Renew/Extend Visitor Visa UK

If you are in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa and require more time to stay lawfully, our firm provides expert legal assistance with visitor visa extension applications. You may be eligible to extend your stay up to a maximum of six months in total, provided you apply before your current permission expires. In certain limited circumstances such as where the visitor is receiving ongoing medical treatment, is an academic engaged in qualifying activities, or is a medical graduate retaking the PLAB test or completing a clinical attachment extension beyond six months may be possible. Each application must be supported by strong evidence and meet strict eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Specialist Visitor Visa Solicitors

At Sunrise Solicitors, our London-based immigration solicitors and lawyers offer expert support for UK Visitor Visa extensions, assisting clients nationwide through remote legal services. We prepare your application accurately, guide you through biometric enrolment, ensure correct documentation, and handle complexities such as urgent requests or previous refusals. With strict timelines and high fees involved, professional guidance can greatly improve your success rate. Get free immigration advice on your Visitor Visa extension and book an appointment today with Sunrise Solicitors for clear, reliable, and strategic legal assistance across the UK.

Importance of UK Visa Extensions

Extending a UK Standard Visitor visa is a critical legal mechanism that allows eligible individuals to remain in the country lawfully beyond their initially granted period of stay. In cases where unforeseen circumstances arise such as the need for continued medical treatment, academic research commitments, or retaking professional examinations an extension ensures compliance with UK immigration rules while enabling the individual to complete essential activities without interruption or legal risk. 

Failing to extend a visa before its expiry can lead to serious immigration consequences, including overstaying, which may negatively impact future visa applications and one’s immigration history. A properly submitted extension application not only safeguards legal status but also demonstrates respect for UK immigration law. Given the complexity of eligibility requirements and the financial implications of reapplication or legal non-compliance, seeking a timely and lawful visa extension is essential for maintaining one’s lawful presence in the UK.

Special Reasons for Visit Visa Extension

The UK Home Office allows Standard Visitor visa holders to apply for an extension only in specific, legally defined circumstances. These exceptions go beyond the general six-month limit and are strictly assessed based on eligibility and supporting documentation. Below are the recognised special reasons for extending a visitor visa in the UK:

Medical Treatment

Visitors receiving medical treatment in the UK may apply to extend their visa for a further six months at a time. This is commonly used by individuals undergoing ongoing private or NHS-funded treatment. 

Eligibility Requirements are as follows: 

• Evidence of a diagnosed medical condition requiring continued treatment in the UK. 
• Proof of payment for any treatment already received. 
• Documentation demonstrating the ability and intention to pay for ongoing or future treatment. 
• A letter or report from a UK-registered medical practitioner or NHS consultant detailing the necessity and duration of treatment. 

There is no limit on how many times a medical patient may apply to extend, but each extension incurs a separate fee.

Academics Reasons

Academics visiting the UK for research or formal academic exchange may be permitted to stay for up to 12 months in total, provided they meet specific professional and academic criteria. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be highly qualified in a field of expertise (typically holding a PhD or equivalent). 
• Proof of employment at an academic institution overseas prior to visiting the UK. 
• Must not hold a permanent teaching position in the UK. 
• Activities in the UK must be limited to: 
• Independent research, 
• Formal academic exchange, or 
• Teaching (for senior doctors or dentists only). 

Accompanying partners and children may also apply to extend their stay, subject to separate applications and fees. 

PLAB Test 

Graduates in medicine who have previously taken but not passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test may apply to remain in the UK for up to six additional months to retake it. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Written confirmation from the General Medical Council (GMC) confirming the date of the scheduled retake. 
• Proof of the original test attempt. 

This extension is strictly for the purpose of retaking the exam and does not permit additional professional activities unless authorised. 

Clinical Attachments or Dental Observer Posts 

After successfully passing the PLAB test, medical graduates may apply to stay in the UK for the purpose of undertaking an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post. These are observational roles with no direct patient care responsibilities. 

Eligibility Requirements

• A formal offer letter confirming the details and dates of the attachment or observer post. 
• Declaration that the applicant has not previously undertaken a clinical attachment in the UK. 
• Confirmation that the role does not involve any paid work or treatment of patients. 

Applicants under this route may remain in the UK for up to 18 months in total, combining their PLAB-related and attachment durations.

How Long Can a Visitor Extend Their Stay in the UK? 

