Who else doesn’t like to spend longer time with his or her partner or family? We guess you are no exception! So, if you are in the UK and looking to extend your Leave to Remain to stay with your family or spouse for longer, you can apply for a UK visa extension if you are already in this country on a family visa. And, you need to make an application before your visa expires. This extension will allow you to extend your stay and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. 

However, have a clear idea of every step of this UK visa extension process before going ahead. In today’s blog, we are going to provide all the details in a brief. Read on!

Here’s How to Begin Applying for a Visa Extension inside the UK

The first thing you need to remember is that you must apply for a visa extension before the existing one expires to avoid being an overstayer and breaching the visa terms and conditions. And, the earliest you can make an application for it is 3 months ahead of the expiry date of your current visa, which will take up to 8 weeks for the process if you have done it inside the UK. 

Anyway, the overall visa extension process isn’t as easy as it sounds! You need to provide all the financial evidence and supporting documents which need preparation. Here’s how you can do it:

Preparing for Financial Proof

First, you don’t have to provide any financial evidence if you have been living in the UK for a year or more. But for further confirmation, you may be asked to submit your financial documents to the Home Office. 

Besides this condition, you need to show financial evidence to ensure you can meet the financial requirements required for a UK visa extension. For example, the bank statements-

Make sure you show original bank statements, not photocopies, but they shouldn’t be older than one month. It will prove that you have the required funds for the next consecutive month (28 days). Also, while providing your bank statement, check if the details are in English or stamped certified translation. 

Note: You can use several bank accounts to show evidence of meeting financial requirements. Make sure these accounts are in your name or your parents or spouse (if they are your legal guardian). Also, your money doesn’t have to be in pounds sterling, but the amount has to be equated after using the currency converter. 

Supporting documents

Well, it depends on your current situation. While applying for a visa extension, here are the documents you need to provide:

• A valid passport
• A copy of your BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Proof of nationality and identity
• Evidence of your eligibility for the current visa
• Evidence of meeting financial requirements for visa extension that proves you can support yourself in the UK
• Proof of your relationship with your spouse, parents or other family member if they are sponsored under your visa

Note: If you work in the UK or study here, you need to provide sponsorship letters, such as a Certificate of Sponsorship, to show your duration of employment and a Certificate of Acceptance for your new course in the UK. All these will show your reasons for visa extension. 

Submit your visa application-

Once all the preparation is done, complete your UK visa renewal form for the type of visa you need to hold. Next, pay the extension fees and healthcare surcharges. Lastly, book and attend an appointment at a UKVCAS office nearby for identification checks and biometrics, including photos and fingerprints. Also, you need to provide the documents supporting your UK visa extension application. 

Of other requirements for UK visa renewal, we would like to mention the following ones:

• You must live in the UK lawfully with Leave to Remain
• Meeting suitability requirements
• Adequate accommodation
• English language efficient at level A2 of CEFR

Need Any Help with the UK Visa Extension Process?

If yes, our immigration lawyers at Intime Immigration Limited(Intime Solicitors) are ready to do so. Our highly experienced immigration solicitors will ensure you remain on the right track and that all the details you have provided and your documents are accurate. 

So, no more waiting! Contact us now for your case assessment!