How to extend a Spouse/Civil Partner visa
These visas are valid for 30-33 months, or 2.5 years (depending on the country where the application was submitted). However, after the expiration date the spouse/partner of a British citizen can extend the Spouse/Civil Partner Visa for another 30 months (2.5 years). This is possible if the visa regulations are followed:
- Both spouses/partners continue to meet immigration requirements (cohabitation, a certain level of income, etc.);
- the applicant confirmed his/her level of English language skills (A2 in CEFR, while for the first visa issuance level A1 is enough).
In the case where the spouses/partners have not divorced within five years and have been permanently residing in the UK, it is no longer a question of how to extend the wife/husband/partner visa in England. In such situations, you can apply for permanent residency status to continue to be in the UK. The applicant must pass the following tests:
- Life in the UK;
- Language test (the result must not be lower than B1 on CEFR).
Exceptions are made for a number of applicants. These are applicants who are over 65 years old, or those who have medical contraindications.
