How to Extend Your Visa in the UK

Key takeaways

• You should apply to extend or renew your UK visa before your current visa expires; applying late is usually treated as overstaying.
• Your existing visa conditions continue while a valid, in-time extension application is being decided.
• Most extensions are applied for online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, with a biometric appointment and supporting documents.
• In-country extension fees range from around £943 to £1,865 depending on the route, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
• A standard decision usually takes up to 8 weeks; priority (£500) and super priority (£1,000) services are available for many routes.
• If you miss the deadline, the “14-day good cause” rule may still allow a late application where you can prove exceptional circumstances.

If your current UK visa is approaching its expiry date and you wish to stay, you will usually need to apply to extend or renew it before it runs out. The process involves checking that you still meet the requirements of your route and following the correct steps, and not every visa category can be extended.

This guide explains when to apply for a UK visa extension, how the application works, what it costs in 2026, how long a decision takes, and what to do if your application is refused or your visa has already expired.

Table of contents

• When can I apply for an extension of a UK visa?
• What is the procedure for renewing a UK visa?
• How can I extend my visa in the UK after my visa has expired?
• How much does it cost to extend a UK visa?
• How long does a visa extension application processing take?
• What should I do if my visa extension application is rejected?
• How can we help?
• FAQ

When can I apply for an extension of a UK visa?

You should apply to extend your UK visa before it expires, and ideally well in advance rather than at the last minute. An extension is often referred to as “further leave to remain“. Applying late is usually viewed by the immigration authorities as a breach of the conditions of your stay, and while late submissions are occasionally accepted, they are rare and can complicate any future application.

According to section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, you are legally permitted to remain in the UK on your current visa conditions while your extension request is being decided, but only if you submit it before your current visa lapses. In some cases you can apply several months ahead of expiry, though how early you may apply depends on the type of visa you hold, as the rules vary across different visa categories.

What is the procedure for renewing a UK visa?

A UK visa renewal is an online process. The exact steps depend on the type of visa you are renewing, but the overview is as follows:

1. Collect all the required documents before you start. For example, if you are renewing a Skilled Worker visa you will need a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, whereas students need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Check that you still meet the requirements, as holding a visa before does not automatically qualify you to renew it, especially if the eligibility criteria have changed.
2. Create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and complete the correct online form for your visa category.
3. Pay the application fee and, where it applies, the Immigration Health Surcharge.
4. Upload your supporting documents and book an appointment to provide your biometric information, or confirm your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app where eligible.

If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa — a digital record of your immigration status that has replaced the biometric residence permit (BRP). Your decision letter or email explains how to access your UKVI account to view and prove your status. You will also need to provide evidence supporting every claim in your application, such as certificates of enrolment or sponsorship, depending on the route.

How can I extend my visa in the UK after my visa has expired?

If you cannot apply before your visa expires, there are limited circumstances in which you can still apply after expiry. Under the “14-day good cause” rule, you may apply for a UK visa extension up to 14 days after your visa has lapsed, provided you have a genuine reason for the delay.

You must show that exceptional circumstances prevented you from applying on time, and you must submit compelling evidence within those 14 days. Examples include an unexpected medical emergency requiring hospitalisation, or the death of an immediate family member, supported by documents such as a medical certificate setting out your condition and the dates involved. Reasons such as forgetting or being busy are not normally accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and applications relying on them are likely to be refused.

How much does it cost to extend a UK visa?

UK visa extension fees depend on the route you apply under and how long you intend to stay. Most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year of leave granted. The table below shows common in-country extension fees as of June 2026.

A Standard Visitor visa extension is only possible in limited situations — for example where the original visa was granted for less than six months and you wish to extend up to the six-month limit, or for specific cases such as private medical treatment. The visitor route does not allow you to switch into a different visa category.

How long does a visa extension application processing take?

A standard decision on a UK visa extension usually takes up to 8 weeks, although UKVI delays are common and some routes take longer. The timescale can be extended if UKVI needs further information — for example to verify your documents, to invite you to an interview, or because of an issue raised by your application. For many routes you can pay for a faster decision: the priority service costs £500 (typically a decision within five working days) and the super priority service costs £1,000 (typically the next working day).

What should I do if my visa extension application is rejected?

A visa extension can be refused on several grounds, including:

• no longer meeting the requirements of your route;
• not having met the eligibility conditions in the first place;
• the application being invalid because it was submitted after the deadline;
• the application being incomplete;
• the required fees not being paid.

If your extension is refused, your options may include making a fresh application, applying under a different visa category, or appealing — though an appeal is usually only available where human rights, protection or humanitarian grounds are engaged. Other routes include requesting an Administrative Review where UKVI made a caseworking error, or a Judicial Review where the refusal is considered unlawful.

After a refusal it is important to seek advice from an immigration lawyer, who can explain your options clearly and help you choose the best strategy for your circumstances. If you are at risk of becoming an overstayer, you should take advice quickly.

How can we help?

Sterling Law advises clients across every UK immigration route on extending and renewing their visas, switching categories, and progressing towards indefinite leave to remain. If the process feels confusing or your circumstances are complicated, professional support reduces the risk of delay or refusal.

Our work can include:

• checking whether you are eligible to extend your current visa;
• confirming the right route and the best time to apply;
• preparing and reviewing your supporting documents;
• completing and submitting your online application and booking biometrics;
• calculating your fees and Immigration Health Surcharge;
• advising on late or “14-day good cause” applications;
• responding to UKVI requests for further information;
• challenging a refusal by Administrative Review, Judicial Review or appeal;
• planning your route towards settlement and citizenship.

To discuss extending your UK visa, contact our team to arrange an initial consultation before you apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can I renew my UK visa before it expires?

You can usually apply some months before your visa expires, but how early depends on your route. Applying in good time before the expiry date is strongly recommended.

What happens when my UK visa expires while I am waiting for a decision?

If you applied before your visa expired, section 3C leave keeps your existing conditions in place until UKVI decides your application, so you do not become an overstayer.

Can I extend my visa after it has expired?

Only in limited cases. The “14-day good cause” rule may allow an application up to 14 days after expiry if you can prove exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency.

How much does it cost to extend a UK visa in 2026?

In-country extension fees range from about £943 to £1,865 depending on the route, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for each year of leave.

How long does a UK visa extension take?

A standard decision usually takes up to 8 weeks. Priority (£500) and super priority (£1,000) services offer faster decisions for many routes.

Can I extend a UK visitor visa?

Only in limited situations, such as extending up to the six-month limit or for private medical treatment. You cannot switch from a visitor visa to another category.

Will I still get a BRP when my extension is approved?

No. UKVI has replaced biometric residence permits with eVisas, so a successful application gives you a digital status you access through your UKVI account.

Can I work or travel while my extension is being decided?

Your existing visa conditions generally continue under section 3C leave while an in-time application is pending, but you should take advice before travelling, as leaving the UK can affect a pending application.

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