What English language level is required for an FLR(M) extension?

For your extension application at the 30-month mark, you must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level A2 in speaking and listening (or hold a qualifying degree taught in English, or be a national of a majority English-speaking country).

How do I satisfy the 2-year cohabitation requirement for an extension?

You must provide official correspondence addressed to you and your partner covering the preceding 2 years. UKVI requires 6 joint items of mail, or 12 individual items split equally between both partners, spread evenly across 3 or more official source types.

Can I work in the UK while my Spouse Visa Extension is pending?

Yes. Provided you submit an in-time extension application before your existing visa expires, your legal right to live and work in the UK continues automatically under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 until a decision is issued.

How is the Spouse Visa Extension application managed for London clients?

Your extension file is managed remotely by our specialist UK immigration team via secure document upload, email, and scheduled consultations. Once reviewed and submitted, we guide you on booking biometrics at a Greater London UKVCAS centre.

--Spouse & Family Visas · Extension

Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M))

Q: When should I apply for a Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M))?

You should submit your Spouse Visa Extension application within the last 28 days before your current 30-month Leave to Remain expires. Submitting too early can mean the remaining balance of your initial grant is lost, leaving you short of the 60-month requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Q: What is the financial requirement for a Spouse Visa Extension?

Under transitional rules, if you were granted your initial spouse visa under the rules before 11 April 2024, the minimum income threshold remains £18,600 gross per year. For initial applications submitted on or after 11 April 2024, the threshold is £29,000 per year.

If your spouse or partner visa is approaching its expiry, you’ll need to apply for further leave to remain — form FLR(M) — before it runs out. The financial and English requirements have to be met again, not carried over from your first application, which is where most extension refusals actually come from.

--Fees

What the Home Office charges.

Figures current from 8 April 2026. All fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.

APPLICATION FEE

£1,407

The FLR(M) Home Office processing fee, paid when you submit your extension application.

IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE

£2,587.50

Covers NHS access for the 30-month grant period — £1,035 per year, charged upfront.

Total mandatory cost is typically around £3,900. A priority service may occasionally be available for a further fee — availability has been inconsistent through 2026, so check current options when you book your appointment.

--Eligibility

What has to be met again.

Nothing carries over automatically from your first spouse visa — each of these is reassessed at extension.

Genuine, subsisting relationship

Clear, current evidence that the relationship is ongoing — not just a repeat of what was submitted the first time.

Financial requirement

£29,000 minimum income for applicants who started the route on or after 11 April 2024 (£18,600 under transitional protection for earlier applicants). Assessed at today's income, not what was true at your first application.

English language

A2 level, usually by test — a higher bar than some initial applications, so budget time for this requirement.

Suitable accommodation

Continued evidence of adequate accommodation for your household, without relying on additional public funds.

--Key Personnel

Three roles you'll need to name.

Authorising Officer

The most senior person responsible for sponsorship activity. Must be a paid employee, director, or partner.

Key Contact

The Home Office's main point of contact for the application and licence.

Level 1 User

Manages the licence day-to-day through the Sponsor Management System, including assigning Certificates of Sponsorship.

--Documents

What you'll need to provide.

Apply within 28 days of your current visa’s expiry — too early can affect your settlement timeline, too late risks overstaying.

Current visa or eVisa

Your current immigration status, confirmed digitally through the UKVI online service.

Passports

Valid passports for both partners.

Marriage or civil partnership certificate

The same certificate used at your initial application.

Financial evidence

Six months of payslips and matching bank statements for salaried income, or the latest tax year's documents if self-employed — all dated within 28 days of application.

English language evidence

A2-level test certificate, unless exempt.

Proof of cohabitation

Utility bills, council tax, and joint accounts showing you live together.

--Our Process

Four steps, start to finish.

Case review

We check the financial and English requirements against your current situation before anything else.

Documents prepared

We check your evidence is in the correct format — the most common cause of refusal is evidence that's real but structured wrong.

Application submitted

Your adviser submits the FLR(M) form and books your biometric appointment.

Decision and next steps

Once granted, we explain your timeline towards settlement (ILR) after 5 years on this route.

--Questions

Frequently asked.

Frequently Asked Question

Answer & Details

When should I apply for a Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M))?

You should submit your extension application within the last 28 days before your initial 30-month visa expires. Applying too early can cause you to lose time toward your 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

What is the financial requirement for a Spouse Visa Extension?

If your original spouse visa was submitted before 11 April 2024, transitional provisions allow you to extend under the £18,600 gross income threshold. For initial applications granted under the new rules, the £29,000 threshold applies.

What English language level is required for an extension?

For the 30-month extension, you must meet at least CEFR Level A2 in speaking and listening through an approved SELT test provider, unless exempt or holding a qualifying degree evaluated by ECCTIS.

How do I satisfy the 2-year cohabitation evidence requirement?

You must submit official items of correspondence covering the last 2 years. Home Office guidance requires 6 joint items or 12 individual items (6 per person) evenly spread across 3 or more official sources.

Can I work in the UK while my extension is being processed?

Yes. As long as your extension application is submitted online before your current visa expires, your legal status and employment rights continue seamlessly under Section 3C Leave.

How is the Spouse Visa Extension service delivered for London applicants?

Your extension bundle is verified remotely by our specialist UK immigration team in Manchester. Once prepared and submitted online, we assist you in booking your biometric appointment at a Greater London UKVCAS centre.

--Related Services

Other family visa support.

CASE TYPE — INITIAL APPLICATION

Spouse & Family Visas

Applying for a partner visa for the first time.

CASE TYPE — SETTLEMENT

Settlement (ILR)

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.