The UK spouse visa is typically granted for 30 months (2.5 years). If you intend to remain in the UK with your British or settled partner, you must apply for a spouse visa extension before your initial visa expires. This extension is formally known as Further Leave to Remain (FLR(M)), and it’s an essential step for those aiming for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Understanding the UK spouse visa extension requirements is critical. Missing key documentation or misunderstanding eligibility criteria can lead to a refusal, potentially impacting your right to remain in the country and causing unnecessary disruption to your family life.

At Salam Immigration, we specialise in guiding applicants through every stage of the UK spouse visa process, from initial applications to renewals and ILR. This guide sets out the rules, financial and relationship criteria, and documents you need to prepare a strong application in 2025 and beyond.

Why the Spouse Visa Extension Matters

Extending your UK spouse visa isn’t just a formality. It’s a legal requirement for remaining in the UK lawfully after your initial visa period ends. A successful FLR(M) application allows you to:

Remain in the UK for another 30 months
Continue working or studying without restrictions
Maintain your route towards settlement (ILR and British citizenship)

However, the Home Office enforces strict checks to ensure that your relationship remains genuine, that financial requirements are met, and that you meet the English language criteria. Failing to meet any of these can result in refusal.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

To meet the UK spouse visa extension requirements, applicants must satisfy a clear set of criteria under the FLR(M) route. These requirements are designed to ensure that the relationship is genuine, ongoing, and that both parties can support themselves without recourse to public funds.

Here’s a breakdown of the main eligibility criteria you must meet when applying for your spouse visa extension:

1. You Must Be in a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

The Home Office will assess whether your relationship with your British or settled partner is ongoing and genuine. This means:

You must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK; or
You must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years (if applying as an unmarried partner)

Evidence of a genuine relationship may include:

Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements
Utility bills in both names
Correspondence addressed to both parties at the same address
Photos, travel itineraries, and communication history

The more documentary evidence you provide, the stronger your case. Lack of evidence is a common reason for refusal.

2. You Must Be Living Together in the UK

To qualify under the UK spouse visa extension requirements, you must have been residing in the UK with your partner during your current leave. Absences from the UK must be limited and justified — for example, family emergencies or work-related travel.

If there’s any prolonged separation, you’ll need to explain the reason and provide evidence that the relationship was maintained during that time.

3. You Must Hold a Valid Spouse or Partner Visa

This extension applies to individuals who were granted an initial 30-month visa as the partner of a British citizen or settled person. You cannot switch to the FLR(M) route from most other visa categories inside the UK unless you already hold a valid spouse visa.

If your current visa has expired, you may not be eligible to apply from within the UK — and overstaying can lead to complications or outright refusal.

4. Your Partner Must Have Settled Status or British Citizenship

The sponsoring partner must be either:

A British citizen
A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
An EU national with Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If your partner’s status has changed since your initial application (e.g., they’ve become naturalised), be sure to include up-to-date documentation proving their current immigration or citizenship status.

Financial Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

Meeting the financial requirement is a central part of the UK spouse visa extension requirements. You must demonstrate that you and your partner can financially support yourselves without needing public funds. Failing to meet this requirement is a common reason for refusal, so understanding the rules is vital.

Minimum Income Threshold

As of 2025, the financial requirement for an FLR(M) application is:

£29,000 annual gross income (as of April 2024)
(Note: This threshold is set to increase in phases. Applicants should always check the most current requirement at the time of application.)

This amount applies regardless of whether you have children. Previous lower thresholds that differentiated between couples with or without dependent children have been replaced.

Only certain sources of income count towards this threshold, and they must be evidenced correctly.

Who Can Meet the Financial Requirement?

The income can come from:

The sponsoring partner (British citizen or settled person)
The applicant (if already working in the UK with valid permission)
Joint income (if both are working)

Important: All income must be earned in accordance with immigration laws — so if the applicant is working without permission or before their visa was granted, that income cannot be used.

Acceptable Sources of Income

You can meet the requirement through a combination of the following:

Salaried employment (at least 6 months with the same employer)
Non-salaried employment (e.g. hourly or irregular work)
Self-employment income (e.g. sole trader, company director – requires 12 months of financial evidence)
Pension income
Maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave pay
Rental income (from property owned outright)
Dividends or investments
Cash savings (if held for at least 6 months in an accessible account)

Using Savings to Meet the Requirement

If your income falls short, you may use cash savings to make up the difference. The formula used by the Home Office is:

(£16,000 base threshold) + (shortfall × 2.5)

So, if your combined income is £24,000, you’re £5,000 short. You’d need:

£16,000 + (£5,000 × 2.5) = £28,500 in cash savings

Savings must be:

In the name of the applicant, sponsor, or both
Held in an account for at least 6 months before applying
From a legal source (evidence of origin is required)

What Documents Are Needed?

