UK Family Visa Extension

If you are already in the UK on a family visa, you can apply for a UK family visa extension to live and work in the UK for a further 30 months.

If you have a UK family visa as a spouse, partner, parent, child, or dependent relative, ensure you apply for an extension before it expires to stay legally.

Call our immigration solicitors at 0203 417 3700 to learn how to extend your UK family visa, including requirements, processes, costs, and essential documents.

Table of Contents

What is a UK family visa extension?

A UK family visa extension allows you to stay in the UK for another 30 months if you already have a valid family visa and meet the eligibility requirements.

UK family visa extension is available to spouses, parents, children, and dependent relatives who wish to continue living with their family members who are British citizens or hold settled status in the UK.

To continue living and working in the UK legally, you must apply to extend your UK family visa before it expires.

Who can apply for a UK family visa extension?

If you have a UK family visa, such as a spouse or parent visa, you can apply for an extension. Under the 5-year route, you must continue meeting all Appendix FM requirements.

If you don't meet all the conditions, you might switch to the 10-year route. This route has more flexible eligibility criteria.

UK family visa extension applications

Common UK family visa extension applications include:

• Spouse Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Spouse Visa Extension (10-Year Route)
• Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (10-Year Route)
• Civil Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Same-Sex Partner Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Parent of a British Child Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
• Parent of a British Child Visa Extension (10-Year Route)

These extensions allow family members of British citizens or settled individuals to remain in the UK for an additional 2.5 years, with eligibility based on relationship status and other requirements.

Extending UK family visa under the 5-year route

The 5-Year Route is a common way for individuals to apply for a UK family visa. Initially, you get a UK family visa for either 30 months if you apply from within the UK or 33 months if you apply from outside.

Before it expires, you need to apply for a UK family visa extension under the 5-Year Route to stay and work in the UK for another 2.5 years.

Once you've been in the UK for five continuous years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR lets you settle in the UK permanently, without visa restrictions.

Extending UK family visa under the 10-year route

The 10-Year Route is for those who want to extend their UK family visa but can't meet certain requirements of the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules. This includes financial criteria, language skills, or other conditions.

This 10-Year Route gives more time to meet the requirements. It lets you stay in the UK until you've been there for 10 years. After 10 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This offers the same benefits as the 5-year route but after a longer stay.

Requirements for a UK family visa extension

The requirements for a UK family visa extension vary according to the visa type and your specific circumstances.

To extend your family visa under the 5-year route, you must:

• Hold a valid UK family visa.
• Apply before your current visa expires.
• Continue meeting the relationship criteria.
• Meet the minimum income threshold.
• Prove your English proficiency (unless exempt).
• Meet the adequate accommodation requirements.
• Have no history of immigration law breaches.
• Additional requirements depending on the type of family visa.

What documents are required to extend your UK family visa?

The documents required for a UK family visa extension application can vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for and your circumstances.

Documents typically required for a UK family visa extension:

• Your valid passport
• Proof of relationship with UK-based sponsor
• Financial evidence (e.g., payslips, bank statements)
• Proof of residency (joint bills, official letters).
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement)
• Proof of English Proficiency (e.g., test results, degree certificate)
• Sponsor's documents (e.g., passport, immigration status proof)
• Translations (for non-English documents)
• Additional documents depending on the type of family visa and your circumstances.

When applying for a UK family visa extension, you are required to submit a range of supporting documents, like your passport, income proof, and relationship evidence. Missing or incorrectly formatted documents can result in delays or refusal.

If you're unsure about any documents or need help with a UK family visa extension application, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form.

Step-by-step process to extend your UK family visa

Applying for a UK family visa extension involves several steps, from checking eligibility to submitting documents and attending a biometric appointment.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Check Eligibility

Get expert advice from a UK immigration lawyer to check if you are eligible for a UK family visa extension. They will assess your eligibility including your relationship and financial situation.

2. Gather Required Documents

Your UK family visa extension application's success depends largely on the documents you submit.

Depending on the type of UK family visa and your circumstances, you must submit all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of relationship, financial evidence, accommodation details, and an English test (if applicable).

Failure to provide all documents and evidence in the correct format may lead to refusal or delay of your visa.

3. Apply Online

To extend your UK family visa as a spouse, partner, parent, child, or dependent relative, you must apply online and complete the required forms on the UK government website.

Depending on your relationship with a settled UK family member, you must choose the right application form when extending a UK family visa.

When submitting your application online, you must upload all necessary supporting documents and pay the UK family visa extension application fee along with the NHS surcharge.

4. Book a Biometric Appointment

You will need to visit a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre for biometrics, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken.

5. Wait for a Decision

After submitting your biometric details, you'll need to wait for the decision. The processing of your family visa extension application can take up to 8 weeks.

Tips for a successful visa extension application

• Apply early: At least 28 days before your visa expires.
• Double-check your documents: Missing evidence can cause delays or rejection.
• Meet financial and language requirements: Show clear proof of eligibility.
• Seek professional advice: If unsure, talk to an immigration solicitor.

How long does a family visa extension take in the UK?

The processing time for a family visa extension application in 2025 is up to 8 weeks when applying from within the UK using the standard service.

You can use the priority service to get a faster decision in 5 working days for an extra fee. The super-priority service gives a decision by the next working day but costs more. To avoid delays, apply at least 28 days before your visa ends.

How much does a UK family visa extension cost?

The cost of a UK family visa extension includes an application fee of £1,258 per person and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £2,587.50 for 2.5 years.

Extra costs may apply if you use "super priority service" or "priority service" to get a faster decision.

When should you apply for your family visa extension?

You must apply before your current UK family visa expires, ideally at least 28 days in advance. Delaying your visa extension application may affect your immigration status.

How we can assist with your UK family visa extension

Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers will be able to assist you with any type of UK family visa extension application.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

• Provide detailed immigration advice.
• Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK Family visa extension application.
• Assess the eligibility of your sponsor.
• Explain the entire UK family visa extension application process.
• Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
• Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
• Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letters for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
• Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
• Upload all the supporting documents.
• Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
• Keep you updated with every stage of your application.

Contact our UK family visa solicitors in Wembley, London on 0203 417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for legal assistance with your UK family visa application.

How much do solicitors charge for a UK family visa application?

Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee between £800 and £1,000 (plus VAT) for complete legal assistance with your UK Family visa extension applications.

At Wembley Solicitors, our UK visa application services come with an affordable fixed fee, ensuring transparency and no hidden costs.

Contact UK family visa solicitors

If you are applying to extend your UK family visa, contact our immigration solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our contact form for legal assistance.