Is the thought of your visa expiring stressing you out? With most visa categories, you can apply for a visa extension UK and stay longer in the UK. Whether it’s spending more quality time with family and friends, advancing in your career, or continuing your studies, we’re here to help you keep your UK journey going.
Our expert immigration team at Rees Clayton will guide you through the process, from eligibility check to application submission to the Home Office. Call us at 02033939272.
You can keep on working, learning, or living with family in the UK without interruption if you extend your visa.
There may be fines or other fees if the application for an extension is submitted late. By submitting your work on time, you can avoid the additional expenses and hassle of urgent processing. Furthermore, submitting an extension request in a timely manner shows conformity with immigration laws, which can have a good impact on future settlement or visa applications. It demonstrates that you value and follow the rules set out by the UK government.
Before your current visa expires, you need to apply for an extension to stay in the UK. This is also known as a further leave to remain application. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) must have received your application prior to the expiration of your visa, according to the UK visa expiration guidelines. You must ensure that you apply before your visa expires to avoid being considered an overstayer by the Home Office.
As an overstayer, you are entering the UK illegally. Therefore, your application for a visa extension in the UK might be turned down because you broke the immigration rule by leaving the UK before your visa expired. However, depending on your situation, some rules about overstaying a UK visa may apply to you.
Your visa type will determine the earliest application deadline for a UK visa extension. For instance, if you possess a Skilled Worker visa, you are permitted to submit an application up to 60 days prior to the expiration of your visa. If you hold a Student visa, the earliest you can seek to extend it (i.e., if you have been accepted into a new course of study) is three months. This is why it’s important to check the rules for the type of visa you have.
You will be able to extend your visa based on the type of visa you currently possess. Here are some of the most prevalent types of UK visas that can be extended, if certain criteria are met and there is no maximum stay:
Extensions are not usually possible through some UK visa routes, such as:
For instance, it is typically not possible to extend your stay in the UK with a standard visitor visa unless your visa is for fewer than six months. This is due to the fact that, in the majority of circumstances, a visitor’s stay in the UK cannot exceed six months before one must reapply for a new visa while outside the country.
Temporary work visas, such as the creative worker and charity worker visas, have a maximum and limited duration of stay that cannot be extended. However, you may be able to apply for a different sort of visa, such as the skilled worker visa, in order to stay longer.
People with these types of visas would usually have to leave the UK when their current visa runs out and ask for a new one in order to come back. However, in some cases, exceptions may be made. For instance, after finishing a degree program in the UK, you can stay for up to two years on a graduate visa; if you earned a doctorate or other advanced degree, you can stay for up to three years. After that, you won’t even have to leave the UK to apply for a different category of visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
After obtaining an extension for your visa, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after meeting certain residency requirements through certain visa pathways, however, this varies by visa category. It’s possible to become a permanent UK resident through ILR. You can seek to become a British citizen after 12 months of indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This will grant you permanent residency in the UK, full civic rights, and the ability to hold a British passport.
Call our expert solicitors at 02033939272 for guidance today!
To apply for a visa extension, you must still meet all of the requirements for your current visa.
There may be alternative visa options available to you under UK immigration regulations if you do not qualify for an extension. While you’re in the UK, you can try switching to a different visa path, or you can apply for a new visa abroad.
You need to have a valid visa that can be extended before you can apply for a UK visa extension. Before you apply, you should make sure that your present visa is one that can be extended.
Before your existing visa expires, you must submit your application for an extension. Overstaying can have severe legal ramifications and impact future visa applications, therefore timely submission is important.
It is expected that you have fulfilled the requirements of your current visa. In order to do this, you must follow any work restrictions, keep up the required level of financial support, and meet any other conditions that are associated with your visa type.
You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents for a prolonged period of time without using any public funding. This proves that you can financially support yourself in the UK.
Last but not least, you must show that your stay in the UK is for an ongoing purpose. Whether it’s for further education, a job, or business, you’ll need to prove that you still need to be in the UK to maintain your current visa status.
The conditions and type of your present visa will determine whether you are eligible for an extension to remain in the UK. Verify that you still satisfy the present requirements.
Keep in mind that these visa requirements might change. For instance, in 2024, there will be rises to both the minimum salary criteria for the Partner visa and the Skilled Worker visa. Get in touch with our immigration advisors or visit the Home Office website for the latest recent criteria to make sure you’re following them.
Some typical visas require:
At first, a spouse visa will allow you to remain in the UK for a period of two years and nine months. As long as you keep meeting the requirements, you can apply to extend your stay.
