When can I extend my spouse visa?

You can apply to extend your spouse visa up to 28 days before your current visa expires. You should apply before your visa expires to benefit from Section 3C leave, which allows you to remain in the UK legally while your application is pending. Do not wait until the last day — apply early to avoid complications.

How much does a spouse visa extension cost?

The spouse visa extension costs £1,048 for the application fee. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year (£2,587.50 for 2.5 years). The total cost is approximately £3,635.50 for the main applicant. Biometric enrolment fees may also apply.

What English level do I need for a spouse visa extension?

For the spouse visa extension (Further Leave to Remain), you need English at CEFR level A2 (elementary). This is one level above the A1 required for the initial application. You can meet this through an approved SELT test or through an exemption.

Do I still need to meet the income requirement for the extension?

Yes. You must still meet the minimum income requirement at the time of your extension application. The current threshold is £29,000 per year (as of 2026). You can use employment income, self-employment income, cash savings, or a combination. The rules are similar to the initial application.

What happens after my spouse visa extension is granted?

After the extension, you will have permission to stay for a further 2.5 years. At the end of this period (5 years total on the spouse route), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives you permanent residence in the UK.

Spouse Visa Extension Guide 2026

The spouse visa extension (Further Leave to Remain as a partner) gives you another 2.5 years in the UK. After the extension, you can apply for ILR. The extension requires you to still meet the income threshold, pass the A2 English test, maintain adequate accommodation, and prove your relationship is ongoing. This guide covers every step.

When to Apply

Your initial spouse visa is granted for 33 months (approximately 2 years and 9 months). You can apply to extend it from 28 days before the expiry date. We strongly recommend applying well before the expiry date.

If you apply before your visa expires, you are protected by Section 3C leave, which means your existing visa conditions continue while the Home Office processes your extension. If you apply after your visa expires, you become an overstayer, which has serious consequences.

Set a reminder at least 3 months before your visa expires to begin preparing your extension application.

Extension Requirements

To extend your spouse visa, you must meet the same core requirements as the initial application, with some adjustments:

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

You must still be in a genuine, subsisting relationship with your partner. The Home Office will look at whether you are living together and maintaining your relationship. Provide updated relationship evidence such as joint bills, shared bank accounts, recent photos, and correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address.

Financial Requirement

You must meet the minimum income requirement. As of 2026, the threshold is £29,000 per year. This can be met through:

Employment income (from the UK sponsor)
Self-employment income
Cash savings above £16,000
Income from the applicant (you), if you have been working in the UK
A combination of the above

An important change from the initial application: at the extension stage, your own income counts in addition to your partner's. If you have been working in the UK, this can help meet the threshold.

English Language

You need to demonstrate English at CEFR level A2. See our English language requirement guide for details on approved tests and exemptions. If you passed A1 for your initial application, you now need to pass A2.

Accommodation

You must still meet the accommodation requirement. Since you are already living in the UK at this stage, provide evidence of your current accommodation (tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, utility bills).

No Criminal Convictions

You must not have any unspent criminal convictions. Some convictions can affect your application even if they are spent.

Costs

The costs for a spouse visa extension in 2026 are:

Application fee: £1,048
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year x 2.5 years = £2,587.50
Biometric enrolment: Free if using the IDV app; otherwise a small fee at a UKVCAS centre
Total (main applicant): approximately £3,635.50

If you have dependants (children), they will each need their own extension application with separate fees. For a full breakdown of costs, see our spouse visa cost breakdown.

Documents You Need

Gather these documents before applying:

Valid passport
Previous visa details (your current spouse visa)
English language test certificate at A2 level (or exemption evidence)
Financial evidence for the last 6 months (payslips, bank statements, employer letter)
Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
Evidence of your ongoing relationship (joint bills, photos, correspondence)
Council tax bill or utility bills at your shared address

For a comprehensive list, see our spouse visa documents checklist.

How to Apply

Complete the online application. Go to GOV.UK and fill in the extension form.
Pay the fees. The application fee and IHS are paid online during the application process.
Complete biometrics. Use the IDV app (if eligible) or book a UKVCAS appointment.
Upload your documents. Submit your supporting evidence through the online portal.
Wait for a decision. Processing times for spouse visa extensions vary but are typically 8 to 12 weeks.

Processing Times

In 2026, spouse visa extension processing times are typically:

Standard processing: 8 to 12 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment
Priority processing: Available for an additional fee (typically £500 to £800). Decision within 5 working days.
Super priority: Decision by the end of the next working day (typically £800 to £1,000 additional).

While your application is pending, you remain on Section 3C leave with the same conditions as your previous visa. You can continue working and living in the UK normally, but you should avoid international travel.

After the Extension: Path to ILR

Once your extension is granted, you have permission to remain for a further 2.5 years (30 months). At the end of this period, you will have been on the spouse route for 5 years in total, and you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

For ILR, you will need:

5 continuous years on the spouse route
English at CEFR level B1
Pass the Life in the UK test
Meet the income and accommodation requirements
No more than 180 days absence from the UK in any 12-month period

Next Steps

Start preparing your extension at least 3 months before your visa expires. Book your A2 English test early, gather your financial evidence, and ensure your documents are in order.

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