Extension Of Spouse Visa UK (5 Years Route)

You can apply for extension/renewal of your spouse visa under 5 years route from inside the UK by using application form FLR (M) online prior to the expiry of your initial leave of 2.5 years. As a result of a successful application for extension of your spouse visa under 5 years route, you will be granted further leave to remain for 30 months (2.5 years) to be able to complete 5 years in the UK and thus apply for ILR as a spouse under 5 years route. An application for spouse visa renewal will be considered in accordance with requirements of the Immigration Rules as set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Specialist Spouse Visa Solicitors

The expert team of spouse visa solicitors in London specialise in applications for extension of spouse visa. Our specialist spouse visa solicitors have successfully helped thousands of clients with the applications for extension of spouse visa. Our best team of spouse visa solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable and fixed fee immigration services concerning your application for extension of spouse visa under 5 years route. Ask a question to our expert spouse visa solicitors for free immigration advice or submit an online request to book an appointment for detailed legal advice for your application for renewal of spouse visa under 5 years route.

Requirements for Spouse Visa Renewal After 2.5 Years (5-Year Route) 

To successfully renew or extend a spouse visa under the 5-year partner route, the applicant must meet all eligibility and suitability requirements under Appendix FM: 

1. The applicant must be lawfully in the UK with leave to enter or remain as a spouse of a qualifying UK spouse.
   
2. The application must meet the eligibility requirements in Appendix FM and the suitability requirements in Part Suitability.
   
3. The applicant must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with their UK-based spouse or partner.
   
4. The applicant must continue to meet the financial requirement, with documentary evidence provided in accordance with Appendix FM-SE.
   
5. The applicant must provide evidence of adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds, which the family own or occupy exclusively, and which is not overcrowded or in breach of public health regulations.
   
6. The applicant must meet the required English language requirement at the extension stage.

Spouse Visa Extension Relationship Requirements

To qualify for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years (30 months) under the 5-year route, the applicant must continue to meet the relationship requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules at the date of application. UK Visas and Immigration will assess whether the relationship has remained genuine, subsisting, and ongoing throughout the period of the applicant’s existing leave. 

The relationship requirements for a UK spouse visa renewal include the following: 

• You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the same spouse or civil partner relied upon in your initial spouse visa application. 

• Your spouse or partner must continue to be a British citizen, a person settled in the UK (including holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status), or a person granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. 

• You and your partner must have continued your relationship during the period of your current spouse visa, demonstrating that the relationship has not broken down since the initial grant of leave. 

• You must have lived together as a couple in the UK during the period of your spouse visa, unless there is a reasonable explanation for any period of temporary separation. 

• You and your partner must intend to continue living together as a couple in the UK following the grant of the spouse visa extension. 

UK Visas and Immigration considers the overall stability and continuity of the relationship when assessing a spouse visa extension application, with particular focus on whether the couple have continued their shared life together since the initial grant of leave. 

Financial Requirement for a Spouse Visa Extension

Meeting the financial requirement is an important part of a spouse visa extension application under the 5-year route from inside the UK. 

Calculating the Financial Requirement

The applicant must provide evidence that the financial requirement is met through permitted sources of income and or savings, in accordance with Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules. 

Important transitional clarification:

Where the applicant first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024, transitional provisions apply and the lower income threshold continues to apply at the extension stage in accordance with the Immigration Rules. 

The applicable financial threshold is subject to the Immigration Rules in force at the date of application.

Under transitional provisions, additional child amounts may apply where required under the pre-11 April 2024 rules. Only dependent children who meet the Immigration Rules at the date of application are counted. 

The higher financial requirement for applicants applying with child or children continues to apply until the applicant qualifies for settlement, even if a child turns 18 before then. Once a child turns 18, their income and savings may be counted towards the financial requirement, subject to the Immigration Rules in force at the date of application. 

Where relying only on cash savings with no income, the amount depends on the income threshold: for £29,000 it is £88,500, and for £18,600 it is £62,500 (both follow the Appendix FM formula: £16,000 plus 2.5 times the relevant threshold). The funds must have been held for at least six months immediately before the date of application, under the control of the applicant, their partner, or both jointly, in accordance with Appendix FM-SE. 

