Extending your UK visa means following the official UK Home Office guidance and completing a UKVI application on time. You must apply before your current visa expires and provide all required documents, including a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) renewal if applicable. Each visa category has its own rules – we cover Student (Tier 4), Skilled Worker, Spouse (partner), and Visitor visas below. For each, we explain who is eligible, the step-by-step process, necessary documents, fees (including the NHS surcharge), processing times, and common pitfalls. Always prepare early – gather documents and check eligibility well before your visa runs out.

Key reminders: apply online via the UKVI portal, book your biometric appointment (at a UKVCAS center or by app) before expiry, and pay the health surcharge where required. Consult an immigration advisor or solicitor if your situation is complex or if you face refusals. Read UKVI’s official guidance carefully – this blog cites GOV.UK pages for up-to-date details.

Figure: Extending your UK visa requires an official UKVI application, supporting documents, and a biometric appointment. The UK government provides detailed guidance on visa renewal processes.

How to Extend UK Visa Legally – Step-by-Step Guide

In this blog, we will walk you through the complete step-by-step process of how to extend your UK visa legally, covering Student (Tier 4), Skilled Worker, Spouse, and Visitor visas — including eligibility, required documents, fees, timelines, and official GOV.UK resources.

Student Visa (Tier 4) Extension

Who Can Extend

You can apply to extend a UK Student visa if you’re currently in the UK on a Student (Tier 4) visa and you meet the requirements below.

In general:

• You must hold a valid Student visa and have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor for a new course.
• Your new course must be at a higher academic level than your current one (the “academic progress requirement”), unless an exception applies.
• If you’ve held a UK visa for less than 12 months, you must prove you have enough funds to support yourself in the UK.
• Dependants (partner/children) must apply separately, either with you or any time before their visas expire.
• You may also consider switching to a Graduate visa after course completion (though that’s not a “student extension” per se).

Step-by-Step Extension Process

1. Check timing: You can apply up to 3 months before your new course starts and before your current visa expires. The new course must begin within 28 days of your old visa ending.
2. Gather documents: See checklist below for details (proof of CAS, finances, etc.).
3. Apply online: Complete the UKVI Student visa extension form on GOV.UK. You’ll need a UKVI account to link your application.
4. Pay fees: Pay £524 (visa fee) plus the immigration health surcharge (IHS) via the online form. (The IHS adds £470–£558 per year depending on course length.)
5. Biometric appointment: Book and attend a biometric enrolment at a UKVCAS center (or use the ID Check app) after submission.
6. Wait for decision: Normally 8 weeks from application for decisions inside the UK. (Check GOV.UK for priority service options.)
7. Get your eVisa/BRP: If approved, you’ll receive an eVisa (electronic visa) and instructions to obtain your new BRP. Your decision letter via email will explain next steps.

Documents Checklist: At minimum you’ll need:

• Passport (valid) and current Biometric Residence Permit.
• New Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university sponsor.
• Evidence of funds (bank statements) to cover tuition and living costs (varies by course).
• Proof of academic progress (transcripts or sponsor letter confirming course level).
• ATAS certificate if applicable (for certain postgraduate courses).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if you’re from a listed country (check GOV.UK requirements).
• Any previous academic qualifications (especially if reapplying to complete the same course).
• Parental or sponsor consent documents if you’re under 18.

BRP & Biometrics: You must renew your BRP when you extend. After approval, you’ll be directed how to collect the new BRP (usually from a post office). When applying, you’ll give fingerprints and a photo – there’s no extra fee for biometrics on a UK student visa.

NHS Surcharge & Fees: The extension fee is £524 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (payable online). This surcharge is roughly £470–£558 per year of visa. For example, a 9-month extension costs £524 + ~£470×(9/12). You cannot use public NHS services without paying this surcharge. If you apply from outside the UK, fees and process differ (see GOV.UK).

Timeline: Decisions are usually made within 8 weeks of applying. A faster “priority” service may be available (for a fee) at the time of application, which speeds up the decision. You can stay in the UK while waiting for a decision, as long as you applied before your old visa expired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Missing deadlines – always apply before your visa expires. Overstaying invalidates your application.
• Insufficient funds – failing to prove enough money (both course fees and living costs) is a frequent refusal reason.
• Weak academic evidence – make sure your new course is higher-level or clearly meets progress rules.
• Not checking TB requirement – forget TB test if from listed country can delay processing.
• Travel during processing – do not leave the UK until you receive a decision, or your application will be withdrawn.
• Incomplete online form – save often and check answers. Submit early if possible to avoid last-minute rush.

Case Study: Maria, a PhD student from Spain, had one semester left in 2025. She prepared early: obtained a new CAS from her university, withdrew £2,500 to cover living costs, and scheduled her UKVCAS appointment two weeks before her visa expired. She submitted the online application promptly and got a decision in 6 weeks. Her BRP arrived 10 days later.

