The applicant must provide relevant supporting documentation, which will be evaluated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), to demonstrate that they meet all the requirements to be granted “Further Leave to Remain” as a spouse or partner. We will provide you with comprehensive information about the Spouse Visa UK extension document checklist.
Many of the supporting documents submitted for the first application will apply to candidates who are presently in the UK on a Spouse/Partner Visa (including a Fiancé Visa UK or intended Civil Partner Visa) and are requesting an extension or renewal of their visa.
These consist of:
- a valid passport;
- evidence of a sincere relationship or your continued commitment to one;
- proof of fulfilment of the financial obligation;
- evidence that the English language requirement has been met;
- sufficient accommodation.
Additionally, if you are applying to transfer to the partner route while in the UK under another visa category or are extending your partner visa, you must provide:
- Your valid leave is confirmed by your current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
What are the Requirements for a Spouse Visa Extension?
Relationship Requirement
When applying for a Spouse Visa Extension, the sponsoring partner and the applicant must:
- Have met in person;
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Not be connected to one another;
- Be or stay in a sincere and long-lasting relationship;
- The prior marriage or marriages must have ended permanently if each person was previously married or in a civil partnership;
- After the visa is approved, they intend to live together permanently in the UK.
In order to be recognised in the UK, you must be able to provide proof that you are married or in a civil partnership. When applying as an unmarried partner, if you are not married, you must show that you have lived together consistently for at least two years and that your relationship is comparable to a marriage.
Financial Requirement
The person applying and/or sponsor must demonstrate that they have substantial funds or that they are producing money from their job or other sources, and that this money will cover them and their partner for the term of their visa. The minimal income criterion is £18,600 gross annually if you or your partner were granted leave as a spouse or partner for the first time before April 11, 2024 (including if you applied as a fiancé(e) or intended civil partner). If you are asking to expand with a Child Dependent Visa UK, this threshold rises to £22,400. Thereafter, it increases by a further £2,400 for each subsequent kid you are applying with, up to a maximum threshold of £29,000.
The minimal income criterion for spouses or partners who were first granted leave on or after April 11, 2024, is £29,000 gross annually.
The English Language Requirement
Evidence of adequate English language proficiency is another requirement. You must take an English language test that evaluates your speaking and listening skills unless you live in a nation where English is the primary or dominant language, such as the USA or Australia.
If transferring from another visa category, this needs to be at least at an A1 level;
If extending a partner visa, it needs to be at least an A2 level.
The English language requirement can also be met if you have a degree or academic certificate that was taught or researched in English and approved by Ecctis (previously UK NARIC).
Other Requirements
Accommodation Requirement
Additionally, you must demonstrate that, while in the UK, you have enough housing for you and any dependent children. Adequate in the sense that your presence on the property won’t result in overcrowding.
What kind of paperwork is required to demonstrate that I fulfill the conditions for a Spouse Visa Extension?
It is crucial to remember that every applicant’s or sponsor’s situation is unique and may involve a number of factors. As a result, there is no universal list of certain papers that candidates need to present. You and your partner’s circumstances must be taken into consideration while creating your own set of paperwork.
Nevertheless, the following are the kinds of documents that applicants should often include with their UK Spouse/Partner Visa application at UKVI.
Documents to Prove Relationship Requirement is met
The marriage/civil partnership certificate must be included with the application for married or civil partners.
To extend your spouse or partner visa, you will also need to show proof of continuous cohabitation during the final two and a half years of leave, such as letters of communication or a joint tenancy agreement.
Proof that the financial requirement has been satisfied
The documentation you provide must demonstrate the source of income you are using to satisfy the minimum income criterion. Paystubs, bank statements, and job contracts, for instance, are required if the applicant is dependent on work income.
Documents to prove English Language Requirement is met
A copy of the applicant’s degree certificate or English language test certificate must be shown if proof of a competent command of the English language is needed.
Documents to prove other requirements are met
Depending on whether the property is owned, rented, etc., different paperwork will need to be submitted for the accommodation requirement. A copy of the tenancy agreement, a landlord’s letter, a land register title, etc., might be among the pertinent papers.
Translation of Documents
Translation is required for any supporting documentation that is not in Welsh or English. This usually applies to documents that come from non-English speaking nations, such as marriage and birth certificates.
The following is the official policy of the Home Office in this regard: A complete translation that the Home Office can independently verify must be included with every original document. Every translated document has to include:
- Verification from the translator that the translation accurately captures the original text, the translation date;
- The translator’s complete name, and their signature;
- Contact information for the translator.
How Can Rees Clayton help?
With every UK spouse/partner visa application we have been given full instructions to submit, we take satisfaction in our high success rate. Rees Clayton specialises in assisting applicants with the UK spouse/partner visa process, ensuring full compliance with UK Visas, and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
With a high success rate, we provide clear instructions and comprehensive support for Spouse Visa extensions, helping applicants meet key criteria such as financial requirements, proof of relationship, and English proficiency. Our expertise ensures that clients submit a complete and well-prepared application, minimising the risk of delays or denials.
For those applying for a Spouse Visa extension, Rees Clayton helps gather essential documents, including valid passports, proof of cohabitation, financial records, and accommodation details. We also offer guidance on meeting the English language requirement and ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations.
FAQs
What is a UK Spouse Visa Extension?
A UK Spouse Visa Extension allows individuals already in the UK on a Spouse or Partner Visa to extend their stay beyond the initial 2.5 years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Who can apply for a Spouse Visa Extension?
You can apply if you:
- Are currently in the UK on a Spouse or Partner Visa.
- Have lived with your UK partner for 2.5 years under the visa.
- Continue to meet the relationship, financial, and English language requirements.
When should I apply for a UK Spouse Visa Extension?
You should apply before your current visa expires, ideally within 28 days of expiry.
What documents do I need for a Spouse Visa Extension?
You must provide:
- Valid passport & Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Proof of a genuine relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, cohabitation proof)
- Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, tax returns, etc.)
- Proof of English proficiency (test certificate or degree)
- Accommodation details (tenancy/mortgage agreement)
What is the financial requirement for a Spouse Visa Extension?
- If your first visa was granted before 11 April 2024, you must show an income of £18,600 per year.
- If granted on or after 11 April 2024, the threshold is £29,000 per year.
- Additional income is required for dependents (£2,400 per child).
What if I don’t meet the financial requirements?
You may use savings (£62,500+), combine different income sources, or apply under the exceptional circumstances rule.
Do I need to take an English test for my Spouse Visa Extension?
Yes, unless:
- You are from an English-speaking country.
- You hold a degree taught in English, verified by Ecctis.
- Also, you passed an approved A2 level English test.
What level of English is required for a Spouse Visa Extension?
The required level is A2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
How much does a Spouse Visa Extension cost?
- Application fee: £1,048
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year
How long does it take to get a decision?
- Standard processing time: Around 8 weeks.
- Priority processing: 5 working days (extra £500).
- Super-priority service: Next working day (extra £1,000).
What happens if my Spouse Visa extension is refused?
You can:
- Appeal a Decision (if eligible).
- Submit a fresh application correcting the errors.
- Seek legal advice for complex cases.
Can I work while waiting for my Spouse Visa extension?
Yes, if you applied before your visa expired, your rights remain the same under Section 3C Leave.
Can I travel while my extension is being processed?
No, leaving the UK automatically cancels your application.
