United Kingdom Visa Renewal and UK Visa Extension
If you are interested in working, studying or living in the United Kingdom and have obtained a United Kingdom visa, it’s important to understand what comes next and what it means to extend your UK visa or renew your UK visa. There are many different steps involved in the United Kingdom Visa Renewal or UK Visa Extension process, so here are some tips to make sure that you go through it as easily as possible.
The United Kingdom (UK) welcomes thousands of expats to the country each year, providing work visas and/or permanent residence. The first step is getting your UK visa, but you may also need to apply for a UK visa renewal or UK visa extension in the future, depending on your circumstances. This guide will help you determine if you need to apply for a UK visa renewal or UK visa extension, the appropriate steps to take, and more.
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What We Covered Under UK Visa Renewal
- About United Kingdom Visa Renewal
- What is Biometric Residence permit?
- How do I renew my visa?
- What you need for your visa renewal application
- Eligibility Requirement
- Can we renew visas online?
- How much is it to renew a UK visa?
- What can happen if I don’t renew my visa?
- What happens when the process goes wrong?
- The benefits of being a permanent resident
- Residency Requirements before Applying for Citizenship
About United Kingdom Visa Renewal
If you plan to stay in United Kingdom for 180 days or more then you need to register with a local office of national Health Service (NHS). This period is calculated from your arrival date, not from your planned departure date. This is also necessary for any non-European Economic Area or Swiss citizen moving to United Kingdom on a temporary basis.
You will be able to prove that you have private medical insurance if you go to NHS which means that they would not have any claims against them if something goes wrong during your visit or stay. If you wish to make a payment for health care services then there are various cash payment methods available at doctor’s offices, hospitals etc., but most patients prefer paying through their medical insurance provider.
What is Biometric Residence permit?
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a card issued by the Home Office to certain non-EEA nationals as evidence of their right to reside in the United Kingdom. The BRP has replaced all other cards that used to be issued as residence permits, including 'Resident Return CSC', 'Resident Return CSD' and 'Leave to Enter CSC'.
Only those with permission to stay in the United Kingdom can apply for a Biometric Residence Permit. Individuals who do not have permission to live in Britain may need an immigration lawyer or legal representative's help when applying for or renewing their permit. In these cases, it may be best to seek an expert's advice on whether you are eligible.
How do I renew my Uk visa?
To renew your visa, you’ll have to fill out a visa renewal application. The process of re-applying varies depending on what type of visa you have. As a general rule, renewing your UK visitor visa will require more work than renewing other types of visas. You should start gathering information for your renewal application about six months before it expires (some government agencies will say 12 months in advance).
It will take time to obtain supporting documents such as proof of funds or proof that you can support yourself during your stay, so start applying early. If you are eligible for an extension while waiting for your original documentation to arrive, many British Embassies offer one-month extensions that allow you to keep working until these essential documents arrive.
What you need for your UK visa renewal application
Passport or other identification documents in your current name; ID documents for any family members you want to include on your application; Form VAF4-A, an application form. (Note: If you are renewing a residence permit granted under European law, use form VAF4-E.
A copy of your passport if you have it; details of any criminal convictions and/or cautions which may be recorded on that record; Two recent photographs, color or black and white, with a white background (35x45mm) showing full face with the head uncovered). Proof of address: HM Passport Office requires two documents to prove your current address – these must show a valid address in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Eligibility Requirement
According to Immigration UK, applying for a visa extension may not be possible if you have less than 6 months left on your current visa. As part of your application, you must show that you will leave Britain no later than your existing leave expiry date.
In some cases, however, it is possible to extend your current leave period. To be eligible for an extension (if there is still time remaining on your visa) or a new visa altogether you need to meet certain requirements which are based on your country of origin.
Study in the UK
Can we renew visas online?
No, it’s not possible to renew a visa online. You will need to visit your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person or use an application service provider to submit your application. All applications should be submitted through an Australian registered agent or representative so that they can complete any mandatory checks on your behalf and provide you with supporting documentation.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection recommends that you contact your chosen agent prior to lodging your application; they will be able to provide you with specific advice on what documents you need to lodge along with it.
