Documents Checklist for Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years

Not sure which documents are required for a Spouse visa extension after 2.5 years? Explore our document checklist to make sure you have everything.

When applying for a UK Spouse visa extension, you must submit various documents, including your passport, marriage certificate, proof of income and more.

Missing documents can result in a Spouse Visa refusal. Contact us if you're unsure about the required documents for your Spouse visa extension application.

Table of Contents

What is a Spouse visa extension?

You can apply for a Spouse visa extension after 2.5 years before your visa expires. This allows you to remain in the UK for a further 30 months (2.5 years).

Extending or renewing your spouse visa after 2.5 years allows you to continue working, studying, and living in the UK legally without any issues.

If you have resided in the UK for at least five years under a valid UK Spouse visa (5-year route), you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a significant milestone on the path to British citizenship. After holding ILR for a specified period, individuals may have the opportunity to apply for naturalization and become British citizens.

What documents are required for a Spouse visa extension?

To extend a spouse visa in the UK after an initial 2.5 years, you'll generally need to provide the following documents:

• Your valid passport or travel document.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Evidence of a genuine relationship.
• Evidence that you meet the financial requirements.
• Proof of adequate accommodation.
• Proof of meeting the English language requirement.
• Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable).
• Additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

Ensure all documents are translated into English if needed and are submitted in the correct format. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or even a rejected application.

Documents required from your partner for a Spouse visa extension

For a spouse visa extension in the UK, your partner needs to provide:

• Proof of nationality (e.g., passport).
• Evidence of UK immigration status or residency.
• Evidence of cohabitation (e.g., joint bills, bank statements).
• Evidence of finances (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
• Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., rent agreement or mortgage documents).

Documents to prove Spouse visa financial requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Spouse visa extension after 2.5 years under the 5-year route, your partner must continue to meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 gross per year (before tax).

Proof of income

To meet the minimum income requirement, your partner can provide:

• Payslips (last 6 months).
• Bank statements (last 6 months).
• Employment letter or contract.

Self-employment evidence

• Tax returns (SA302).
• P60 (if available).
• Business accounts.
• Bank statements.

Cash savings (if applicable)

If your partner doesn't meet the income requirement, savings of at least £88,500 can be used to meet the UK Spouse visa financial requirements.

Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship

Here's a list of acceptable documentation to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Joint bank statements or bills.
• Proof of shared accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement, utility bills, or council tax bills).
• Recent photographs of you and your partner together.
• Communication logs (emails, chats, phone call records).
• Letters or cards exchanged between you.
• Any joint financial commitments or responsibilities.
• Birth certificates of any children you have together (if applicable).

Proof of adequate accommodation in the UK

To prove adequate accommodation for a UK Spouse visa extension, you may need:

• Rental agreement or mortgage statement.
• Property ownership documents.
• A letter from the landlord confirming accommodation details.
• Photographs of the accommodation.
• Utility bills show the address.
• An accommodation inspection report (if applicable).

Proof of meeting the English language requirement

You can meet the English language requirements for a UK Spouse visa extension by passing an approved English language test at or above the A2 CEFR level.

To prove your knowledge of the English language, you can provide one of the following:

• English language test certificate
• UK degree taught in English
• Degree from an English-speaking country (UK NARIC approved)

Some applicants may be exempt from the English language requirement, including those over 65 or nationals of majority English-speaking countries.

How can solicitors assist with a spouse visa extension application?

• Assess whether you meet the Spouse visa extension eligibility criteria.
• Advise about the supporting documents needed.
• Advice on meeting the financial requirements.
• Complete the visa application form correctly and submit it on time.
• Provide support in case of visa refusal, including appeals or reapplications.
• Handle correspondence with UKVI throughout the process.
• Monitor application progress and provide updates.

Contact UK Spouse visa solicitors

Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 or email info@moeenco.com if you have any questions or need assistance with your UK Spouse visa application.

FAQs about UK Spouse visa extension document checklist