Spouse Visa Extension Cost – FLR(M) Application

by Whytecroft Ford | May 28, 2025 | Further Leave to Remain, Spouse Visa Extension, UK Immigration

Key Takeaways:

The 2025 UK Spouse Visa extension fee is £1,321, plus a £2,587.50 Immigration Health Surcharge.
Applicants must meet Appendix FM requirements, including financial, English, and accommodation criteria.
Expert legal support significantly improves success rates and minimises errors.

The cost of extending a UK Spouse Visa in 2025 is a key consideration for applicants looking to remain in the United Kingdom with their partner. The process involves mandatory Home Office fees, additional charges, and legal requirements under UK immigration law. In this post, we discuss the Spouse Visa extension application cost, eligibility criteria, application steps, and how our expert team at Whytecroft Ford can support you through the process.

A UK Spouse Visa is initially granted for 30 months. Before this leave expires, visa holders must apply for an extension to continue living lawfully in the UK with their partner. The Spouse Visa can be extended for another 30 months, after which the applicant may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to continued compliance with the rules.

To qualify for a Spouse Visa Extension, applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing, that they have lived with their partner in the UK, and that they continue to meet financial and English language requirements.

What is a Spouse Visa Extension?

A Spouse Visa allows a non-UK national to live in the UK with their British citizen or settled partner. The visa permits the holder to reside, work, and access public services in the UK.

The initial visa is granted for 30 months and can be extended for a further 30 months. Once an individual has spent five continuous years on this route, they may be eligible to apply for settlement.

To extend a Spouse Visa, the applicant must continue to satisfy the core requirements: a valid relationship, financial stability, appropriate accommodation, English language proficiency, and compliance with immigration law.

This visa route also applies to unmarried partners in long-term relationships and parents of British children. However, the Spouse Visa is distinct from a Fiancé(e) Visa, which is valid for only six months and does not permit work or provide a path to settlement until marriage has taken place.

When Should You Extend Your Spouse Visa?

Spouse Visa holders must apply for an extension before their current leave expires. The earliest an extension application can be submitted is 28 days prior to the expiry date of the existing visa.

Submitting the application on time is essential to avoid becoming an overstayer. If the application is submitted before the current visa expires, the applicant is protected under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. This ensures continued lawful residence while the application is pending.

It is important to monitor key dates: the date when the application window opens (28 days before expiry), the visa expiry date itself, and expected processing timelines (standard: up to 8 weeks; priority: 5 working days).

How Much Does a Spouse Visa Extension Cost in 2025?

The current costs for a standard in-country Spouse Visa extension include:

Home Office application fee: £1,321
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £2,587.50 (for 2.5 years at £1,035 per year)
Legal representation: starting from £900

Optional costs include:

Super-priority processing: £1,000 (decision within one working day)
English language test (A2 CEFR): approx. £150

The total estimated cost for a standard Spouse Visa extension is approximately £4,808.50. Applicants using priority services or legal support should budget for additional expenses.

For advice or assistance with your UK Spouse Visa Extension Application, contact our experienced immigration team at Whytecroft Ford, call us on 0208 757 5751 our use our contact form.

What Are the Requirements for a Spouse Visa Extension?

To successfully extend a Spouse Visa, the applicant must meet all criteria under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

The applicant must show that the relationship with their British or settled partner remains genuine and ongoing. Evidence of a genuine relationship may include joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents, shared financial responsibilities such as bills or bank accounts, and communication records or photographs showing the history of the relationship.

Living Together

The couple must have cohabited throughout the initial visa period. Any periods of separation must be explained and supported by valid reasons (e.g. employment or travel).

Financial Requirement

Applicants must evidence a minimum gross income threshold depending on when the initial visa was granted:

If the initial visa was issued before 11 April 2024: £18,600 per year
If issued on or after 11 April 2024: £29,000 per year

Higher thresholds apply if there are dependent children. For extensions, applicants may combine their income with their partner’s, and may rely on savings, pension income, or other qualifying sources. Applicants must ensure that documentation is clear, accurate, and complies with evidential requirements; errors in financial documents may lead to a refusal.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR level A2 or higher. This can be met by:

Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by UKVI
Holding a UK degree or a recognised overseas degree taught in English (with Ecctis certification)
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Exemption due to age (65+) or long-term medical conditions (supported by medical evidence)

If the applicant previously submitted a valid A2 certificate, it may be reused provided it is still accepted under current rules.

Accommodation

The couple must show they live in adequate accommodation that does not breach public health standards or result in overcrowding. Accommodation must be provided without access to public funds.

Suitability Requirements

Failure to disclose may be treated as deception and lead to refusal. Applicants must not fall under the refusal grounds in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules. This includes:

Unspent criminal convictions
Immigration breaches such as overstaying or misrepresentation
Outstanding NHS debts
Conduct deemed not conducive to the public good

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension

Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all criteria regarding your relationship, income, cohabitation, English language, and accommodation.
Gather Required Documents: Collect evidence including passports, marriage certificate, financial records, proof of cohabitation, and English language credentials.
Complete the Application Form (FLR(M)): Access and complete the online application form on the official UK government website.
Pay Fees: Submit payment for the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Book and Attend Biometric Appointment: Schedule and attend your biometric enrolment appointment via UKVCAS (no additional fee).
Submit Supporting Documents: Upload your supporting evidence online or submit it at your biometric appointment.
Await Decision: The standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions.
Receive Decision: If successful, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) confirming your new visa expiry date will be issued.