If you meet the eligibility requirements, whether you can and how you can extend is determined by the type of UK visa you have. The UK government allows for a UK visa extension for an additional period of stay. But such a request must be made prior to your current visa expiry date to avoid a violation of immigration law and overstaying.

UK visa types and their extensions

The UK government permits extension for almost all types of UK visas. However, you must note that you do not fail to comply with any of the extension requirements.

The extension rule for UK visas excludes Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visas. If your UK visa falls into this category, you cannot extend it any further. You can stay up to two years with this visa, and any further stay requires you to en route to your country and re-apply for a UK visa.

Points to note for applying for a UK visa extension

You must apply for a visa extension with the same type of UK visa you are currently holding.

Ensure you apply for a UK visa extension at least 6-8 weeks before your current visa expires.

You must not have any criminal record and must not violate any UK or immigration law.

You have to provide biometric information, which includes fingerprints and photographs.

You must not be involved in illegal activities while holding a valid UK visa.

Documents required for the UK visa extension

application form for a UK visa extension, duly completed and signed

Two recently clicked photographs against a white background.

Education certificate and documents

Birth certificate (for children)

Financial proof showing that you have enough funds to stay in the UK

Passport or travel documents-supporting the previous travel dates.

Course enrollment or work documents

Police registration certificate (if applicable)

Payable Health Surcharge (if applicable)

How can I apply for a UK visa extension?

While in the UK

You can apply for a UK visa extension through online-standard extension priority services.

For a same-day decision on the extension application, you can go through the Premium Service Centre in person.

If you want to extend for leisure and working purposes, explain the reasons for the extension and for the extension of your study visa, enrol in a course.

Your documents will be verified, and for the further process, you have to attend an interview, where questions will be asked on the extension.

Once approved, you will get a biometric residence permit.

While out of the UK

Send the request for a UK visa extension via post to the official address.

How long can you extend a UK visa?

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa-maximum of two years

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent  Visa-maximum of 5 years

Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa-maximum of 14 days to 3 years

Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa-maximum of 2 weeks-1 year

Tier 5

Create Worker Visa-maximum of 2 weeks-1 year after the end of the sponsorship certificate.

Sportsperson Visa-maximum of  2 weeks-1 year after the expiration of the sponsorship certificate.

Authorized exchange and  International Agreement-6 years.

Temporary worker and religious worker-Maximum 2 weeks to 2 years.

Visa extension is also available for researchers and training persons or individuals enrolling in an overseas government language program for two years.

The Turkish Business Visa extension is available for three years (Only if you are working within the same company). In case of incomplete documents, you must go back to your country and re-apply for a UK visa.