The documents you need depend on the income source. Common documents include:

Payslips (last 6 months)
Bank statements showing corresponding payments
Employment letter from employer confirming job details
P60
Self-employment tax returns and accountant’s certificate (if applicable)
Savings account statements

All documents must be in English or officially translated. Incomplete or inconsistent financial evidence will lead to refusal.

English Language Requirement for Spouse Visa Extension

Another core element of the UK spouse visa extension requirements is meeting the English language requirement. You must show that you can communicate effectively in English — a key factor in supporting integration and long-term settlement.

If you met the English language requirement during your initial spouse visa application, you still need to meet it again when applying for an FLR(M) extension — but the standard is slightly higher.

What Level of English Is Required?

For your spouse visa extension, you must prove you meet CEFR Level A2 in speaking and listening. This is one level above the A1 requirement for the initial visa.

How Can You Meet the Requirement?

You can meet the English requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Pass an Approved English Language Test

You must take a test at an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider. The test must assess speaking and listening only.

Approved SELT providers in the UK include:

IELTS SELT Consortium (UKVI-approved IELTS Life Skills A2)
Trinity College London (Graded Examinations in Spoken English)

Ensure the test is:

Taken at an approved UKVI test centre
Still valid at the time of application (usually valid for 2 years)

2. Hold a Degree Taught in English

You can meet the requirement if you have:

A degree taught or researched in English from a UK university
A degree from an overseas university taught in English with ECCTIS confirmation (formerly UK NARIC)

You’ll need:

The original degree certificate
An ECCTIS statement confirming equivalence and English medium of instruction (if applicable)

3. Be Exempt

You are exempt from the English language requirement if you:

Are aged 65 or over
Have a physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting the requirement (must be evidenced by a medical professional)
Are a national of a majority English-speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or certain Caribbean nations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking the wrong test (e.g., IELTS Academic instead of Life Skills A2)
Using an expired certificate
Submitting a test result from a non-UKVI approved centre

If in doubt, verify your test and provider via the official UK Home Office SELT list.

Documents Required for UK Spouse Visa Extension

One of the most common reasons applications are delayed or refused is incomplete or incorrect documentation. To satisfy the UK spouse visa extension requirements, every claim you make — about your relationship, finances, English ability, or identity — must be backed by evidence.

Here’s a full list of the documents typically required for a successful FLR(M) application.

1. Personal Identity Documents

Applicant’s current passport or travel document
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — if issued in the initial spouse visa
Partner’s passport or proof of settled/British status
2 recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant
Proof of legal immigration status and any previous visas

2. Proof of Relationship

You must show that your relationship is genuine, subsisting, and that you intend to live together permanently. Provide:

Marriage or civil partnership certificate (translated if not in English)
Evidence of cohabitation covering the last 2.5 years (e.g. council tax, utility bills, joint bank statements, tenancy agreements)
Photos together over time (not just from the wedding)
Travel history together, boarding passes, visa stamps
Correspondence showing ongoing communication, if relevant
Any children’s birth certificates, if applicable

Home Office guidance suggests providing at least 6 pieces of correspondence addressed to both parties at the same address, spread evenly across the visa period.

3. Financial Documents

These are critical for proving you meet the minimum income threshold. The exact documents depend on your income source but generally include:

Payslips (6 months) or 12 months for variable income
Corresponding bank statements
Letter from employer confirming employment details
P60 (if applicable)
Self-employment tax returns, accountant’s letter, and invoices (if self-employed)
Savings account statements showing 6+ months of savings
Rental income statements or contracts (if applicable)

Be consistent — the amounts on your payslips and bank statements must match.

4. English Language Evidence

SELT test pass certificate (A2)
Or UK degree certificate
Or ECCTIS Statement of Comparability, if using a foreign degree
Or proof of exemption (age, disability, or nationality)

5. Accommodation Details

You must show that you have adequate accommodation that you and your family will occupy without overcrowding. This might include:

Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
Utility bills or council tax
Landlord letter (if applicable)
Housing inspection report (optional but useful)

This helps prove both cohabitation and that the living conditions are suitable under housing regulations.