When Does Financial Requirement Does Not Apply To A Child?

The financial requirement does not apply to a child who: 

• Is a British or Irish citizen, including an adopted child who has acquired British citizenship; 

• Has pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme; 

• Is settled in the UK, including holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, or qualifies for Indefinite Leave to Enter; 

• Is otherwise permanently settled in the UK; or 

• Qualifies under Part 8 or Appendix Armed Forces of the Immigration Rules in a category where the financial requirement does not apply. 

Meeting The Financial Requirement For Renewal/Extension Of Spouse Visa (5 Years Route)?

According to Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, the applicant must meet:

• the level of the financial requirement applicable to their application; and
• the requirements specified as to:
  (a) the permitted sources of income/savings; and
  (b) the time periods and permitted combinations of sources applicable to each permitted source relied upon; and
  (c) the evidence required for each permitted source relied upon.

Income and cash savings must be in the name of the applicant, their partner or jointly. However, income and cash savings of a dependent child of the applicant can also be included once the child has turned 18 years of age in accordance with the Immigration Rules. All employment or self-employment income must come from working legally. Applicants must derive all income and savings lawfully.

What Are The Various Sources Of Meeting The Financial Requirement?

Where the applicant has to meet the minimum income threshold, the financial requirement can generally be met in the following ways:

• Income from salaried or non-salaried employment of the partner (and/or the applicant if they are in the UK with permission to work). This is referred to as Category A or Category B, depending on the employment history.
• Non-employment income, e.g. income from property rental or dividends from shares. This is referred to as Category C.
• Cash savings of the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant, above £16,000, held by the partner and/or the applicant for at least 6 months and under their control. This is refer to as Category D.
• State (UK or foreign), occupational or private pension of the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant. This is referred to as Category E.
• Where the financial requirement is met solely through cash savings, the required amount depends on the income threshold that applies to the application. If the applicant is covered by the transitional £18,600 financial requirement, they must normally show at least £62,500 in cash savings. If the £29,000 financial requirement applies, they must normally show at least £88,500 in cash savings. The funds must usually have been held for at least six months immediately before the date of application and must meet the specified evidence requirements under Appendix FM-SE. 
• Income from self-employment, and income as a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK, of the partner (and/or the applicant if they are in the UK with permission to work). This is referred to as Category F or Category G, depending on which financial year(s) is or are being relied upon.

Evidence Flexibility For Financial Requirement

Paragraph D of Appendix FM-SE actively outlines how evidential flexibility applie. Under Appendix FM-SE there is discretion for decision-makers to defer an application pending submission of missing evidence or the correct version of it, within a reasonable deadline set for this. Decision-makers will not have to defer where they do not think that correcting the error or omission will lead to a grant.

Decision-makers are also able to grant an application despite minor evidential problems (but not where specified evidence is missing entirely). There is also discretion for decision-makers where evidence cannot be supplied because it is not issued in a particular country or has been permanently lost. Decision-makers have general discretion to request additional information or evidence before making a decision.

Exemption From Financial Requirement For Renewal Of Spouse Visa Under 5 Years Route (Adequate Maintenance)

Where the applicant’s partner is in receipt of any of the following benefits or allowances in the UK, the applicant will be able to meet the financial requirement at that application stage by providing evidence of “adequate maintenance” rather than meeting an income threshold of £18,600 before 11th April 2024 and after 11th April it is £29,000 or above:

• Carer’s Allowance 

• Disability Living Allowance 

• Severe Disablement Allowance 

• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit 

• Attendance Allowance 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

• Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme 

• Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme 

• Police Injury Pension 

• Child Disability Payment  

• Adult Disability Payment  

• Carer Support Payment 

• Pension Age Disability Payment 

• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance 

If the applicant’s partner is in receipt of one of the above benefits or allowances on behalf of their child, the applicant will be able to qualify by meeting the financial requirement through “adequate maintenance”. The evidence required to demonstrate that the applicant’s partner is in receipt of a specified benefit or allowance is specified in Appendix FM-SE.