How much is it to renew a UK visa?
It depends on how long you have been in your current visa status. For example, if you were issued a 6-month visitor visa that is expiring, it would cost £90 to renew for another 6 months. If you had been issued a 12-month work visa (Tier 2), it would cost £364. However, extensions are only available under specific circumstances; most students do not qualify for an extension because they must apply while they are still in their home country.
To avoid paying unnecessary renewal fees, find out before applying how long your visa can be renewed for and when it expires. That way, you will not be surprised if your renewal application is denied or if you need to leave and reapply elsewhere!
What can happen if I don’t renew my visa?
If you do not renew your visa, you will automatically lose your visa status in Britain, your right to stay in Britain, as well as any right to claim benefits. You may also be removed from Britain (deported) by immigration officials if you did not inform them of a change of circumstances. Deportation or removal is when an individual is forced to leave a country by its government authorities because they have overstayed their time limit or broken other laws.
The most common reasons for deportation are overstaying a visit visa, not having the proper working documentation, or committing a crime in a foreign country. If you are deported from one country, it becomes increasingly difficult to be permitted entry into another country due to restrictions that prohibit repeat offenders from entering certain countries.
What happens when the process goes wrong?
Did you know that it takes 6-8 weeks for a United Kingdom visa application to be decided? This may seem like an awfully long time, but if something goes wrong during your application process, it could take even longer. Your best chance of success is to work with a visa renewal or extension specialist who can help you navigate any problems quickly and efficiently.
Here are some examples of what might go wrong: A family member falls ill, causing you to miss your interview; You have an emergency trip abroad that results in delays to your application; You have made an honest mistake in your application paperwork.
Free Citizenship
The benefits of being a permanent resident
You can live, work, study and claim benefits anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. You are no longer subject to immigration control – that is you can travel abroad for up to 6 months without losing your status. You also have a right to sponsor relatives who can apply to join you in the UK. If you have stayed here legally for 3 years (or 5 years if you’re from outside Europe) then you can apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
ILR gives permanent residence with all rights except voting or being elected as a Member of Parliament. There are no restrictions on applying for British citizenship after obtaining ILR. Some people prefer to apply straight away but we recommend staying here legally for at least 2 years before applying.
Residency Requirements before Applying for Citizenship
To qualify for a Residency Permit as part of your application for British Citizenship, you must have been living in Britain legally for at least 5 years. During that time, you must have been able to support yourself without relying on state aid.
You also need to demonstrate a good knowledge of the English language and life in Britain by passing an English exam or by taking a test on British history or culture if you are over 65 years old. If you’re married to a British citizen or permanent resident, you will qualify after three years. Children can apply after just two years of living with their parents in Britain.
Work in the UK
What We Covered Under UK Visa Extension
- About UK Visa Extension
- What is the UK Leave to Remain?
- Which Visas Can be Extended?
- Required documents to apply for a Leave to Remain
- How to Apply for a UK Visa Extension?
- The Length of the Visa Extension
- How Long Until the Application is Processed?
About UK Visa Extension
A resident of the United Kingdom who is outside of the United Kingdom for more than 6 months, must return to the United Kingdom to activate his/her visa. Visitors to Singapore must enter Singapore within 3 months from the date of issue. Any visitor who fails to comply with these conditions will be deemed to have overstayed in Singapore.
If you plan on visiting any country other than Singapore after your visit here, please ensure that you possess a multiple-entry visa before departure. If not, it will be necessary for you to apply for a new passport stamp upon your next arrival at Changi Airport.
What is the UK Leave to Remain?
A Leave to Remain is a document issued by Her Majesty’s Immigration authorities in which an applicant may prove that they have a right to reside in Britain. When you renew your visa or extend your stay, you need to apply for leave to remain with your valid passport at your local United Kingdom visa office.
This document verifies that an individual has been given permission from Immigration services to reside in Britain for a certain amount of time. While you are required by law to hold one, without it you could be subject to legal repercussions for overstaying your welcome in Britain. You will also need one if you wish to travel outside of Britain during your period of residence.
Which Visas Can be Extended?
