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However, applying for a visa extension is not always straightforward. Each visa category has different requirements, fees, and deadlines, and you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for an extension. Moreover, if you overstay your visa without applying for an extension, you may face serious consequences, such as being fined, detained, deported, or banned from re-entering the UK.
In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the main aspects of UK visa extension, including:
- When and how to extend your UK visa
- Extension requirements by visa type
- Application process for extensions
- Switching to a different visa category
- Consequences of overstaying and how to avoid them
When and How to Extend Your UK Visa
The first thing you need to know about UK visa extensions is when and how to apply. Generally, you should apply for an extension before your current visa expires, as overstaying your visa can negatively affect your immigration status and future applications.
For most visa categories, you can apply for an extension up to 28 days before your visa expires. However, some visas have different rules, such as:
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Visa Type
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Extension Rule
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Visitor visa
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Transit visa
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Family visa
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Work visa
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How to Apply for UK Visa Extension
If you want to extend your stay in the UK, you must follow the steps below to apply for a visa extension:
- Fill in an online application form on the UK government website.
- Pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge (IHS).
- Provide supporting documents, such as proof of identity, income, and English language proficiency.
- Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to submit your biometric information, such as your fingerprints and photograph.
- Depending on how quickly you want your application processed, choose a standard, priority, or super priority service.
The processing time for a visa extension can vary from a few days to several months, depending on your visa type and the service you choose.
Extension Requirements by Visa Type
The second thing you need to know about UK visa extensions is the specific requirements for each type. As mentioned above, different visas have different rules and criteria for extending your stay in the UK, and you must meet them to be eligible for an extension. Some of the common requirements for most visa categories are:
- You must have a valid visa to extend your stay in the UK.
- You must have enough money to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
- You must not have any criminal convictions or immigration breaches that would affect your character and suitability.
- You must have a good knowledge of the English language, usually at level B1 or higher of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), unless you are exempt due to your age, disability, or nationality.
- If your visa is based on your work, study, or family relationship, you must have a valid sponsor, employer, or partner.
However, these are only the general requirements, and each visa category may have additional or different requirements, such as:
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Visa Type
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Additional Requirement
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Student visa
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Ancestry visa
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Therefore, it is important to check the specific requirements for your visa type before applying for an extension, as failing to meet them can result in your application being refused or rejected.
Application Process for Extensions
The third thing you need to know about UK visa extensions is the application process for extensions. As explained above, you must apply for a visa extension online, pay the fees, and provide the documents and biometrics. However, there are some other aspects of the application process that you should be aware of, such as:
The Cost of a Visa Extension
The application fee for a visa extension varies depending on your visa type and the service you choose. For example, the standard fee for extending a Tier 2 (General) visa is £719. Unless exempt or eligible for a reduced rate, you must also pay the IHS, which is £1035 per year for Tier 2(General) visa types. The IHS allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.
The Documents for a Visa Extension
The supporting documents for a visa extension depend on your visa type and personal circumstances, but some of the common documents are:
- Proof of identity: You must provide your current passport or travel document, as well as any previous passports or travel documents that show your immigration history. You must also provide two passport-sized colour photographs with your name written on the back.
- Proof of income: You must provide evidence of your income and savings, such as bank statements, pay slips, tax returns, or letters from your employer or sponsor. You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds and that you meet the financial requirements for your visa category, if applicable.
- Proof of English language proficiency: You must provide evidence of your English proficiency, such as a certificate from a recognized test provider, a degree certificate from an English-speaking country, or a letter from your sponsor or educational institution. You must show that you have achieved the required level of English for your visa category unless you are exempt due to your age, disability, or nationality.
- Proof of relationship: You must provide evidence of your relationship with your partner, spouse, family member, or sponsor, such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate, birth or adoption certificate, or letters or photos that show your contact and communication. You must show that your relationship is genuine and subsisting and that you meet the relationship requirements for your visa category, if applicable.
You must provide original or certified copies and have a qualified translator translate any documents not in English or Welsh into English. You must also provide a checklist showing all the documents you submit with your application.
You can also hire experts who can assist you with these documents and can apply for your visa extension without you having to worry about it. Our experts are the best at dealing with all immigration and visa extensions.
Book your free consultation today!
The Biometrics for a Visa Extension
As part of your application, you must provide your biometric information, such as your fingerprints and photograph, at a UKVCAS centre. After submitting your application form, you must book an appointment online and attend the appointment within 45 days.
On your appointment day, you must bring your appointment confirmation, your current passport or travel document, and any other documents requested by the UKVCAS. You must also wear a face mask and follow the social distancing rules at the UKVCAS center.
Switching to a Different Visa Category
The fourth thing you need to know about UK visa extensions is the possibility of switching to a different visa category. Sometimes, you may want to change your visa type instead of extending your current visa.
For example, if you want to take up a different activity, such as work or study, or if you want to apply for a permanent status, such as ILR or naturalization as a British citizen. However, switching to a different visa category is not always allowed, depending on your current visa type and the type you want to switch to.
Generally, you can switch to a different visa category if:
- Your current visa allows you to switch to another visa type, and you meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa type.
- You are not on a visitor visa, a short-term student visa, a transit visa, or a visa granted outside the UK, as these visas do not allow you to switch to another visa type from within the UK.
- You apply for a new visa before your current visa expires, pay the application fee, and pay the IHS for the new visa type.
- You provide the supporting documents and biometrics for the new visa type and pass the suitability and credibility checks.
Some examples of visa categories that you can switch to from within the UK are:
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Visa Type
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Switching Option
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Work visa
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Student visa
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Family visa
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However, switching to a different visa category is not always straightforward, and some restrictions or conditions may apply to your situation.
Seek professional advice if you are unsure about your eligibility or the application process.
Consequences of Overstaying and How to Avoid Them
The fifth and final thing you need to know about UK visa extensions is the consequences of overstaying and how to avoid them. Overstaying your visa means staying in the UK beyond the expiry date of your visa without applying for an extension or a switch or leaving the UK. Overstaying your visa is a serious immigration offence that can have negative implications for your immigration status and future applications, such as:
- Being fined, detained, deported, or banned from re-entering the UK.
- Have your biometric information recorded and shared with other authorities.
- Have your current or future visa applications refused or rejected.
- Having access to public services, such as the NHS, education, or benefits, restricted or denied.
- Having your driving license revoked or suspended.
- Having your bank account closed or frozen.
- Having your employer or landlord notified of your immigration status.
Therefore, it is important to avoid overstaying your visa and to comply with the immigration rules and regulations. Some of the ways to avoid overstaying your visa are:
- Apply for a visa extension or a switch before your current visa expires and follow the application process correctly.
- If you want to return, leave the UK before your visa expires and apply for a new visa outside the UK.
- Check the expiry date of your visa and the validity of your passport or travel document regularly and renew them if necessary.
- Monitor changes in immigration rules and policies that may affect your visa type or category.
- Seek professional advice or assistance if you have any questions or problems with your visa or immigration status.
A UK visa extension is a way of extending your permission to remain in the UK beyond the expiry date of your original visa. Depending on your visa type, you may be able to extend your visa for a certain period, switch to a different visa category, or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which is a permanent status that allows you to live and work in the UK without any restrictions.
Conclusion
UK visa extensions let you stay in the UK longer after your original visa expires. You can extend, switch, or apply for permanent status, depending on your visa type. Each visa category has different rules, fees, and deadlines. If you overstay without extending, you may face penalties. Before applying, check the specific guidance for your visa type and situation and get professional help.
