Eligibility for the extension, as in the original visa, includes proof of actual relationship with the spouse or partner and planned continuing cohabitation in the UK.
Applicants are usually needed to demonstrate that their total income with their spouse or partner is at least £29,000 per year commencing from April 11, 2025.
If you are planning to apply for a UK Spouse Visa extension, keep reading.
Documents Required for Spouse Visa Extension
The common set of documents required for the spouse visa extension application in the UK include:
Application Form: Fill out and sign the application form for a spouse visa extension. Form FLR(M) is to be used for applying for an extension of a spouse visa after 2.5 years. This application is very lengthy and requires numerous other types of materials and documents to be attached to it. The FLR(M) form needs to be filled out. Any minor mistake can also cause refusal. The Home Office will call you for a face-to-face interview if it has any further doubts about the nature of the proof provided.
Passport: Your current travel document or passport.
Biometric Residence Permit: If you have been previously issued with a BRP for the first visa, you need to provide this document.
Proof of Relationship: A marriage certificate, evidence of cohabitation, or civil partnership certificate can be provided as proof that the relationship with your partner is ongoing.
Financial Documents: Those that prove you have met the financial requirement, such as payslips, tax returns, bank statements, employment contracts, and such evidence adduced with savings.
Accommodation Details: Evidence of accommodation for both you and your partner can be a mortgage statement or a tenancy agreement.
English Language Requirement: Any evidence of meeting the English language requirement should be provided; a relevant example is passing an approved English Language test.
Tuberculosis Test Results: Such if you come from a country that insists on the test.
Other Supporting Documents: Any extra documents requested by the Home Office or your belief that can strengthen your application, like photographs, letters of support, or travel records.
Proof of a Subsisting and Genuine Relationship with Your Spouse
Evidence of the fact that the relationship is genuine and subsisting will form one of the basic requirements for UK spouse visa applications with British citizens or settled persons.
Below is acceptable evidence of the genuineness of your relationship that you need to provide to the Home Office:
- A Valid marriage certificate.
- Communications records of you and your partner such as phone call logs, WhatsApp, and emails.
- Recent photographs depicting the relationship between you and your partner.
- Travel documents as proof of traveling together, i.e. flight tickets, bookings of hotels, and travel pictures.
- Birth certificate(s) of children, if any.
- Other documents that prove well enough the authenticity of the relationship are under consideration.
Proof of Adequate Accommodation in the UK
Here is a list of acceptable documentation that you can provide to demonstrate that you have appropriate living arrangements in the UK:
- Tenancy agreement to prove that you have rented a property in the UK.
- Recent utility bills i.e. electricity, gas, or water showing the property address and your name.
- Mortgage proof of property ownership.
- Current council tax bill with an indication that your name is residing at that address.
- Demonstrate that the property in which you are living has sufficient living space for the two of you to live comfortably.
- Property inception report certifying accommodation to conform with health and safety standards.
Proof of Financial Requirements
To be eligible for a Spouse/Partner Visa for the UK, a partner must earn a gross annual minimum income of £29,000 as of 11 April 2025, increased from £18,600 previously.
Evidence of income by your partner can be:
- Pay slips for the last 6 months.
- Bank statements reflecting income.
- An employer’s letter attesting to employment and salary.
Evidence to Prove Your Knowledge of the English Language
To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must show a satisfactory level of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at least at the A1 level on the CEFR scale.
The proficiency in the English language requirement for an ILR application can be satisfied by any of the following:
- A certificate of the English language test (the A1 level on the CEFR scale).
- Degree obtained in an institution in the UK and conducted in English.
- Degree from other nations having English as their main language (UK NARIC approved).
- Citizenship in countries where the primary language is English.
There are numerous places in the UK where the test is available. Please note that the exam can only be carried out at venues certified as Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Providers.
If you haven’t taken this test at an approved venue, your certificate will not be accepted and your application for extension will consequently fail.
Good Character Requirements
People extending their spouse visa will have to fulfill the character suitability conditions that are the “good character requirement”. The Home Office would review your past immigration record and how you have behaved while in the UK.
You will never qualify under character suitability if you have broken any rules or the law that came with your residency in the UK. The Home Office will also take into consideration the fact if there are any debts against you due to a court, the NHS, or any other organization.
You will meet the character suitability provision if you have been living legitimately in the UK and generally being responsible.
Conclusion
When it comes to UK Spouse Visa applications, even minor mistakes can result in refusals. This makes it important to hire an immigration solicitor and increase your chances of success.
