At First Law Solicitors, we provide trusted, precise, and strategic legal support for individuals extending their UK Spouse Visa after 2.5 years of residence. Whether you are preparing for your first extension or aligning your family’s long-term settlement strategy, our solicitors ensure every aspect of your application complies with the latest Appendix FM requirements and 2025–2026 Home Office policy updates.
Based in Manchester and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID No: 665823), we advise clients across the UK and internationally. Our focus is on protecting your lawful status, safeguarding your relationship evidence, and ensuring a smooth progression toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
A Spouse Visa allows non-British partners of British citizens or settled persons to live and work in the UK. The initial visa is granted for 30 months (2.5 years), after which you must apply for an extension to continue your lawful residence.
This second 30-month period brings you to the full five-year qualifying residence needed to apply for ILR. The extension must be submitted before the expiry date on your biometric residence permit (BRP) to avoid losing lawful status.
Our solicitors ensure your extension application is prepared accurately, filed on time, and fully supported with the correct documentation, avoiding refusals and delays that could disrupt your path to settlement.
To successfully extend your visa, you must continue to meet the eligibility criteria under Appendix FM, including:
1. Relationship Requirement:
You must still be in a genuine and subsisting marriage or civil partnership with your sponsoring partner and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
2. Financial Requirement:
You and your partner must demonstrate a combined income that meets or exceeds the Home Office minimum income threshold.
As of 31 December 2025, the minimum income requirement (MIR) is £29,000. This applies to all new and extension applications submitted after the government’s decision in mid-2025 to pause the planned increase to £38,700.
If your original visa was granted under the transitional rules (pre-April 2024), you may still be subject to the earlier £18,600 requirement, depending on your case history. Our solicitors carefully assess your individual category to ensure the correct threshold is applied.
3. English Language Requirement:
For a spouse visa extension, applicants must meet Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be proven through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate, a qualifying academic degree, or evidence of exemption based on age or health.
We ensure that all language test certificates are from Home Office-approved providers and meet the exact validity requirements at the time of submission.
4. Accommodation Requirement:
You must show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation without relying on public funds. This includes evidence such as tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or letters of permission from landlords.
Home Office scrutiny has intensified under the 2025 Appendix FM updates. Applications must now demonstrate financial and relationship evidence covering the entire 2.5-year period since your last grant of leave.
We prepare comprehensive evidence portfolios including:
Our solicitors cross-reference every document with Appendix FM-SE, ensuring consistency across all financial and personal evidence.
All spouse visa extensions are now completed digitally through the Home Office MyHMCTS platform. Under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, applications require Digital ID Verification (IDV) and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) to authenticate applicant identities and declarations.
At First Law Solicitors, we handle all document uploads, biometric appointments, and secure submissions through our encrypted client portal. This ensures your application is fully compliant with Home Office digital filing and data protection standards.
Once submitted, most spouse visa extension applications are processed within 8 to 12 weeks under the standard service. For clients requiring urgent confirmation, we also arrange access to the Priority (5-day) or Super Priority (24-hour) service where available.
You will receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) instead of a physical BRP card, in line with the Home Office’s 2026 digital transition. We provide clear guidance on how to access and share your status with employers and authorities securely.
After completing five years on the spouse route (two 2.5-year periods), you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Our team begins planning your ILR strategy during your extension phase, ensuring continuity of documentation and compliance with residence requirements.
We also monitor potential absences from the UK, as excessive time abroad can affect ILR eligibility. For clients with complex family or work situations, we develop tailored strategies to preserve qualifying residence while maintaining lifestyle flexibility.
At First Law Solicitors, we take a proactive and strategic approach to immigration continuity.
Continuity Planning: We ensure your extension aligns with your long-term ILR and citizenship goals.
Evidence Precision: Every submission is reviewed by a senior solicitor experienced in complex family visa extensions.
Digital Security: All data handling and document verification comply with the DUAA 2025 and SRA Standards.
We understand that extending your spouse visa is more than an administrative step it is about securing your family’s stability and future in the UK.
If your current spouse visa is approaching expiry or you wish to plan your extension in advance, contact First Law Solicitors today for professional, confidential advice.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a private consultation with a specialist immigration solicitor.
Copyright © 2025. First Law Solicitors. All Rights Reserved