6. Other Supporting Documents

Depending on your case, you may also need:

Divorce certificates if previously married
Death certificates (in case of deceased prior spouse)
Immigration history or refusal letters from prior applications
Cover letter or legal representation letter (optional but recommended)

Formatting and Translation

All documents must be in English or Welsh, or accompanied by a certified translation
Keep everything clear, labelled, and in logical order
Use dividers or digital file tags if applying online
Only provide copies unless originals are requested

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M))

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the UK spouse visa extension requirements, the next step is to submit your FLR(M) application correctly and on time. This section outlines how to complete the process without delays, errors, or refusals.

Step 1: Apply Online Before Your Visa Expires

Your application must be submitted before your current visa expires — ideally within 28 days before the expiry date. Late applications can lead to overstaying, which has serious immigration consequences.

You must apply online through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The correct application form is “FLR(M)” — Further Leave to Remain based on family life as a partner.

Note: Do not use the FLR(HRO) or other forms — they are for different routes.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fee and Health Surcharge

You’ll be required to pay two fees:

Application fee: £1,048 (as of 2025, subject to change)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,560 (£624 per year for 2.5 years)

Total: £2,608 per applicant (not including any dependants or priority services)

The IHS grants you access to NHS services during your stay. Payment is required upfront when submitting the application.

Step 3: Upload Your Supporting Documents

Once your application is submitted, you will be prompted to upload all supporting evidence. UKVI uses the UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) portal, operated by Sopra Steria, to collect documents and biometrics.

You can:

Upload documents yourself
Pay extra for document checking or upload assistance at the appointment

Ensure all uploads are:

Clear, colour scans or PDFs
Named clearly (e.g., “Payslip_Jan2025.pdf”)
Organised logically by category

If you choose not to upload online, you can bring physical copies to your biometric appointment — but this is less efficient.

Step 4: Book a Biometric Appointment

After submitting the application and uploading documents, you’ll need to book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre near you. During the appointment, you’ll:

Have your photo and fingerprints taken
Provide your signature
Submit your passport and BRP for verification (in some cases)

Standard appointments are often free, but priority or out-of-hours slots come with additional fees (£100–£260+ depending on location and time).

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing time for FLR(M) is:

8 weeks for normal applications
1 working day for super priority (if available)

You’ll receive:

An email with the decision
Your new BRP card (if granted) via courier
A refusal letter (with or without appeal rights) if unsuccessful

During the decision-making period, you can remain in the UK legally, even if your current visa expires — as long as you applied before the expiry date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Spouse Visa Extension

Even strong applications can be refused or delayed due to avoidable errors. With high stakes involved — including your right to remain in the UK — understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the UK spouse visa extension requirements.

Here are the most common mistakes that applicants make — and how to steer clear of them.

1. Applying with the Wrong Form

The correct form is FLR(M) — not FLR(FP), FLR(HRO), or SET(M). Using the wrong form means the application won’t meet the legal route requirements, and could be rejected outright.

2. Missing the Deadline

You must apply before your current visa expires. Even applying one day late is considered overstaying, which could damage future immigration applications or lead to a ban.

Use a reminder or calendar alert to track your visa’s expiry. Ideally, apply within 28 days of expiry to ensure continuity.

3. Failing to Meet the Financial Requirement

Many applications are refused because of:

Miscalculating combined income
Submitting incomplete bank statements
Using non-qualifying income (e.g., unapproved self-employment)
Not holding savings for the required 6 months

Always double-check that your financial documents are:

From the correct period
From the right source
Fully matching across payslips, letters, and bank statements

4. Insufficient Relationship Evidence

Just being married isn’t enough. The Home Office wants clear, ongoing proof that your relationship is genuine. Weak cases often rely on just a marriage certificate and one utility bill.

Include a range of documents:

Spread across the full 2.5-year period
Showing both names at the same address
Supplemented with evidence like photos, travel, and communication

5. Taking the Wrong English Test

Applicants frequently:

Take IELTS Academic (instead of Life Skills A2)
Use expired results
Test at a centre not approved by UKVI

Double-check the CEFR level and UKVI-approved test provider before booking.

6. Uploading Poor or Blurry Documents

UKVCAS portals can reject:

Cropped scans
Blurry images
Files with incorrect labels

Always upload clear, high-resolution files in colour. Stick to PDF or JPG formats and label files logically.

7. Relying on Incomplete Guidance

Government guidelines are complex and frequently updated. Relying on outdated blogs or advice from non-regulated agents can result in missing key requirements — like changes to financial thresholds or documentation rules.

8. Not Keeping Copies

Once your documents are uploaded or submitted, you won’t get them back during processing. Always keep digital and hard copies of everything for your own records.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2025, the key UK spouse visa extension requirements include:

A genuine and ongoing relationship with a British citizen or settled partner
Living together in the UK
Meeting the financial threshold of £29,000 per year (subject to further increases)
Proof of adequate accommodation
Meeting the A2 English language requirement
Submitting all required documents before the visa expires

Each requirement must be supported with specific, valid evidence for the FLR(M) application to be approved.