• A visitor (standard) and a visitor for marriage or civil partnership, who was granted a visit visa or leave to enter for less than 6 months may be granted an extension of stay as a visitor so that the total period they can remain in the UK (including both the original grant and the extension of stay) does not exceed 6 months. 
• A visitor (standard) who is in the UK for private medical treatment may be granted an extension of stay as a visitor for a further 6 months, provided this is for private medical treatment. 
• A visitor (standard) who is an academic on sabbatical leave and is in the UK undertaking their own research, or the spouse, partner or child accompanying such an academic, can be granted an extension of stay as a visitor so that the total period they can remain in the UK (including both the original grant and the extension of stay) does not exceed 12 months. 
• A visitor (standard) may be granted an extension of stay as a visitor for up to 6 months to resit the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) Test, provided they meet the requirements at Appendix 3, paragraph 22(b)(i). 
• A visitor (standard) who is successful in the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board Test may be granted an extension of stay as a visitor to undertake an unpaid clinical attachment, provided they meet the requirements of Appendix 3, paragraph 22(a) so that the total period they can remain in the UK (including both the original grant and the extension of stay) does not exceed 18 months. 

Documents Required for Extension of Visitor Visa UK 

When applying to extend your UK Standard Visitor visa, you must provide a clear set of documents to support your application. These documents must demonstrate your eligibility based on the reason for your extension (e.g. medical treatment, academic visit, PLAB test, etc.). The following are the general and category-specific documents required 

General Requirements for All Applicants 

• Valid passport or travel document 
• Proof of current immigration status (such as your existing visa or biometric residence permit, if applicable) 
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your extended stay without recourse to public funds 
• Proof of accommodation during your stay 
• Biometric information: fingerprints and a recent passport-sized photograph (submitted during your UKVCAS appointment) 

Medical Treatment Extensions 

• A letter or medical report from a UK-registered medical practitioner or NHS consultant detailing: 
• Your medical condition 
• The need for continued treatment in the UK 
• The expected duration of the treatment 
• Evidence of payment for any treatment already received 
• Proof of funds showing you can pay for ongoing or future treatment 
• If receiving treatment under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement, an authorisation form from your home country’s government confirming payment for treatment 

 Academic Purpose

• Evidence of qualifications, e.g. PhD certificate 
• Confirmation of employment at an overseas academic institution 
• Detailed explanation of your activities in the UK (research, exchange, or teaching) 
• If accompanied by dependants (partner or children), separate applications and documents for each dependant are required 

PLAB Test Retake 

• Written confirmation from the General Medical Council (GMC) stating: 
• That you are scheduled to retake the PLAB test 
• The test date 

For Clinical Attachment or Dental Observer Post 

• Formal offer letter confirming: 
• The details and duration of the clinical attachment or observer role 
• That the position is unpaid 
• Confirmation that this is your first clinical attachment in the UK 
• A declaration that you will not treat patients 

You must submit these documents either by uploading them online during the application process or having them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment. Do not travel outside the UK while your application is pending, or your application will be automatically withdrawn. 

How To Apply for Extension?

Complete online application form

To begin the extension process, you must complete an online application through the official GOV.UK website. This form will require personal information, travel history, the reason for your requested extension, and other relevant details. You can create a UKVI account to save your progress and return to complete the form later. It is essential that you apply before your current visa or leave expires, as applying late could result in your application being refused or your immigration history being negatively affected.

Pay the Application Fee

Once the form is completed, you must pay the £1,100 standard application fee. If you require a faster decision, the super priority service is available for an additional £1,000, which generally results in a decision within one or two working days after your biometric appointment, depending on whether the appointment is on a weekday or weekend. 

Book and Attend a UKVCAS Appointment

After paying the fee, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. At this appointment, you will provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a recent photograph. This step is mandatory for all applicants and ensures that your identity is verified as part of the application process.

Submit Supporting Documents

You must also provide supporting documents that prove your eligibility for a visa extension. These may include: 

• Your valid passport and current visa 
• Financial evidence showing you can support yourself without public funds 
• Accommodation details for your extended stay 
• Specific documents depending on the reason for your extension (e.g. a letter from a medical practitioner, academic institution, or General Medical Council) 

These documents can either be uploaded online through your UKVI account or scanned at your UKVCAS appointment.

Do Not Travel While Your Application Is Pending

It is important that you remain within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your application is under review. Travelling outside these areas will result in your application being automatically withdrawn. However, you are permitted to stay in the UK legally while awaiting a decision, as long as you applied before your previous visa expired.

Receive a Decision and Access Your eVisa

If your application is approved, you will receive a decision letter or email with instructions on how to access your eVisa—an online record of your immigration status in the UK. This replaces a physical visa and will serve as official proof of your extended right to remain as a Standard Visitor. 

