UK Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: A Complete Guide

If you’re living in the UK on a spouse visa, after the initial 2.5 years, you will need to apply for an extension to continue living with your partner. The spouse visa extension is a vital step toward eventually achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and permanent residency. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, including the requirements, process, and the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years.

What is the UK Spouse Visa Extension?

The UK spouse visa is initially granted for 30 months (2.5 years). After this period, you need to apply for an extension to stay in the UK for another 30 months. Once you complete a total of five years on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live in the UK permanently.

Requirements for Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years

To successfully extend your spouse visa after 2.5 years, you must meet several requirements. These are largely similar to the requirements for the initial spouse visa but will need to be reassessed.

1. Genuine Relationship Requirement

You must continue to prove that your relationship with your spouse or partner is genuine and subsisting. You will need to provide evidence of your life together, such as:

• Joint bank account statements


• Correspondence addressed to you both at the same address


• Photographs of you and your partner over the past 2.5 years

2. Financial Requirement

The financial requirement must be met again for the extension. Your sponsor (UK partner) must still earn at least:

• £18,600 per year for couples with no children


• Additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child

This income can be proven through employment, self-employment, pensions, or savings.

3. Accommodation Requirement

You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents. This should be housing that is not overcrowded and meets UK housing standards.

4. English Language Requirement

You will need to demonstrate English proficiency again. For the extension, the requirement increases to A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be shown by:

• Passing an approved English language test at A2 level.


• Holding a degree taught in English.


• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

5. Immigration Status Requirement

You must have lived continuously in the UK on a valid visa for the duration of your spouse visa. Any absences from the UK must be within the permitted limits to qualify for the extension.

Spouse Visa Extension Process After 2.5 Years

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process for extending your UK spouse visa after 2.5 years:

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

You will need to complete the online application form for the spouse visa extension. This form will ask for details about your personal information, financial circumstances, and relationship status.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

You must submit several supporting documents to prove your eligibility for the visa extension, including:

• Passport or travel documents


• Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, etc.)


• Evidence of your relationship (photos, joint bills, etc.)


• English language test results (if applicable)


• Proof of adequate accommodation

Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment

You’ll need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This information will be used to issue your biometric residence permit (BRP).

Step 4: Pay the Spouse Visa Extension Fee (2024)

Spouse Visa Extension Fees 2024

The spouse visa extension after 2.5 years fees 2024 are as follows:

• Spouse Visa Extension Fee: £1,638


• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year (so, for 2.5 years, it amounts to £1,560)


• Biometric Fee: £19.20

In total, you will need to pay around £3,217 for the spouse visa extension, including the IHS and biometric fee. These fees can change over time, so it’s essential to check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date fees.

Step 5: Wait for the Decision

The decision process can take several weeks. Standard applications take up to 8 weeks, but priority and super-priority services may be available for faster processing (at an additional cost).

What Happens After the Spouse Visa Extension?

Once your extension is approved, you will receive another 30-month visa. After completing 5 years in the UK on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live permanently in the UK.

Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Extension Refusal

Visa extensions can be refused for several reasons, including:

• Inability to meet the financial requirement


• Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship


• Failure to meet the English language requirement


• Providing inaccurate or incomplete documents

If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply, depending on the reasons for refusal.

Final Thoughts

The spouse visa extension after 2.5 years is a crucial step for anyone looking to continue living in the UK with their partner. Ensuring that you meet all the requirements and submit the correct documents is essential for a successful application. Always keep an eye on the spouse visa extension fees for 2024 to ensure you are prepared for the costs involved.