If You Do Not Meet The Financial Requirement

If you are currently in the UK under spouse visas 5 years route, and you do not meet the financial requirement, you can apply for switching into spouse visa 10 years route from inside the UK. Most applicants who switch from 5 years route to 10 years route will end up applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK under 10 years long residence category once they have lived in the UK continuously and lawfully for at least 10 years. All the time spent in the UK on all kinds of UK visa categories including spouse visa 5 years route and spouse visa 10 years route will be counted towards ILR under 10 years long residence – SET (LR) application.

English Language Requirement For Renewal Of Spouse Visa Under 5 Years Route

The applicant must provide specified evidence that he/she:

1. is a national of a majority English speaking country; or
2. has passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages with a provider approved by the Home Office, UKVI; or
3. has an academic qualification recognised by UK Ecctis to be equivalent to the standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK, which was taught in English; or
4. is exempt from the English language requirement because at the date of application:

• • the applicant is 65 years or over;
  • the applicant has a disability (physical or mental condition) which prevents the applicant from meeting the requirement; or
  • there are exceptional circumstances which prevent the applicant from being able to meet the requirement prior to entry to the UK.

If the applicant previously met the English language requirement at A1 level for their initial spouse visa, they must now meet the higher A2 level requirement for the extension. 

Where an applicant has previously provided acceptable evidence of meeting the English language requirement at A2 level or above, and that evidence remains valid under the Immigration Rules at the date of application, it may be used again for the spouse visa extension. 

Character Requirements for Spouse Visa Extension

When applying for a spouse visa extension under the 5-year route, UK Visas and Immigration will assess the application under the suitability requirements in Part Suitability, as well as the eligibility requirements under Appendix FM. There is no separate “good character” test like British citizenship, but UKVI can still refuse an application if suitability concerns apply. 

A spouse visa extension may be refused if the Home Office considers that the applicant’s conduct, character, or immigration history makes them unsuitable to remain in the UK. This may include: 

• Criminal convictions in the UK or overseas, especially where an offence resulted in a prison sentence or shows serious harm or repeat offending 

• Breaches of UK immigration laws, such as overstaying, working in breach of visa conditions, or failing to follow immigration requirements 

• Deception or dishonesty, including false documents, incorrect information, or failing to disclose relevant facts in a current or previous application 

• Conduct not conducive to the public good, including serious criminality or behaviour that raises public safety or national security concerns 

Minor issues, such as a single minor offence or a fixed penalty notice, do not always lead to refusal. However, applicants must provide full and accurate information. Failure to disclose relevant details may constitute deception and affect both the extension decision and future immigration applications. 

UKVI will consider each application based on its facts and decide whether any suitability issues justify refusal under the Immigration Rules at the date of application. 

Documents Required for Spouse Visa Extension after 2.5 Years(5-year Route)

When applying for a spouse visa extension under the 5-year route, applicants must submit specified documents to demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. 

The required documents depend on your circumstances, but UK Visas and Immigration will expect evidence covering the key areas listed below. 

Identity and Immigration Status

Applicants must provide evidence of their identity and lawful residence in the UK. This normally includes: 

• A valid passport or travel document 

• Evidence of your current immigration status, which may include a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or confirmation of digital immigration status (eVisa). 

These documents allow UK Visas and Immigration to confirm the applicant’s immigration status at the date of application. 

Relationship and Cohabitation Evidence

To demonstrate that the relationship remains genuine and subsisting at the extension stage, applicants are normally required to provide: 

• A marriage or civil partnership certificate 

• Evidence of living together as a couple during the period of the current spouse visa 

The Home Office generally expects cohabitation evidence covering the period since the last grant of leave, showing a shared address. This usually includes joint correspondence such as utility bills, council tax letters, or bank statements addressed to each partner at the same address and spread evenly over time. 

Partner’s Immigration Status

Applicants must provide evidence confirming their partner’s immigration status in the UK. This may include: 

• A British passport, or 

• Evidence of Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or refugee or humanitarian protection status, where applicable 

Financial Requirement Evidence

Applicants must submit documents showing that the financial requirement is met in line with Appendix FM-SE, based on the income source or sources relied upon. This may include evidence of employment, self-employment, savings, pension income, or other permitted sources. 

