UK Visa Extension: What is the Visa Renewal Process in the UK?
The visa renewal process in the UK is a process for extending the length of time a person is allowed to stay in the country. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in the visa renewal process:
Determine eligibility: Before applying for a visa extension, you must first determine if you are eligible to do so. This will depend on the type of visa you have, the length of time you have already been in the UK, and other factors such as your immigration status and the reason for your extension request.
Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide a range of documents to support your visa extension application, including proof of identity, proof of financial support, and other relevant evidence.
Complete the application form: You will need to complete an online visa extension application form, providing information about your identity, circumstances, and reasons for wanting to stay in the UK.
Pay the fee: You will need to pay the fee for your visa extension, which will depend on the type of visa you have and the length of time you are requesting to stay in the UK.
Submit the application: Once you have completed your application form, gathered all your supporting documents, and paid the fee, you can submit your visa extension application.
Wait for a decision: The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will process your application and make a decision. This can take several weeks, depending on the type of visa you have and the circumstances of your case.
Attend a biometric appointment: You may be required to attend a biometric appointment, where you will provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Receive a decision: Once the UKVI has made a decision on your visa extension application, they will notify you in writing. If your application is approved, you will receive a new visa with updated conditions and an extended validity period.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and steps involved in the UK visa renewal process may vary depending on the type of visa you have and your individual circumstances.
UK visa extension
If you are already in the UK and want to extend your stay, you may need to apply for a UK visa extension. The requirements and process for a UK visa extension will depend on the type of visa you have and the length of time you are requesting to stay in the UK.
Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in the UK visa extension process:
Determine eligibility: Before applying for a visa extension, you must first determine if you are eligible to do so. This will depend on the type of visa you have, the length of time you have already been in the UK, and other factors such as your immigration status and the reason for your extension request.
Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide a range of documents to support your visa extension application, including proof of identity, proof of financial support, and other relevant evidence.
Complete the application form: You will need to complete an online visa extension application form, providing information about your identity, circumstances, and reasons for wanting to stay in the UK.
Pay the fee: You will need to pay the fee for your visa extension, which will depend on the type of visa you have and the length of time you are requesting to stay in the UK.
Submit the application: Once you have completed your application form, gathered all your supporting documents, and paid the fee, you can submit your visa extension application.
Wait for a decision: The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will process your application and make a decision. This can take several weeks, depending on the type of visa you have and the circumstances of your case.
Attend a biometric appointment: You may be required to attend a biometric appointment, where you will provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Receive a decision: Once the UKVI has made a decision on your visa extension application, they will notify you in writing. If your application is approved, you will receive a new visa with updated conditions and an extended validity period.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and steps involved in the UK visa extension process may vary depending on the type of visa you have and your individual circumstances
Standard visitor visa extension Eligibility
To be eligible for a Standard Visitor visa extension in the UK, you must meet certain criteria. Here are some of the key eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor visa extension:
Purpose of visit: You must still be in the UK for the purpose for which you were originally granted the Standard Visitor visa. This could include visiting family or friends, conducting business, or studying.
Time limit: You must not have exceeded the time limit on your original Standard Visitor visa.
Immigration history: You must not have a history of overstaying or breaching immigration rules in the UK.
Financial support: You must be able to support yourself during your stay in the UK without relying on public funds.
Criminal record: You must not have a criminal record that would make you ineligible for a visa extension.
Public health: You must not pose a threat to public health or safety.
Return plans: You must have a plan to leave the UK at the end of your stay, and you must not have any ties that would make it difficult for you to return to your home country.
It’s important to note that these are general eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor visa extension, and the specific requirements for your individual case may vary. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for a visa extension
Extension fees
The fee for a Standard Visitor visa extension in the UK varies depending on the length of time you are requesting to stay in the country and the specific circumstances of your case.
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, the current fee for a Standard Visitor visa extension is £95. This fee is subject to change and you should check the latest guidance from the UK government to confirm the current fee for your individual case.
In addition to the visa extension fee, you may also need to pay for other related costs, such as biometric enrolment and postage fees for returning your passport.
