If your UK visa is about to expire and you need more time, you may be able to apply for a UK visa extension. The process, fees, and eligibility depend on the type of visa you hold. This guide covers everything you need to know about extending your stay in the United Kingdom in 2026.
Can You Extend a UK Visa?
Not every visa can be extended, and the rules vary by category. Whether you are visiting, working, studying, or joining family, you must apply before your current visa expires and while you are physically in the UK.
You can generally extend or switch your visa if you meet the eligibility requirements for your route. The earliest you can apply is typically 3 months before your visa expiry date. Once you submit your application, you can remain in the UK until a decision is made, even if your visa expires during the processing period.
**Important:** You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your application is being processed. Doing so will automatically withdraw your application.
Visitor Visa Extension
If you are in the UK as a Standard Visitor and your permission is for less than 6 months, you may be able to extend your stay up to a maximum of 6 months total. This applies whether or not you needed a visa to enter the UK.
For example, if you entered with 3 months’ permission, you can apply for an additional 3 months.
You can stay longer than 6 months only in specific circumstances:
- Medical treatment — you can apply for further 6-month extensions (no limit on renewals) if you have paid for previous treatment and can cover future costs
- Academic visitors — if you have permission for less than 12 months, you can extend up to 12 months total, provided you hold a PhD or higher and are not filling a permanent teaching post
- PLAB test retakes — up to 6 months to retake the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board exam
- Clinical attachments — up to 18 months total for unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer posts
The visitor extension fee is £1,172 (from 8 April 2026). A super priority service is available for an additional £1,000, which gives a decision by the end of the next working day.
For more on visiting the UK, see our UK Tourist Visa guide.
Skilled Worker Visa Extension
You can extend your Skilled Worker visa if you still have the same job, the same occupation code, and are still working for the same employer who issued your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Key requirements:
- A new Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
- Meeting updated salary thresholds
- English language requirements (if applicable)
If you changed your job or employer, you need to update your visa rather than extend it.
Your partner and children do not get an automatic extension — they must apply separately, either at the same time as you or before their own visa expires.
For details on working in the UK, see our UK Work Visa guide.
Student Visa Extension
You can extend your Student visa if you are continuing your course or starting a new one with a licensed student sponsor. You will need a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution.
To qualify, you must show academic progress — meaning your new course is at a higher level than your current one. Exceptions include resitting exams, completing a PhD, or continuing after a work placement or study abroad programme.
If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must also prove you have enough money to support yourself.
After completing your studies, you may be eligible to switch to a Graduate visa, which allows you to stay for 2 years (or 18 months from January 2027), or 3 years if you completed a PhD.
For more on studying in the UK, see our UK Student Visa guide.
Family and Spouse Visa Extension
If you are in the UK on a family or spouse visa, you can apply to extend your stay using the FLR(M) form. Spouse visa extensions are typically granted for a further 2 years and 6 months, with the goal of eventually qualifying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years.
You will need to continue meeting the relationship and financial requirements. The current financial threshold and supporting evidence requirements should be checked on GOV.UK before applying, as these rules change periodically.
UK Visa Extension Fees (2026)
UK visa extension fees increased from 8 April 2026. Here is a summary of the main extension costs:
| Visa Type | Extension Fee (from April 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | £1,172 | Up to 6 months total stay |
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | £943 | In-country application |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | £1,865 | In-country application |
| Student | £558 | Plus Immigration Health Surcharge |
| Spouse / Family (FLR(M)) | £1,407 | Further 2.5 years |
| Super Priority service (add-on) | £1,000 | Next working day decision |
In addition to the visa fee, most work and family route extensions require the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £1,035 per year of the extension. Student visa extensions also require the IHS.
Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photo) at a UKVCAS service point is included at no extra charge.
For a full breakdown of all UK visa costs, see our guide on UK visa processing time.
UK Visa Extension Processing Time
The standard processing time for most UK visa extension applications is 8 weeks from the date you provide your biometrics and supporting documents.
You may be able to pay for a faster decision:
- Priority service — typically 5 working days (availability varies by route)
- Super priority service — next working day after your UKVCAS appointment (or 2 working days if your appointment is at the weekend)
Processing may take longer if your application is complex, your documents need verification, or you are asked to attend an interview.
You will be contacted by UKVI if your application will take longer than the standard timeframe.
How to Apply for a UK Visa Extension
The application process is the same for most visa types:
- Check eligibility — confirm your visa can be extended and that you meet the requirements for your route
- Apply online — submit your application through the GOV.UK website before your current visa expires
- Pay fees — the visa extension fee, plus IHS if applicable
- Prove your identity — either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a UKVCAS appointment for biometrics
- Upload supporting documents — either online or have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment
- Wait for a decision — standard processing is 8 weeks; you can pay for faster processing
- Receive your eVisa — if approved, you will get a digital record of your immigration status through a UKVI account
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision.
Important Rules to Know
- Apply before expiry — your application must be submitted while your current visa is still valid
- Stay in the UK — leaving the UK during processing withdraws your application
- 3-month window — you can apply up to 3 months before your visa expires
- Section 3C leave — if you apply before your visa expires, you can legally stay in the UK until a decision is made
- eVisa only — successful extensions result in a digital eVisa; physical BRP cards are no longer issued for new grants
- Dependants apply separately — your family members must submit their own applications
- Refunds — you can only get a fee refund if UKVI has not started processing your application
If you are planning to visit the UK rather than extend an existing stay, check whether you need an UK ETA or a visa. See our UK ETA Requirements page for details.
