Spouse visa application. UK spouse visa extensions: Spouse visa route

At Takeoff Immigration and Visa, our experienced solicitors offer expert advice and guidance on UK Spouse Visa extensions, including Further Leave to Remain (FLR-M), dependant visa extensions, and other spouse-related immigration matters.

A FLR(M) visa allows the applicant (the person applying) to extend their stay in the UK if they are in a relationship with:

• A British citizen;
• A person who holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Permanent Residency under EU law;
• A person in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection.

To apply for a FLR(M) visa, your relationship must fall into one of the following categories:

• Married partners (including those who recently held a fiancé visa in the UK);
• Civil partners (including those who recently held a proposed UK civil partnership visa);
• Unmarried partners (you must have lived together for at least two years in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership before applying).

1. Spouse Visa Holders: Those who have previously been granted a spouse visa, typically after applying from outside the UK. This category includes same-sex couples and unmarried partners.
2. Non-Partner Visa Holders: Individuals in the UK on a non-partner visa (such as a Skilled Worker Visa or Student Visa) who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British or settled person. This process, known as switching, allows applicants to change to the partner visa category.
   Important: Switching to a FLR(M) visa resets the 5-year Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period.
3. FLR(M) Visa Extensions: Individuals who have previously applied for a FLR(M) visa and are now seeking to extend their stay. It’s essential to check your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before applying.

Switching to a FLR(M) visa can bring several advantages. For instance, if you switch from a Skilled Worker Visa, you will no longer be restricted to employers who can sponsor your employment. This freedom allows more flexibility in terms of employment, especially in light of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once granted a FLR(M) visa, you will be on the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Generally, this process looks like:

• An out-of-country spouse visa application (valid for 33 months) + a FLR(M) visa (valid for 30 months); OR
• Two FLR(M) visas.

After completing 5 years in the UK on a spouse visa route, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

If you are on the 10-year route to ILR, it is usually because you did not meet all the requirements in a previous application, such as financial requirements, or because you were granted a visa based on your private or family life.

To apply for a Further Leave to Remain (FLR-M) visa, your sponsor in the UK must meet one of the following updated financial requirements:

• Be in permanent employment earning £29,000 annually;
• Be self-employed, with an average income of £29,000 over the past 18 or 24 months;
• Have non-employment income amounting to £29,000;
• Hold savings of at least £88,500;
• Combine employment earnings with savings if income is below £29,000;
• Receive specified benefits (e.g., Disability Living Allowance or Carer's Allowance) and meet the government's minimum support requirements.

If you’re switching from another visa category or extending your FLR(M) visa, we recommend consulting with our immigration experts to ensure you meet the necessary financial criteria.

At Takeoff Immigration and Visa, we offer personalized support for spouse visa extensions and FLR(M) applications. Our process includes:

• Comprehensive document collation: Ensuring all necessary documents are included to strengthen your application.
• Legal representation: Applying the latest UK immigration rules to maximize your chances of success.
• Application monitoring: Keeping you informed of your application's status throughout the process.

Our experienced solicitors ensure your application is handled with precision, applying their expertise to every detail of your case. If you’re ready to extend your spouse visa or switch to a FLR(M) visa, contact us today for professional assistance.