Extending your visa is dependent upon the type of visa you currently have and if you continue to meet the visa eligibility requirements. In all cases, you will need to ensure you make your application before your current visa expires so you avoid overstaying.  Any other relevant fees that apply must also be paid, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge.

The following are some key pointers for some of the more common UK visa extensions:

Form FLR (M)

You can apply for Form FLR (M) to extend your current stay in the UK for 2 and a half years as a partner or dependent child of someone who is settled here, or is a refugee or under humanitarian protection.

Eligible applicants includes: spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, same sex partners, children and parents. For parents, your UK child must have British citizenship or is settled (with indefinite leave to enter or remain) in the UK.

Your marriage or civil partnership must be recognised in the UK. For an unmarried partner, you must be able to show evidence that you have been in a subsisting relationship (akin to a marriage) for at least 2 years prior to making your application. 

Standard Visitor Visa Extension

If the total time you have spent in the UK is less than 6 months, you may be able to extend your visitor visa . For example, if you currently have a 3 month visa, you can apply for a 3 month extension.

As part of your application, you will need to prove your eligibility in respect of:

• Your intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit
• Financial means to fund your outbound travel from the UK
• Financial means to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your trip
• Your planned activity during your stay in the UK, and specifically that this complies with the conditions of your visa e.g. you will not be carrying out gainful employment

Specific rules apply if you are visiting as an academic, organ donor or for private medical treatment. Take advice on your circumstances to ensure continued lawful leave to remain.

Tier 2 (General) Visa Extension

To extend your Tier 2 (general) visa , you must have current permission to enter or stay on the Tier 2 (general) visa.

You should still be employed by the same sponsor that provisioned your initial Certificate of Sponsorship, working in the same role and earning a salary level that meets current minimum income threshold.

* A Change in job role and/or employer will usually require a new Tier 2 visa application at the time of the transition.

You can extend your visa for up to 5 years but your total stay cannot exceed 6 years.

You should include any dependants who were on your original visa application including children who have turned 18 during your stay, who will also have to submit a separate application in addition to yours.

Tier 4 Visa Extension

Your Tier 4 visa may be extended in order to continue your studies, or start a new course in the UK, have a sponsor and meet the eligibility requirements of the visa.

Any dependents that were on your original visa application should be included on your extension application, including any children who turned 18 during your current stay.

You will need to apply within 6 months of receiving a conformation of acceptance for studies, (CAS), and before your current visa expires. You should not apply more than 3 months before the start date of your course. However, you may remain in the UK until you are given a decision.

You must be inside the UK to apply for an extension to the Tier 4 visa.