2. When should I apply for my spouse visa extension?

You should apply for your spouse visa extension within 28 days before your current visa expires. Submitting too early is unnecessary, and submitting late may result in your application being considered after your leave has expired, which could lead to a refusal or loss of lawful status.

This timeline is a critical part of complying with the UK spouse visa extension requirements.

3. How do I prove that my relationship is genuine and subsisting?

Under the UK spouse visa extension requirements, applicants must show their relationship continues to be genuine. Acceptable proof includes:

Joint utility bills, bank accounts, and tenancy agreements
Letters addressed to both parties over the past 2.5 years
Travel documents showing trips taken together
Photos across different years, events, or family gatherings
Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)

The goal is to evidence ongoing cohabitation and commitment over time — not just at the start of the relationship.

4. What happens if I don’t meet the financial requirement?

If you cannot meet the minimum income threshold set in the UK spouse visa extension requirements, your application may be refused — unless:

You qualify for an exception based on insurmountable obstacles to family life outside the UK
You have cash savings to offset income shortfall (must meet the Home Office formula)
You are eligible under the 10-year partner route instead of the standard 5-year route

It’s essential to seek advice if you’re unsure, as financial evidence is one of the most scrutinised aspects.

5. Is self-employment income accepted in the spouse visa extension?

Yes, but it must meet strict documentation standards. Under UK spouse visa extension requirements, self-employed applicants or sponsors must provide:

Full set of HMRC self-assessment tax returns
SA302s or tax calculations
Business bank statements
Invoices and proof of income
An accountant’s letter confirming details of income and business status

Evidence must cover the most recent full financial year.

6. Can I use cash savings instead of income for my FLR(M) application?

Yes, under the UK spouse visa extension requirements, you can use cash savings if they’ve been held for at least 6 months in an accessible account. You must have at least:

£16,000 base threshold
Plus 2.5 times the shortfall in annual income

7. Do I need to take an English language test again for the spouse visa extension?

Yes. The UK spouse visa extension requirements include a higher-level English test than the one used for your initial visa. You must pass a CEFR A2 speaking and listening test from an approved UKVI provider (unless exempt).

Test results are usually valid for 2 years, and certificates must be valid on the date of application.

8. What happens if my spouse visa extension is refused?

If your FLR(M) application is refused, you may be given:

Right of appeal
Option to reapply, if new evidence can be provided
Removal notice, in rare serious cases (e.g., deception or overstaying)

You can appeal the decision on human rights grounds, especially if you have children or strong ties in the UK. It’s strongly advised to consult an immigration lawyer immediately following a refusal.

9. Can I travel abroad while my spouse visa extension is pending?

No. If you leave the UK while your FLR(M) application is being processed, your application will be considered withdrawn. You must remain in the UK until a decision is made and you receive your new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Travelling during this period would breach UK spouse visa extension requirements and potentially reset your path to ILR.

10. How long does it take to get a decision on a UK spouse visa extension?

Processing times are typically:

Up to 8 weeks for standard applications
Next working day if using super priority service (extra cost)

You can stay in the UK while your application is being processed, as long as you applied before your current visa expires.

11. What is the next step after my UK spouse visa extension is approved?

After your spouse visa extension is granted, you’ll receive a new Biometric Residence Permit valid for another 2.5 years. After completing 5 years total on the FLR(M) route, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also known as settlement.

Remaining compliant with UK spouse visa extension requirements during both visa periods is essential to qualify for ILR.

12. Can I include my children in my FLR(M) spouse visa extension application?

Yes, dependent children who are under 18 and already in the UK can be included in your FLR(M) application. They must meet the criteria for dependants and you’ll need to meet a higher financial requirement if applying with children (as per the new UK immigration rule).

Children must:

Live with you in the UK
Not be leading an independent life
Be supported without public funds

You’ll also need to pay a separate application fee and health surcharge for each child.

Ready to Apply? Let Salam Immigration Help You Meet Every UK Spouse Visa Extension Requirement

The UK spouse visa extension requirements can be complex, time-sensitive, and unforgiving of small errors. Whether you’re preparing your FLR(M) application, unsure about financial thresholds, or worried about proving your relationship, expert guidance can make all the difference.

At Salam Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of families successfully extend their spouse visas and move forward towards settlement in the UK.

Avoid costly mistakes. Save time. Get it right the first time.