If you are in the UK on a spouse visa, you will initially be granted permission to stay for 2.5 years (30 months). As this period comes to an end, it is essential to apply for an extension to continue living in the UK with your spouse. Understanding the process for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, the associated fees, and the pathway after 5 years is key to securing your residency.
Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years
After the initial 2.5 years on a spouse visa, you must apply for a spouse visa extension to stay in the UK for another 2.5 years. Together, these two periods (initial 2.5 years and the extension) make up 5 years, after which you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Eligibility Requirements
To successfully apply for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, you and your partner need to meet the following criteria:
- Relationship Requirements:
- You and your spouse must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
- You must have lived together in the UK during the initial visa period.
- Financial Requirements:
- Your spouse (the sponsor) must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year. If you have children, this amount increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- You can also meet the financial requirement through savings or other income sources if necessary.
- English Language Requirement:
- You must demonstrate your knowledge of English by passing an A2 level English language test or have a degree taught in English.
- Accommodation:
- You must continue to have suitable accommodation in the UK for both you and your spouse to live.
Documents Required
When applying for your spouse visa extension, you will need to provide several important documents, including:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., photos, letters, and cohabitation evidence).
- Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
- Proof of accommodation.
- English language certificate (A2 level).
- Passport and recent photographs.
Spouse Visa Extension Fees After 2.5 Years
When applying for the spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, there are specific costs involved. These include:
- Application Fee:
- The current fee for a spouse visa extension is £1,033 (as of 2024). This fee applies per applicant, meaning it will be higher if dependent children are included in the application.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £624 per year. For a 2.5-year extension, this totals £1,560.
- Priority Service (Optional):
- If you want a quicker decision, you can opt for priority service, which costs an additional £500, reducing the processing time from the standard 8 weeks to 5 working days.
- English Language Test Fee:
- The cost of the A2 English language test varies by provider but is usually around £150.
Spouse Visa Extension After 5 Years
After completing 5 years (two 2.5-year visa periods) on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you permanent residency in the UK. Here’s what you need to know about applying for ILR:
Eligibility for ILR After 5 Years
- Continuous Residency:
- You must have continuously lived in the UK with your spouse for 5 years (including the initial 2.5 years and the extended 2.5 years).
- Relationship Requirements:
- Your marriage or civil partnership must still be genuine and subsisting.
- Financial Requirements:
- You will need to meet the same financial threshold as during your spouse visa extension (£18,600 or higher if you have dependent children).
- English Language Requirement:
- You must meet a higher English language requirement at B1 level.
- Life in the UK Test:
- To apply for ILR, you must pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British traditions, history, and culture.
ILR Fees
- The application fee for ILR is currently £2,404 per person (as of 2024).
- You will not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge after receiving ILR, as you will have access to the NHS as a settled resident.
Conclusion
Navigating the process of a spouse visa extension after 5 years fees and understanding the associated fees is essential to ensuring that you and your spouse can continue living in the UK. By fulfilling the financial, language, and residency requirements, you can extend your visa for another 2.5 years. After completing 5 years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), opening up a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, British citizenship. Make sure to prepare your application well in advance and provide all necessary documents to avoid any delays.