It’s important to note that the fee for a Standard Visitor visa extension is just one part of the overall cost of extending your stay in the UK. You should also consider other expenses, such as travel and accommodation costs, when planning your trip.
Documents required
When applying for a Standard Visitor visa extension in the UK, you will need to provide a range of supporting documents to support your application. The specific documents required for your application will depend on your individual circumstances and the reasons for your extension request.
Here’s a general list of the types of documents you may need to provide:
Passport or other travel document: You will need to provide your current passport or travel document, along with any previous passports that show your immigration history in the UK.
Application form: You will need to complete an online application form and provide information about your identity, circumstances, and reasons for wanting to stay in the UK.
Proof of financial support: You will need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK without relying on public funds. This could include bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from a sponsor.
Proof of travel plans: You will need to provide evidence of your plans to leave the UK at the end of your stay, such as a return ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangements.
Supporting letters: You may need to provide letters from family or friends, or a letter from an employer, to support your extension request.
Criminal record certificate: You may need to provide a criminal record certificate from your home country to demonstrate that you do not have a criminal record that would make you ineligible for a visa extension.
Biometric information: You may need to provide biometric information, such as your fingerprints and a digital photograph, as part of your visa application.
It’s important to note that this is a general list of the types of documents you may need to provide, and the specific requirements for your individual case may vary. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the documents required for your visa extension
Application process
The process for applying for a Standard Visitor visa extension in the UK typically involves the following steps:
Check eligibility: Before you apply, you should check that you meet the eligibility criteria for a Standard Visitor visa extension, including the purpose of your visit, the length of time you are requesting to stay, and your financial and immigration history.
Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide a range of supporting documents as part of your application, including your passport or travel document, proof of financial support, and supporting letters.
Complete the online application form: You will need to complete an online application form and provide information about your identity, circumstances, and reasons for wanting to stay in the UK.
Pay the fee: You will need to pay the fee for your visa extension, which as of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, is £95.
Provide biometric information: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to provide biometric information, such as your fingerprints and a digital photograph, as part of your visa application.
Wait for a decision: The UK government will typically take a few weeks to process your visa extension application. You should not make any travel plans until you have received a decision on your application.
Receive your visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your new visa, which will allow you to stay in the UK for the additional time requested.
It’s important to note that the application process for a Standard Visitor visa extension can be complex and time-consuming. You should seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about your application. Additionally, you should allow plenty of time to prepare your application and receive a decision, as the processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications received
Processing time
The processing time for a Standard Visitor visa extension in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications received and the specific circumstances of your case.
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, the UK government aims to process most Standard Visitor visa extension applications within three weeks of receipt. However, this is just a general guideline, and some applications may take longer to process, especially if additional information or clarification is required.
It’s important to note that the processing time for a Standard Visitor visa extension can be impacted by factors such as the volume of applications received, the time of year, and the specific requirements of your case. You should allow plenty of time to prepare your application and receive a decision, and you should not make any travel plans until you have received a decision on your application.
If you need to extend your stay in the UK for urgent or compassionate reasons, you may be able to apply for an expedited decision. However, these applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and you should seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about your application
Family visa extension Eligibilty
If you are in the UK with a family visa, the eligibility criteria for a visa extension will depend on the type of visa you currently hold.
In general, to be eligible for a family visa extension, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Valid visa: You must hold a valid family visa that allows you to stay in the UK with a family member who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
Purpose of stay: You must continue to meet the original purpose of your stay in the UK, such as being a spouse or dependent of a British citizen or settled person.
Financial requirements: You must have enough money to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds. You may need to provide evidence of your income or savings, or a letter from a sponsor who is responsible for your financial support.
Accommodation: You must have suitable accommodation in the UK for you and any dependents, either by owning or renting a property, or by staying with family or friends.
Good character: You must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security, and you must not have breached any immigration rules during your stay in the UK.
It’s important to note that these are general eligibility requirements for a family visa extension, and the specific requirements for your individual case may vary. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the eligibility criteria for a family visa extension
Extension fees
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, the fee for extending a family visa in the UK is £993.
