Am I allowed to travel outside the UK while my visa extension or switching application is under consideration, and what risks should I be aware of?

16.01.2026 13:10:28 If you travel outside the UK while your visa extension or switching application is pending, your application may be considered withdrawn, and you might not be able to return to the UK until you obtain a new visa. It is essential to be aware of the risks involved, such as being unable to return if your application is decided while you are outside the UK, and you may also lose your immigration status. It is generally advisable to remain in the UK until you receive a decision on your application.

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16.01.2026 13:10:38 From a legal perspective under UK immigration law, if you have submitted an in-time application to extend or switch your visa (before your current visa expires), Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 automatically extends your leave to remain in the UK while the application is pending or any appeal/administrative review is ongoing. However, you are generally not allowed to travel outside the UK (including to the Common Travel Area: Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland) during this period without risking your application. If you leave the UK, your application will be treated as withdrawn under Paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules, and your Section 3C leave ends immediately. Key risks include: - Inability to re-enter the UK on your expired visa, potentially requiring a new application from outside the UK. - Loss of time and fees paid for the pending application, as it cannot be reinstated. - Possible complications if your biometric residence permit is not with you or if border officials question your status. - For certain visa types (e.g., work or study), leaving could affect your eligibility or sponsor obligations. It is advisable to avoid travel until a decision is made, unless absolutely necessary, and consider consulting an immigration advisor for your specific circumstances.

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16.01.2026 13:18:19 In most cases, you are not permitted to travel outside the UK while a visa extension or switch application submitted from within the UK is pending. Under the Immigration Rules, leaving the UK during this period usually results in your application being treated as withdrawn, even if biometric enrolment has already taken place. This can lead to the loss of your application fee and leave you without valid immigration status upon return. The Home Office expects applicants to remain in the UK until a decision is made, unless the rules for a specific route clearly allow travel. If you depart and your application is withdrawn, you may need to apply again from abroad and face additional delays or refusals. You should always check the conditions of your current leave before making any travel plans.

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16.01.2026 13:20:41 As a general rule, travelling outside the UK while your visa extension or switching application is under consideration is high risk. In practice, leaving the country almost always cancels the pending application automatically, even if this is not clearly stated in correspondence. This means you may lose your right to stay, be unable to re-enter on the same basis, or need to start a fresh application from overseas. Exceptions are rare and route-specific, so you should not assume travel is allowed unless explicitly confirmed. If travel is unavoidable due to an emergency, you should seek legal advice beforehand to understand the consequences and possible alternatives, as an incorrect decision can seriously affect your immigration history and future applications.

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