How to Extend Your UK Visa Before It Expires – Avoiding Overstays and Problems

If your UK visa is approaching its expiry date, acting early is crucial. Many people wait too long — only to find themselves panicking days before the deadline or, worse, unintentionally overstaying.

An overstay can seriously damage your immigration record, making it harder (and sometimes impossible) to stay or return to the UK in the future.

At AHJ Immigration, we’ve helped countless clients extend their visas smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications. This guide walks you through exactly how to extend your UK visa before it expires — based on the latest Home Office guidance (2025).

Why You Should Never Wait Until the Last Minute

The Home Office recommends submitting your extension at least 28 days before your visa expires.

Leaving it too late can cause issues such as:

• Application errors due to rushing
• Missed biometric appointments
• Gaps in lawful residence
• Losing your right to work or rent while waiting for a decision

Once your visa expires, even by one day, you’re considered an overstayer — and that can trigger severe consequences.

What Happens If You Overstay

Overstaying means remaining in the UK after your visa or permission to stay has expired.

Consequences include:

• A ban from re-entering the UK for up to 10 years
• Automatic refusal of future visa applications
• Loss of lawful status, making it illegal to work or rent
• Potential removal or detention

Even a short overstay can harm future applications unless you have an exceptional reason — such as hospitalisation or another serious event beyond your control.

Who Can Extend Their UK Visa

Most visas can be extended from within the UK, including:

• Spouse or Partner Visas
• Skilled Worker Visas
• Student Visas
• Health and Care Worker Visas
• Start-up / Innovator Visas (depending on endorsement)

You must apply before your current visa expires and meet the eligibility rules for your category — which may include financial, employment, or relationship evidence.

Step-by-Step: How to Extend Your UK Visa

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Visit the official GOV.UK website or contact an advisor to confirm that your visa type allows an in-country extension.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Typical documents include:

• Current passport and BRP
• Proof of income, employment, or relationship
• Proof of address
• Biometric Residence Permit
• Any additional evidence specific to your visa category

If your visa depends on a sponsor (e.g. Skilled Worker), your sponsor must confirm continued employment.

Step 3: Apply Online

Complete your application online through GOV.UK. You’ll pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Book Biometrics Appointment

Book your UKVCAS appointment early. Late bookings can delay your application and impact your lawful status.

Step 5: Upload Documents and Wait for a Decision

You can upload your documents before or after your biometrics appointment. Most extension applications are decided within 8 weeks, though priority services are available.

How Early Can I Apply for a Visa Extension?

You can typically apply up to 28 days before your visa expires. Some categories allow earlier submission — such as Skilled Worker renewals aligned with sponsorship contracts.

Applying too early may cause you to lose some of your remaining visa time, so timing your application correctly is key.

Fees for Extending a UK Visa (2025)

(Fees verified against October 2025 Home Office updates.)

What If My Visa Has Already Expired?

If your visa has already expired, you must act immediately.

You can apply for a late extension within 14 days of expiry, but only if you have a valid reason beyond your control (e.g. illness, hospitalisation, or bereavement).

You must provide evidence explaining why you missed the deadline.
If accepted, the Home Office may reinstate your status — but if refused, you’ll be required to leave the UK.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the final week to apply
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Failing to include updated employment or income proof
• Missing your biometrics appointment
• Assuming you can “just fix it later”

Once your visa expires, options narrow quickly — which is why early professional advice can save you stress, time, and money.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

We know visa extensions can feel stressful, especially when deadlines are tight. That’s why we make the process as smooth as possible.

At AHJ Immigration, we provide:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Assess your eligibility and timeline.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Full review of your documents, timing, and category requirements (deducted from final fee).
• Professional application preparation: From form submission to biometrics scheduling.
• Ongoing updates: We manage communication with the Home Office on your behalf.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to book your consultation today and extend your visa with confidence.

Extend UK Stay FAQs

1. When should I apply to extend my UK visa?
Apply at least 28 days before your visa expires to avoid overstaying or gaps in lawful status.

2. Can I stay in the UK while waiting for a decision?
Yes, as long as you applied before your visa expired. Your current conditions remain valid under Section 3C leave.

3. What happens if my visa expires while waiting for a decision?
You remain lawfully in the UK under Section 3C protection until a decision is made.

4. Can I extend a Visitor Visa?
Generally no, unless under exceptional circumstances such as medical treatment or compassionate grounds.

5. What if my visa is refused after expiry?
You’ll usually have 14 days to leave or appeal (if applicable). We can help assess your options immediately.

Avoid Problems – Extend Early

Don’t wait until the last minute — start preparing your visa extension today.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free 30-minute consultation now.
If you’re close to your expiry date, book a 1-hour paid consultation (£120) for urgent support and a full case review.