The Spouse Visa UK is designed to allow non-British spouses or civil partners of UK citizens or individuals with settled status to live together in the UK. This visa is a key pathway for families to reunite and remain together. In this article, we’ll explore the UK Spouse Visa process and the crucial steps involved in extending the visa after 2.5 years.

What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa (also called a UK Settlement Visa) allows the spouse or partner of a British citizen, a person with settled status, or someone with refugee status to come to or remain in the UK. The visa is typically granted for 30 months (2.5 years), after which you must apply for an extension. Eventually, after 5 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Spouse Visa

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• You must be legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone with UK settled status.


• You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.


• You must meet the financial requirement, which typically means your sponsor must have an income of at least £18,600 per year.


• You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.


• You must demonstrate an adequate level of English, usually by passing an English language test at A1 level or higher.

Documents Required for a UK Spouse Visa

The documents you will need for your spouse visa application may include:

• Valid passport or travel ID.


• Proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, photos, or joint bank statements.


• Proof of income and employment.


• English language test certificate (if applicable).


• Proof of accommodation in the UK.


• Tuberculosis test results (if from a country where this is required).

Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years

Once your initial UK Spouse Visa is nearing its expiration (after 30 months), you must apply for an extension if you want to continue living in the UK. This extension will also be granted for another 30 months, bringing you closer to eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Visa Extension

To apply for a Spouse Visa Extension, you must:

• Still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse or partner.


• Meet the financial requirements, which are the same as the initial application: £18,600 annually or higher if you have dependents.


• Show proof of suitable accommodation in the UK.


• Provide evidence of continuing to meet the English language requirement, usually at level A2 for the extension application.

Required Documents for Spouse Visa Extension

To ensure a smooth application process, you’ll need the following documents:

• Your current biometric residence permit (BRP).


• Proof of your relationship, such as joint financial commitments, utility bills, or children’s birth certificates (if applicable).


• Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (payslips, bank statements).


• Proof of accommodation in the UK (rental agreements or mortgage statements).


• An A2 English test certificate, if you did not meet the B1 level in the previous application.

Fees and Processing Time for Spouse Visa Extension

As of 2024, the spouse visa extension fee is £1,033. Additionally, there is an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £624 per year, which must be paid upfront for the duration of the extension (2.5 years). Therefore, the total cost for the IHS is £1,560.

The processing time for spouse visa extensions can vary but typically takes up to 8 weeks for standard applications. For faster processing, priority services are available at an extra cost.

After the Spouse Visa Extension – Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After extending your spouse visa for another 30 months, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. ILR grants you the right to stay in the UK indefinitely without any immigration restrictions. To apply for ILR, you must:

• Continue to meet the financial requirements.


• Pass the Life in the UK Test.


• Meet the B1 level in English proficiency.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Missing Financial Requirement: Ensure that you and your sponsor meet the financial requirement, as failing to do so may result in a visa rejection.


2. Lack of Proof of Relationship: Keep records and documents that prove your relationship remains genuine and subsisting. This includes things like utility bills, joint bank accounts, or communications.


3. English Language Requirement: If you need to pass an English test, ensure that you take the correct level of test (A2 for extensions, B1 for ILR).

Conclusion

Extending your UK Spouse Visa after 2.5 years is a crucial step in the process of settling in the UK. By following the guidelines and preparing the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth and successful extension. Ultimately, this path leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain, enabling you to live permanently in the UK.