An Extension of Spouse Visa is for people from outside Europe who've been living in the UK under one already. If you want to stay longer after your first visa ends, you can apply to extension lasts for another 2.5 years, just like the original visa. When this one ends, you can apply for "Indefinite Leave to Remain," which means you can stay in the UK forever if you want. Later on, you might even be able to become a British citizen. A good immigration lawyer in UK can help you along the process from getting the spouse visa for the first time, to applying for ILR.

Here's what you need to know about extending your Spouse Visa after 2.5 years:

Requirements

you must prove your relationship with your partner. Your partner needs to be either British or have settled status in the UK. If your partner has refugee or humanitarian protection status, you can still apply for the extension.

You need to show that your relationship is real and recognized in the UK, whether you're married or in a civil partnership. Alternatively, if you've been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years, that's also acceptable.

Besides proving your relationship, you'll likely need to meet these conditions:

• Make at least £29,000 combined with your partner.


• Haven't broken any laws or immigration rules.


• Meet the English language requirements.


• Have good character.

Genuine relationship

You have to show that your relationship is real. This means you'll need to provide proof, like a marriage certificate if you're married, that's recognized in the UK. If you're not married, you'll need to show evidence of being in a long-term relationship.

You'll also need to show that you've been living together with your partner while you've been in the UK. Things like letters addressed to both of you at the same address can help prove this. The Home Office might ask for other proof too, like council tax bills, utility bills, and bank statements. Whatever proof you provide needs to be original, dated, and on official paper. An immigration lawyer in UK will be able to gather such authentic proofs.

Financial requisite

To apply for spouse visa extension, you'll usually need to show details about your finances and your partner's finances.

• You and your partner must have a combined income of at least £29,000 as of April 11th, 2024, expected to increase to £38,700 by early 2025.


• If you have children, you'll need extra money. As of April 11th, 2024, you need £3,800 for the first child and an extra £2,400 for each additional child.


• A child is someone under 18 years old, not from a European country, and relies on you or your partner for support.

You can meet the financial requirement in different ways:

• Income from jobs or self-employment for you and your partner.


• Cash savings over £16,000 can count towards the income requirement. If you have savings over £65,000, you might not need to show any income from employment or self-employment.


• Benefits like state and private pensions, maternity allowances, or bereavement benefits might also count.

Remember, some other sources of income might also be accepted. It's a good idea to get advice from an immigration lawyer in UK to make sure you're meeting the financial requirement correctly.

Application fee

To apply for a Spouse Visa extension, the standard fee is £1,033. But there might be other costs to think about too.

If any of your documents aren't in English or Welsh, you'll need to get them translated by a professional. Plus, if you have to take the English language test, that's another cost to think about.

When you apply, you'll also have to get a Biometric copyright (BRP), which costs an extra £19.20. This permit collects your name, date of birth, place of birth, fingerprints, and a photo of your face.

English language efficiency

For Spouse Visa extension, you might need to take an English language test, according to changes made by the Home Office in 2017.

• Usually, you'll need to prove you have at least an A2 level of English in speaking and listening. This is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.


• Even if you didn't have to take an English test for your original Spouse Visa, you might need to for the extension.


• You can take the test at different places across the UK, but it has to be at a center approved by Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Provider.


• If you don't take the test at an approved center, your certificate won't count, and your extension application will be rejected. An expert team of immigration lawyer in UK can also be helpful to find a good reputed center for getting a certificate.

Documentation

• Personal Details: You'll need your current copyright or another valid travel ID. If you've had other passports before, you'll need to provide copies of the pages with your photo and any pages with visa stamps.


• Financial Documents: You'll need bank statements and payslips. If they're electronic, that's okay as long as you have a letter from the bank or employer.


• English Language TestCertificate: you'll need a certificate showing you've passed an English language test.


• Proof of Relationship: You'll need a marriage or civil partnership certificate that's accepted in the UK. You also have to show that your relationship is real and that you've been living together in the UK during your visa.

Conclusion

Spouse Visa Extension in the UK involves demonstrating a genuine relationship, meeting financial requirements, and possibly taking an English language test. The application process requires careful attention to detail to avoid mistakes that could lead to rejection. Once approved, the extension allows for further residency, with the opportunity to apply for permanent settlement and eventual British citizenship, marking a significant milestone in one's journey toward establishing a life in the UK.