Extending a UK spouse visa is one of the most important immigration steps for couples who want to continue living together in the UK and eventually settle permanently. While many applicants assume renewal is straightforward, a UK spouse visa extension can still be refused if the Home Office requirements are not met exactly.
This article explains what a spouse visa extension is, how much it costs, the difference between the 5-year and 10-year routes, what happens after 2.5 and 5 years, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
What is a UK spouse visa extension?
First things first, a UK spouse visa extension allows you to remain in the UK after completing the first 2.5 years (30 months) of leave as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. The extension is made using the FLR(M) application and, if approved, grants a further 30 months of leave.
Most applicants are on the 5-year spouse visa route, which leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing two successful 2.5-year periods. Others may be placed on the 10-year route, usually where certain requirements were not met at the initial stage.
How does the Home Office decide whether you are on the 5-year or 10-year spouse visa route?
When you apply for a UK spouse visa (or a spouse visa extension), the Home Office decides which route you are placed on based on whether you meet all the Immigration Rules at the date of application.
The 5-year spouse visa route
You will normally be placed on the 5-year route if, at the time of application, you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are in a genuine and subsisting relationship
- You meet the financial requirement
- You meet the English language requirement
- You meet the immigration status and suitability requirements
- There are no exceptional circumstances affecting your case
Applicants who meet the full requirements are granted 30 months of leave, and after two successful 2.5-year periods, can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
The 10-year spouse visa route
You may be placed on the 10-year route if you do not meet one or more of the standard requirements, but the Home Office decides that refusing the application would breach your right to respect for family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
This commonly happens when:
- The financial requirement is not met
- The English language requirement is not met
- There are issues with immigration status or overstaying
- There are exceptional or compassionate circumstances, such as children involved
Applicants on this route are still granted leave to remain, but must complete four periods of 2.5 years before becoming eligible for ILR, meaning settlement is only possible after 10 years.
Can you move from the 10-year route to the 5-year route?
In some cases, yes! If you were placed on the 10-year route and later meet all the standard requirements, you may be able to switch onto the 5-year route at a future extension stage. However, time already spent on the 10-year route does not usually count towards the 5-year ILR qualifying period.
Because of the long-term cost and settlement impact, getting the route decision right from the outset is crucial.
How do I renew my UK spouse visa after 2.5 years?
You must apply for your spouse visa extension before your current visa expires. As long as the application is submitted in time, you can legally remain in the UK while waiting for a decision.
To renew your UK spouse visa, you must show that:
- You are still in a genuine and subsisting relationship
- You continue to meet the financial requirement
- You meet the English language requirement (unless exempt)
- You are living together in the UK
Supporting documents usually include updated financial evidence, proof of cohabitation, relationship evidence, and an approved English test certificate if required.
What is the cost of renewing a UK spouse visa?
The UK spouse visa extension cost is one of the most common concerns for applicants, as the renewal involves several mandatory fees rather than a single payment. Couples often underestimate the total cost, particularly when extending from within the UK and planning towards long-term settlement.
In addition to the Home Office application fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the full 2.5-year period. There may also be further expenses, such as English language tests, document translations, or priority processing, depending on your circumstances. Understanding the full UK spouse visa extension cost in advance is essential to avoid delays, budgeting issues, or application errors that could affect the outcome of your renewal.
UK spouse visa extension costs (2026)
- Spouse visa extension application fee: £1,321
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (total £2,587.50 for 2.5 years)
- Biometric enrolment: Included (optional paid appointments may apply)
- Priority service (optional): Additional fee
Are there any hidden costs when renewing a UK spouse visa?
While not always obvious, additional costs may include:
- English language test fees
- Document translation costs
- Priority or super priority processing
- Legal advice or application checking services
What is the difference between the 2.5-year and 5-year spouse visa route?
Many applicants are unsure how long they need to remain on a spouse visa before qualifying for settlement. The confusion often comes from the fact that UK spouse visas are granted in 2.5-year periods, but the total route to settlement can be either 5 years or 10 years, depending on whether all Home Office requirements are met.
The 5-year spouse visa route
- Two grants of 2.5 years (30 months each)
- Leads to ILR after 5 years
- Requires meeting all requirements at each stage
- Lower long-term cost and faster settlement
The 10-year spouse visa route
- Four grants of 2.5 years
- ILR only after 10 years
- Usually applies if financial or English requirements were not met
- More expensive over time
Some applicants are moved onto the 10-year route at the extension stage if requirements are not met.
What happens after 5 years on a UK spouse visa?
Once you successfully complete 5 continuous years on the spouse visa route, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR removes immigration time limits and is the final step before British citizenship for many applicants.
To qualify, you must:
- Still be in a genuine relationship
- Meet the financial requirement
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirement at the B1 level
- Not to exceed permitted absences from the UK
What is the English test for a spouse Visa renewal?
Most applicants must show knowledge of English when applying for a UK spouse visa extension.
- At the extension stage, this is usually CEFR level A2
- Tests must be from an approved Home Office provider
- Previous tests can sometimes be reused if still valid
You may be exempt if you are over 65, have a recognised degree taught in English, or have a medical exemption.
What happens if you don’t renew your spouse visa in the UK?
If you fail to apply before your visa expires:
- You may become an overstayer
- You could lose the right to work or rent
- Your application may be refused automatically
- Future immigration applications may be affected
Applying on time protects your legal status while a decision is pending.
What happens if your spouse visa renewal is refused?
A spouse visa extension refusal can be serious, but it does not always mean the end of your immigration journey.
Depending on the refusal reasons, you may:
- Have a right of appeal
- Be able to submit a fresh application
- Switch onto a different immigration route
Professional legal advice is critical at this stage to avoid removal or long-term consequences.
What are the most common mistakes when renewing a UK spouse visa?
Avoiding errors is essential. The most common reasons a UK spouse visa extension gets rejected include:
1. Incorrect financial evidence
Submitting payslips or bank statements that do not match exactly is a frequent cause of refusal.
2. Weak proof of cohabitation
Applicants must show they have lived together consistently, with documents spread evenly over the 2.5-year period.
3. Using an invalid English test
Only approved providers and correct test levels are accepted.
4. Applying too late
Late applications can break lawful residence and affect ILR eligibility.
5. Inconsistent information
Discrepancies between previous and current applications often trigger refusal.
Frequently asked questions (additional common queries)
1. Can I work while waiting for a spouse visa extension decision?
Yes, if you apply before your visa expires, your existing work rights continue.
2. How long does a UK spouse visa extension take?
Standard processing times are usually around 8 weeks, though this can vary.
3. Can I travel while my Spouse visa extension is pending?
Travelling outside the UK will usually withdraw your application.
4. Can I switch from the 10-year route to the 5-year route?
Only in some cases, if you later meet all requirements. Legal advice is recommended.
5. Do absences from the UK affect my spouse visa extension?
Excessive absences can affect future ILR eligibility, even if the extension is granted.
How Mulgrave Law can help
UK spouse visa extensions require careful preparation, accurate documents, and a clear understanding of Home Office expectations. A small mistake can delay settlement or move you onto the 10-year route unnecessarily.
At Mulgrave Law, we support clients with:
- Spouse visa extension applications
- Document checking and compliance reviews
- Advice on the 5-year vs 10-year route
- ILR preparation and long-term planning
Secure your UK spouse visa extension with confidence. Book a consultation with Mulgrave Law today to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and gives you the best chance of long-term settlement in the UK.
Get started by filling out our online contact form, calling us on 020 7253 7248, or emailing us at info@mulgravelaw.co.uk.
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