Can you extend a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

Extending a UK Standard Visitor Visa

A Standard Visitor is normally granted up to 6 months and, as a general rule, cannot extend their stay beyond 6 months in total. If you were given permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months, you may be able to apply — before your current permission expires — to extend your stay so that the total time you spend in the UK is no more than 6 months. You can only apply to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months in limited circumstances: if you are a patient receiving private medical treatment, an eligible academic who still meets the eligibility requirements, or a graduate retaking the PLAB test or doing a clinical attachment.

Eligibility requirements

• You currently have permission to be in the UK as a Standard Visitor.
• You apply before your current permission ends.
• 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. Different rules apply if you are applying to stay longer as a patient receiving medical treatment, an eligible academic, or a graduate retaking the PLAB test or doing a clinical attachment.
• You can demonstrate strong ties to your home country (e.g., employment, studies, property, or close family).
• You can support yourself financially during your stay without accessing public funds.
• Your purpose of stay matches the Standard Visitor rules (no work or long-term study).

How long can I extend my UK Standard Visitor Visa?

If you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months, you may be able to extend your stay up to a total of 6 months.

You may be able to extend beyond 6 months if you are one of the following:

Medical treatment route: You can usually apply to stay for a further 6 months at a time if you have paid for any treatment already received, can pay for future treatment, and continue to meet the eligibility rules. There is no fixed limit on the number of medical extensions while treatment continues; each application is considered in 6-month blocks and a fee is payable each time.

• Patient receiving medical treatment in the UK and you continue to meet the medical route requirements.
• Academic who meets the specific academic visitor criteria.
• Graduate retaking the PLAB test or doing a clinical attachment.

Fees and biometrics (2026)

The Home Office application fee to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor is £1,172. If available, the super priority service costs an additional £1,000. You will also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your application.

Important: Fees and services can change. Always check the latest amounts at the time you apply.

How to apply to extend a UK Standard Visitor Visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Need help? You can submit an application via our secure online form.

• Create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
• Complete the online form for a Standard Visitor extension and confirm your reason for extending.
• Pay the application fee and the super priority fee if you choose and are eligible to use the super priority service.
• Upload your supporting documents (see list below) or follow instructions to submit them.
• Book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point if required.
• Await a decision. If you use the standard service, a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of providing your supporting documents and proving your identity. If available, the super priority service may provide a faster decision.

Documents you should prepare

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Completed online application form and proof of fee payment.
• Evidence of funds (e.g., recent bank statements or payslips).
• Accommodation and travel details or explanation of plans while in the UK.
• Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., employment letter, property documents, family evidence).
• For medical extensions: evidence from a UK-registered medical practitioner or NHS consultant giving details of your medical condition that needs further treatment, evidence that you have paid for any treatment already received, and proof that you can pay for future treatment.
• For academics: evidence that you meet the academic visitor eligibility requirements, including your qualifications, overseas academic employment and purpose of visit. You should also check whether you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
• For PLAB or clinical attachment: written confirmation from the General Medical Council that you are retaking the PLAB test, or written confirmation of your clinical attachment offer and confirmation that you have not done a clinical attachment in the UK before.

Processing times

If you use the standard service, a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of providing your supporting documents and proving your identity. You may be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer. If available, the super priority service may deliver a faster decision for an additional fee.

What happens next

If your application is successful, you will be granted new permission to stay for the approved period. If your application is successful, you’ll get an eVisa, which is a digital record of your identity and immigration status. Your decision email or letter will explain how to access it. If your application is refused, you will receive a decision notice explaining the reasons and any review options available.

Important restrictions and reminders

• You cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless the activity is specifically allowed under the visitor rules.
• You cannot study long-term; only short, permitted study is allowed.
• Do not overstay. Apply before your current permission ends.
• Extending beyond 6 months is only possible under the specific exceptions listed above.]

About This Page

Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team

Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor