As you know, a UK spouse visa allows you to immigrate and stay in the United Kingdom with your spouse. According to the rules and regulations of the UKVI, this visa has a validity period of 2.5 years. You need to apply for an extension; probably, the expiration period of 2.5 years expires. The UK spouse visa extension application involves numerous requirements. It can be a long process if you want to extend your spouse visa. In this article, let’s discuss those requirements and focus on the fundamental ways of extension. The spouse visa extension is only possible if the UKVI (The Home Office) approves your application.
Why is There a Requirement for UK Spouse Visa Extension?
Well, it is understood that you require to extend your visa before it expires to stay in the United Kingdom with your spouse. You won’t be legally allowed to stay in the UK without a valid visa. Hence, applying for an extension at least 28 days before the expiry is crucial. To avoid the last-minute rush, give yourself enough time to arrange all the required documents that prove the authenticity and validity of your relationship. However, you must consider that your visa extension may take a few months to be approved, but you can request the UKVI for priority service at an extra charge of around £800. It can be the ultimate way to expedite the processing. After applying for your visa extension, you can sit back and relax even if your spouse visa expires the same day or later. But it is crucial to have a valid visa while applying for an extension. You can not apply once your visa expires. Staying in the UK after the expiration of your visa is an illegal offence under section 24 of the UK immigration Act 1971. If you apply for an extension after the expiry of the spouse visa, you will have no right to appeal the rejection decision of the home office. Undoubtedly, applying for an extension before the expiry date is better.
Mandatory Requirements for the UK Spouse Visa Extension
While applying for a spouse visa extension, there are several requirements that you need to take into consideration. You can not lack here; otherwise, your extension may get rejected by UKVI.
- Prove the Authenticity & Stability of the Relationship
To become eligible for a spouse visa extension, you have to prove that you are legally married to your spouse. Your spouse can be a British citizen or a foreign citizen with proof of permanent residence, and they can be a refugee status holder and stay in the UK under humanitarian protection law. Your relationship status should be legally recognised as a married and civil partnership. However, if you are unmarried, you must prove that you have been in a relationship with the person for at least two years and are already planning marriage. You also have to prove that you have been staying with your spouse during the initial period of your spouse visa and that you intend to continue your staycation with your spouse after the extension.
- Demonstrate Your Financial Status
You must show your financial status to the UKVI while applying for a spouse visa extension. You and your spouse’s mutual annual earnings should be around £18,600. It can hike to £22,400 if you have a child under 18. You and your spouse can meet this minimum income through your job and self-employment.
- Requirement English Speaking & Listening
To extend your spouse visa, you must prove that you can speak and listen to A2-level English. You can verify your language eligibility by implementing an English language test . You do not have to prove this eligibility if you are a national resident of any English-speaking country, your age is 65 or beyond or if you have a mental or physical health condition.
- Spotless and Elegant Character
To successfully extend your spouse visa after 2.5 years, you must carry an elegant and spotless character. This is a usual test run by the UKVI to analyse your personality. You must not be involved with immigration breaches or other criminal offences while being in the United Kingdom.
To fulfil all the mandatory requirements of a spouse visa extension, you can take the help of a UK spouse visa lawyer. Their expertise and experience can positively help with the extension visa application.
Conclusion
If you want to stay further in the UK with your partner after the expiration of your spouse visa, you have to apply for an extension. This application process requires you to provide all the essential documents and information to the UKVI. If you cannot provide all the necessary documents and information, in that case, the UKVI can invite you for an interview. However, executing this process personally may involve various errors or glitches. A UK spouse visa lawyer can help you immensely with this process.
