Spouse Visa Extension Under 10-Year Route

You can renew your Spouse visa under the 10-year route if you still don’t meet all Appendix FM requirements, or switch to the 5-year route if eligible. You must apply to renew or extend your Spouse visa under the 10-year route before it expires to continue living in the UK legally with your partner.

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What is the Spouse visa 10-year route?

UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route is a route for individuals who do not meet all the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules. Spouse visa (10-year route) for those who don’t meet the financial, language, or other conditions. It lets applicants stay in the UK for 10 years before applying for ILR.

What is a Spouse visa extension under the 10-year route?

The 10-year Spouse visa route is an alternative pathway for applicants who may not meet the financial or English language requirements of the 5-year route. However, they must continue to meet the relationship and cohabitation requirements, ensuring there are no gaps in their residency.

A few key points to remember when applying for a Spouse visa extension under the 10-year route:

  • Timely Application: Apply before the current visa expires to avoid overstaying and possible refusal.
  • Genuine Relationship Proof: Continue providing evidence that the relationship is ongoing and genuine.
  • Continuous Residence: No significant breaks in residency, as gaps could affect Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility at the 10-year mark.
  • Exemptions from Financial/Language Requirements: Unlike the 5-year route, there is no strict financial threshold or English test requirement.
  • Potential for Route Switching: If circumstances improve (e.g., meeting financial and English requirements), applicants may switch to the 5-year route to qualify for ILR sooner.

Would you like assistance with specific cases or guidance on document preparation for extensions?

Applying for ILR After 10 Years on the Spouse Visa Route

After completing 10 years on the Spouse visa under the 10-year route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR allows you to stay in the UK permanently without needing visa renewals. Once you hold ILR, you may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

ILR Requirements (10-Year Route)

To qualify for ILR, you must:
Prove continuous residency in the UK for 10 years without significant gaps.
Pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British culture, history, and values.
Continue to meet the relationship requirements, proving you are still in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK-based spouse.
Meet the good character requirements, ensuring you have not breached immigration laws or committed serious criminal offences.
Satisfy financial and accommodation requirements, showing you have adequate living arrangements.

Spouse Visa Extension Requirements (2025) – 10-Year Route

If you have not yet reached the 10-year mark, you must continue extending your visa every 30 months (2.5 years). The key requirements for a Spouse visa extension in 2025 under the 10-year route are:

✔️ You must hold a valid Spouse visa under the 10-year route.
✔️ You must not have overstayed or breached UK immigration laws.
✔️ You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK spouse.
✔️ You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.
✔️ Unlike the 5-year route, there are no English language or strict financial requirements (such as the £29,000 income threshold in 2025).

Would you like assistance with ILR applications, gathering supporting documents, or checking eligibility for switching to the 5-year route?

Relationship Requirement For Spouse Visa Extension 10 Years Route

You must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing by providing evidence such as:

  • Proof of cohabitation (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements).
  • Shared financial commitments (e.g., joint bank statements, council tax bills).
  • Personal correspondence confirming communication between you and your partner.

Required Documents for a Spouse Visa Extension

Submitting the correct documents is crucial for a successful application. Below is a checklist of the essential documents required:

Your current passport or valid travel ID
Your partner’s passport
Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable
Completed Spouse visa extension application form
Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, communication history)
Proof of cohabitation (e.g., utility bills, council tax, joint bank statements)
Financial evidence (if applicable, to show financial independence)
Proof of accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement, mortgage statement)
Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh

📌 Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Documents

🚫 Incomplete documentation – Ensure all required documents are included.
🚫 Poor quality scans – Make sure all documents are clear and legible.
🚫 Outdated bank statements – Use recent financial evidence reflecting your current situation.
🚫 Disorganised documents – Label documents properly to assist the caseworker.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension

To extend your Spouse visa under the 10-year route, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Confirm your eligibility – Ensure you meet the requirements.
2️⃣ Prepare your documents – Gather and organise all necessary paperwork.
3️⃣ Complete the online application form – Available on the UK government website.
4️⃣ Submit the application – Upload documents and pay the required fees.
5️⃣ Book a biometrics appointment – Attend a UKVCAS centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
6️⃣ Await a decision – Standard processing time is 8 weeks.

If approved, your visa will be extended for another 2.5 years, and you must continue this process until you reach 10 years before applying for ILR.

What Happens After Submitting Your Application?

Approval: Your Spouse visa is extended for 2.5 years, and you must continue renewing until you reach 10 years before applying for ILR.
Refusal: If your application is refused, you may:

  • Submit a new application, addressing the reasons for refusal
  • Appeal the decision, if you have the right to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Apply for a Spouse Visa Extension?

You should apply before your current visa expires, ideally at least 28 days before the expiry date. Late applications can impact your immigration status.

How Long Does the Spouse Visa Extension Last?

Each extension is granted for 2.5 years. You must continue extending until you complete 10 years before applying for ILR.

How Many Times Can I Extend My Spouse Visa?

You can extend as many times as needed until you reach 10 years of continuous residence in the UK.

Do I Need to Meet the Financial Requirement?

The financial requirement for the 10-year route is flexible. While there is no strict threshold like the £29,000 for the 5-year route, you must still show you can support yourself without public funds.

How Much Does the Spouse Visa Extension Cost?

Application fee:£1,258. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):£1,035 per year. Total for a 2.5-year extension: £2,587.50.

Need Assistance With Your Application?

Applying for a Spouse visa extension under the 10-year route requires careful preparation. Contact us today for expert guidance, a tailored document checklist, and assistance in securing your UK residency!

📞 Call Now: 0161 464 4140
📧 Email: info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk

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