If you have a spouse visa which is due to expire and you still wish to remain in the UK, you need to ensure that you apply for an extension in plenty of time. We look at how to obtain a UK spouse visa extension, including the timing of your application and eligibility.
At Halliday Reeves, we are visa and immigration specialists. Our team members have many years of experience in dealing with visa renewals and we have an excellent track record of success. As we deal solely with immigration matters, we have an exceptionally strong understanding of the evidence that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will require.
We can work with you to put together a strong spouse visa extension application, securing the best possible outcome for you. We will also provide advice on your immigration route where necessary, ensuring you have the right visa for your circumstances and taking into account what you would like to do in the future.
If you need advice or assistance in obtaining a UK spouse visa extension, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will be happy to help. You can also speak to us on 0330 133 7777.
“The firm recently helped to get my wife her spouse visa. Fantastic service, reasonable rates, I’d highly recommend them and wouldn’t hesitate to go with them again.”
How Long Is A Spouse Visa Valid For?
If you hold a spouse visa, you can stay in the UK for two years and nine months.
If you successfully extend your spouse visa, you will be granted an additional two years and six months.
How Do You Obtain A Spouse Visa Extension?
A spouse visa extension application is made online. You will need to pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge and supply documents in support of your application.
When Should You Apply To Renew A Spouse Visa?
You can apply to renew your spouse visa up to 28 days before your existing visa expires. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible. If your visa runs out before you apply to renew, you could be classed as an overstayer and required to leave the UK. Being an overstayer will be taken into account in any future visa applications.
UKVI state that they will take up to eight weeks to process a spouse visa extension application. Provided you applied for the extension before your current visa expires, you have the right to remain in the UK until you receive a decision on your application.
What Evidence Is Needed For A Spouse Visa Renewal?
You need to demonstrate that you continue to meet the spouse visa eligibility criteria when you apply to renew a spouse visa. This means providing evidence that you:
- Are in a genuine relationship
- Meet the financial requirements
- Have adequate accommodation
- Have a sufficiently good standard of English language
- Have not broken the law or breached the conditions of your visa
- Are of good character
- Meet the minimum financial requirements, which is a combined income of £18,600 (the new income requirement of £29,000 applies to new spouse visa applicants but not to those renewing an existing visa); additional money is required if you are supporting children
Documents that you will need to supply to show that you meet the spouse visa extension criteria include:
- A valid photo identity document, usually a valid passport
- Evidence of your spouse’s identity and their right to live in the UK
- A copy of your marriage certificate
- Documents showing that you meet the minimum financial requirements, including bank statements, payslips and a letter from your employer
- The results of a secure English language test or evidence that you have a UK degree or an eligible overseas degree that was taught in English
If you would like us to assist you in putting together a robust spouse visa extension application, we will go through all of the documents you have available and select the strongest evidence. We will ensure that you have proof that you satisfy all of the eligibility criteria, giving you the best possible chance of success in your application.
Can You Get Indefinite Leave To Remain Instead Of A Spouse Visa Extension?
If you have held a spouse visa for two years and nine months and extended it for two years and six months, you will usually have been in the UK for long enough to be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
If you would like to apply for this, please feel free to contact us and we can advise you on the process and assist in putting together an application.
Contact Our Solicitors For A UK Spouse Visa Extension
If you need advice or assistance in applying for a UK spouse visa extension, contact us today and we will be happy to help.
To contact one of our experts, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“The Halliday Reeves team have been fantastic from the first engagement to the last in getting our spousal visa approved. Navigating us through the hurdles and ensuring we provided the correct information. Actively chasing up UK immigration to get the matter resolved. Thoroughly recommend, don’t risk doing this on your own, engage the professionals.”