For instance, it is necessary to demonstrate the sincerity of your relationship and your intention to maintain cohabitation if you are applying as the spouse of an individual who is currently present and settled in the UK, a refugee, or a person with humanitarian protection. There is also a need to be able to speak English and meet financial requirements.
Additional accommodation criteria must be met by applicants who are spouses of British nationals or who have settled in the UK due to family or private life. An extra 2.5 years of stay in the UK is possible with an extension of your family visa or a change to this visa path. After 5 or 10 years, depending on your individual route, you can apply to settle in the UK.
You can apply to extend your visa and stay in the UK for another 5 years if you are currently here on an ancestry visa, such as a British overseas citizen or Commonwealth citizen with a grandmother born in the UK. If you continue to meet the criteria, you are also eligible to extend this visa an unlimited number of times.
In other words, you can’t rely on the government for financial assistance, and you can’t intend to work in the UK unless you have enough money. After you’ve spent five years in the UK on an ancestry visa, you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
You can get this form of visa for up to five years before you have to renew it. An individual may be eligible to apply for a skilled worker visa extension if they meet the following criteria:
As long as you continue to fulfil the necessary criteria, you are free to apply for visa extensions whenever you like. Additionally, you might be eligible to apply for ILR after 5 years, which would grant you the right to permanently live in the UK.
Depending on the type of visa you are extending, the documentation needed for a UK visa extension can vary. The documents you submitted with your initial visa application can be very similar to these. But you need to make sure they are accurate and reflect your present circumstances by checking that they are current and legitimate.
When applying for a visa extension, you typically need to include the following items along with the standard documents required for your visa category:
Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays or complications with your application.
In order to renew or extend your visa in the UK, you must follow these general steps:
Make sure you’re ready before you apply. If you are in the UK on a work visa, for instance, you’ll have to renew your Certificate of Sponsorship to reflect the length of time you’ll be working. The same holds true for students: in order to enrol in a different course, you must obtain a new Certificate of Acceptance for Studies. Make sure you qualify for the visa you’re applying for before you submit your application. Simply because you were granted your visa does not mean you will immediately be entitled to any future benefits.
Within 8 weeks, you should hear back about your extension request; but, if your case is simple and you’ve submitted all the required paperwork, you might hear back earlier. You are allowed to stay in the UK until your application is decided upon, regardless of when your visa was supposed to expire, as long as UKVI received your application before that date.
It may be possible to apply for a visa renewal UK after your visa has expired if you missed the deadline.
The ’14-day good reason rule’ states that if you have a genuine reason and apply for a UK visa renewal no later than 14 days after your visa expires, you may have a chance of success. You must demonstrate that you were unable to submit your application in a timely manner due to unusual circumstances. For example, if you were in the hospital for an emergency or a close relative passed away, those would be examples of such extraordinary circumstances.
You must submit solid proof within fourteen days of your visa’s expiration date to explain why you were unable to meet the deadline. This proof can take the form of a doctor’s note outlining the situation and the dates of your hospital admission. You should expect your application to be rejected if you tell UKVI that you were too busy or forgot.
Get a better understanding of the costs, processing times, and accelerated options so you can organise your UK visa extension application according to your requirements and deadlines.
Visa Type | Duration | Fee |
Skilled Worker | Up to 3 years | £827 |
Over 3 years | £1,636 | |
Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation | Up to 3 years (until 3 July 2024)* | £551 |
Over 3 years (until 3 July 2024)* | £1,084 | |
Skilled Worker – Immigration Salary List | Up to 3 years (from 4 April 2024)* | £551 |
Over 3 years (from 4 April 2024)* | £1,084 | |
Health and Care Visa | Up to 3 years | £284 |
Over 3 years | £551 | |
Health and Care Visa – Shortage Occupation | Up to 3 years (until 3 July 2024)* | £284 |
Over 3 years (until 3 July 2024)* | £551 | |
Health and Care Visa – Immigration Salary List | Up to 3 years (from 4 April 2024)* | £284 |
Over 3 years (from 4 April 2024)* | £551 | |
Global Business Mobility – Senior/Specialist | Up to 3 years | £827 |
Over 3 years | £1,636 | |
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker | Any | £298 |
Student Visa | Any | £490 |
Joining Partner, Parent, or Child | Any | £1,048 |
Visa types and selected service options can affect the amount of time it takes to process an application for a visa renewal. Standard processing usually takes about 8 weeks for the majority of UK-based applicants.
