Can you extend a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

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Extend a UK Standard Visitor Visa (2025)

You may be able to extend a UK Standard Visitor Visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and apply before your current permission expires. In most cases, the maximum total time you can spend in the UK as a Standard Visitor is 6 months in any 12-month period. Limited exceptions allow a stay beyond 6 months for medical treatment, eligible academics, or graduates retaking the PLAB test or undertaking a clinical attachment.

Eligibility requirements

• You currently hold a valid UK Standard Visitor Visa.
• You apply before your current permission ends.
• You have not exceeded 6 months in the UK in the last 12 months (unless applying under an eligible exception such as medical treatment, academic, or PLAB/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?

Standard Visitors can remain in the UK for a maximum of 6 months in total within any 12-month period. You can apply to extend up to this limit if you have not already reached it.

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

• 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 undertaking a clinical attachment.

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.

Fees and biometrics (2025)

The Home Office application fee to extend as a Standard Visitor is £1,000. If available, a priority service may be offered for an additional £800. 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.

1. Create/sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
2. Complete the online form for a Standard Visitor extension and confirm your reason for extending.
3. Pay the application fee (and priority fee if you choose it).
4. Upload your supporting documents (see list below) or follow instructions to submit them.
5. Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre if required.
6. Await a decision. Standard decisions commonly take several weeks; priority can be faster where available.

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

Documents you should prepare

• Valid passport (with at least one blank page).
• 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: doctor/hospital letters, treatment plan, invoices/receipts, and proof you can pay for ongoing care.
• For academics: letter from your employer or institution confirming your role and eligibility as an academic visitor.
• For PLAB/clinical attachment: PLAB booking/confirmation, GMC correspondence, or clinical attachment offer.

Processing times

Standard processing is typically several weeks. Actual timelines vary by case volume and location. If available, a 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. Your new permission will be issued digitally or endorsed as instructed. 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 work (paid or unpaid) as a Standard Visitor.
• 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.

People Also Asked

What happens if I stay more than 6 months inside the UK?

If you stay beyond your permitted period, you become an overstayer. Overstaying can lead to refusal of future UK applications, removal from the UK, or a re-entry ban.

Can I convert my Visitor Visa to a Work Visa in the UK?

No. You cannot switch from a Visitor Visa to another category in the UK. You must usually leave the UK and apply from overseas for a work route.

Can I marry in the UK on a Visitor Visa?

You must not intend to marry or form a civil partnership (or give notice) on a Standard Visitor Visa unless you hold a Marriage Visitor visa specifically for that purpose.

Can I apply for jobs while on a UK Visitor Visa?

You can look at job listings, but you cannot work or start employment. To work, you need to qualify and apply for an appropriate work visa from outside the UK.

How many times can I extend for medical treatment?

There is no fixed limit while treatment continues and you meet the rules, but extensions are granted in 6-month blocks and fees apply each time.

Do I need travel insurance to extend?

It is not mandatory, but highly recommended—especially for medical cases—to cover potential costs.

Will my passport be kept during processing?

Procedures vary. You may be asked to provide your passport for checks. Follow the instructions you receive after submitting your application.

When should I apply to extend?

Apply before your current permission expires. Do not wait until the final days, in case additional evidence is requested.

About This Page

Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025