If you’ve been living in the UK on a spouse visa, you’ll need to apply for an spouse visa extension after 2.5 years to continue your stay legally. This process is crucial for those who plan to settle in the UK with their British or settled partner and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). In this guide, we will walk you through the spouse visa extension process, including the necessary documents, eligibility criteria, and fees for 2024.
The UK spouse visa is initially granted for 2.5 years (30 months), after which you must apply for an extension. The spouse visa extension is necessary to fulfill the minimum residency requirement of five years before applying for ILR. Without the extension, your legal stay in the UK could be jeopardized, and you may face difficulties with future immigration applications.
To apply for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you must meet several criteria:
Genuine Relationship: You must continue to prove that your relationship with your British or settled partner is genuine and subsisting. This can be demonstrated through joint documents such as utility bills, rent agreements, and shared financial responsibilities.
Financial Requirement: You and your partner must meet the financial threshold, which is a combined income of at least £18,600 annually. If you have dependent children, the financial requirement increases:
£22,400 for one child.
An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.
English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate that you can speak and understand English by passing an approved language test (unless you are from an exempt country or have a degree taught in English).
Accommodation: You must show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK without needing public funds.
Continuous Residence: You must have continuously lived in the UK on a spouse visa for the past 2.5 years without breaching immigration laws.
When applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you will need to provide the following documents:
Valid Passport: Your current passport and any previous passports used to travel to the UK.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If you have been issued a BRP, this must be provided.
Proof of Relationship: Documents like marriage or civil partnership certificates, photographs, joint bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements.
Financial Evidence: Payslips, bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), and employer letters to demonstrate the required income.
English Language Test Certificate: If applicable, you must provide proof that you have met the English language requirement.
Proof of Accommodation: Documents showing that you and your partner live together, such as a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
The cost of applying for a spouse visa extension in 2024 includes several components:
Application Fee: The current fee for a spouse visa extension application in 2024 is £1,048. This fee covers the processing of your application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year. For the 2.5-year extension, you will need to pay £1,560 upfront for the IHS.
Biometric Appointment Fee: When attending a biometric appointment, you may be required to pay a fee, typically around £19.20 to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Optional Priority Service: If you wish to expedite the processing of your application, you can opt for the priority service, which costs an additional £500. This ensures a faster decision, usually within 5 working days.
Here are the steps to apply for your spouse visa extension after 2.5 years fees 2024:
Online Application: Visit the official UK government website and complete the FLR (M) form. This is the form used to apply for a spouse or partner visa extension. Make sure all the information is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.
Pay the Fees: Once you complete the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Book a Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Submit Supporting Documents: You can upload your supporting documents online through the UKVCAS system. You may also be required to bring originals to your biometric appointment.
Wait for a Decision: After your biometrics are submitted and your application is complete, you will receive a decision within 8 weeks (standard processing time) unless you have chosen the priority service.
Double-Check Financial Requirements: Ensure that you meet the financial threshold and have the necessary proof. This is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals.
Keep Documents Up-to-Date: Ensure that all joint documents (bills, bank statements, etc.) are up-to-date and show a consistent address and shared finances over the past 2.5 years.
English Language Test: If you need to take the English test, book it in advance to avoid delays.
Applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years is an important step in your journey towards permanent residency in the UK. By following the eligibility criteria, preparing the right documents, and paying the relevant fees, you can increase your chances of a successful application. With the right preparation, you can continue to build your life in the UK with your partner.