A UK Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M)) allows you to stay in the UK for another 2.5 years with your partner. It is an essential step towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, later, British citizenship.
Our immigration solicitors will guide you through every stage of your spouse visa extension after 2.5 years, ensuring your application meets all Home Office requirements with complete accuracy.
More than 40% of refusals occur because applicants fail to provide sufficient financial or relationship evidence.
(Source: UK Home Office, 2025)
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Continue towards settlement and ILR after completing the 5-year partner route
If you're in the UK on a spouse visa and looking to extend your stay, the spouse visa extension route provides a pathway for individuals who want to continue living with their British or settled partner. This section will help you understand if you're eligible for an extension and guide you through the process.
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa Extension under the 5-year partner route, you must meet all the eligibility criteria set by the Home Office. These rules confirm your relationship’s authenticity, financial stability, and continued compliance with UK immigration law.
Extending your UK spouse visa can feel overwhelming. Many applicants struggle with high fees, proving their relationship, and meeting the financial requirements. Small mistakes in documentation or overlooked eligibility rules can lead to delays or refusals, putting your family’s future at risk.
You should provide evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared utility bills, tenancy or mortgage agreements, photographs together, and correspondence that demonstrates your ongoing relationship.
Ensure you meet all requirements, including being in a genuine relationship, meeting financial and accommodation thresholds, and having the necessary English language proficiency.
Complete your Further Leave to Remain (FLR(M)) application online, pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and provide all necessary personal and relationship details.
Upload essential documents such as your passport, marriage certificate, proof of relationship, financial evidence, accommodation proof, and English language qualification.
Book and attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a UKVCAS center as part of identity verification.
Wait for the Home Office decision, typically 8 weeks for standard processing or 5 days for priority applications. If approved, receive your new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for another 30 months.
Applying for a spouse visa extension involves several costs. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Type of Fee | Amount | Who Pays | Notes |
| Visa Application Fee | £1,048–£1,258 | Applicant | Depends on location and service type |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035/year | Applicant | Approx. £2,587 for 2.5 years |
| Dependants | Additional fee | Applicant | Fees apply for spouse/children joining main applicant |
All fees must be paid at the time of application. Budgeting for both application and IHS fees ensures the process proceeds without delays.
Before applying, gather all required documents. A well-prepared file increases approval chances.
Key documents include:
A large number of spouse visa extensions are refused due to minor errors. Addressing common pitfalls in advance improves success rates.
| Reason for Refusal | How to Avoid |
| Weak financial evidence | Submit payslips, bank statements, or alternative income proof clearly showing the required threshold |
| Missing cohabitation proof | Include joint bills, letters, photos, and correspondence demonstrating a genuine relationship |
| Late applications | Apply at least 28 days before visa expiry to avoid overstaying |
Knowing the timeline helps plan your application efficiently.
| Step | Timeline |
| Submit FLR(M) application | 28 days before current visa expires |
| Attend biometric appointment | After online submission, as instructed |
| Standard decision | Approximately 8 weeks |
| Priority decision | 5 working days (optional, extra fee) |
After approval, you can continue life in the UK with your partner uninterrupted.
Certain situations may require extra care or professional advice.
| Special Case | Guidance |
| Switching from 10-year route | Seek legal advice for transition to spouse visa extension or other appropriate visa |
| Fee waiver cases | Check Home Office rules for financial hardship exceptions |
| Divorce or separation | Relationship breakdown can affect eligibility; consult an immigration solicitor promptly |
The initial Spouse Visa in the UK is granted for a period of 2.5 years, or 30 months. After this period, you can apply for an extension, which is also granted for 2.5 years. Once you have been living in the UK for 5 years on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live in the UK without any time restrictions. However, the rules and requirements for this can be complex, so it’s advised to seek professional legal help when considering this route.
A Y & J Solicitors has handled over hundreds of successful Self-Sponsorship UK applications, making it a renowned leader in UK immigration law. Each case that we take is handled with meticulous professionalism by our experienced team, meeting every requirement and providing the highest possible likelihood of approval.
A Y & J Solicitors has more than 1,200 positive client reviews across Google and Trustpilot, has helped several successful spouse visa applications, and is SRA regulated, listed in The Legal top 500 best UK law firms, so you can rest assured your immigration challenges are in safe hands when you take these three simple steps:
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