UK SPOUSE VISA EXTENSION AFTER 5 YEARS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2025

UK Spouse Visa Extension After 5 Years: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

UK Spouse Visa Extension After 5 Years: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

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After spending five years in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to extend your visa or even apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Understanding the spouse visa extension after 5 years is crucial if you want to continue living in the UK with your partner. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about extending your Spouse Visa and transitioning to permanent residency.





What is the UK Spouse Visa?


The UK Spouse Visa allows the partner of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to live together in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years. After this period, a visa holder can apply for an extension, which grants them another 2.5 years in the UK. At the end of five years, individuals can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which leads to permanent residency.






Spouse Visa Extension After 5 Years: Key Requirements


If you’ve lived in the UK for five years on a Spouse Visa and wish to extend your stay, you’ll need to meet specific requirements. At this point, many applicants will consider applying for ILR rather than extending their visa, but the extension is still an option if you need more time. Here’s what you’ll need:



1. Relationship Requirements




  • You must still be in a genuine relationship with your British or settled partner. You’ll need to provide evidence that you have lived together in the UK during the previous five years.




2. Financial Requirements




  • You and your partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year, or more if you have dependent children.




3. Accommodation




  • You must show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation in the UK.




4. English Language Requirement




  • You must pass an English language test at level A2 or higher, unless exempt. If you’ve already completed this requirement during previous extensions, this will still apply.




5. Good Character Requirement




  • You must not have any serious criminal convictions or breaches of immigration law that could affect your application.







Documents Required for Spouse Visa Extension After 5 Years


When applying for a spouse visa extension after 5 years, you'll need to provide the following documents:





  • Proof of Identity: A valid copyright or travel document.




  • Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, joint bills, tenancy agreements, or photographs that demonstrate your ongoing relationship.




  • Proof of Income: Payslips, bank statements, or employment contracts to show you meet the financial requirement.




  • Proof of Accommodation: Documents that prove you and your partner live together in suitable accommodation.




  • Proof of English Language Proficiency: A certificate showing you’ve passed the required English language test (if applicable).







Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After 5 Years


Instead of applying for an extension, most applicants choose to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five years on a Spouse Visa. ILR allows you to live in the UK permanently, without the need to renew your visa.



ILR Application Requirements:




  • You must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of five years on a Spouse Visa.




  • You must still meet the relationship, financial, and English language requirements.




  • You must pass the Life in the UK Test, which tests your knowledge of British culture and history.







When to Apply for Your Spouse Visa Extension or ILR


You should apply for an extension or ILR before your current Spouse Visa expires. Ideally, you should submit your application within 28 days of your visa’s expiration date to avoid overstaying, which could negatively affect your immigration record.






Application Fees in 2025


The cost for extending a Spouse Visa or applying for ILR in 2025 are as follows:





  • Spouse Visa Extension Fee: £1,048




  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Application Fee: £2,404




  • NHS Healthcare Surcharge: £624 per year (paid upfront for each year your extension is granted).




Additionally, there may be fees for biometric appointments and the Life in the UK Test.






Spouse Visa Processing Time


The processing time for both the Spouse Visa extension and ILR applications can take anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks. However, for those who need a quicker decision, there are priority services available at an extra cost.






Conclusion


Extending your UK Spouse Visa after 5 years is an important step in continuing your life in the UK with your partner. Whether you’re planning to apply for an extension or move forward with an ILR application, it’s essential to meet all the necessary requirements, provide the correct documents, and submit your application on time.


If you’ve successfully spent five years on a Spouse Visa, applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain could be your next big move towards permanent residency in the UK. Be sure to review the requirements carefully and plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition in your visa status.

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