UK Visa Extensions and Renewals

If you currently possess a UK visa, it’s essential to note that not all visas are eligible for extension or renewal. Some visas that cannot be renewed include the UK graduate visa, and the start-up visa. Additionally, if you hold a visa that is no longer open to new applicants (e.g., the UK investor visa), you can still apply for an extension or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if you meet the eligibility criteria.

While certain visas cannot be extended, you can explore switching to a different type of visa in the UK. For instance, if you have a graduate visa that is due to expire, you may consider applying for a Skilled Worker Visa if you have a job offer from an approved employer. However, if you hold a UK visitor visa, you cannot switch to a different visa from within the UK. Nevertheless, you can return to your home country and submit a new visa application from there.

Recent updates for 2024 include changes to the Student visa requirements, where international students will no longer be able to bring dependents on their Student visa, unless they are studying a postgraduate research program. Additionally, from 17 July 2023, international students are no longer permitted to switch to work route visas unless they have completed their course.

The Skilled Worker visa allows individuals in the UK on a Student visa to switch to this visa under certain conditions, such as completing the sponsored course or having a job start date after the course has finished.

Talk to  our solicitor about your immigration status today and find out if your visa can be extended or renewed before it expires. Don’t risk overstaying.