UK Spouse Visa Extension

If you are married to a Thai national on a UK Spouse Visa, you have the option to also sponsor them for a UK Spouse Visa Extension before their visa expires. By applying for this particular UK Visa, also known as a Leave to Remain request, your Thai spouse can live in the UK for 2 years and 6 months after finishing the duration of their visa. They can submit a Leave to Remain request up to 28 days before their current UK spouse visa expires.

Extending your Thai spouse’s visa in this way is the primary way for them to achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain and the permanent residency in the UK that comes with it.

This page covers everything you need to know about how to apply for a UK Spouse Visa Extension and the documents you and your spouse need to submit.

Eligibility Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

If you wish to sponsor your Thai husband or wife to reside in the UK beyond the default 2 years and 9 months length of stay granted by their UK Spouse Visa, the following eligibility requirements need to be satisfied:

• You must provide proof that your relationship with your married partner is genuine.
• You are still legally married to the applicant for the entire duration of their UK spouse visa and at the time of the application. 
• You must provide evidence of cohabitation with your married partner within the last 2 years before they apply. 
• You must satisfy the minimum financial requirements.*
• Your spouse must fulfill the minimum English language requirements (they must pass the English exam at A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2 level). 

*NOTE: The financial requirement is similar to that of a UK Spouse Visa. As the sponsor, you must have a minimum annual income of £29,000 from employment, self-employment, pension, maternity allowances, or bereavement benefits (this can be combined income if your spouse worked on a spouse visa). You can also choose to maintain £88,500 in your savings account at least 6 months before the application is submitted.

Required Documents for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

To apply for a Spouse Visa Extension, your spouse will need to provide the following documentation:

• Completed online application form (printed)
• Valid Thai passport
• Two passport-sized photographs (in color)
• Proof of substantial finances (i.e: bank statement from your bank)
• Certified English language test certificate (it must still be valid at the time of application)
• Proof of relationship documents (i.e: photographs, marriage certificate)
• Proof that your Thai spouse has lived with you in the UK 
• Proof of accommodation in the UK

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa Extension

Your spouse must apply online for a UK Spouse Visa Extension while in the UK, so they do not have to return to Thailand. Once all the documents are ready and they meet the requirements, you can submit their application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). They will also need to complete an online application form found on the UKVI website.

After their application has been approved, your spouse will receive a permit letting them stay for 2 years and 6 months in the UK.

What to Do After Receiving the Extension

Once your spouse has completed the application, their original UK Spouse Visa will be extended with a new expiration date. Once their extension has expired, they will have lived in the UK for 5 years, making them eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain grants your spouse permanent residency status in the United Kingdom, letting them reside with you in the UK indefinitely. If they have held the ILR status for at least 12 months, they can also apply for naturalization to become a British citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Timeline for a UK Spouse Visa Extension?

The processing time for a Leave to Remain application typically takes around 8 weeks on average. However, delays caused by errors and insufficient evidence can result in a longer application process.

What Can I Do If My Spouse’s Visa Extension Application Is Refused?

In the event that your spouse’s application is denied, they will be notified by immigration services with a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection. If this happens, contact Siam Legal’s foreign visa team for assistance. Our team will review the reasons for the refusal and offer you and your spouse the most affordable options to help them reapply.

What Is the Cost of Your Service?

If you and your married partner decide to use Siam Legal for a spouse visa extension application, our service fee is approximately 49,755 baht plus value-added tax (VAT). This covers our full support throughout each step of the entire application process. Please note that the visa fees, English language test fees, tuberculosis fees, immigration health surcharge (IHS) fees, and VFS fees are charged separately.

Is There a Document Checklist for the UK Spouse Visa Extension Application?

Yes, once requested, we will share with you a comprehensive checklist of all the key documents that your spouse needs for their extension application.

Meet Our UK Visa Team

Contact Siam Legal today to speed up the process, so your spouse can extend their stay in the UK as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

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