Maintain your lawful UK status with timely visa extensions or switch to new immigration categories. Our extension specialists ensure continuous residence while navigating complex timing requirements and eligibility criteria.
Extensions & Switching
Visa extensions and switching applications are critical for maintaining lawful status in the UK. Whether extending your current visa or transitioning to a new immigration category, these applications require careful timing, comprehensive documentation, and thorough understanding of eligibility requirements to avoid gaps in lawful residence.
Extension Timing Requirements
Critical deadlines for applications:
- Apply Before Expiry: Submit before current visa ends
- 28-Day Window: Most routes allow early application
- 3C Leave: Automatic extension while pending
- Overstaying: Can invalidate future applications
- Administrative Delays: Not accepted excuse
- Premium Timing: Same-day appointments available
Skilled Worker Extensions
Continuing employment-based stay:
- Same employer continuation
- New Certificate of Sponsorship
- Updated salary requirements
- Change of job title allowed
- Supplementary employment permitted
- 5-year route to settlement
Family Visa Extensions
Partner and parent routes:
- Spouse/Partner: 30-month extensions
- Financial Requirement: Must meet again
- English Progression: A2 level required
- Cohabitation Evidence: 2.5 years proof
- Parent Route: Income increases
- Probationary Period: 5 years total
Student Visa Extensions
Academic progression requirements:
- New CAS from institution
- Academic progression shown
- Previous study completed
- Time limits apply
- Maintenance funds required
- Cannot exceed study caps
Visitor Visa Extensions
Exceptional circumstances only:
- Medical Emergency: Treatment ongoing
- Travel Restrictions: COVID/conflicts
- Maximum 6 Months: Total stay limit
- Compelling Reasons: High threshold
- No Switching: Cannot change status
- Evidence Required: Medical letters/flight bans
Switching Categories
Changing visa types in-UK:
- Student to Work: Graduate route/skilled worker
- Visitor Restrictions: Cannot switch from visit
- Family to Work: Permitted transitions
- Tier 4 to Marriage: Allowed switch
- Cooling Period: Some routes restricted
- Immigration History: May affect eligibility
Financial Requirements
Extension funding evidence:
- Updated bank statements
- Continuous employment proof
- Increased thresholds possible
- Sponsor maintenance letters
- Child maintenance increases
- Currency fluctuations considered
English Language
Progressive requirements:
- Initial Visa: A1 speaking/listening
- Extension: A2 level required
- Settlement: B1 standard
- Test Validity: 2 years typically
- Exemptions: Degree-level education
- Age Waivers: Over 65s
Documents for Extensions
Standard requirements across routes:
- Current passport/BRP
- Previous immigration documents
- Financial evidence
- Accommodation proof
- Employer letters
- Relationship evidence
Premium Services
Expedited processing options:
- Super Priority: Same-day decision
- Priority: 5 working days
- Standard: 8 weeks current
- Settlement: 6 months standard
- Complex Cases: May face delays
- Appointment Booking: Limited availability
Common Extension Mistakes
Avoiding application errors:
- Late application submission
- Incorrect form selection
- Missing documents
- Wrong fee payment
- Travel during process
- Employer notification failures
Extension Fees
Current pricing structure:
- Skilled Worker: £704-£1,408
- Family visas: £1,033-£2,389
- Student visa: £490
- IHS surcharge: £624/year
- Priority services extra
- Dependent fees additional