Financial documents must meet the required format and cover the correct time period under the Immigration Rules, as incorrect or incomplete evidence can lead to refusal. 

Additional Supporting Documents (Where Relevant)

Depending on the circumstances of the application, UK Visas and Immigration may also expect additional documents, such as: 

• Evidence explaining any periods of temporary separation 

• Documents supporting adequate maintenance where the sponsor receives qualifying benefits 

• Any other documents needed to show continued compliance with the Immigration Rules 

Submission of Documents

Supporting documents are uploaded online through the UKVCAS system, either before the biometric appointment or at the appointment where scanning services are used. Applicants must ensure that all documents are clear, complete, and submitted in the correct format before a decision is made. 

Spouse Visa Extension Fees and Costs

When applying to extend a spouse visa under the 5-year route from inside the UK, applicants must pay several mandatory Home Office fees. The application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge normally need to be paid at the time of application. However, in limited circumstances, applicants who cannot afford the application fee or IHS may be able to apply for a fee waiver or IHS waiver before submitting the spouse visa extension application. Eligibility depends on evidence of financial hardship, including destitution, risk of destitution, inability to meet essential living costs, or where paying the fee would negatively affect a child’s wellbeing. 

Spouse Visa Extension Application Fee

The Home Office fee for extending a spouse visa from within the UK using form FLR(M) is: 

• £1,407 per applicant 

This fee applies to spouse visa extension applications made inside the UK. Applications made from outside the UK are subject to entry clearance rules and incur different fees. 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

In addition to the application fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the NHS during the period of leave. 

• Adults: £1,035 per year 

• Children under 18: £776 per year 

As a spouse visa extension is granted for 30 months (2.5 years), the IHS is charged upfront as follows: 

• Adults: £2,587.50 

• Children: £1,940 

The IHS must be paid at the time of submission and is mandatory unless an exemption applies under the Immigration Rules. 

Priority and Super Priority Services (Optional)

Applicants may choose faster processing by using one of the optional premium services offered by UK Visas and Immigration, subject to availability: 

• Priority service: £500 

Aims to provide a decision within 5 working days after the biometric appointment. 

• Super Priority service: £1,000 

Aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day after the biometric appointment 

Priority services do not guarantee approval and are non-refundable if the application is refused. 

Spouse Visa Extension Application Process

The spouse visa extension application under the 5-year route must be made from inside the UK before the expiry of the applicant’s current leave and is assessed under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. 

The key stages of the spouse visa extension application process are below. 

• Before applying, the applicant should confirm that they still meet the relationship, financial, accommodation, English language, and suitability requirements. 

• The applicant must prepare the required documents, including identity, relationship and cohabitation, financial evidence, English language evidence, and the partner’s immigration status. 

• The application must be completed online and submitted before the current visa expires. 

• The applicant must pay the Home Office fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge in full for the application to be valid. 

• Where the applicant cannot afford the fee or IHS, they should consider whether a fee waiver or IHS waiver application can be made before submitting the spouse visa extension application. 

• The applicant must attend a UKVCAS appointment to provide fingerprints and a facial photograph and submit supporting documents. 

In some cases, the Home Office may request additional documents or clarification before deciding. The applicant must respond within the specified timeframe to avoid refusal. 

If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted a further 30 months’ leave to remain. Confirmation of the updated immigration status will be issued using the Home Office’s current system, which may include a digital status and, where issued, an updated eVisa-first. 

Spouse Visa Extension Processing Times

Spouse visa extension applications made inside the UK are usually decided within 8 weeks where you meet the minimum income and English language requirements. The Home Office can take up to 12 months where these requirements do not apply, for example where the application is made on a different basis. You can apply at any time before your current permission expires. Where you have extant partner permission under Appendix FM, any remaining period up to a maximum of 28 days is added to the new grant. If you apply before your current permission expires, you can usually stay in the UK while the Home Office decides your application, and your existing conditions will usually continue. Priority and Super Priority services may be available for faster processing, subject to availability. 

What Happens if My Spouse’s Visa Extension Is Refused?

If your spouse visa extension application is refused, UK Visas and Immigration will issue a written decision explaining why the application did not meet the Immigration Rules. 

