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What risks exist when extending a spouse visa if our income or living arrangements have changed since the first grant?

What risks exist when extending a spouse visa if our income or living arrangements have changed since the first grant?

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Publication date: 06.02.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “What risks exist when extending a spouse visa if our income or living arrangements have changed since the first grant?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

30.01.2026 13:46:23 When extending a spouse visa in the UK, it is crucial to demonstrate that you still meet the necessary requirements. A change in income or living arrangements could pose several risks. Firstly, the requirement to prove a minimum income threshold may not be met, leading to potential rejection of the application. Secondly, if your living arrangements have changed, you must ensure that your new situation still adheres to the Home Office's requirements, such as having adequate accommodation. Additionally, any substantial changes in circumstances could raise concerns regarding your commitment to the relationship, which could affect the credibility of your application. It's advisable to seek legal advice to fully understand the implications of these changes on your application.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

30.01.2026 13:46:35 From a legal perspective, extending a UK spouse visa (such as under FLR M) requires meeting the same eligibility criteria as the initial application, including financial requirements and accommodation standards. If your income has changed (e.g., decreased below the minimum threshold of £18,600 per year, or more if you have children), or if your living arrangements no longer provide adequate, exclusive accommodation without relying on public funds, several risks arise: 1. **Application Refusal**: The Home Office may reject the extension if you fail to demonstrate ongoing compliance with the financial or accommodation rules. You must provide up-to-date evidence, and any discrepancies from the initial grant could lead to scrutiny or refusal. 2. **Overstaying and Immigration Status Issues**: A refused extension could result in you becoming an overstayer, leading to potential enforcement actions like detention or removal from the UK. 3. **Appeal and Administrative Review Limitations**: While you may appeal a refusal, success depends on strong grounds, and the process can be lengthy and costly. Not all refusals qualify for appeal rights. 4. **Impact on Future Applications**: A refusal might affect future visa applications or settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), as it could be seen as non-compliance. 5. **Human Rights Considerations**: If changes involve family life under Article 8 of the ECHR, you might argue exceptional circumstances, but this is not guaranteed and requires robust evidence. It is crucial to gather comprehensive documentation explaining any changes and ensure compliance. Given the complexities, consulting a qualified immigration lawyer in Watford, experienced in UK spouse visa extensions, is highly recommended to assess your specific situation and mitigate these risks. Note that this is general information and not personalized legal advice.

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Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

30.01.2026 13:52:53 When extending a UK Spouse visa, changes in income or living arrangements can create real risks if they are not properly addressed. The most common issue is failing to meet the financial requirement at extension stage. If your income has dropped, changed source (for example from salaried to self-employed), or become irregular, the Home Office may find that the minimum income threshold is no longer met. Each income category has strict documentary rules, and using the wrong evidence often leads to refusal. Changes in accommodation can also be risky. You must still show that you and your partner have adequate accommodation without overcrowding. If you have moved address, updated tenancy agreements, property reports, or consent letters may be required. Any inconsistency between your current circumstances and the information in your application can raise credibility concerns, so the changes must be clearly explained and supported.

PREMIUM 2.85

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

30.01.2026 13:56:28 Extending a spouse visa after changes in income or housing requires careful preparation, as the Home Office reassesses eligibility from the start. A key risk is assuming that previous approval guarantees an extension. If your financial situation has changed, you must prove that the new income still satisfies the rules and fits into an accepted category. Even small gaps in payslips, bank statements, or employment history can result in refusal. Living arrangement changes can also cause problems if documentation is outdated or incomplete. The Home Office will check whether your accommodation remains suitable and whether you genuinely live together as a couple. If evidence is weak or contradictory, this may raise doubts about the relationship itself. Clear explanations, updated documents, and a legally structured application are essential to reduce the risk of refusal.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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