-employment, savings, or a combination of these.
3. English Language Requirement
- The applicant must pass an English language test at A2 level or higher from an approved provider, unless they are exempt due to being from a majority English-speaking country or holding a degree taught in English.
4. Accommodation Requirement
- You must provide proof that you have adequate accommodation for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents, without relying on public funds. This could be demonstrated through a tenancy agreement, mortgage documents, or proof of property ownership.
5. Immigration Status
- The applicant must currently be in the UK on a valid Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa and must submit the extension application before their current visa expires.
Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years Fees
The fees associated with extending your UK Spouse Visa are as follows:
- Application Fee: £1,048 if you apply from within the UK. This fee is per applicant, so if you have children applying as dependents, you’ll need to pay additional fees for each child.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year. For a 2.5-year extension, this will amount to £1,560 per person. The IHS provides you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Priority Processing Fee (optional): If you wish to expedite your application, you can pay for the priority service, which costs an additional £500. This typically speeds up the decision time to 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service (optional): For those needing an even faster decision, the super-priority service costs an additional £800, with a decision usually made within 24 hours.
It’s important to remember that these fees are non-refundable, so ensure all your documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.
Documents Required for Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years
When applying for a spouse visa extension, you’ll need to submit a range of supporting documents to prove you meet the eligibility criteria. These may include:
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Photos, communication records (emails, messages) showing an ongoing relationship
- Proof of cohabitation, such as utility bills, joint tenancy agreements, or council tax documents for at least 2 years
- Financial Documents:
- Payslips from the past 6 months
- Bank statements showing income
- Employer letter confirming employment and salary
- Proof of savings, if applicable
- English Language Proof:
- A certificate showing you’ve passed an approved English language test (A2 level) or proof of an exemption.
- Accommodation Documents:
- Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from the landlord confirming your living arrangements.
- Applicant’s Immigration Documents:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable
- Passport and current visa
Spouse Visa Extension Processing Time
The processing time for a spouse visa extension can vary depending on the service you choose. Here are the typical processing times:
- Standard Service: 8 weeks from the date of submission.
- Priority Service: 5 working days, for an additional fee.
- Super Priority Service: 24 hours, for a higher fee.
During the processing period, you will likely be required to attend a biometrics appointment, where you’ll submit your fingerprints and photograph. This is typically done at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After Spouse Visa Extension
Once you have spent a total of 5 years on a UK Spouse Visa (2 initial years plus 2.5 years after extension), you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). ILR allows you to stay in the UK indefinitely without any visa restrictions. To apply for ILR, you must meet the following conditions:
- Prove your relationship is still genuine and subsisting.
- Meet the financial requirements.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British customs, laws, and traditions.
- Pass a higher-level English language test (B1 level).
Once you have ILR, you can live and work in the UK without time restrictions, and you may eventually be eligible for British citizenship.
Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Extension Application
- Submit Complete Documentation: One of the most common reasons for visa refusals or delays is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Double-check that you have provided all the required documents and that they are up-to-date.
- Plan Ahead for the Financial Requirement: Ensure that you meet the financial threshold well in advance of your visa application. If you’re relying on savings, ensure the funds have been in your account for at least 6 months.
- Use Priority Services if Time is Limited: If your current visa is close to expiring or you need a quicker decision, consider using the priority or super-priority service to speed up the process.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your application is complex, such as in cases of previous refusals, legal issues, or financial complications, consider seeking advice from an immigration lawyer to improve your chances of success.
Conclusion
Applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years is an important step in the process of eventually settling in the UK. By ensuring that you meet all the requirements, submitting the correct documentation, and staying informed about the fees and processing times, you can increase the likelihood of a successful extension. With the right preparation, you’ll be one step closer to obtaining indefinite leave to remain and securing your long-term future in the UK with your partner.
