How to extend/renew your visa in the UK

Nearly 1.2 million non-EU nationals applied to extend or renew their visas in the UK in 2022, highlighting the complexity and importance of navigating the immigration system.

If you're among those needing to prolong your stay, understanding the visa extension process is crucial. The UK's immigration rules can be daunting, but with the right guidance, you can successfully navigate the application process.

We specialise in providing personalised assistance for visa extensions. For expert advice, you can also contact our London office at 020 4537 5050.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the specific requirements for your visa type, whether it's a Skilled Worker or Student visa.

• Prepare your application well in advance to avoid common pitfalls.

• Timing is critical; apply at the right moment to maintain your legal status.

• Seek professional help if needed to simplify the complex UK immigration system.

• Ensure you're aware of your responsibilities and options when extending or renewing your visa.

Understanding UK Visa Extensions

Understanding the process of extending your UK visa is vital to maintaining your legal status. Extending your visa allows you to continue your stay in the UK for various purposes such as education, work, or family reasons.

Why You Might Need to Extend Your Visa

You may need to extend your visa for several reasons, including continuing your education, seizing new employment opportunities, or due to changes in family circumstances. It's crucial to understand that the specific requirements for your visa type will dictate the extension process.

Key Considerations Before Applying

Before applying to extend your visa, several factors must be considered. You must apply before your current visa expires to maintain your legal status in the UK. For instance, if you're on a Student visa, your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

Visa Type	Key Requirement	Timing Consideration
Student Visa	A new course must start within 28 days	Apply before the current visa expires
Work Visa	Valid Certificate of Sponsorship	Application timing based on visa type
Family Visa	Valid relationship proof	Apply before the current visa expires

It's also important to note that different visa categories have varying eligibility criteria and application procedures. Understanding these differences is key to a successful application.

Eligibility Requirements for Visa Extensions

To extend your visa in the UK, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. The requirements vary depending on the type of visa you currently hold.

General Eligibility Criteria

Generally, to be eligible for a visa extension, you must be maintaining the same purpose of stay as your original visa application. This means that your circumstances should not have changed significantly since your initial visa was granted.

Visa-Specific Requirements

For a Skilled Worker visa extension, you must continue working in the same job role and for the same employer who sponsored your initial visa. For Student visas, you need to have an unconditional offer for a higher-level course with a licensed student sponsor.

Timing Your Application Correctly

You can apply for most visa extensions up to 3 months before your current visa expires. It's crucial that your new course or continued employment begins before your current visa expires. For Student visas, your new course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

Visa Type	Eligibility Criteria	Timing
Skilled Worker	Same job, same employer	Before the current visa expires
Student	Higher-level course, licensed sponsor	Within 28 days of the current visa expiring

How to Extend/Renew Your Visa in the UK

To extend or renew your visa in the UK, you'll need to navigate the official UK government website and follow the online application process. This process is crucial for ensuring that your application is submitted correctly and on time.

Online Application Process

The online application process for extending or renewing your visa in the UK is primarily conducted through the official UK government website. You'll need to create an account or sign in to an existing one to access the application forms specific to your visa type. The online form will require detailed information about your current circumstances, visa history, and reasons for extension. After submitting the form, you'll need to pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable. 

Biometric Information Requirements

As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity, which may involve providing biometric information. Depending on your nationality and visa type, you may be able to use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity document. If you cannot use the app, you'll need to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and photo. Once your biometrics are processed, it's advisable not to travel outside the UK until you receive a decision on your application.

Extending a Skilled Worker Visa

To continue working in the UK, you'll need to extend your Skilled Worker visa under certain conditions. Extending a Skilled Worker visa requires meeting specific criteria related to your employment continuity in the UK.

Specific Eligibility Requirements

You must be employed in the same job role and occupation code as when you received your initial visa approval. Your employer must provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship that confirms your continued employment.

Certificate of Sponsorship Requirements

The Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued by the same employer who sponsored your original visa application. This is a critical requirement for a successful visa extension application.

Salary Thresholds and Exceptions

Salary thresholds are a crucial component of Skilled Worker visa extensions. Your salary must meet both the general threshold and the 'going rate' for your specific occupation. Some applicants, such as those with PhD qualifications or in shortage occupations, may qualify for salary threshold concessions.

If you've changed employer or job role, you'll need to apply for a visa update rather than a straightforward extension. The Skilled Worker visa extension allows you to continue your career path in the UK while maintaining your immigration status.

