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Home > Spouse Visa > Spouse Visa Extension & ILR

SPOUSE VISA EXTENSION & ILR

Overview: Extension & Settlement Route

A UK spouse visa is usually granted for 2.5 years (30 months). To continue living in the UK, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires.

After completing 5 years in the UK on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—also known as permanent settlement.

Understanding this pathway is essential to avoid gaps in your immigration status.

Spouse Visa Extension (FLR M)

What is a Spouse Visa Extension?

A spouse visa extension allows you to stay in the UK for another 2.5 years after your initial visa expires.

You must apply before your current visa ends to avoid overstaying.

When Should You Apply for Extension?

You should apply:

  • Within 28 days before your visa expiry date

Applying too early or too late can affect your eligibility for ILR.

Spouse Visa Extension Requirements

To extend your visa, you must still meet the original requirements.

Key Requirements:

  • You are still in a genuine relationship

  • You and your partner live together

  • You meet the UK spouse visa financial requirement

  • You meet the English language requirement (if applicable)

  • You have suitable accommodation

If you’re unsure, contact us for complete UK Spouse Visa Requirements.

Documents Required for Extension

You will need updated documents to prove your situation.

Common Documents Include:

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of relationship (recent evidence)

  • Financial documents (latest payslips & bank statements)

  • Proof of cohabitation (joint bills, tenancy agreements)

  • Accommodation evidence

Providing consistent and up-to-date documents is essential.

Extension Fees & Processing Time

Fees Include:

  • Visa application fee

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
     

Processing Time:

  • Standard: around 8 weeks

  • Priority services may be available

Common Extension Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying after visa expiry

  • Not meeting financial requirements

  • Providing weak cohabitation evidence

  • Submitting outdated documents

Avoiding these mistakes is crucial to maintain your legal status.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Applications are often refused due to:

  • Not meeting financial requirements

  • Weak relationship evidence

  • Missing or incorrect documents

What is ILR?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to live in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions.

It is the final step in the spouse visa route before applying for British citizenship.

When Can You Apply for ILR?

You can usually apply after:

  • 5 years (60 months) on a spouse visa

You must meet strict requirements to qualify.

ILR Requirements (Spouse Visa Route)

To apply for ILR, you must:

  • Complete 5 years on a spouse visa

  • Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship

  • Meet the financial requirements for spouse visa

  • Pass the Life in the UK Test

  • Meet English language requirements (higher level)

  • Show continuous residence in the UK

Documents Required for ILR

Typical Documents Include:

  • Passport and BRP

  • Proof of relationship

  • Financial documents

  • Proof of cohabitation (over 2–5 years)

  • Life in the UK Test certificate

  • English language certificate

Organizing long-term evidence is especially important for ILR.

ILR Processing Time

  • Standard processing: up to 6 months

  • Priority services may be available

Common ILR Mistakes

  • Applying before completing 5 years

  • Missing cohabitation evidence

  • Failing Life in the UK Test

  • Incorrect financial documents

Even small mistakes can delay your settlement.

After ILR: British Citizenship

Once you receive ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship (if you meet the criteria).

This is the final step in your UK immigration journey.

Plan Your Next Step with Confidence

Whether you’re applying for an extension or preparing for ILR, proper timing and documentation are essential.

Missing deadlines or submitting incorrect information can affect your future applications.

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