What is the Cost of Extending a Visitor Visa in the UK? 

As outlined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the standard fee to apply for an extension of a Standard Visitor visa is £1,100 per applicant. This fee applies regardless of your nationality or the reason for your extension and must be paid at the time of submitting your online application. 

Super Priority Service 

For those applicants who require a faster decision, UKVI offers a super priority service at an additional cost of £1,000. This optional service allows most applicants to receive a decision: 

• By the end of the next working day following your UKVCAS appointment (if held on a weekday), or 
• Within two working days (if your appointment takes place over the weekend). 

There is no fee for providing biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph), which is a mandatory part of the application process. However, it is important to note that these fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. 

Processing Time for Extension Application 

The standard processing time for a UK Standard Visitor visa extension is up to 8 weeks from the date you provide your biometric information and submit supporting documents. If you choose the super priority service by paying an additional £1,000, you can receive a decision by the end of the next working day (for weekday appointments) or within two working days (for weekend appointments). You are permitted to remain in the UK while awaiting a decision, provided you applied before your current visa expired. 

What if the Application is Approved? 

If your application for a UK Standard Visitor visa extension is approved, you will receive a decision email or letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) confirming the outcome. This correspondence will include instructions on how to access your eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status. You must create or log into your UKVI account to view and manage your eVisa details. Once approved, you can legally remain in the UK for the extended period granted, but you must continue to comply with all visitor visa conditions, including not working, studying long-term, or accessing public funds.

What if your application is refused? 

If your application to extend a UK Standard Visitor visa is rejected, you will receive a decision letter or email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) explaining the reasons for the refusal. In most cases, there is no right of appeal or administrative review for a visitor visa extension refusal. 

You are expected to leave the UK immediately or by the date specified in the refusal notice to avoid overstaying, which can negatively impact future UK visa applications. If you believe the decision was made in error or new information has come to light, you may choose to reapply with stronger supporting evidence, but you must do so from outside the UK, unless advised otherwise. 

How Can We Help with Your Visitor Visa Extension? 

Our expert team of visitor visa solicitors specialise in visitor visa extension applications. If instructed to represent you regarding your application for extension of visitor visa, we will carry out all the work on your visitor visa extension application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI on your visitor visa extension application. The immigration casework to be carried out by our expert team of visitor visa solicitors will include the following: 

• Assessing your eligibility for extension of visitor visa by considering all your personal circumstances; 
• Advising you on the weaknesses and strengths of your application for visitor visa extension; 
• Advising you on the relevant documents to be submitted in support of your visitor visa extension application; 
• Assessing your documents to ensure that the documentary evidence is as per requirements of the Home Office UKVI immigration Rules; 
• Completing and submitting the online application form to apply for extension of visitor visa by gathering all the relevant information from you and your sponsor; 
• Helping you with paying the visitor visa application fee and booking your appointment with the application centre for verification of documents and enrolment of biometrics; 
• Where necessary, preparing detailed witness statement of the applicant and/or the sponsor explaining their personal circumstances and other relevant factors pertaining to the visitor visa extension application; 
• Preparing a detailed cover letter to introduce and support your visitor visa extension application; 
• Uploading online all the relevant supporting documents before you attend your appointment for enrolment of your biometrics; 
• Liaising with the Home Office UKVI for a timely decision on your visitor visa extension application. 

Our Fixed Fee 

Unless your case is extremely complicated, our fixed fees for visitor visa extension are as given in the fee table below: 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a UK visitor Visa be extended?

Yes, a UK visitor visa can be extended only in limited situations. Including medical treatment, academic research, or other compelling reasons. However, the total stay usually cannot exceed 6 months. You cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK on a visitor visa.

What is the 28-day rule for UK visitor visa?

There is no formal 28-day rule for visitor visas; the requirement

is simply to apply for an extension before your visa expires. The 28-day rule generally applies to financial evidence for other visa types, not visitors.

How long does a UK visa extension take?

A standard visitor visa extension usually takes around 8 weeks for a decision. Though times can vary depending on Home Office caseload. Priority services may not always be available.

Can I stay in the UK while waiting for my visa extension?

Yes, if you apply before your visa expires. You can lawfully stay in the UK under Section 3C leave while awaiting a decision. Your original visa conditions, such as no work, still apply.

What are the new rules for visitor visa in the UK 2025?

In 2025, changes include increased application fees, stricter document and return proof requirements. It also included the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. These measures aim to tighten compliance and streamline processing.