Settlement Visa Extention
Settlement Visa Extension for UK
For individuals who are currently in the UK on a settlement visa (also known as a spouse or partner visa), there may come a time when they need to extend their visa. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the extension process for a UK settlement visa:
Eligibility for Extension:
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- Continued Relationship: The applicant must still be in a genuine relationship with the person (British citizen or settled person) they initially applied to join.
- Financial Requirement: Applicants must meet the financial requirement. Typically, the British partner should earn at least £18,600 annually. However, this amount can increase if there are children involved.
- Knowledge of English: The applicant should prove a certain level of English knowledge unless they’re exempt due to age or disability.
- Absence from the UK: The applicant shouldn’t have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months during their visa duration.
Process of Extension:
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- Application Form: Fill in the online FLR(M) application form for extending a ‘family of a settled person’ visa.
- Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, which typically include proof of relationship, financial evidence, and proof of English knowledge.
- Biometric Information: Applicants will need to provide their fingerprints and photograph at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
- Fees: As of the last update, the fee for a settlement visa extension is £1,033 (subject to change). An additional healthcare surcharge is also required.
Duration of Extension:
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- Typically, the extension grants another 2.5 years. After 5 years on a spouse or partner visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Things to Note:
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- Timeline: It’s recommended to apply for an extension before the current visa expires. Applications can be made 28 days before the current visa’s expiration.
- Switching: If you’re on a different visa category, you may be eligible to switch to a spouse or partner visa.
- Refusals: If your extension is refused, there’s an opportunity to appeal. However, it’s crucial to understand the reason for refusal to address it adequately in the appeal.
Conclusion:
Extending a UK settlement visa requires careful planning and understanding of the guidelines. With changes in policies and regulations, it’s beneficial to seek professional assistance to navigate the extension process smoothly.
🔗 Need Assistance? Move Up Consultants are Here to Help!
Extend Your UK Settlement (Partner/Family) Visa — South Africans (FAQs)
Extension Basics
How do I renew (extend) my UK spouse/partner visa?
Extensions are made inside the UK using the online FLR(M) process before your current permission expires. You’ll upload evidence and attend UKVCAS biometrics. If you are outside the UK (e.g., in South Africa), you cannot “extend” — you must apply for entry clearance again to re-enter. Move Up maps the correct route and prepares your evidence to UKVI spec so there are no avoidable delays.
How early can I apply to extend?
You can apply any time before your current permission expires. Don’t wait for the last week — your new grant simply adds time to your existing leave (UKVI only “tops up” a small amount). Move Up sequences timing to protect work, travel and BRP/eVisa continuity.
Eligibility & Rules
What are the eligibility requirements to extend?
You must show a genuine and subsisting relationship, meet the minimum income requirement (MIR), have suitable accommodation, and meet English language rules. If your first grant relied on A1 English, you’ll usually need A2 at extension. Move Up provides a case-specific checklist and templates (employment, savings, tenancy, cohabitation, etc.).
What is the current financial requirement (MIR)?
For new partner applications the MIR is £29,000 a year. If you entered the partner route before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, legacy thresholds apply. Savings/non-salary income can help meet the MIR, but calculations must follow UKVI formulas. Move Up runs the maths and formats your evidence correctly.
Fees & Processing
How much does it cost to extend a family (partner) visa in the UK?
The current in-country family fee is £1,321 per applicant. Most applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — adults £1,035 per year (UKVI shows totals for 2y6m/2y9m/5y). Optional faster decision services: priority (+£500) and super-priority (+£1,000) when available. Move Up confirms the right service for your timing and budget.
How long does an in-country spouse/partner extension take?
Standard in-country partner extensions are typically decided in up to ~8 weeks. With super-priority (where available), many cases receive a decision by the next working day after biometrics. Move Up ensures your file is complete upfront to avoid ‘further information’ delays.
What if I can’t afford the extension fees?
In limited hardship scenarios, you may be eligible for an in-country fee waiver. You’ll need extensive proof of income, essential living costs and dependants. Move Up assesses eligibility and helps compile the evidence if a waiver is realistic.
Documents & English
What documents are needed to extend?
Typical pack: passports/eVisa details, relationship evidence (marriage certificate, cohabitation post, joint bills, photos), financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, employer letters, or savings proof per category), accommodation (tenancy/mortgage + consent letters where relevant), and English test (A2 if required). Move Up provides a tailored checklist so nothing is missed.
Which English test is required at extension?
If your first grant used A1, you’ll usually need to pass A2 speaking & listening with a UKVI-approved provider (e.g., IELTS Life Skills A2). If you already passed A2/B1+ and the certificate is still valid/not withdrawn, you can often reuse it. Move Up directs you to approved test centres and acceptable test codes.
Why Choose Move Up?
Why use Move Up for my extension?
Most refusals and delays come from formatting and evidence gaps, not eligibility. Move Up builds your pack to UKVI spec, provides bank-statement/employer templates, sequences biometrics, and (when useful) books priority/super-priority. Get a tailored plan or book a consult.