Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: A Complete Guide
Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: A Complete Guide
Blog Article
If you’re living in the UK on a spouse visa (also known as a partner visa), you’ll likely need to apply for an extension after 2.5 years to remain lawfully in the country. The UK spouse visa is initially granted for 30 months, after which visa holders must apply for an extension under the FLR(M) route – Further Leave to Remain as a partner.
This step is vital. Without it, your legal status in the UK will lapse, and it could affect your future right to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
In this blog, Axis Solicitors explains the full process of applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, including eligibility, financial and English language requirements, required documents, common reasons for refusal, and how to avoid mistakes that cost time and money.
Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Visa Extension
To apply for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you must continue to meet the same core requirements as when you were first granted the visa. These requirements ensure that your relationship remains genuine and that you can support yourselves financially without recourse to public funds.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the key eligibility criteria under the FLR(M) category.
1. Relationship Requirements
You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your British citizen or settled partner.
You must also:
- Have lived together continuously since being granted your initial visa.
- Provide evidence of cohabitation across the 2.5-year period (e.g., joint bills, tenancy agreements, correspondence).
- Intend to live together permanently in the UK.
The Home Office scrutinises relationship evidence closely to prevent visa fraud, so it's essential that documentation is consistent and covers the full period.
2. Immigration Status and Residence
You must currently hold a valid spouse visa and be applying before it expires. Overstaying, even by one day, can jeopardise your chances of approval unless there is a compelling reason, such as medical or legal grounds.
You must also have lived in the UK continuously on the spouse visa, except for short, permitted absences (typically not exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period).
3. Financial Requirement
One of the most critical parts of the application is meeting the financial requirement, which proves that you and your partner can support yourselves without relying on public funds.
The minimum gross annual income threshold is:
- £18,600 for the applicant and sponsor (the British/settled partner).
- An additional £3,800 for one dependent child and £2,400 for each additional child (who is not British, settled, or an EEA national).
Income can be from employment, self-employment, non-employment income (such as rental or dividends), savings, or a combination of sources.
We’ll cover this in more depth in the Financial Requirement section later in this guide.
4. English Language Requirement
Applicants must meet the English language requirement by:
- Passing an A2 level English speaking and listening test from an approved provider (this is higher than the A1 level required for the initial visa).
- OR proving that they are from a majority English-speaking country.
- OR holding a degree taught in English (confirmed by NARIC if it’s from a non-UK institution).
This requirement must be met again, even if it was previously satisfied at A1 level.
5. Suitability Requirements
You must not fall for refusal under the suitability grounds, which include:
- Criminal convictions
- False representations or fraud
- Debt to the NHS or unpaid litigation costs
- Threats to national security
The Home Office will run checks across your immigration and criminal history.
6. Adequate Accommodation
You must show that you and your family will have adequate accommodation without overcrowding or relying on public housing.
This includes:
- Private rentals or owned property
- A property provided by family or friends (with consent letters and proof of ownership)
7. Supporting Evidence
All the above must be backed by documentation. A strong application includes a well-organised bundle of evidence covering relationship history, financial support, residence, and English language skills.
The overall eligibility criteria for spouse visa extension can be confusing, for that we at Axis Solicitors are always here to assist you so that you can have a seamless experience. It's better to leave it to the experts.
Application Process for Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M))
Applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years involves completing the FLR(M) (Further Leave to Remain – Marriage) form and submitting a comprehensive portfolio of supporting documents. The process must be carefully followed to avoid delays or refusal.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you need to do.
1. When to Apply
You should apply before your current spouse visa expires—ideally within the final 28 days of your current 2.5-year period. Applying too early may reduce your time on the visa and affect your ILR eligibility in future. Late applications risk rejection unless there’s a valid reason, such as medical issues.
2. Complete the Online FLR(M) Form
Applications for FLR(M) are submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The form includes questions about:
- Your relationship history
- Financial situation
- Employment status
- Current accommodation
- Travel and immigration history
- Dependants (if applicable)
It’s vital to answer truthfully and consistently, as discrepancies can lead to refusal.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a checklist and appointment booking link for your biometric enrolment.
3. Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
As of April 2025, the fees for a spouse visa extension application are:
- Application fee: £1,048
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,560 (for 2.5 years at £624/year)
These are mandatory and must be paid online before your application can proceed. If you cannot afford the fee, you may apply for a fee waiver, but strict criteria apply and it can delay the process.
4. Book and Attend Biometric Appointment
After paying your fees, you must book a UKVCAS appointment (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) to provide your:
- Fingerprints
- Photograph
- Signature
Some centres offer enhanced services for faster processing or out-of-hours appointments, though these incur additional costs.
You may also upload your supporting documents online before attending or choose to have UKVCAS staff scan them for you.
5. Upload Supporting Documents
You’ll need to upload all supporting evidence via the Sopra Steria platform or bring physical documents to your appointment, depending on your preference and the centre's facilities.
The quality and completeness of your documentation significantly impact the outcome. Clear, well-labelled, and logically arranged evidence is key.
We’ll include a full document checklist in the next section to help you avoid omissions.
6. Wait for a Decision
Once you’ve submitted your biometrics and documents, the Home Office will process your application.
Processing Times:
- Standard service: Around 8 weeks
- Priority service: Around 5 working days (for an additional £500)
- Super priority service: Next working day (for an additional £1,000)
During this time, you can usually remain in the UK and continue working under Section 3C leave if you applied before your visa expired.
7. Receive Your BRP (Biometric copyright)
If successful, you’ll receive a new BRP card valid for another 2.5 years under the spouse visa route.
This card confirms your lawful immigration status and is required for work, travel, and accessing public services.
8. Prepare for ILR
Once your extension is granted, you’ll typically be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 5 years on the spouse visa route. Keeping records and maintaining visa compliance during your extension is vital for a successful ILR application. Report this page