UK Visitor Visa Extension

If you’re currently in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa and wish to apply for a UK visitor visa extension, our team can help.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we specialise in UK immigration matters and provide expert legal guidance for individuals seeking to extend their stay lawfully. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the extension process effectively.

You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months. You can extend your stay up to a total of 6 months. The goal of this guidance is to provide comprehensive information and guidance on extending visit visas for international travellers.

How can I extend my visitor visa in the UK?

If you have already been in the UK on a Visitor Visa for 6 months or more, extending your stay is only possible in limited circumstances. You must meet specific eligibility criteria to remain in the UK beyond the 6-month limit.

Remaining in the UK after your visa has ended means you will be classed as an ‘overstayer’. Overstaying can result in being required to leave the UK immediately and may significantly impact your chances of being granted a UK visa or entry in the future.

visitor visa extension

UK Visitor Visa Extension Eligibility Requirements

You may be able to extend your stay in the UK as a Visitor Visa holder if you can demonstrate that:

  • There is a valid reason for requesting an extension of your stay
  • You intend to leave the UK at the end of your extended visit
  • You have sufficient funds to support yourself (and any dependants) during the extended stay, without needing public funds or employment

If you wish to remain in the UK on a Visitor Visa for more than 6 months, this is only permitted in specific circumstances. These may include:

  • Receiving private medical treatment
  • Acting as an academic on sabbatical
  • Being a senior doctor or dentist taking part in a clinical attachment or observer post
  • Visiting for compelling compassionate reasons, such as the illness or death of a close relative

Each case is assessed on its individual merits, and supporting evidence will be required.

Extending a Visitor Visa Beyond 6 Months

Extending your stay beyond 6 months is only permitted in very limited circumstances. You may be eligible for a longer stay if you are:

  • A medical graduate needing to retake the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or undertaking a clinical attachment
  • A patient receiving ongoing private medical treatment
  • An academic or accompanying academic

If you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months

You may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK is no more than 6 months. You must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the £1,100 fee.

For example, if you have been in the UK for 3 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 3 more months. This applies if you need a visa to visit the UK and also if you do not need one.

Documents Required for a UK Visitor Visa Extension

When applying to extend your UK Visitor Visa, you may need to provide several supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility. These may include:

  • Your valid passport
  • Travel tickets showing your intended departure from the UK
  • Bank statements proving you can financially support yourself (and any dependants) during your extended stay
  • Details of your accommodation for the remainder of your visit
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applicable

Additional Documents Based on the Reason for Extension

If you are extending for medical treatment:

  • A letter from your UK medical practitioner or NHS consultant outlining your medical condition and the need for further treatment
  • If you are being treated at an NHS hospital under a reciprocal healthcare agreement, an authorisation form from your home country confirming they will cover the cost of your treatment

If you are extending as an academic:

  • Evidence that you are highly qualified, such as holding a PhD or equivalent
  • A letter from your overseas employer confirming your role and that you were engaged in academic work before entering the UK
  • Confirmation that you will not be taking a permanent teaching post while in the UK

If you are extending to retake the PLAB test or undertake a clinical attachment:

For clinical attachments, confirmation of the placement from the relevant NHS body or institution

A letter from the General Medical Council (GMC) confirming your registration to retake the PLAB test.

Fees

It costs £1,100 to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor.

If you need to stay longer as an academic

If you’re already in the UK and have permission to visit for less than 12 months, you can apply to stay for up to 12 months in total.

Your partner and children can apply to stay for up to 12 months too. They must have their own application and each pay the £1,100 fee.

You must prove you:

  • are highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example, you have a PhD or higher
  • were working in that field of expertise at an academic institution overseas before you arrived in the UK
  • are not filling a permanent teaching post

If you’re an academic, but not a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research or a formal exchange.

If you’re a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research, clinical practice, a formal exchange or to teach.

If you need to stay longer to retake the PLAB test

If you’re already in the UK, you can apply to extend your stay for up to 6 months to retake the PLAB test.

You must provide written confirmation from the General Medical Council that you’re retaking the test.

If you want to do a clinical attachment or dental observer post

If you pass the PLAB test, you can apply to stay longer to do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post.

You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total.

You must provide written confirmation:

  • of your clinical attachment offer
  • that you’ve not done a clinical attachment in the UK before

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

✅ Personalised Legal Support: Every visa case is different. We take the time to understand your situation and offer solutions that work for you.

✅ Fast Visa Services: Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster results.

✅ Online & In-Person Services: We can handle your case online or in person at our Manchester office—saving you time and travel costs.

✅ Open 7 Days a Week: We’re available every day, including weekends, to offer expert immigration advice when you need it most.

✅ Free Initial Advice: Call us for a free 5-minute advice to get started.

✅ Fixed Fees with Instalments: Clear, affordable pricing with the option to pay in two instalments—no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.