Extending a UK Spouse visa after 2.5 years is a critical step toward long-term settlement. As of 2025, understanding the updated fees, eligibility rules, and documentation requirements is more important than ever.
Failing to apply correctly or on time could disrupt your immigration journey. Whether you’re preparing for the next stage of your visa or supporting a partner through the process, this guide offers essential insights into the costs and requirements involved in securing your spouse visa extension.
What Is the UK Spouse Visa and Who Qualifies for an Extension?
The UK Spouse visa is designed to allow individuals to live in the United Kingdom with their spouse or partner who is either a British citizen or has settled status in the UK.
It forms part of the UK Family visa category and is initially granted for 30 months. This visa allows the holder to work, study, and access the NHS, making it one of the more flexible visa routes available.
Eligibility is based on demonstrating a genuine and ongoing relationship, financial stability, English language proficiency, and the intention to reside permanently in the UK.
After 2.5 years, visa holders must apply for an extension if they wish to remain in the country.
UK Family Visa Comparison
| Visa Type | Duration | Eligibility | Work Rights | Path to ILR |
| Spouse Visa | 30 months | Married to or partner of a British citizen | Yes | Yes |
| Unmarried Partner Visa | 30 months | Long-term relationship with a British citizen | Yes | Yes |
| Fiancé Visa | 6 months | Engaged to a British citizen | No | No |
| Parent Visa | 30 months | Parent of a British child | Yes | Yes |
What Are the Conditions of the Initial Spouse Visa?
The initial UK Spouse visa is issued for 30 months (2.5 years) and provides a pathway for couples to establish their life together in the UK.
However, there are specific conditions that visa holders must meet during this period to remain compliant and to qualify for an extension or eventual settlement.
Living with Your Partner in the UK
Spouse visa holders are expected to live with their sponsoring partner in the UK. This requirement forms the foundation of the visa’s intent, which is to support genuine, committed relationships.
The couple must share a residence and maintain daily domestic arrangements together, reflecting a real-life partnership.
Maintaining a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
Throughout the initial visa period, the relationship must remain genuine and ongoing. The Home Office may request evidence to prove that the relationship continues to meet this standard.
Acceptable documentation includes joint financial commitments, communication records, photographs, and testimonies from third parties.
Meeting the Financial Requirement
Applicants must continue to meet the financial requirement initially used to obtain the visa. This usually involves a minimum annual income or sufficient savings.
If the applicant or their partner’s financial situation changes during the 2.5 years, they must still ensure they meet the income threshold at the time of extension.
Access to Work and Public Services
Holders of a Spouse visa are permitted to work in the UK without restriction. They can also access certain public services, including NHS healthcare, which is covered through the Immigration Health Surcharge paid at the time of application.
Path to Visa Extension and ILR
After 2.5 years, visa holders can apply for an extension of an additional 30 months. Successfully extending the visa keeps the individual on the five-year path toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which offers permanent residence in the UK.
Why Is the Spouse Visa Extension Application Important?
The Spouse visa extension plays a critical role in maintaining lawful residence in the UK. Missing this step could result in losing immigration status and disrupting long-term settlement plans.
Ensures Continuity of Legal Residency
Applying for an extension before the visa expires ensures there are no gaps in legal status. If the visa holder overstays, even by a short time, it could affect future applications, including ILR and British citizenship.
Maintains Access to Work and Services
Submitting a valid extension application enables the applicant to continue working and accessing NHS services while the Home Office processes the application. This continuity is essential for maintaining financial and personal stability in the UK.
Keeps Applicants on the Five-Year ILR Route
The spouse visa operates on a five-year route to settlement. The initial visa is granted for 30 months, and the extension adds another 30 months. Without this extension, the applicant cannot meet the continuous residence requirement needed for ILR.
Prepares for British Citizenship
After obtaining ILR, individuals may apply for British citizenship following 12 months of settled status. The visa extension is, therefore, a vital milestone on the path to becoming a British citizen.
Protects Future Immigration Opportunities
Failing to extend the visa can result in immigration breaches that lead to bans, refusals, or loss of status. A successful extension not only protects current residency rights but strengthens any future applications the individual may make.
When Should You Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension?
Applicants should apply for their Spouse visa extension before the current visa expires. It is possible to apply up to 28 days before the expiry date.
Applying within this window ensures that any time remaining on the existing visa is not lost and can be added to the new grant of leave.
Missing the deadline to apply can result in overstaying, which is a serious immigration breach. Individuals who overstay may face removal, a ban on re-entry, or difficulties obtaining future visas.
Visa Application Timeline
| Stage | Description |
| Application Window | Up to 28 days before visa expiry |
| Visa Expiry Date | Last valid date of current visa |
| Standard Processing Time | Usually 8 weeks |
| Decision Notification | Expected via email or post once processed |
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years?
The eligibility criteria for a Spouse visa extension largely mirror the requirements for the initial visa. However, there are some distinctions, especially concerning financial and cohabitation evidence.
Applicants must prove:
- The relationship is still genuine and subsisting
- They have lived with their partner in the UK since the visa was granted
- The financial requirements are still being met
- They meet the required English language proficiency level
- They do not fall under any of the Home Office’s suitability grounds for refusal
What Are the Financial Requirements for the Spouse Visa Extension?
The financial requirement is one of the most scrutinised aspects of the application. As of 2025, the minimum income threshold depends on when the initial visa was granted.