Tip: Start preparing at least 2-3 months before expiry.

Checklist: Use the list above to ensure you have every document. Once you submit, you can stay in the UK until the Home Office decides on your extension.

Apply Early CTA: Check your Student visa eligibility and gather documents early. Applying online well ahead of your expiry date reduces stress.

Next step: Create your UKVI account now and fill in the Student visa extension form.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension

Who Can Extend

You can extend a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) if you meet your original sponsorship conditions:

• Your job, occupation code, and sponsoring employer remain the same as on your current visa.
• You must still work for the employer who gave you the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and in the same role.
• Medium-skilled jobs: If your occupation code is classified as “medium skilled” (RQF level 3), you may only extend if you have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa since your first entry and your first CoS was issued before 22 July 2025.
• Your partner/children must apply separately; they do not automatically get an extension when you do.

If you have a Tier 2 (General) visa previously, different salary rules may apply (check Home Office rules). Always verify with your employer’s HR or an advisor whether your specific occupation has any special conditions.

Step-by-Step Extension Process

1. Check eligibility: Confirm you still meet the salary and sponsorship requirements of your Skilled Worker visa. (New rules allow lower salary thresholds for early CoS in some cases.)
2. Collect documents (see checklist below).
3. Apply online in the UK: Use the UKVI “apply to extend” portal and select Skilled Worker.
4. Pay fees: According to your visa length, pay the application fee and IHS as prompted. (Fees noted below.)
5. Biometric appointment: Schedule your biometric enrolment at a UKVCAS center (or via the ID Check app) after completing the form.
6. Await decision: Standard processing is about 8 week. Faster decisions may be available for a fee (priority service) when you apply.
7. Outcome: If approved, you’ll get an eVisa and instructions to receive your new BRP.

Documents Checklist: Typically you need:

• Current passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number (from your employer).
• Proof of English proficiency (if not already on file).
• Your job title, salary, occupation code, and employer’s sponsor licence number (these are usually on the CoS).
• Employment contract or recent payslips (to prove you still have the job and salary).
• Tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable (citizens of certain countries).
• If you have dependants extending with you: marriage/civil partnership certificate and children’s birth certificates.
• If you have any criminal convictions, you must disclose them.
• If your occupation requires it (e.g., healthcare, education), a criminal record certificate and/or an ATAS certificate if needed.

BRP & Biometrics: As before, you’ll provide fingerprints and a photo (no extra biometric fee) when applying. You’ll later receive a new BRP – be ready to pick it up once the extension is granted. Your old BRP is voided.

NHS Surcharge & Fees: Skilled Worker extensions have significant fees. Inside the UK, you pay £885 if your new visa is up to 3 years, or £1,751 if more than 3 years. (These are the “standard fee” brackets for extensions.) You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (about £1,035 per year of your new visa). For example, a 3-year extension costs ~£885 + £1,035×3 = £3,990 (plus dependants’ fees). No fee is charged for the biometric appointment itself.

Timeline: Expect a decision in 8 weeks if your application is straightforward. Priority services can speed this up (details at application). Don’t leave the UK while your extension is pending, or UKVI will withdraw your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Failing to meet salary or job conditions – make sure the role and pay match your CoS.
• Entering incorrect CoS details or mismatched employer info on the form.
• Forgetting TB certificate when required.
• Missing dependent applications – spouse and kids must extend in their own applications.
• Withdrawing support – your employer cannot take away the CoS after you apply, so ensure they maintain your sponsorship until decision.
• Misunderstanding cost – underestimating fees and health surcharge can cause payment issues.
• Traveling outside the UK during processing – like other visas, avoid travel until you receive approval.

Example: Raj, a software engineer on a Skilled Worker visa, applied to extend in January 2025. His old visa ran out in March. He ensured his Certificate of Sponsorship was valid and paid online for a 3-year extension (£885 fee + £3,105 IHS). He booked a UKVCAS appointment and submitted his passport and payslips. Four weeks later he got an approval email and his new BRP arrived soon after.

Call-to-Action: Double-check your UK immigration rules for Skilled Workers. Apply well before expiry and confirm your salary meets the going rate. Saving the application partway through allows review of costs.

Spouse (Partner) Visa Extension

Who Can Extend

This visa is for people married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person. To extend your spouse/partner visa, you must still be in a genuine relationship and meet the original requirements (financial and English language).

In practice:

• You must remain married to, or in a civil partnership/living as partner with, your UK-based partner (who is British, has settled status, or EU citizen with settled status).
• You and your partner intend to live together permanently after extension.
• You meet the financial requirement (usually minimum £18,600 per year combined income or savings, plus more for children).
• Your English is at the required level (often proven by a test or degree).
• Children under 18 can be included as dependents if eligible.
• Unlike tourists, you must apply from within the UK for extension. (If you entered as a visitor, you generally cannot switch without leaving.)

