Need more time in the UK? Whether your plans have changed, your medical treatment is ongoing, or an academic opportunity has arisen, extending your Standard Visitor stay is possible in specific circumstances. The rules can be complex, and a mistake can jeopardise your status. Our team of immigration experts is here to manage the entire extension process for you, ensuring a seamless, successful application.
Don’t navigate the complexities alone. We provide clear, expert guidance to help you legally extend your stay in the UK.
When Can You Extend Your UK Visitor Visa?
While most visits are limited to a total of six months, UK immigration rules allow for longer stays in specific professional and medical situations. You must apply before your current permission expires while you are still in the UK.
For Patients Receiving Medical Treatment
If you are in the UK for private medical care and your treatment needs to continue, you can apply to extend your stay.
- Extension Period: You can apply for an additional 6 months.
- Unlimited Extensions: There is no limit on the number of times you can apply to extend your stay, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
- Key Requirements: You must provide a letter from a UK-registered medical practitioner detailing the need for further treatment and prove you can pay for it.
Our compassionate and professional team can handle your application with the sensitivity it requires, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
For Academics, Researchers, and Senior Doctors
If you are a highly qualified academic on a research visit or formal exchange, you can extend your stay from 6 months up to a total of 12 months.
- Eligibility: You must prove you are highly qualified (e.g., hold a PhD), were employed by an overseas academic institution before your visit, and are not filling a permanent UK teaching post.
- Family Members: Your partner and children can also apply to extend their stay with you.
- ATAS Certificate: We can advise if you need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for your research.
Let us manage the paperwork so you can focus on your vital research and collaboration.
For Medical Graduates: PLAB Test and Clinical Attachments
The UK offers a pathway for medical graduates to extend their stay for professional development.
- Retaking the PLAB Test: If you need to retake the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test, you can apply to extend your stay for up to 6 months. You will need confirmation from the General Medical Council.
- Clinical Attachments: After passing the PLAB test, you can apply to undertake an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post, extending your total stay to a maximum of 18 months.
Our specialists can ensure your application is correctly structured to meet these specific requirements.
The UK Visa Extension Process: How We Help
Applying from within the UK involves strict procedures. Our service is designed to make this process simple and stress-free.
1. Application Fees:
The standard fee to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor is £1,100. For urgent decisions, a super priority service is available for an additional £1,000. We ensure your payment is processed correctly.
2. Biometric Information (UKVCAS Appointment):
You must attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide your fingerprints and a photo. We will guide you through booking this appointment and preparing for it.
3. Supporting Documents:
This is the most critical part of your application. We will work with you to gather, check, and submit all required documents, such as letters from doctors, universities, or the GMC, to build a robust and successful case.
Important: You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your extension application is being processed. Doing so will automatically withdraw your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Extending Your UK Stay
Q: When is the latest I can apply for an extension?
A: You must submit your application before your current visa or permission to stay expires. We strongly recommend starting the process well in advance to avoid any issues.
Q: Can I extend my stay if I came to the UK without a visa?
A: Yes, the extension rules apply to both visa holders and non-visa nationals who entered as visitors. You still need to submit a formal application and pay the fee.
Q: What happens if my application is refused?
A: It is crucial to get the application right the first time. Our expert preparation service significantly minimises the risk of refusal by ensuring your application meets all Home Office requirements.
Don’t Risk Your UK Status – Contact Our Experts Today
An incorrect or late application can have serious consequences. Our experienced immigration advisors are ready to provide the expert support you need for a successful visa extension.
Call us now to discuss your situation and secure your permission for a longer stay in the UK.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.