What is the UK Spouse Visa Extension?

@dejetog 2025-01-14T20:25:45.000000Z 字数 5245 阅读 25

A Complete Guide to Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years in the UK: Process and Fees for 2024

For those on a spouse visa in the UK, the 2.5-year mark is an important milestone. At this stage, visa holders must apply for an extension to continue living with their partner in the UK. This extension, also known as Further Leave to Remain (FLR), allows individuals to extend their stay for an additional 30 months. In this article, we'll explore the key details of the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years , including eligibility requirements, fees for 2024, and what to expect during the application process.

The spouse visa extension is a mandatory step for those who have been living in the UK for 2.5 years (30 months) on their initial spouse or partner visa. The extension application is submitted to the Home Office, and once granted, it allows you to remain in the UK for another 30 months. After completing five years on a spouse visa, individuals may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which leads to permanent residency in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements for the Spouse Visa Extension

To successfully apply for the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria. These include:

1. Relationship Requirements:

You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner who is either a British citizen or settled in the UK.
You and your spouse must continue living together in the UK.

2. Financial Requirements:

You and your partner must meet the minimum income threshold, which is currently £18,600 per year for couples without children. If you have children, the threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

3. Accommodation Requirements:

You must provide proof that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK, ensuring there is no overcrowding or violation of housing standards.

4. English Language Requirement:

You must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you met this requirement during your initial spouse visa application, you may need to pass another English test to extend your visa. The required level for the extension is A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

5. Continuous Residence:

You must have lived in the UK continuously on your current spouse visa for the 2.5-year period.

Documents Required for the Spouse Visa Extension

When applying for a spouse visa extension, you will need to provide several supporting documents, including:

A valid passport or other travel documents
Evidence of your relationship with your partner (eg, marriage certificate, joint bills, correspondence addressed to both of you)
Proof of income (eg, payslips, bank statements)
Proof of adequate accommodation (eg, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement)
Proof of English language proficiency
Proof of cohabitation (eg, letters or bills showing both your names at the same address)

Spouse Visa Extension Fees 2024

For those applying for a spouse visa extension in 2024, it is important to be aware of the associated costs. The fees are as follows:

1. Home Office Application Fee:

The standard spouse visa extension fee is £1,048. This is the main cost for submitting your application to the Home Office.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application. The current rate is £624 per year. Since the extension is for 2.5 years, you will need to pay £1,560 upfront to cover the healthcare costs for the entire period.

3. Biometric Enrollment Fee:

The biometric enrollment fee is £19.20, which is charged for taking your fingerprints and photographs as part of the application process.

4. Priority or Premium Processing (Optional):

If you want to speed up your application, you can opt for priority service, which costs an additional £500. This reduces the processing time to five working days.
Alternatively, the super-priority service, which costs £800, ensures a decision within one working day.

The Spouse Visa Extension Process

1. Submit Your Application:

You must apply for the spouse visa extension online using the Home Office's FLR (M) form. Ensure that you complete all sections of the form accurately and submit the required documents.

2. Pay the Required Fees:

After completing the online application, you will be prompted to pay the application fee, immigration health surcharge, and biometric fee.

3. Book Your Biometric Appointment:

Once you've submitted your application, you will need to book a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. During the appointment, your fingerprints and photographs will be taken.

4. Wait for a Decision:

Once your biometric data is collected, your application will be processed. Standard applications can take up to eight weeks for a decision, while priority and super-priority services are available for faster processing.

5. Receive Your Decision:

If your application is successful, you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that will confirm your extended leave to remain in the UK for another 2.5 years.

What Happens After the Spouse Visa Extension?

Once your spouse visa extension is granted, you will be able to continue living in the UK with your partner for another 30 months. During this time, you must ensure that you meet the conditions of your visa, including cohabitation, financial stability, and any other requirements. After completing five years (two periods of 2.5 years) on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which offers a pathway to permanent residency.

Conclusion

The spouse visa extension after 2.5 years fees 2024 is a crucial step for those looking to continue their life in the UK with their partner. By meeting the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and paying the required fees, you can successfully extend your stay. Make sure to apply on time and avoid any delays that could impact your immigration status. With the right preparation, the spouse visa extension process can be straightforward, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved one in the UK.