Step-by-Step Extension Process

1. Prepare evidence: Gather documents proving your relationship, finances, and eligibility (see below).
2. Apply online: Use the GOV.UK Family Visa application form (partner category) to extend in the UK.
3. Pay fee: Inside the UK, the extension fee is £1,321 (applying as joining/switching to a partner visa). Pay this plus the IHS (£2,587.50 for 2.5 years) as part of the form.
4. Biometric appointment: After applying, you will be prompted to book a UKVCAS appointment for fingerprints and photo.
5. Attend interview if asked: Rarely, UKVI may call applicants for an interview to verify the relationship.
6. Await decision: If you applied inside the UK and meet requirements, expect a decision in 8 weeks (otherwise it could take much longer).
7. Result: On approval you get an eVisa and instructions to collect your new BRP. The new visa will generally be 2 years 6 months (30 months) long, after which you can extend again before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Documents Checklist: Commonly needed:

• Valid passport and current BRP.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or evidence of a 2+ year relationship if unmarried (joint tenancy, bills, bank statements showing cohabitation).
• Evidence that you live together and share finances (joint bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements).
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS certificate at A1/B1 level or higher education in English language).
• Proof of finance: payslips, bank statements, pension letters to meet the £18,600+ threshold (or evidence of savings covering shortfall).
• Your partner’s British/settled status (copy of their passport or permanent residence card).
• Children’s birth certificates if extending with children.
• TB test results if required (if you’re from a listed country).
• Two color photos for UKVI (passport style).

BRP & Biometrics: After approval, you’ll receive an electronic visa and must collect a new BRP. The BRP is proof of your extended permission to stay. You will give fingerprints/photo at application time; this has no extra cost.

NHS Surcharge & Fees: The standard fee inside the UK for a partner visa extension is £1,321 per person. The health surcharge for a 2.5-year stay is £2,587.50 for adults (£1,940 for each child). Super priority processing (decision next day) costs an additional £1,000 if available.

Timeline: Inside applications meeting requirements take about 8 weeks. If you applied in the UK on time, you can remain until the decision is made. Decisions beyond 8 weeks are only if UKVI needs extra checks or interviews.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Insufficient relationship evidence – supply plenty of proofs of cohabitation and commitment (photos together, messages, joint memberships).
• Failing financial threshold – ensure you clearly meet the income requirements. Check updated rules, especially with children.
• Weak English evidence – a simple mistake like a wrong test date can cause refusal.
• Deadline error – even one day late triggers refusal. Apply early in the 28-day window before expiry.
• Incorrect fee/payment – double-check you pay £1,321 and the correct IHS amount.
• Travel outside UK – do not leave while waiting for approval or your application will be withdrawn.
• Incomplete biometric booking – you must attend the UKVCAS appointment when asked; missing it delays your application.

Case Study: Aisha, married to a British citizen, applied to extend her spouse visa. She collected joint bank statements and a joint lease, plus her husband’s passport. She applied 4 weeks before expiration, paid £1,321+£2,587.50, and got a decision in 7 weeks. Her new BRP arrived within 2 weeks.

Call-to-Action: Make sure you start well before expiry. Gather evidence of your partnership and finances now. Check the UK Home Office partner visa rules and eligibility early so you can apply smoothly when ready.

Visitor Visa Extension

Who Can Extend

Standard Visitor visas are short-term (up to 6 months) visas for tourism, visiting family, etc. Extensions are limited:

• If you have permission for less than 6 months, you may extend up to a total of 6 months, but only if you have a valid reason (e.g. continuing holiday, business, study up to 6 months).
• Extensions beyond 6 months are allowed only in special circumstances (medical treatment, research/academic visits, retaking a medical exam, etc.).
• Visitor visa holders cannot switch to most other visas from within the UK – if you need longer-term permission (e.g. family visa), you usually must return home to apply, except in rare protected cases.

Step-by-Step Extension Process

1. Check eligibility: If you’ve been in the UK under 6 months total, you can extend within that 6-month limit. Otherwise see special grounds below.
2. Prepare documents: Depending on reason (tourism, medical, academic), gather evidence (invitation letters, medical reports, research confirmation).
3. Apply online: Complete the Standard Visitor “extend your stay” application on GOV.UK.
4. Pay fees: The extension fee is £1,100 (standard) plus optional £1,000 for super-priority.
5. Biometric appointment: After applying, book a UKVCAS appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
6. Provide supporting evidence: Upload or take documents at your appointment (proof of reason to stay longer, financial means to support your extended stay).
7. Stay legal: You can remain in the UK while your application is pending as long as you applied before your current permission expired.
8. Get decision: Standard service: decision usually within 8 weeks (Super-priority: by next working day after biometrics).
   • Medical reasons: Visitors can extend for up to 6 months at a time for continuing medical treatment, with proper UK doctor’s letter confirming the need.
   • Academic visitors: If on a short academic visit (<12 months), you may extend up to 12 months total to complete your visit, provided you meet criteria (PhD or qualified expert).
   • Other categories: If attending a wedding, funeral or other social reason, you must still finish within 6 months total.