It’s important to note that the fee for a family visa extension can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of visa you currently hold, the length of time you are requesting to stay, and the specific requirements of your case. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the fee for a family visa extension.
In addition to the visa extension fee, you may also need to pay for other services, such as the cost of providing biometric information or obtaining any necessary medical assessments. You should factor in these additional costs when planning your visa application.
It’s also worth noting that the fee for a family visa extension is subject to change, so you should check the latest guidance from the UK government before submitting your application.
Documents required
The documents required for a family visa extension in the UK will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but in general, you will need to provide the following types of information and evidence:
Proof of identity: This could include your passport, national identity card, or other official documentation that confirms your name, date of birth, and nationality.
Evidence of your relationship: If you are applying as a spouse or partner, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation. If you are applying as a dependent, you will need to provide evidence of your dependency, such as proof of financial support.
Financial information: You will need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in the UK, without relying on public funds. This could include pay stubs, bank statements, or a letter from a sponsor who is responsible for your financial support.
Accommodation: You will need to provide evidence of your accommodation in the UK, such as a lease agreement, a letter from a landlord, or proof that you own a property.
English language ability: Depending on your visa category, you may need to provide evidence of your ability to speak and understand English, such as a test certificate from an approved test provider.
Other relevant information: You may need to provide additional information or evidence to support your application, such as a valid tuberculosis test certificate if you are coming from a country where TB is common, or a police certificate if you have a criminal record.
It’s important to note that the specific documents required for a family visa extension can vary depending on the type of visa you currently hold and the specific requirements of your case. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the documents required for your family visa extension.
Application process To renew your UK family visa when you are within the UK:
Here is the general process for renewing your UK family visa when you are already in the UK:
Check eligibility: Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a family visa extension, including the financial, accommodation, and good character requirements.
Gather documents: Collect all the required documents, including proof of identity, evidence of your relationship, financial information, accommodation, and any other relevant information.
Complete the application form: Fill out the application form for a family visa extension, which is available on the UK government’s website. You will need to provide detailed information about your circumstances and provide the required supporting documents.
Pay the fee: Submit the required fee for a family visa extension, which is currently £993 as of my knowledge cut-off in 2021. You can pay the fee using a debit or credit card or by other methods specified on the UK government’s website.
Provide biometric information: You may need to attend a biometric enrolment appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken. You will be given a confirmation of the appointment when you submit your visa application.
Wait for a decision: The processing time for a family visa extension can vary, but it usually takes several weeks to receive a decision. You should not make any plans to leave the UK until you have received your new visa.
Receive your visa: If your application is successful, you will receive your new family visa, which will specify the length of time you are allowed to stay in the UK and any conditions of your stay.
It’s important to note that the specific application process for a family visa extension can vary depending on the type of visa you currently hold and the specific requirements of your case. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the application process for your family visa extension
Processing time
The processing time for a family visa extension in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications being processed, the complexity of your case, and the specific requirements of your visa.
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, the UK government states that the average processing time for a standard family visa extension is 8 weeks. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual processing time can be shorter or longer depending on your individual circumstances.
It’s important to apply for your family visa extension well in advance of your current visa expiring, as it may take longer than 8 weeks to receive a decision. You should not make any plans to leave the UK until you have received your new visa.
If you need to travel outside of the UK before your family visa extension has been approved, you should seek advice from a professional immigration advisor. In some cases, it may be possible to apply for an “out of country” family visa extension, which would allow you to renew your visa from outside of the UK.
It’s also worth noting that processing times for family visa extensions are subject to change, so you should check the latest guidance from the UK government before submitting your application.
Skilled worker visa extension Eligibility
To be eligible to extend your UK skilled worker visa, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have a valid skilled worker visa: You must hold a valid Tier 2 (General) or Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa in order to be eligible to extend your visa.
You must still be employed by the same sponsor: You must still be working for the same employer who sponsored your original visa and who will sponsor your extension.
