Extending the Visit UK Route: Full Information
If you are currently in the UK on a visitor visa and wish to extend your stay, you may be eligible to apply for an extension. Here is a comprehensive guide on extending your visitor visa under the Visit UK route.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a visitor visa extension, you must:
- Hold a valid visitor visa.
- Have a valid reason to extend your stay, such as ongoing medical treatment, academic research, family emergencies, or specific business activities.
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during the extended stay without accessing public funds.
- Intend to leave the UK at the end of your extended visit.
Reasons for Extension
Common reasons for extending a visitor visa include:
- Medical Treatment: If you need to continue medical treatment that was initiated during your initial stay.
- Academic or Research Visits: If you are an academic visitor or are conducting research that requires a longer stay.
- Family Emergencies: Situations involving compassionate grounds, such as a family member’s illness or death.
- Business Activities: Specific business-related activities that need a longer duration.
Application Process
To apply for a visitor visa extension, follow these steps:
Online Application
- Complete the Form: Fill out the visitor visa extension application form available on the UK government website.
- Payment: Pay the application fee. As of the latest update, the fee for extending a visitor visa is £1,000.
- Submission: Submit the application online.
Supporting Documents:
Prepare and submit the following documents:
- Current Passport: Your current passport and previous travel documents.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence showing you can support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements).
- Accommodation Details: Proof of where you will be staying.
- Reason for Extension: Documents supporting your reason for extension (e.g., medical letters, academic invitations, business documents).
Biometric Information:
- Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated visa application center.
Required Documents:
You need to provide:
- Current Passport: Valid passport with your initial visitor visa.
- Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship letters).
- Accommodation Proof: Details of where you will stay in the UK.
- Supporting Evidence: Documents supporting your reason for the extension:
- Medical: Letter from a UK doctor or hospital.
- Academic: Invitation letter or confirmation from the academic institution.
- Business: Detailed business itinerary or letter from the business entity.
- Family: Evidence of the family emergency or compassionate grounds.
Processing Time:
The processing time for a visitor visa extension can take up to 8 weeks. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your current visa’s expiration date to avoid any legal issues.
Conditions During Extension Period:
While on an extended visitor visa, you must adhere to the following conditions:
- No Work: You cannot work or engage in business activities not specified in your original visa conditions.
- No Public Funds: You cannot claim public funds or benefits.
- Support Yourself: You must have adequate funds to support yourself during your stay.
Duration of Extension
The extension period granted depends on the reason for your request:
- Medical Treatment: Up to 11 months.
- Academic Visits or Other Reasons: The extension period may vary based on specific circumstances and supporting evidence.
What to Do If Your Application Is Refused
If your application for an extension is refused:
- Refusal Letter: You will receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal.
- Reapplication: You may reapply with additional or corrected information.
- Appeal: Consider legal advice for appealing the decision if applicable.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
The Visit UK Route is a visa category that allows individuals to travel to the UK for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa is typically granted for a period of up to six months.
Yes, you can apply to extend your Visit UK Visa beyond the initial six months if you have a compelling reason to stay longer. However, extensions are typically granted only under exceptional circumstances.
As of the latest update from the Home Office:
- Extensions are generally allowed only for reasons like medical treatment, family emergencies, or other compassionate grounds.
- Applicants must provide substantial evidence to support their reasons for extension.
- The extension period is usually up to six months.
To apply for an extension of your Visit UK Visa:
Application Form: Complete the appropriate application form for extending a visitor visa.
Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary supporting documents, including proof of your reasons for staying longer, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements.
Application Fee: Pay the required application fee.
Submission: Submit your application online through the official UK government website.
You will need to provide:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of the reason for your stay extension (e.g., medical reports, family documents).
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during the extended stay.
- Details of your accommodation in the UK.
As of the latest update,
- Standard Visitor Visa Extension: £1,000
- Super Priority Service: An additional £1,000 for faster processing.
The processing time for an extension application can vary, but it typically takes up to 8 weeks (about 2 months). It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your current visa’s expiration date.
No, the Visit UK Visa does not permit you to work or study in the UK. It is strictly for visiting purposes, including tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends.
If your extension application is refused, you must leave the UK by the date your current visa expires. You may have the option to apply for an administrative review or appeal against the decision if you believe it was made in error.
For more detailed information and assistance, you can visit the official UK government website or contact the Home Office directly. You may also seek advice from immigration lawyers.
Seeking Professional Help? Navigating the extension process can be complex. For personalised assistance and to ensure the best chance of approval, consider consulting with immigration specialists or solicitors.
For Expert legal advice and assistance, reach out to Imran & Co Solicitors today.
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