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If my current UK visa is about to expire, what options do I have to extend my stay legally, and how early should I submit a new application to avoid overstaying?

If my current UK visa is about to expire, what options do I have to extend my stay legally, and how early should I submit a new application to avoid overstaying?

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Publication date: 12.01.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “If my current UK visa is about to expire, what options do I have to extend my stay legally, and how early should I submit a new application to avoid overstaying?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

05.01.2026 13:02:17 If your current UK visa is about to expire, you have several options to extend your stay legally. You can apply for an extension of your existing visa, apply for a different type of visa, or switch to another visa category if you meet the requirements. It is advisable to submit your application for a visa extension at least 8 weeks before your current visa expires to avoid any potential overstaying issues. Make sure to check the specific requirements for the type of visa you are applying for, as they can vary significantly.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

05.01.2026 13:02:27 From a legal perspective under UK immigration law, if your current UK visa is about to expire, your options to extend your stay legally depend on your visa category and eligibility. Common options include: 1) Applying for an extension of your current visa type if you meet the requirements (e.g., for work, study, or family visas). 2) Switching to a different visa category, such as from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, provided you qualify. 3) If ineligible for extension, you may need to leave the UK and apply for a new visa from abroad, or explore settlement routes if applicable. To avoid overstaying, you should submit your extension application before your current visa expires. Under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, if you apply while your visa is still valid, your leave is automatically extended until a decision is made, preventing you from becoming an overstayer. It is advisable to apply as early as possible—ideally at least 3 months before expiry—to allow time for processing and avoid complications. Overstaying can lead to refusal of future applications, removal from the UK, or a re-entry ban. For personalized advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor, as rules can vary based on individual circumstances.

BASE (basic) 2.18

Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

05.01.2026 13:06:18 If your current UK visa is nearing its expiry, you must take action before the expiry date to remain lawfully in the UK. In most cases, you may apply to extend your existing visa (if the route allows extensions) or switch to a different visa category from within the UK, such as a work, family, or student route, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. Once a valid in-time application is submitted, your immigration status is protected under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, allowing you to stay legally while the application is pending. The UK Home Office strongly recommends submitting an extension or switching application no later than the final day of visa validity, though best practice is to apply 28 days before expiry to reduce risk. Overstaying, even briefly, can negatively affect future applications and may lead to refusal or re-entry bans.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

05.01.2026 13:09:54 When your UK visa is about to expire, your lawful options depend on your current immigration route. You may be eligible to extend the same visa, switch to another category, or in limited circumstances, leave the UK and apply from abroad. The critical rule is timing: your new application must be submitted before your current visa expires. An in-time application allows you to remain in the UK lawfully while awaiting a decision, even if your visa expires during processing. Immigration practitioners generally advise filing at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially if documents or sponsor approvals are required. Any period of overstaying can undermine your immigration history and complicate future visa or settlement applications, so early preparation and legal review are essential.

PREMIUM 2.85

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

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