You must continue to meet the relevant eligibility criteria: You must continue to meet the eligibility criteria for a skilled worker visa, including the minimum salary threshold, the appropriate qualifications, and any other specific requirements of your visa category.
You must not have breached the conditions of your visa: You must not have breached the conditions of your visa, including working more hours than permitted, taking on a role that is not consistent with your visa category, or engaging in any other prohibited activities.
You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period: You must not have been absent from the UK for a continuous period of more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the validity of your visa.
These are the general eligibility criteria for a UK skilled worker visa extension. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of your visa category. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for a skilled worker visa extension.
Extension fees
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, the fee for extending a UK skilled worker visa depends on your specific circumstances and the length of the extension you are applying for.
For a Tier 2 (General) visa extension, the fee is currently £608 for applications made inside the UK, or £608 for applications made from outside the UK. There is also a fee for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per person per year for those applying inside the UK, or £624 per person per year for those applying from outside the UK.
For a Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa extension, the fee is currently £704 for applications made inside the UK, or £704 for applications made from outside the UK. There is also a fee for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per person per year for those applying inside the UK, or £624 per person per year for those applying from outside the UK.
It’s worth noting that visa fees are subject to change, so you should check the latest guidance from the UK government before submitting your application. Additionally, the fees outlined above are for the visa application only and do not include any additional costs, such as the cost of obtaining a certificate of sponsorship from your employer or the cost of obtaining any required documents, such as police certificates or medical reports.
If you have any questions about the fees for extending your UK skilled worker visa, you should seek advice from a professional immigration advisor
Documents required
When applying to extend your UK skilled worker visa, you will typically be required to provide the following documents:
A valid passport or travel document: You must provide a valid passport or travel document that allows you to enter and remain in the UK.
Certificate of sponsorship: You must provide a certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor, which must be valid for the length of your proposed stay and must confirm that you will continue to meet the eligibility criteria for a skilled worker visa.
Proof of funds: You must provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.
English language proficiency: You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, depending on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of your visa category.
Criminal record certificate: You may be required to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
TB test certificate: If you are coming from a country where a tuberculosis (TB) test is required, you must provide a valid TB test certificate.
Biometric information: You must provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph, as part of the visa application process.
These are the general documents required for a UK skilled worker visa extension. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of your visa category. You should check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the documents required for your specific situation
Application process
The application process for extending a UK skilled worker visa is as follows:
Gather the required documents: As outlined above, you will need to gather a range of documents to support your visa extension application, including your passport, a certificate of sponsorship, proof of funds, and any other required supporting documents.
Complete the application form: You can complete the application form online or on paper, depending on your preference. You must answer all of the questions fully and accurately, and provide all of the required supporting documentation.
Pay the application fee: You will need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the time of submitting your application. You can pay by debit or credit card, or by bank transfer.
Submit your application: You can submit your application online or by post, depending on your preference. If you are submitting your application online, you will need to create an account and upload your supporting documents. If you are submitting your application by post, you will need to send all of the required documents and payment to the specified address.
Biometric information: If you are submitting your application online, you will need to book an appointment to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. If you are submitting your application by post, you will need to provide your biometric information at a specified location after you have submitted your application.
Wait for a decision: Once your application has been received and processed, you will receive a decision from the UK government. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the volume of applications and the specific requirements of your visa category.
It’s important to follow the application process carefully and submit a complete and accurate application to ensure that your visa extension application is successful. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, you should seek advice from a professional immigration advisor
Processing time
The processing time for a UK skilled worker visa extension can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
Volume of applications: The processing time can be affected by the volume of applications received by the UK government. During peak periods, it can take longer to process applications than at other times.
Your individual circumstances: The processing time can also be affected by the specific requirements of your visa category and your individual circumstances, such as whether you need to provide additional information or documents.
Time taken to provide biometric information: The processing time can be affected by the time it takes to provide your biometric information, including your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
In general, you should expect the processing time for a UK skilled worker visa extension to take several weeks or months. However, it is always best to check the latest guidance from the UK government and seek advice from a professional immigration advisor if you have any specific questions or concerns about the processing time for your individual situation