Extension of Visa Before It Expires

When you can apply to extend your current visa

The earliest you can apply is 28 days before your current visa in the UK expires.

How long can it take

A decision will usually be made:

• within 8 weeks if you apply in the UK either online or by post
• on the same day if you apply in the UK in person using the premium service

What you’ll need to prove

You must be able to prove one of the following:

• you’re in a civil partnership or marriage
• you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
• you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving

You also need to prove you:

• have a good knowledge of English
• canfinancially support yourself and your dependents

If you don’t meet these requirements you may still be able to extend your permission to stay in the UK if:

• you have a child in the UK who is a British citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK
• there would be very significant difficulties for you and your partner if you lived together as a couple outside the UK that couldn’t be overcome