If the initial visa was granted before 11 April 2024, the minimum income remains at:
- £18,600 per year for the applicant alone
- £3,800 for the first dependent child
- £2,400 for each additional dependent child
If the visa was granted after 11 April 2024, the new threshold of £29,000 applies, without the additional charges for dependants.
For extensions, the combined income of the applicant and their partner can be used. Acceptable sources of income include:
- Salaried employment
- Non-employment income (e.g. rental income)
- Cash savings (above £16,000, held for at least 6 months)
- Pensions
- Self-employment income (requires additional documentation)
Applicants must provide bank statements, payslips, and employer letters covering a minimum of six months prior to the application date.
How Do English Language Requirements Apply to Extensions?
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at A2 level in speaking and listening, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is a higher level than the A1 requirement for the initial Spouse visa.
Accepted methods of meeting this requirement include:
- Passing a SELT from an approved UKVI test centre
- Holding a degree taught in English (confirmed by Ecctis if awarded outside the UK)
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Applicants aged 65 or over, or those with long-term physical or mental conditions preventing language learning, may be exempt from this requirement. Medical evidence is required in such cases.
If a valid A2 certificate was provided during a previous visa application and remains accepted under current rules, it may be reused.
What Are the Character and Suitability Requirements?
The Home Office reviews applications under the suitability provisions of Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
Although there is no formal “good character” requirement for this visa, certain factors can lead to refusal.
These include:
- Unspent criminal convictions
- Previous immigration breaches
- False statements or deception in applications
- Unpaid NHS debts
- Threats to national security
Applicants must disclose all relevant history. Providing incomplete or misleading information may result in a refusal and could impact future immigration prospects.
What Residency and Relationship Stability Requirements Must Be Met?
Applicants must demonstrate that they have resided continuously and lawfully in the UK on the Spouse visa. The Home Office requires proof of ongoing cohabitation and commitment between the couple.
Evidence typically includes:
- Joint tenancy agreements
- Utility bills or council tax in both names
- Joint bank accounts
- Travel itineraries or shared travel expenses
- Photographs and personal communication records
Letters from friends, family, or professionals who can verify the relationship may also support the application. Relationship stability is evaluated over the entire 30-month period.
What Documents Are Needed for a Spouse Visa Extension in 2025?
A successful application relies on complete and accurate documentation. The following documents are typically required:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Original marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of shared residence (utility bills, council tax, rental agreements)
- Financial documents (bank statements, payslips, P60s, employment letters)
- English language test results or academic proof
- Relationship evidence (photos, communication, joint activities)
Required Documents Table
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
| Passport | Identity and nationality verification | Must be valid |
| Marriage Certificate | Proof of legal relationship | Original or certified copy |
| Cohabitation Proof | Evidence of shared living arrangements | Must span the visa period |
| Financial Evidence | Confirmation of income threshold compliance | Must cover six months minimum |
| Language Proficiency | Meeting A2 English requirement | Test certificate or degree proof |
How Do You Apply for a UK Spouse Visa Extension?
The application process is completed online through the UKVI website. Applicants must also attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
Key steps in the application process:
- Verify eligibility criteria are met
- Gather all necessary documentation
- Complete the online FLR(M) form
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book and attend a biometric appointment
- Upload supporting documents
- Await a decision from the Home Office
Applicants are permitted to stay in the UK under the same conditions while a decision is pending, provided they applied before the visa expiry.
What Are the Current Spouse Visa Extension Fees in 2025?
The financial costs of extending a Spouse visa are significant and include mandatory government fees and possible optional services.
Fee Breakdown Table
| Fee Type | Description | Amount |
| Application Fee (within the UK) | FLR(M) form processing fee | £1,321 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year for 2.5 years | £2,587.50 |
| English Test (if applicable) | SELT test for A2 level proficiency | Up to £150 |
| Certified Document Translations | Translation of documents not in English | Up to £300 |
| Legal or Adviser Fees (optional) | Assistance from immigration professionals | Varies |
It is advisable to consult the UK Home Office website for the most accurate and updated fees, as these are subject to periodic review.
What Common Challenges Arise During the Spouse Visa Extension Process?
The extension process can present a variety of challenges. Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Providing insufficient proof of relationship continuity
- Failing to meet the correct financial threshold
- Submitting outdated or missing documentation
- Misunderstanding the application timeline or processing delays
Careful preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements are essential. Using a checklist and reviewing each section of the application for completeness can significantly improve the chances of approval.
Some applicants benefit from legal advice, particularly in complex cases involving children, blended families, or previous visa breaches.
Conclusion
Applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and full awareness of the latest fee structure.
With the 2025 changes to immigration rules and rising costs, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Meeting the financial and language requirements, proving cohabitation, and submitting a strong application are key to securing your future in the UK.
For many couples, this extension marks a significant milestone on the journey to permanent residency and British citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the earliest I can apply for a Spouse visa extension?
You can apply up to 28 days before your current visa expires.
Can I work while waiting for my extension decision?
Yes, if you applied before your visa expired, your rights continue under the same conditions.
Do I need to retake the English test for an extension?
Only if your previous certificate has expired or was below A2 level.
What happens if I submit the wrong documents?
Your application may be delayed or rejected. Ensure all evidence is current and valid.
Can I travel while my extension is being processed?
Travelling outside the UK during processing may be risky and could void your application.
Will a criminal record affect my Spouse visa extension?
Yes, serious or undeclared criminal records can lead to refusal.
How can I prove my relationship is genuine?
Through joint documents, communication history, travel records, and personal statements.
