Renewing Your UK Visa in 2025 – Timeline, Fees & Pitfalls

Your UK visa is the key to your life, career, or family in the UK — but every visa has an expiry date.
Failing to renew it correctly or on time can have serious consequences, including overstaying, visa curtailment, or even a future ban.

In 2025, new digital systems and updated fee structures have made the renewal process slightly different from previous years.
This guide explains when to renew, what it costs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes people make when extending or renewing their UK visa.

What Does ‘Renewing’ a Visa Mean?

Renewing your visa means applying for further leave to remain before your current permission expires.
It can include:

• Extending your Skilled Worker, Spouse, Student, or Family Visa
• Switching to a new route (for example, Student to Skilled Worker)
• Updating your BRP or eVisa to reflect a new expiry date

A renewal is not the same as a re-application. You must still prove you meet the visa requirements again — salary, relationship, or financial status.

When Should You Apply for a Renewal?

Timing is critical.
You can normally apply for renewal no earlier than 28 days before your visa expires.

If your visa expires while you wait for a decision, that’s fine — as long as you applied before the expiry date, your status remains legal under Section 3C leave.

✅ Tip: Check your BRP or digital status now. Set reminders 3 months before it expires.

Updated UK Visa Fees for 2025

Visa fees rose again in 2025 following the Home Office’s annual review.

You’ll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• £1,035 per adult per year
• £776 per child per year

✅ Tip: Budget early. Renewal fees for a family of four can easily exceed £6,000 once IHS is included.

Digital eVisa: The New 2025 Renewal System

By late 2025, the UK is transitioning from Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to digital eVisas.
When you renew:

• You’ll confirm your identity through the UK Immigration ID Check app (instead of attending a biometrics centre)
• You’ll receive your decision and proof of status digitally through your online UKVI account

Make sure your email address stays the same between applications, or you may lose access to your digital status.

Documents You’ll Need to Renew

You’ll need to show that you still meet the visa conditions:

For Skilled Workers:

• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• 6 months of payslips and matching bank statements
• Employer letter confirming continued sponsorship

For Spouse / Partner Visas:

• Evidence of ongoing relationship (joint bills, tenancy, photos)
• Updated financial documents meeting current thresholds
• Proof of accommodation

For Students:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Proof of tuition payment and maintenance funds

Always submit original or official digital copies, not screenshots or partial PDFs.

Common Mistakes People Make When Renewing

A. Waiting Too Late

Leaving it until the final week risks system errors, expired BRPs, or missed deadlines.
Always submit at least 2 weeks before expiry.

B. Using Old Financial Evidence

All documents must be dated within the last 28 or 31 days (depending on the visa type).
Old statements or expired employer letters lead to refusals.

C. Ignoring Immigration History

If you’ve ever overstayed, been refused, or switched categories, disclose it.
Failing to declare previous issues is treated as misrepresentation.

D. Applying Under the Wrong Route

For example, Skilled Workers renewing under the wrong SOC code or partners using the wrong appendix form.
Double-check before submitting.

E. Uploading Poor-Quality Documents

Fuzzy scans, incomplete pages, or mismatched file names are easy to overlook — but UKVI systems can reject them automatically.

How to Avoid Overstaying

Overstaying by even one day can lead to serious consequences:

• Automatic visa refusal next time
• Ban on re-entry for up to 10 years
• Problems applying for ILR or citizenship later

✅ Tip: Apply early, keep confirmation emails, and track your case reference number (GWF or UAN).
If you think you’ll miss the deadline, seek legal advice immediately — you may still apply under “exceptional circumstances.”

After You Submit — What Happens Next

Once your renewal is submitted:

• You’ll receive a UKVI confirmation email
• If using the ID Check app, you’ll complete identity verification
• Decision times vary by route and priority level
• You can track your case on the UKVI website

If approved, your digital status will automatically update.
If refused, you’ll receive a refusal letter with an explanation and your next options (review, reapply, or appeal).

When Renewal Isn’t the Best Option

In some cases, renewing isn’t the smartest move.
You may instead choose to:

• Switch to a different visa route (e.g. Skilled Worker → ILR)
• Apply for citizenship if eligible
• Leave and re-enter under a more suitable category

An adviser can help you decide whether a renewal, switch, or settlement route gives the best long-term benefit.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

At AHJ Immigration, our OISC-regulated advisers help you:

• Review your visa expiry and eligibility
• Calculate new salary or income thresholds
• Gather and check financial documents
• Submit your renewal or switch application correctly
• Avoid costly refusals and overstays

We can also assist with fast-track services, appeals, and ILR or citizenship transitions.

📞 Book your consultation today: https://ahjimmigration.co.uk/book-consultation

Renewing your UK visa is not just a formality — it’s a legal requirement that demands accuracy and timing. With 2025’s new fees and digital processes, it’s more important than ever to plan early and avoid small but costly mistakes.

At AHJ Immigration, we handle every renewal with care, ensuring your case remains compliant, complete, and stress-free. Let us help you stay legal, secure, and ready for your next step in the UK.