Standard Visitor Visa

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Publication date: 04.09.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “Can I extend my Standard Visitor Visa once I am in the UK?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

28.08.2025 18:40:30 Yes, you can apply to extend your Standard Visitor Visa while you are in the UK, but only under specific circumstances. Generally, a Standard Visitor Visa is granted for up to six months. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. The key reasons for extending a Standard Visitor Visa may include: 1. **Medical Treatment**: If you are receiving private medical treatment and need more time to complete it. 2. **Academic Reasons**: If you are an academic visitor and need more time for your research or other academic activities. 3. **Exceptional Circumstances**: If there are compelling compassionate or exceptional reasons that justify your extended stay. Keep in mind that extensions are not guaranteed and depend on individual circumstances. You will need to provide evidence supporting your reason for extension and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during the extended stay without recourse to public funds. It's advisable to consult with an immigration advisor or legal professional if you're considering applying for an extension, as they can provide guidance based on your specific situation.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

29.08.2025 16:05:13 Normally, a UK Standard Visitor Visa is granted for up to 6 months and cannot be extended once you are in the country. However, there are a few limited exceptions. For example, if you entered the UK for private medical treatment, you may apply to extend your stay for up to 11 months, provided you have medical evidence and sufficient funds to cover the costs. Academic visitors who are conducting permitted research or accompanying students on study programs may also be able to extend their visa for up to 12 months in total. Outside of these specific cases, visitors are expected to leave the UK before their visa expires. It is important to plan your stay carefully, as overstaying or attempting to extend without valid grounds can seriously affect future UK visa applications and your immigration record.

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Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

29.08.2025 16:19:41 On a Standard Visitor Visa, you are generally permitted to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. This period is fixed and cannot normally be extended once you are already in the country, except for very limited circumstances, such as certain medical treatments or academic research, which must be properly documented and approved in advance. The visa is designed for short-term purposes — tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, or participating in cultural or academic events. It does not allow you to work, take long-term studies, or access public funds. It is also important to note that while multiple-entry visas can sometimes be granted for 2, 5, or even 10 years, each stay under such a visa is still limited to a maximum of 6 months. Overstaying, even by a few days, can negatively affect your immigration record and future applications.

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