Common reasons for refusal include failure to meet the financial or English language requirements. An application may also be refused where there is insufficient evidence that the relationship remains genuine and subsisting. Refusals can also arise due to suitability concerns under part suitability, including criminal convictions, immigration breaches, or the use of deception in a current or previous application. 

Applications may also be refused where specified documents are missing, are not in the correct format, or do not cover the required time period under Appendix FM-SE. 

The next steps following a refusal depend on the circumstances of the case. The refusal notice will explain whether there is a right of appeal or administrative review.

If a valid in-time application was made, section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 may continue the applicant’s existing leave until any appeal rights are exhausted or the time for seeking a remedy has passed. Section 3C leave only applies where the extension application was valid and submitted before the applicant’s existing leave expired.

If an application is rejected as invalid and is not later validated by the Home Office, section 3C leave will not protect the applicant from the date their previous permission expired.

If Administrative Review is pending, section 3C leave may continue only while the review remains pending and no new application for permission to stay has been made.

If the applicant submits a fresh application while Administrative Review is pending, the Administrative Review may be treated as withdrawn, and this can affect section 3C leave. If no further right of appeal or review applies, the applicant may be required to leave the UK. 

Depending on the type of refusal, the applicant may have one or more of the following options: 

• Submit a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal. 

• Request an Administrative Review where the refusal resulted from a case working error and the decision falls within the scope of review. 

• Appeal the decision where it has been refused on human rights grounds and a right of appeal is available. 

• Apply under a different immigration route, such as the 10-year partner route, where the relevant provisions of Appendix FM are met. 

• Challenge the decision by way of Judicial Review where there is no right of appeal or administrative review and the decision is arguably unlawful. 

Each refusal must be assessed carefully, as strict deadlines apply and the available remedies vary depending on the type of decision issued. 

Re-Applying For Spouse Visa Renewal After The Refusal

If your application for spouse visa renewal has been refused by the Home Office, UKVI and you believe that the decision to refuse your application is valid and lawful and therefore cannot be challenged successfully by way of appeal, you have the option to re-apply for spouse visa renewal within 14 days of your section 3C leave ending. We can provide the required legal help and assistance with re-applying for your spouse visa renewal under 5 years route through our Super Priority Service.

Divorce & The Effect On Spouse Visa

If you are in the UK with limited leave to leave to remain in the UK for 30 months under 5 years route and your relationship with your British or settled spouse breaks down permanently (irretrievably), you or your UK spouse can file for divorce in the UK. If the Home Office UKVI comes to know through your partner or otherwise that your relationship with your British or settled spouse has broken down irretrievably or you are already divorced in the UK, the Home Office UKVI can take steps to curtail your leave to remain in the UK by reducing your leave to remain to expire in 60 days.

You may still be able to apply for further leave to remain in one of the following circumstances:

1. If you are a parent of a British child, you can apply for leave to remain from inside the UK as a parent of a British child;
2. If your relationship with your British or settled spouse broke down as a result of domestic violence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a victim of domestic violence. As a victim of domestic violence, you have the option to apply for non-molestation order or occupation order through family court;
3. If you are in relationship with a different partner, you may be able to apply for leave to remain as a partner through your new partner.
4. You can switch into student visa from inside the UK.
5. You can switch into Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you are a sponsored by a UK employer for a skilled job.

How Can We Help With Your Spouse Visa Renewal?

Our expert team of spouse visa solicitors specialise in UK spouse visa applications. If instructed to represent you regarding your application for renewal of spouse visa under 5 years route, we will carry out all the work on your application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI on your application. Sunrise expert team of spouse visa solicitors will carry out the following immigration casework:

• Assessing your eligibility for renewal of spouse visa under 5 years route by considering all your personal circumstances including assessment of meeting the financial requirement;
• Advising you on the weaknesses and strengths of your application for spouse visa renewal;
• Advising you on the relevant documents to be submitted in support of your spouse visa extension application;
• Assessing your documents to ensure that the documentary evidence is as per requirements of the Home Office UKVI immigration Rules;
• Completing and submitting the online application form FLR(M) to apply for renewal of spouse visa by gathering all the relevant information from you and your spouse;
• Helping you with paying the spouse visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the application;
• Booking your appointment with the application centre for verification of documents and enrolment of biometrics;
• Where necessary, preparing detailed witness statement of the applicant and/or the sponsor explaining the background of their relationship and other relevant factors pertaining to the spouse visa renewal application;
• Preparing a detailed cover letter to introduce and support your spouse visa renewal application;
• Uploading online all the relevant supporting documents before you attend your appointment for enrolment of your biometrics;
• Liaising with the Home Office UKVI for a timely decision on your spouse visa renewal application.