Extending a Student Visa

Continuing your education in the UK often requires extending your Student Visa, a process that involves several key steps. To extend your Student visa, you must be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa and have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.

Academic Progress Requirements

Your new course must be at a higher academic level than your current one, demonstrating academic progression. There are exceptions, such as for PhD students or those repeating failed modules.

Financial Requirements

You need to prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. If you've been in the UK for less than 12 months, you'll need to provide updated financial evidence.

Course and Institution Criteria

Your chosen institution must be a licensed student sponsor approved by UK Visas and Immigration. The timing of your application is crucial; you must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course should begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

Required Documentation for Visa Extensions

Understanding the documentation needed for a UK visa extension is vital for a smooth application process. When applying to extend your stay in the UK, whether for work, study, or other purposes, having the correct documents is crucial.

Essential Documents for All Applications

All visa extension applications require certain essential documents. You must have a valid passport or travel document that covers the entire period of your requested extension. Identity verification is also a crucial part of the process, which can be done via the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or in person at a UKVCAS service point.

Visa-Specific Documentation

The type of visa you're extending will determine the additional supporting documents needed. For instance, Skilled Worker visa extensions require a Certificate of Sponsorship, employment contract, and evidence of meeting salary requirements. In contrast, Student visa extensions necessitate a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of

financial means, and academic qualifications.

Translating and Certifying Documents

Any documents not in English or Welsh must be professionally translated with certified translations. The translation should include confirmation from the translator that it's an accurate translation of the original document, the date of translation, and the translator's full name and signature.

To ensure a successful application, it's essential to organise your documentation systematically. Missing or incorrect documentation is a common reason for visa extension refusals. Therefore, thorough preparation is key.

Fees and Processing Times

Understanding the costs and timelines involved in extending your UK visa is essential. The process involves various fees and waiting times that can vary based on your visa type and personal circumstances.

Standard Application Fees

The cost of extending a visa in the UK differs depending on the type of visa. For instance, extending a Student visa costs £524 per person. It's crucial to check the current fee structure as it may change.

Healthcare Surcharge

In addition to the application fee, most applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £624 per year for most adult applicants. This surcharge grants access to the NHS during your stay.

Priority Services Options

Standard processing times for visa extensions are typically around 8 weeks. However, priority services are available for an additional fee, reducing waiting times to 5 working days or even 24 hours with Super Priority services. You should consider these options based on your needs.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Extending your UK visa can be a complex process, and understanding the common hurdles is crucial for success. You may face various challenges, from application delays to document issues, which can complicate your circumstances.

Addressing Application Delays

Application delays are a common challenge, often caused by high volumes of applications or complex cases. If your application is taking longer than the standard processing time, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to request an update on your status. Our team at 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, can help you navigate these delays and provide guidance on the next steps.

Handling Document Issues

Document issues, such as missing or incorrect paperwork, are a frequent cause of visa extension refusals. To avoid this, ensure that you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application. If you encounter any issues, our experienced team can assist. For help with document issues or application delays, you can contact our London office at 02045375050.

Challenge	Solution
Application Delays	Contact UKVI for an update, and seek assistance from our team
Document Issues	Ensure all necessary documents are correct, and seek help from our experienced team

If your application is refused, you may be eligible for an administrative review. It's essential to understand your options and the process for requesting a review. You can stay in the UK until you receive your review decision if you applied for an administrative review.

Conclusion: Next Steps After Your Application

Following your visa application, several key steps will determine your immigration status in the UK. You'll receive a decision on your application via email or letter.

If successful, you'll obtain an eVisa. For professional assistance, contact our team at 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, or call our London office at 020 4537 5050. You'll need to create or log into your UKVI account to access your eVisa, ensuring you comply with the conditions of your extended stay.

FAQ

Q: What is the time limit for applying for a visa extension in the UK?

A: You should apply to extend or renew your visa before it expires. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your current visa expires.

Q: Can I stay in the UK while my visa extension application is being processed?

A: Yes, you can stay in the UK while your application is being processed, provided you applied before your current visa expired.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for extending a Skilled Worker visa?

A: To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meet the salary threshold, and your job must be at an appropriate skill level.

Q: Do I need to provide biometric information when applying for a visa extension?

A: You may need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints, as part of your application.

Q: Can I change my course or institution while extending my Student visa?

A: If you wish to change your course or institution, you may need to apply for a new Student visa rather than extending your current one

Q: How long does it take to receive a decision on a visa extension application?

A: The processing time can vary, but you can opt for priority services to receive a faster decision.