Work visas can be extended, but there are many other visas that must be renewed. For example, you may have a visa for 6 months at a time; however, that does not mean you will be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom for 6 months.
When your visa expires, you must leave the United Kingdom until it is renewed. Also, keep in mind that United States work visas do not automatically extend when you renew them; it's up to you to extend your work visa if you want to remain in the United Kingdom after your initial expiration date.
Required documents to apply for a Leave to Remain
Required documents to apply for an extension are the following:
- A duly complete application form for the visa extension (of the particular visa you want to extend)
- Certificate of birth of the children (if a child is applying with you as your dependent)
- Certificate of marriage (if a family member applying with you as your dependent)
- Documents regarding your education
- Documents you have applied to get your leave to remain
- The existing passport
- Proof of having enough maintenance funds for yourself and any dependent
- The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if required)
- The Police Registration Certificate (If required)
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
- Two recently made photographs (check for UK photographs specifics)
- Paid healthcare surcharge (if required)
How to Apply for a UK Visa Extension?
You can both apply from inside or out of the UK when requiring your visa period to be extended.
When in the UK you can either:
- Apply online through standard, priority service
- Apply in person at the premium service Centre – to get the same-day decision on your application
When outside of the UK:
- Send the application dossier by the post office to the address written in the application form
The Length of the Visa Extension
The length of your visa extension will depend on a few factors. For example, how long was your original visa? If you came to The United Kingdom as a student, you will only be allowed a 6-month extension. However, if you are a work or family-based migrant, you can apply for an extension for up to five years after entering The United Kingdom.
You should also keep in mind that extensions must be applied for prior to the expiration of your current visa unless you have been granted an initial six-month leave outside of any time limits—this is known as discretionary leave. To see if you qualify for discretionary leave, speak with one of our advisers today!
Useful resources
- Canada Visa Lottery 2022 Application Form
- Canada Visa – Application and Guidelines
- Luxembourg Citizenship: The Complete Guide for 2022
- Switzerland Citizenship: The Complete Guide for 2022
- Work Visas for Canadians Under NAFTA 2.0 (USMCA) to Remain Strong
- Apply Now for the Family Visa Sponsorship Program in Canada!
- Work in Canada 2022: Top 10 Jobs for Foreigners
This maximum period allowable for any visa type is presented as in the following:
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur – maximum 2 years
- Tier 1 Exceptional Talent – maximum 5 years
- Tier 2 Sportsperson – maximum 3 years and 14 days
- Tier 5 Temporary Worker – Charity Worker – maximum 1 year, or 2 weeks after the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less)
- Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting)
- Creative worker: maximum 1 year, or 2 weeks after the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship, the time required to extend the stay up to 2 years (whichever is less)
- Sportsperson: maximum 1 year, or 2 weeks after the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less)
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange)
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – International Agreement) – with some exceptions, this visa can be extended up to 6 years
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Religious Worker) – maximum 2 years, or 2 weeks following the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less)
- For the UK work visa
- For researching, for participating in a training or overseas government language program: 2 years at the most, or, 2 weeks following the end of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less).
- A Turkish Businessperson Visa – maximum 3 years (if working in the same business) and if lacking to have the complete documents for extension up to 1 year, with a possibility to re-apply by the end of that year
- UK Ancestry Visa – maximum 5 other years
How Long Until the Application is Processed?
The processing time for visa renewal applications varies from country to country. It can take as little as a few days to as long as several months. Each application is handled on a case-by-case basis, so there is no way to know exactly how long it will take for your application to be processed.
- 8 weeks – for an application done from within the UK
- 3 weeks – for an application done from out of the UK
- On the application day – if applying through premium services
But you can rest assured that we work diligently with our clients’ countries of citizenship in order to provide them with these services in an efficient manner so that they may continue living, working, or traveling abroad without any undue complications or delays.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a United Kingdom visa renewal or UK visa extension then contact ATS Consultants now at 888-836-1051. Our experienced consultants can help you to apply for visa renewal in a quick and easy way. They will be with you from start to finish, guiding you through each step of your application. We handle visa applications for clients from all over the world including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, etc. Apply Now!
