Guidance on UK Spouse Visa Extension Documents

by UK Spouse / Unmarried Partner Consultant in India

Reading time: Approx 5 mins

In this article we have covered these important points:

What are immigration rules for UK Spouse Visa Extension?

This article provides insights on documentation required for extending a UK spouse visa. It also includes everything about latest extension guidelines, application process and time taken.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa is for applicants with a spouse or a partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK (Indefinite leave to remain ILR). The visa is initially granted for 30 months and will have to be extended once the applicant is in the UK, this is the Spouse Visa Extension.

Read More: What is a UK Spouse Visa?

What is a UK Spouse Visa Extension?

A Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years is an additional duration for applicants already living in the UK on a Spouse Visa. If you are in the UK and your visa is about to expire, you will need an extension if you wish to remain in the country with your partner. The process of an extension visa can be just as demanding and crucial as your initial visa. You will have to provide evidence, again, that you can continue to meet the requirements concerning your relationship and finances.

What are the UK Unmarried Partner / Civil Partnership (Same-sex partner) / UK Spouse Visa Extension requirements?

To extend your UK spouse visa / unmarried partner visa / civil partner visa / same sex partner visa the applicant is required to demonstrate that:

  • You continue to stay with your partner
  • There is appropriate accommodation.
  • You were granted initial leave under the spouse/civil partner category.
  • Evidence that English language skills have improved.
  • Provide proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship with the UK partner.
  • You and your partner must have a combined income of £18,600, a year
  • You must provide documentary evidence meeting the financial requirements.

For your read: Same Sex Partner Visa UK Overview

UK Spouse Visa Extension Documents requirement

The UK Visas and Immigration office wants to see the following documents attached to your extension application in order to assess your eligibility for the same. If you provide all the necessary documents as instructed on the application, your process may be smooth and can help you avoid a refusal.

  • Documents validating you and your sponsor continue to meet the financial conditions of the spouse visa extension route–including the minimum income requirement. For example – salary slips, bank statements, property & investment documents, or other paperwork stating you and your partner’s income.
  • Valid or recent passport, travel documents of the time the applicant first entered the UK, and documents that validate the status of the citizen/settled partner, as mentioned on the application form, and evidence of identity (like a passport, social security card, work or a PR permit, Aadhaar card, etc) based on your nationality.
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
  • Evidence of accommodation arrangements and like rent/owned home agreement, electricity bills, and other utility bills on both the applicant and their partner’s name.
  • The applicant and the sponsor must sign the documents mentioned above and other declarations that may be attached to the application.

How do I apply for Settlement in the UK after UK Spouse Visa Extension?

  • You can apply for an extension of your spouse visa under the 5-year route, while still in the UK.
  • You can use form FLR (M) which is available online before your initial leave of 2.5 years.
  • Prepare all the documents and information required to provide with the application.
  • Pay the correct amount of fee and ensure the payment is transferred to the Immigration Health Surcharge, as applicable.

✔️ Experts at The SmartMove2UK reveal 3 essential points an applicant should remember before applying for a Spouse visa UK Extension

How can The SmartMove2UK help you with your UK Spouse Visa Extension application?

If you think it is still tricky for you to apply by yourself, we are here for you!

The SmartMove2UK has UK immigration lawyers based in India – Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, offering expert guidance in terms of your application, the process of documentation, the protocols that come with it, and more. We consult our clients from all around the world via Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp. We also have offices in Mumbai & Delhi for in-person visits.

Call for UK Vis Expert +91 9819127002 WhatsApp for UK Immigration Visa Expert +91 9819127002
Book UK Visa Consultant Book your Consultation Mail for UK Immigration Visa Expert info@smartmove2uk.com

Top 10 FAQ’s for civil partnership/spouse visa/ unmarried partner / same sex partner

How long does UK spouse visa extension take?

It usually takes 8 weeks to get a decision, after your visa application is submitted. You can pay extra for priority decision too.

If your application for leave to remain has been refused, you can file appeal contesting the decision of the Home Office with the Immigration Tribunal.

No, you cannot. It is important for you to be in the UK, and apply for an extension visa from the UK before your current visa expires.

The cost of a spouse/partner visa made inside the UK is £1033. The applicant will also need to pay £19.20 biometric enrolment fee as part of the application. You would also be required to pay Immigration health surcharge £ 624 per person per year.

Ensure all your documents are right and consistent, no small details can be missed.

Protocols are mentioned on portals, you must make a checklist of your own and make sure you have everything mentioned.

You will have to take another test to prove your English has improved since the time you entered the UK.

Make sure to enter the correct details. Provide validated proof of accommodation and your relationship with your partner/spouse.
Also, do not leave out any sections to reduce the chances of refusal.

Some common reasons for refusal are:

  • Not completing the relevant form
  • Not meeting the English language requirement;
  • Not meeting the financial requirements;
  • Home Office UKVI not convinced of the relationship between the
  • British or settled spouse, is still subsisting;
  • General grounds of refusal such as allegation by the Home Office UKVI of the applicant using a proxy for TOEIC test previously,
  • Making false representations, etc.

You will need to prove that you are in a genuine relationship. If you are married then you can provide a marriage/civil partnership certificate, which is recognized in the UK, with your application.

You can provide items to prove you and your spouse/partner have been cohabiting, like utility bills with both your names or mortgage payments of a joint account as a part of the documents. Any bills addressed to either one of you at the same address.

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