Our Fixed Fees For Extension/Renewal Of Spouse Visa (5 Years Route)

Fixed fees for extension / renewal of spouse visa (5 years route) from inside the UK are as given in the fee table below:

Our Service Our Fixed Fees Range:

The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of the application for extension of spouse visa and the volume of casework involved in the application. In addition to our fixed fee for extension of spouse visa from inside the UK, the applicant also has to pay the Home office UKVI fees for the application.

Other Related Services

• Immigration Appeal Against Refusal Of In-Country Applications
• Spouse Visa UK (5 Years Route)
• Entry Clearance For Spouse Visa UK
• Switching Into Spouse Visa UK (5 Years Route)
• ILR As A Spouse (5 Years Route)
• Spouse Visa UK (10 Years Route)
• ILR As A Bereaved Partner
• Parent Of British Child Visa UK
• Fee Waiver Application
• Application To Allow Access To Public Funds
• ILR As A Victim Of Domestic Violence
• Non Molestation & Occupation Orders
• Getting A Divorce
• Child Arrangements Order

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I work and travel while my spouse’s visa extension is pending?

If you apply before your current visa expires, you are usually allowed to remain in the UK under section 3C while you wait for a decision, with the same work and residence conditions continuing. However, you must not travel outside the UK while your application is pending. If you leave the UK or the Common Travel Area before a decision is made, the Home Office will treat your application as withdrawn.

2. What happens if my BRP expires while my spouse visa extension is under consideration?

If your BRP expires while UKVI is processing your extension application, you do not become an overstayer if you applied in time. Your lawful status normally continues under section 3C leave until a decision is made. You can usually keep working and living in the UK during this period. Keep proof of your pending application in case you need it for work or renting.

3. Can I use the same documents as my first spouse visa application?

Some documents can be reused, such as your marriage or civil partnership certificate, if the information is still correct. Most documents must be updated for the extension stage. This includes financial documents and evidence of living together. UKVI checks your current circumstances, not your past situation.

4. Do I need to take a new English language test for my spouse visa extension?

Most applicants must meet the English language requirement at A2 level, which is higher than A1 level. If you have already provided acceptable A2 evidence and it remains valid under the Immigration Rules, you may be able to reuse it. You usually only need a new test if your previous evidence is invalid or insufficient.

5. What is the difference between the 5-year and 10-year routes at the extension stage?

The 5-year route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five continuous years if you meet the requirements at each stage. The 10-year route is usually used where a key requirement, often the financial requirement, cannot be met, but refusal would breach human rights. Switching to the 10-year route normally means waiting longer before you can apply for ILR.

6. What if my income changes before I apply for a spouse visa renewal?

A change in income does not automatically prevent you from extending your spouse visa. UKVI will assess whether you meet the financial requirement on the date you apply. Your evidence must follow the rules in Appendix FM-SE, including the correct format and time period. Outdated or incomplete financial documents can lead to refusal.

7. What rights and restrictions apply after a successful spouse visa extension?

If your extension is granted, you will normally receive a further 30 months’ leave to remain. You can usually live in the UK, work without restriction, and study. You must continue to meet the spouse route requirements and comply with immigration conditions. Access to public funds is normally not allowed unless you have been granted permission under the Rules.

8. Do my children or dependants need to apply again when I extend my spouse visa?

Yes. Dependent children must usually submit their own extension applications if their visas are expiring. British or settled children do not need to apply.

If dependent children are included, the financial requirement may apply depending on the Immigration Rules in force and whether the child qualifies as a dependent child at the date of application.