If you are a UK spouse visa holder and your period of leave is due to expire, you will need to apply for a spouse visa extension to remain in the country with your partner.
Spouse visa extension: Eligibility Criteria.
Relationship requirement for spouse visa extension
The applicant will need to prove that they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with their spouse who is either:
a British citizen
someone who is present and settled in the UK, with either indefinite leave to remain or proof of permanent residence
a person with refugee status or who has been granted humanitarian protection in the UK
The applicant will need to prove that they have been living with their spouse for the duration of UK residency and intend to live together indefinitely.
Financial requirement for spouse visa extension.
The applicant and their partner must show that they have an annual combined income of £18,600 or cash savings of £62,000. If the applicant has dependent children as part of their spouse visa extension, there are additional charges. For the first child, the applicant will need an extra £3,800 in gross annual income and £2,400 for each additional child.
Language Requirement for spouse visa extension.
The applicants will have to show they meet a standard of A2 level in English speaking and listening. There are a number of exceptions to these requirements. Applicants are advised to consult our immigration team for more details
Conditions of Stay on spouse visa.
Successful applicants will be granted a further 30 months to stay in the UK, at the end of which they will become eligible to apply for settlement, known as indefinite leave to remain.
However, to qualify for settlement the holders of this visa cannot be outside of the UK for more than 180 days in any given year.
Spouse visa extension: how to Apply and fees.
The application must be made online. It costs £1,033 to apply from inside the UK and £1,523 to apply in the UK. The healthcare surcharge fee (£624 per year) and biometric information fee (£19.20) must be paid separately. The decision is usually made within 8 weeks. Individuals may opt for the premium service (paid separately) to get a faster decision.
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A Spouse visa allows you to enter or remain in the UK as a partner. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements.
Your partner must be:
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