Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: Process and Fees for 2024
If you are in the UK on a spouse visa or partner visa, you will need to apply for an extension after your initial 2.5-year period (30 months) of stay. This extension is necessary to continue living with your spouse or partner in the UK and is a key step towards obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR). In this article, we will cover the process for the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, the required documentation, and the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years fees 2024.
What is a Spouse Visa Extension?
The spouse visa extension allows individuals who have lived in the UK for 30 months on a spouse or partner visa to extend their stay for another 30 months. This extension is critical for those who want to remain in the UK with their British spouse or partner, work, and ultimately apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years.
Who is Eligible for a Spouse Visa Extension?
To apply for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you must meet the following criteria:
Existing Spouse or Partner Visa Holder: You must currently be in the UK on a valid spouse or partner visa.
Ongoing Genuine Relationship: You and your spouse or partner must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship, with the intention to continue living together permanently.
Financial Requirement:
You must meet the financial threshold, which remains at a minimum income of £18,600 per year for the sponsoring spouse. If you have children who are dependent on you, the income requirement increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
You can meet this requirement through earnings, savings, or a combination of both.
Accommodation Requirement: You must have adequate accommodation that meets UK standards, demonstrating that you and your spouse have a place to live together.
English Language Requirement: You must continue to meet the English language requirement. If you passed an English language test for your initial spouse visa, you may need to pass a new test unless you are exempt.
Required Documents for a Spouse Visa Extension
When applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you will need to provide supporting documents to prove that you meet the extension requirements. These include:
- Valid Passport: Both the applicant’s and the sponsor’s passports.
- Proof of Relationship: Documents such as joint bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements, or communication showing that you have lived together since the initial visa was granted.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Payslips, bank statements, or employment contracts from the last six months demonstrating that the financial requirement is met.
- Accommodation Proof: A tenancy agreement or mortgage statement showing that you have suitable accommodation in the UK.
- English Language Test Certificate: If required, a new certificate from an approved test provider or proof of exemption (such as having a degree taught in English).
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension
The process for applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years is as follows:
Online Application: You must complete the application form online, selecting the FLR (M) form, which is for family members applying to remain in the UK.
Pay the Application Fees: Once the application is submitted, you will need to pay the visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, you will be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
Submit Supporting Documents: You will need to upload or send your supporting documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for review.
Decision Waiting Time: It usually takes up to 8 weeks to receive a decision on a spouse visa extension application. However, priority and super-priority services are available for a faster decision.
Spouse Visa Extension Fees 2024
As of 2024, the spouse visa extension fees are as follows:
- Application Fee: The fee for extending a spouse visa from within the UK is £1,048.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the application fee, applicants must pay the IHS, which is £624 per year. For the 30-month extension, this amounts to £1,560.
If you choose to expedite your application, the following optional services are available:
- Priority Service: £500 (decision within five working days).
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 (decision within 24 hours).
Extending a Spouse Visa: Key Considerations
Apply Before Your Visa Expires: You should submit your application for an extension before your current visa expires, but you can apply up to 28 days before the expiry date.
Same Visa Conditions: Upon approval of your extension, you will be granted a further 2.5 years to live and work in the UK under the same conditions as your original visa.
Pathway to ILR: After completing five years (two periods of 2.5 years) on a spouse visa, you will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which grants you permanent residency in the UK.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Spouse Visa Extension
- Failure to Meet Financial Requirements: Make sure that you provide the correct documentation to prove that the income or savings threshold is met.
- Insufficient Proof of Relationship: If you do not provide enough evidence of a genuine relationship, your application may be refused.
- Incorrect or Missing Documents: Double-check all required documents and ensure that they are up to date and complete.
Conclusion
The spouse visa extension after 2.5 years is a crucial step in your journey towards long-term settlement in the UK. Understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and being aware of the spouse visa extension fees for 2024 will help ensure a smooth application process. By meeting the financial, accommodation, and language requirements, you can continue living with your spouse or partner in the UK and work towards obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the future.
