A Spouse Visa Extension is for applicants already in the UK as a spouse or civil partner who need to renew their family-route permission. It is often the final stage before settlement on the 5-year partner route.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
TL;DR
A Spouse Visa Extension is the in-country renewal stage for a spouse or civil partner on the family route. The application fee is £1,407, further permission is usually 2 years and 6 months, and the usual decision time is 8 weeks where the financial and English requirements are met.
£1,407
Inside-UK fee
2 years 6 months
Further stay
8 weeks
Typical decision
What is a Spouse Visa Extension?
The Spouse Visa Extension is for a person who already has UK family permission as a spouse or civil partner and wants to continue living with the same qualifying partner in the UK. The applicant must apply before their current permission expires.
The extension reassesses the relationship, accommodation, financial and English language requirements. GOV.UK confirms that applicants extending with the same partner who first applied before 11 April 2024 can continue to rely on the transitional £18,600 income threshold, plus child additions where relevant.
If granted, the extension usually gives 2 years and 6 months of further permission and can keep the applicant on track for settlement after 5 years on the partner route.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Spouse Visa Extension.
📄
Current Partner Permission
The applicant should hold valid spouse or civil partner permission and continue to live with the same partner. An in-time application protects continuity while UKVI decides the case.
💼
Continuing Relationship Evidence
UKVI expects evidence that the relationship remains genuine and subsisting. Cohabitation, shared responsibilities and communication evidence can be important.
£
Financial Route Check
Most extensions use the current £29,000 threshold, but some pre-11 April 2024 applicants extending with the same partner may use transitional financial rules.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Spouse Visa Extension.
✓ You Can
- Live with your partner in the UK if the application is granted.
- Work and study once granted as a spouse or partner, not as a fiancé.
- Include eligible children as dependants where the rules are met.
- Extend the route more than once if requirements continue to be met.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years on the qualifying partner route.
✗ You Cannot
- Claim public funds unless your immigration status later allows it.
- Count fiancé time towards settlement on the 5-year partner route.
- Rely on weak relationship evidence where the rules require proof of a genuine relationship.
- Ignore the financial requirement unless an exception or alternative route applies.
- Use visitor status as a shortcut to switch in most cases.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £1,407 inside UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Usually £1,035/year |
| Minimum income | Usually £29,000/year |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Fee waiver | May be available |
How to Extend a Spouse Visa
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check Expiry and Route
Confirm the current visa expiry date, partner category and whether transitional financial rules apply.
Update the Evidence
Gather recent cohabitation, income, accommodation, English and identity evidence.
Apply Before Expiry
Submit the in-country family visa extension form and pay the fee and IHS where required.
Complete Biometrics
Verify identity online or attend a UKVCAS appointment if required.
Receive Your Decision
Inside-UK partner extension applications usually take 8 weeks if financial and English requirements are met.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Spouse Visa Extension from employers and applicants.
What is a Spouse Visa Extension?
A Spouse Visa Extension is an in-country application to renew permission as the spouse or civil partner of a qualifying UK-based partner. It usually grants a further 2 years and 6 months.
How much does a Spouse Visa Extension cost?
The 2026 Home Office fee for Leave to remain – Other is £1,407. The IHS is usually payable separately for the period of permission requested.
When should I apply to extend my Spouse Visa?
You should apply before your current permission expires. Applying in time is important to preserve lawful status while the application is decided.
How long does a Spouse Visa Extension take?
Inside-UK partner applications that meet the financial and English language requirements usually take 8 weeks. Cases relying on alternative grounds can take much longer.
What financial requirement applies to a Spouse Visa Extension?
The usual partner threshold is £29,000, but GOV.UK confirms transitional rules for applicants who first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner.
Can I work while my Spouse Visa Extension is pending?
If you applied before your current spouse visa expired, your existing conditions normally continue while UKVI decides the application. The exact position depends on making a valid in-time application.
Does a Spouse Visa Extension lead to ILR?
Yes. It normally keeps the applicant on the 5-year partner route to settlement if the route requirements continue to be met.
Do I need English language evidence again?
Many applicants must show the required English level at extension stage unless exempt. The level and accepted evidence should be checked against the rules at the time of application.
Can I change from unmarried partner to spouse at extension?
If you have married your partner, you may be able to apply in the appropriate partner category, but the evidence must still show a genuine and continuing relationship.
Can a Spouse Visa Extension be refused?
Yes. Common risks include missing documents, unmet financial requirements, weak cohabitation evidence, suitability issues or applying after permission has expired.
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