Documents Checklist: Typical items include:

• Passport and current entry stamps/visa.
• Reason for extension: e.g. doctor’s letter with diagnosis (for medical), invitation or event details, research or academic host letter.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover additional stay (bank statements or sponsor letter).
• Travel itinerary if extending a trip.
• Proof of ties abroad (to show you intend to leave after): job letter, property deed, family commitments.
• For medical: an NHS consultant letter and proof you can/will pay for treatment.
• For PLAB/CLINICAL extensions: GMC confirmation (for retaking PLAB), or NHS offer letter (for clinical attachment).

BRP & Biometrics: Visitor extensions do not produce a BRP (Visitor permission is stamp-based). You still do biometrics on application for identity only. You will receive an eVisa via email detailing your new leave duration.

Fees: Standard fee is £1,100. The super-priority option (decision by next working day) is an extra £1,000. There is no NHS surcharge on visitor visas – visitors pay for any healthcare separately when needed.

Timeline: Standard: decision usually within 8 weeks of the supporting-documents appointment. Super-priority decisions come within 1–2 working days after biometrics. If your application is complex, UKVI will contact you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Applying too late – apply before your current visa expires. Late applications are refused.
• Overstaying beyond 6 months – you cannot extend beyond 6 months unless under special categories (and even then only up to specified limits).
• Vague reasons – state clear, documented reasons (e.g. medical or academic evidence) for staying longer.
• Financial issues – prove enough funds for extra time.
• Withdrawing support – there’s no sponsor refund issue here, but failing to demonstrate ties to home can hurt the case.
• Traveling out of UK – any departure during processing will cancel the extension.

Example: John, visiting relatives on a 6-month visa, realized he needed to stay one more month. He applied online 20 days before expiry, paid £1,100, and showed bank statements plus a letter of invitation from his relative. He got a decision in 5 weeks. He returned home after 6 months total stay as required.

Advice: Visitor visa extensions are very limited. Only apply if you truly meet a valid reason (tourism staying under 6 months, or medical/academic reasons). If you need to stay long-term, consider other visa routes instead.

Final Tips and Call to Action

1. Apply Before Expiry: This is critical. All UK immigration categories require that your application be lodged before your current leave ends. Even a one-day overstay can void your application and lead to refusal.
2. Check UK Immigration Rules: Each visa route has detailed rules on GOV.UK. Review the official guidance or consult an advisor if unsure. Remember the specific rules for students, workers, partners, and visitors as outlined above.
3. Prepare Documents Early: Use checklists (as above) to gather everything. For example, save payslips, bank statements, sponsor letters, and marriage certificates months in advance. Double-check English language and TB requirements.
4. Biometrics and BRP: After applying, book your UKVCAS appointment promptly. You need to provide fingerprints/photo. Keep track of BRP expiration – once extended, you’ll have a new BRP that you must collect on time.
5. Payment of Fees: Ensure you have funds for application fees, health surcharge (if applicable), and any priority service charges. Notify your bank of the transaction to avoid payment holds.
6. Consult a Professional if Needed: If your case is complex (previous refusals, criminal convictions, or you’re unsure about meeting requirements), get help from an OISC-regulated adviser or immigration solicitor.
7. Track Processing Times: Use the UKVI account to check updates. Processing times can change, so allow extra time beyond the typical 8 weeks. Priority services cost more but give peace of mind if you’re in a hurry.
8. Stay Informed: UK rules can change (e.g. new salary thresholds or post-Brexit adjustments). For example, medium-skilled roles have a temporary rule until July 2025. Always rely on the latest Home Office guidance.
   

Lastly

Extending your UK visa is a process that requires preparation, accuracy, and timing. Whether you are on a Student (Tier 4) visa, a Skilled Worker visa, a Spouse/Partner visa, or a Visitor visa, the key to success is applying before your current visa expires, following UK Home Office guidance, and submitting all the required documents. Always double-check the application fees, NHS surcharge, and processing timelines so you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress.

Remember that your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) must also be updated as part of the renewal process, and missing biometric appointments is one of the most common mistakes applicants make. If your situation is complex — for example, financial requirements for a spouse visa or sponsor changes in a skilled worker visa — consulting an immigration solicitor or accredited advisor can save you time and prevent refusals.

By preparing early, staying organised, and using the official GOV.UK links provided, you’ll be well-placed to complete your UK visa extension smoothly and legally.