Spouse Visa Extension
Extending Your Right to Live with Your Partner in the UK
You chose each other. You built a life together. And now — as your initial visa approaches its end — you need to make sure the paperwork reflects everything that relationship actually means.
A Spouse Visa extension is not just a form. It is the continuation of your right to live with the person you married, in the country you now call home. Missing the deadline, getting the financial evidence wrong, or failing to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing — any of these can have consequences that go far beyond an inconvenience.
We specialise in FLR(M) extensions for South Asian families, and we understand the financial realities many of our clients are navigating. Self-employment. Multiple income sources. Overseas earnings. Complex payslip histories. These are not problems — they are circumstances that need to be presented correctly. We know how to do that.
The income threshold changed in April 2024 — it is now £29,000 per year, and it is set to rise further. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirement, or unsure which income sources count, speak to us before you apply. A refused application costs more in time, money, and stress than getting the right advice beforehand.
Your route to Indefinite Leave to Remain — and eventually British citizenship — runs through this application. Let us make sure it stays on track.
A Spouse Visa extension is not just a form. It is the continuation of your right to live with the person you married, in the country you now call home. Missing the deadline, getting the financial evidence wrong, or failing to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing — any of these can have consequences that go far beyond an inconvenience.
We specialise in FLR(M) extensions for South Asian families, and we understand the financial realities many of our clients are navigating. Self-employment. Multiple income sources. Overseas earnings. Complex payslip histories. These are not problems — they are circumstances that need to be presented correctly. We know how to do that.
The income threshold changed in April 2024 — it is now £29,000 per year, and it is set to rise further. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirement, or unsure which income sources count, speak to us before you apply. A refused application costs more in time, money, and stress than getting the right advice beforehand.
Your route to Indefinite Leave to Remain — and eventually British citizenship — runs through this application. Let us make sure it stays on track.
THE ROUTE TO SETTLEMENT — STEP BY STEP
1
Initial Spouse Visa — 30 Months
Granted on entry to the UK. Your leave to remain is time limited to 2.5 years. You must apply to extend before this expires do not overstay even by one day.
Granted on entry to the UK. Your leave to remain is time limited to 2.5 years. You must apply to extend before this expires do not overstay even by one day.
2
First Extension — FLR(M) — 30 Months
A further 2.5 years of leave. You must meet the financial requirement (minimum £29,000 per year from April 2024) and continue to live with your partner.
A further 2.5 years of leave. You must meet the financial requirement (minimum £29,000 per year from April 2024) and continue to live with your partner.
3
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After completing 5 continuous years on the route. You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet all eligibility requirements. No further time limit on your right to remain.
After completing 5 continuous years on the route. You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet all eligibility requirements. No further time limit on your right to remain.
4
British Citizenship — Naturalisation
Available 12 months after ILR is granted. You will then hold the right to a full British passport.
Available 12 months after ILR is granted. You will then hold the right to a full British passport.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT — 2024 UPDATE
As of April 2024, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year (rising further in future years). The Home Office accepts various income sources — employment, self-employment, and in some cases savings. We carefully review your full financial situation and advise you on every qualifying income source.
KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR EXTENSION
Relationship & Residence
- You are still in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK partner
- You are living together at the same address in the UK
- Your partner has appropriate immigration status (British citizen, ILR, or settled status)
- You have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
- You have complied with all conditions of your current leave
Financial & Other Requirements
- Minimum income of £29,000 gross per year (from April 2024)
- Payslips, bank statements, and P60 or self-employment evidence
- No recourse to public funds you must not have claimed qualifying benefits
- Adequate accommodation available for you and your partner
- English language requirement usually B1 CEFR level or above
- Good character — no serious criminal convictions
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR VISA EXPIRES
Contact us at least 3 months before your expiry date. Late applications or overstaying can have severe consequences for your entire immigration history and future applications. We recommend submitting your extension well within time.