Standard, priority, and super-priority services will be offered to you when you complete the online application form. You can choose the one that best suits your visa type from these options. The application procedure is where you can make this choice.
You can get a decision on your visa extension as soon as 5 business days with the Priority Service. It works well for applicants who want an instant decision but don’t need the fastest service possible. An extra £500 is required for each application.
At an extra cost of £1000 per application, the Super Priority Service offers the fastest decision-making process, with a result delivered by the end of the next business day. If the applicant requires a decision quickly, our service is perfect for them. It should be mentioned that this service is not guaranteed to be available for all visa types or in all locations.
Your total application fee will include the additional fee for priority or super-priority services. Applying online with a valid payment method allows you to pay the combined normal application fee and accelerated service fee.
Make sure to schedule your biometric session promptly in order to meet the processing deadline for expedited services. To make the most of the expedited processing options and guarantee that your application is processed within the specified timeframe, it is vital to arrange your appointment quickly.
From UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you can expect to receive a confirmation email following the submission of your application for a UK visa extension. An application reference number and an email confirming receipt of your submission are both included in this email. In order to facilitate further communication related to your application, this reference number is essential.
You will need to make and go to your biometric appointment if you haven’t already. Bring your photo ID, signature, and fingerprints to this appointment. Please ensure that this step is completed immediately to prevent any delays in the processing of your application.
Your application will be processed by UKVI after they have received all the necessary paperwork including your biometrics. Your application and supporting materials will be double-checked during this time. Visa type and chosen service level (regular, priority, or super-priority) determine processing time.
UKVI may get in touch with you to ask for more paperwork or information. If you want your application to stay on track, you have to answer quickly to any such requests.
Through the UK Visas and Immigration website, you are able to monitor the progress of your application. Use your credentials to access your account on the UKVI website. The dashboard for your application will show you where your application stands right now. If any further information is needed, this portal will also give notifications and updates.
For more information, you can also reach out to UKVI customer care or use the online portal. When contacting, make sure to have the application reference number handy.
Upon the approval of your visa extension, UKVI will send you a decision letter via email or postal mail, which will certify the validity of your extension. Details of your new visa, including the date of extension, will be included in this letter.
After you have your approval, you need to follow all the rules of your new visa. This can involve continuing your job or schooling, or it could involve other particular criteria determined by your visa category. In order to stay in compliance with their records and standards, it is vital to inform your employment or educational institution about your extended stay.
If UKVI decides not to grant your visa renewal, they will send you a letter outlining their reasoning for the decision. Your future steps, including the possibility of an administrative review or appeal, will be outlined in this letter. Check your application for typos or missing information and carefully read the rejection letter to determine why you were denied.
You have the option to request an administrative review within the timeframe mentioned in your rejection letter if you think there was an error or if you have more evidence to back your claim. This means that a UKVI official will look over the decision about your application to make sure it was made properly.
Another alternative would be to seek legal counsel or reapply for the visa extension if administrative reviews are not available to you or if they are unsuccessful.
An overstaying of your visa can result in serious penalties, such as deportation and future re-entry restrictions to the UK, thus it is imperative that you take swift action.
If your visa extension application has been rejected, call our expert immigration solicitors at 02033939272.
If you are currently in the UK with a valid visa, you can extend your stay beyond the original expiration date with a visa extension. The steps include filling out an application, attaching supporting documents, and making sure you meet all the requirements.
Applying for a UK visa extension relies on the type of visa you already have and your personal situation. As a general rule, you need to meet the following requirements: possess a valid visa that can be extended, apply for the extension before to the expiration of your existing visa, adhere to the terms of your visa, and demonstrate that you have enough money to cover the costs.
Student, Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Family, Innovator, Start-up, Global Talent, and Ancestry Visas are among the most often extended visa kinds. There are distinct qualifications and prerequisites for each kind of visa.
To extend your UK visa, you must first visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website, fill out an online application, attach all necessary papers, pay the application fee, and then attend a biometric appointment. The application process comes with comprehensive instructions.
The specific documents needed to apply for a student visa or a skilled worker visa, such as a Certificate of Sponsorship or a current passport, as well as proof of financial means and proof of address, are subject to change depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
In most cases, visitor visas cannot be extended unless there are compelling reasons to do so, such as for medical treatment or compassionate grounds. You will need to present strong proof to back up your request for an extension in such a situation.
If your current visa has not yet expired, you should be able to keep working under its terms while your extension application is being handled. Before applying, be sure you understand the requirements of your visa category.