Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023

If you are currently residing in the UK on a Spouse Visa and wish to extend your stay, it’s important to understand the application process for the UK Spouse Visa Extension in 2023. In this post, we discuss the process for extending your leave to remain in the UK under the spouse route. 

UK Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023

The UK Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023 allows individuals to extend their stay in the UK as a spouse of a British citizen or a person with settled status. To ensure a successful application, it is crucial to meet the requirements set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). 

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for an extension, it’s vital to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. The basic requirements for the UK Spouse Visa Extension 2023 include:

Valid UK Spouse Visa 

To qualify for limited leave to remain as a partner, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• Both the applicant and their partner must be present in the UK
• The applicant must have submitted a valid application whilst having a valid leave
• The application should not fall under refusal grounds stated under the Immigration Rules

Genuine and subsisting relationship 

To satisfy the relationship requirement for the application, the applicant’s partner must meet one of the following conditions:

• They are a British Citizen currently in the UK, or 
• They are settled in the UK, meaning they have indefinite leave to remain, or 
• They have limited leave under Appendix EU

Both the applicant and their partner must be aged 18 or over at the time of the application. They should not be within the prohibited degree of relationship and must have physically met each other.

Furthermore, the relationship between the applicant and their partner must be genuine and ongoing, and if they are married or in a civil partnership, it must be a valid one. Any previous relationships of either the applicant or their partner must have permanently ended.

Moreover, the applicant and their partner must have the intention to live together permanently in the UK.

To discuss your Spouse Visa Extension application with an experienced immigration adviser, please contact our team on +442087575751 or use our contact form.

Financial Requirement 

In order to meet the financial requirement for the application, the applicant must provide specific evidence based on specified criteria. The applicant must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income, either alone or in combination with cash savings, as follows:

• £18,600 as a baseline income,
• an additional £3,800 for the first child, and
• an additional £2,400 for each additional child.

Alternatively, the applicant can provide evidence of specified savings, including:

• £16,000 in savings, and
• additional savings equivalent to 2.5 times the difference between the gross annual income and the total amount required.

Accommodation arrangements

As part of the application process, the applicant must provide evidence that there is suitable accommodation available for their family, including any additional household members who are not specifically mentioned in the application but reside in the same home. This accommodation should be owned or exclusively occupied by the family and should not rely on public funds for support. However, there are certain conditions under which the accommodation will not be considered adequate:

• If the accommodation is or will be overcrowded, meaning that it does not provide sufficient space for all the individuals residing there.
• If the accommodation violates public health regulations, posing a risk to the health and well-being of the occupants.

It is crucial to ensure that the provided accommodation meets these requirements in order to satisfy the application criteria.

English language requirement

Applicants who have previously met the English language requirement at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in a previous application for entry clearance or leave to remain as a partner or parent must provide specific evidence when seeking further leave to remain as a partner after 30 months in the UK. This evidence includes:

• Proof of being a national of a majority English-speaking country 
• Passing an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A2 with an approved provider.
• Holding an academic qualification such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree awarded by a UK educational establishment, or a degree awarded by an educational establishment outside the UK that is deemed by Ecctis to meet or exceed the recognized UK standard. In the latter case, Ecctis must confirm that the degree was taught or researched in English to at least level A2 or above.

Alternatively, applicants may be exempt from the English language requirement. Exemptions apply if the applicant is 65 years of age or older, has a disability (physical or mental condition) preventing them from meeting the requirement, or if exceptional circumstances prevent the applicant from meeting the requirement.

Preparing Required Documents

Gathering the necessary documents is a critical step in the UK Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023 process. Here are some essential documents you will need:

• Passport and current Spouse Visa
• Proof of relationship
• Proof of meeting the financial requirement
• Accommodation details
• English language test results

The documents required in your application will depend on your circumstances. You must ensure that you have all the required documents ready and organized before starting the application process to avoid any delays or complications.

Completing the FLR(M) Application Form

The next step involves completing the online application form on the UKVI website. The form will require personal information, details about your relationship, and supporting documents. Take your time to fill in the form accurately and double-check all the information before submitting it.

Paying the Fees

Once you have submitted your application form, you will need to pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on the duration of the extension you are applying for. Make sure to check the current fee structure on the UKVI website to ensure you provide the correct payment. In addition to the application fee, you may need to pay the IHS fee to make a valid application. 

Biometric Appointment

After submitting the application and paying the fee, you will be required to schedule a biometric appointment. During this appointment, you will need to provide your fingerprints and a photograph as part of the biometric information collection process.

Attending the Visa Interview

In some cases, applicants may be called for an interview to further assess their eligibility. It is essential to prepare for the interview by reviewing your application, supporting documents, and being able to answer questions about your relationship and intentions in the UK.

The UK Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023 process can seem daunting, but with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it can be a smooth and successful journey. 

Remember to carefully review the UKVI guidelines and seek professional advice if needed to ensure a strong application. With careful planning, organization, and attention to detail, you can navigate the extension process with confidence and continue to enjoy your life in the UK with your loved ones.

Indefinite leave to remain

Upon completing a period of 5 years in the UK on a spouse visa, you may qualify to apply for permanent residence otherwise known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To meet the eligibility requirements, both you and your spouse or civil partner must be physically present in the UK. It is essential to demonstrate that you have maintained continuous residence together since your last visa extension and have the intention to live together permanently beyond the application for Spouse ILR. Substantial evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your spouse or civil partner will need to be provided as part of the application process.

How can we help

At Whytecroft Ford, we understand that navigating the complexities of the UK Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023 process can be overwhelming. That’s why we are here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to helping you successfully extend your stay in the UK and continue to build a life with your loved ones. Here’s how we can assist you:

Expert Advice and Assessment

An immigration adviser from our team will carefully assess your individual circumstances and eligibility for the UK Spouse Visa Extension 2023. We will provide you with clear and accurate advice tailored to your situation, ensuring that you understand the requirements and any potential challenges you may face.

Application Preparation

We will guide you through the entire application process, assisting you in gathering the necessary documents, completing the application form accurately, and organizing your supporting evidence. Our attention to detail ensures that your application is thorough and compelling, maximizing your chances of success.

Financial Requirement Guidance

Meeting the financial requirement is a crucial aspect of the UK Spouse Visa Extension Application. Our team will help you understand the financial criteria and provide guidance on the documentation needed to demonstrate your financial capability. We will work closely with you to ensure that your financial evidence is strong and meets the UKVI’s requirements.

Relationship Documentation

Providing evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship is essential for a successful application. We will assist you in gathering the necessary documentation to demonstrate your relationships, such as photographs, joint bank statements, and correspondence. Our advisors will advise you on the types of evidence that carry weight with the UKVI, helping you present a comprehensive picture of your relationship.

English Language Test Guidance

If you need to provide proof of English language proficiency, we will guide you on the acceptable tests and ensure you understand the requirements. Our advisors will help you prepare for the test and advise on the necessary steps to obtain valid and up-to-date language test results.

Application Submission and Monitoring

Once your application is complete, we will review it thoroughly before submitting it on your behalf. We will track the progress of your application, keeping you informed at every stage.

At Whytecroft Ford, we are committed to providing personalized and professional services to our clients. Our goal is to simplify the UK Spouse Visa Extension Application 2023 process, alleviate stress, and increase your chances of a successful outcome. 

Frequently Asked Questions