Spouse/Partner Extension — keep your family life in the UK
We confirm your route (5-year or 10-year), check relationship evidence, financial requirement and English, and file a clean, decision-ready extension before your current permission expires.
At-a-glance
Apply before expiry (Section 3C) 5-year or 10-year route Financial requirement English: A2 (extension) IHS payable Work rights continue under 3C
Extend your permission as a Spouse/Civil Partner/Unmarried Partner under Appendix FM. Submit a valid application before your current leave expires to be protected by Section 3C while a decision is made.
Route & eligibility
- Relationship genuine and subsisting; intend to live together permanently.
- 5-year route if all requirements are met (including financial and English).
- 10-year route where exceptions apply (e.g., hardship/insurmountable obstacles) or requirements not fully met.
- Financial requirement met via permitted income/savings categories (Appendix FM-SE).
- English language: CEFR A2 for an in-country extension (unless exempt). (B1 required later for settlement.)
Evidence & process
- Relationship proof (co-habitation or ongoing contact/plans), accommodation, and identity/travel history.
- Financial documents in the exact FM-SE format (payslips/bank statements, employer/self-employment evidence, or savings).
- Apply online, pay fees/IHS, then upload documents and complete biometrics (UKVCAS or app where eligible).
- Decision times: typically weeks; priority may be available in some centres.
- Children can apply as dependants on the same route if eligible.
We prepare a clean, indexed bundle and keep your timelines aligned to avoid gaps in status.
Financial requirement — what it means
For most Spouse/Partner extensions, you must meet the current minimum income requirement. You can rely on employment, self-employment, other income, savings, or a combination — provided the evidence follows Appendix FM-SE. If your partner receives certain specified benefits, an adequate maintenance test may apply instead.
Accepted income categories (FM-SE)
- Category A — Salaried employment (6 months+): same employer, continuous period, payslips + matching bank statements + employer letter.
- Category B — Salaried/unsalaried (less than 6 months / variable): combines current pay with past 12 months’ income.
- Category C — Non-employment income: pensions, rental income, dividends, etc., with statements/contracts.
- Category D — Cash savings: held for 6+ months in your/the sponsor’s name(s) — can be used alone or to top up income.
- Category E — Pension: state, occupational or private pension with award letters and credits.
- Category F/G — Self-employment / Director of limited company: tax returns (SA302/TYOs), accounts, business bank statements for the relevant financial year(s).
Evidence format we prepare
- Payslips and matching bank statements for the required period.
- Employer letter confirming job title, status, gross pay, start date and authenticity.
- Self-employment: HMRC documents, accounts signed by a qualified accountant, business/personal statements.
- Other income: tenancy agreements, dividend vouchers, pension letters with bank credits.
- Savings: statements covering the full 6-month period and source of funds where required.
How we calculate (simple logic)
| Step | What we check | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Income route | Choose Category A/B/F/G (or mix with C/E) based on your circumstances | Verifiable annualised income figure |
| 2. Savings top-up (optional) | Apply the FM-SE savings formula to cover any shortfall | Adjusted figure meets the required minimum |
| 3. Combination | Combine eligible income + savings correctly (as FM-SE allows) | Requirement met (subject to document format) |
| 4. Adequate maintenance (if applicable) | Where the sponsor receives specified benefits, use the alternative calculation | Requirement met via adequate maintenance route |
Documents you’ll need
We’ll tailor your checklist to your category (5-year or 10-year). Most applicants prepare the following:
Relationship & cohabitation
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate (or durable relationship evidence).
- Cohabitation proof across the last period of leave (e.g., council tax, utility bills, tenancy, joint bank letters).
- For non-cohabiting periods: evidence of ongoing relationship (travel, correspondence, joint plans).
- Name-change or previous relationship documents (if applicable).
Financial requirement (Appendix FM-SE)
- Employment (Cat A/B): payslips, matching bank statements, employer letter.
- Self-employment (Cat F/G): SA302/TYOs, accounts, business bank statements.
- Other income (Cat C/E): pensions, rental/dividends with statements/contracts.
- Cash savings (Cat D): statements for 6+ months; source of funds where required.
- Adequate maintenance: if sponsor gets specified benefits, provide award letters & statements.
English, identity & accommodation
- English: CEFR A2 certificate (if required) or exemption/degree evidence.
- Passports for both partners; BRP/digital status record.
- Accommodation proof (tenancy/title/host letter + proof of address).
- TB/criminal record certificates if requested based on history/route.
- Certified translations for any non-English/Welsh documents.
Uploads & biometrics
- Apply online, pay fee/IHS, then upload an indexed PDF bundle with clear labels.
- Book UKVCAS biometrics or use the ID Check app (where eligible).
- Submit before expiry to keep protection under Section 3C.
Fees, IHS & decision times
We’ll confirm exact totals in your UKVI account before filing (fees and IHS change periodically).
| Item | What to expect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home Office application fee | Pay online during your form | Fee applies per applicant (partner and each child). |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Charged per year of leave | Paid up-front for the visa duration; children have a reduced rate. |
| UKVCAS/biometrics | Standard centres included | Optional premium services (faster slots, scanning, courier) may cost extra. |
| Priority / Super Priority | Optional add-on (if offered) | Availability varies by centre; faster decision targets once biometrics/ID are complete. |
Decision times
- Standard service: typically measured in weeks for straightforward cases.
- Priority options: where available, aim to shorten the timeline — not guaranteed.
- We’ll monitor your case and respond quickly to any further information requests.
Good to know
- Submit before expiry to keep Section 3C protection.
- Dependants pay their own fee and IHS; evidence must cover the whole family unit.
- If affordability is an issue on the 10-year route, ask about a Fee Waiver.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the 5-year and 10-year routes?
The 5-year route is for applicants who meet all requirements (relationship, financial, English). The 10-year route can apply where exceptions are relevant or some requirements aren’t currently met. Time on each route is counted separately for settlement.
Do I need to live with my partner continuously?
Normally you should live together. If you had periods apart, provide evidence of an ongoing relationship and a clear reason (e.g., work, study, short travel). We’ll help you explain any gaps.
What English level is needed for this extension?
For in-country extensions it’s usually CEFR A2 (unless exempt). For settlement later, B1 applies. We’ll confirm based on your history.
How do I prove the financial requirement?
Use the permitted categories under Appendix FM-SE (employment, self-employment, other income, savings, or a combination). Evidence must be in the exact required format; we’ll produce an indexed bundle.
Will I keep my work rights while waiting?
If you apply before your current leave expires, Section 3C usually extends your existing conditions (including work rights) until a decision is made.
Does time on the 10-year route count towards ILR?
Yes — but you normally need a full qualifying period on that route. Time on the 5-year route and the 10-year route doesn’t usually combine. We’ll map your best path to settlement.
My BRP is expiring — do I need a new card?
BRPs are being replaced by eVisas. We’ll guide you on updating your UKVI account and proving status digitally after your extension is granted.
Make your Spouse/Partner extension decision-ready
We’ll confirm your route, calculate the financial requirement, and file a clean, compliant application before expiry.