Understanding UK visa extension processing time is essential for anyone seeking to extend their stay in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive guide covers processing timelines for spouse, skilled worker, student, and dependent visa extensions, along with priority service options and practical tips for tracking your application through the Home Office system.
Understanding UK Visa Extension Processing Time
UK visa extension processing time varies depending on your visa category, the service level you choose, and whether your application is considered straightforward. The Home Office publishes official service standards for in-country applications, though actual processing times can fluctuate based on application volumes and individual case complexity.
When extending your visa from within the UK, you must submit your application before your current visa expires. Your immigration status is protected under Section 3C leave while your application is pending, allowing you to remain legally in the UK. However, planning ahead and understanding typical processing timelines helps avoid unnecessary stress and potential complications with employment or travel.
Standard Processing Times by Visa Category
Spouse Visa Extension Processing Time
Spouse visa extension processing time is typically 8 weeks for standard applications. Super priority service delivers a decision by the next working day for an additional £1,000. Home Office data shows 98-99% of spouse extensions are decided within the 8-week service standard.
The UK spouse visa extension is one of the most common in-country applications. After your initial 33-month spouse visa, you must apply for an extension before eventually qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Understanding the spouse visa extension processing time helps you plan around work commitments and travel arrangements.
Factors Affecting Spouse Visa Extension Timeline
- Document completeness: Missing financial evidence or English language certificates cause delays
- Relationship evidence: Complex cases with relationship concerns may require additional scrutiny
- Financial requirement: Applications meeting the £29,000 minimum income threshold are processed faster
- Previous immigration history: Any past refusals or complications may extend processing time
- Service level chosen: Super priority guarantees next-day decisions for straightforward cases
Most spouse visa extension applications are decided well within the 8-week standard. Home Office statistics consistently show success rates above 98% for meeting published service standards on spouse extensions. If your application is deemed "non-straightforward," UKVI will notify you, and processing may take longer regardless of any priority service purchased.
Skilled Worker Visa Extension Processing Time
Skilled worker visa extension processing time (formerly Tier 2 visa extension) is 8 weeks for standard service. Priority processing takes 5 working days (£500), while super priority delivers decisions by the next working day (£1,000). Approximately 92% of standard applications meet the 8-week target.
The Skilled Worker visa (which replaced the Tier 2 General visa) can be extended as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer. Understanding the skilled worker visa extension processing time is particularly important for employees whose work depends on maintaining valid immigration status.
Skilled Worker Extension Processing Statistics
Based on recent Home Office performance data, skilled worker visa extension processing shows the following patterns:
- Standard processing: Approximately 92% decided within 8 weeks
- Priority processing: Approximately 85% decided within 5 working days
- Super priority: Approximately 97% decided by the next working day
- Dependent extensions: Processed alongside the main applicant at the same rate
Dependent Visa Extension UK
If you are extending as a dependent of a skilled worker, your application is typically processed alongside the main applicant. Dependent visa extension UK processing times mirror those of the principal applicant—8 weeks standard, with priority options available. Submitting applications together ensures coordinated decision timing.
Student Visa Extension Processing Time
Student visa extension processing time is 8 weeks for standard applications. Home Office data shows approximately 99.8% of student extensions are decided within this timeframe—the highest success rate of any visa category. Priority (5 days) and super priority (next day) services are available.
Students requiring additional time to complete their studies or progressing to a new course must apply to extend their Student visa. The student visa extension processing time is among the fastest of all categories, reflecting the typically straightforward nature of these applications when supported by a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
When to Apply for Student Visa Extension
- Continuing studies: Apply before your current visa expires if your course extends beyond your visa end date
- New course: Must have a new CAS from your institution before applying
- PhD extensions: May qualify for additional time to write up your thesis
- Resit periods: Extensions may be granted for students needing to retake examinations
The exceptional processing success rate for student visa extensions reflects the clear documentation requirements—a valid CAS, financial evidence, and proof of English language ability. Students planning to transition to the Graduate visa after completing their studies should note this is a separate application, not an extension.
Priority and Super Priority Services
Priority service costs £500 and aims for a decision within 5 working days. Super priority costs £1,000 and targets next working day decisions. Both services are available for most in-country extensions but do not guarantee faster processing for non-straightforward cases.
For applicants requiring faster decisions on their UK visa renewal or extension, the Home Office offers priority processing services. These expedited options significantly reduce UK visa extension processing time but come with additional fees and certain limitations.
Important Considerations for Priority Services
- Non-straightforward cases: If UKVI classifies your application as complex, priority timelines do not apply
- Refund policy: Refunds may be available if delays result from Home Office errors, not applicant issues
- Appointment availability: Super priority requires attending a UKVCAS appointment, which may have limited slots
- ID Check app users: Those using the UK Immigration: ID Check app cannot access super priority service
Priority services are particularly valuable for skilled workers whose employers need certainty about work authorisation, or for applicants with upcoming international travel. However, ensure your application is complete and straightforward before paying for expedited processing—complex cases will not benefit from the additional fee. For detailed information on Home Office fees, see our dedicated guide.
Tracking Your Extension Application
Track your UK visa extension using the UKVI online portal, email updates from the Home Office, and the paid enquiry service for applications exceeding standard processing times. Your eVisa status will be available online once a decision is made.
Once you have submitted your extension application, waiting for a decision can be stressful. Understanding how to monitor progress and what to do if your application experiences delays helps manage expectations during the UK visa extension processing time.
Methods to Track Your Application
- UKVI online account: Log in to view your application status and any requests for additional information
- Email notifications: UKVI sends updates when your application is received, being processed, and decided
- UKVCAS updates: If you attended a service centre appointment, check for updates through their portal
- Paid enquiry service: Contact UKVI directly if your application exceeds the published service standard
What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed
If your UK visa renewal or extension exceeds the standard 8-week processing time, consider these steps:
- Check for communications: Review emails (including spam folders) for requests for additional documents
- Use the paid enquiry: Submit an enquiry through the official UKVI contact form
- Contact your MP: Your Member of Parliament can make enquiries on your behalf for significantly delayed cases
- Seek legal advice: For cases exceeding several months, professional immigration advice may help expedite resolution
Remember that your Section 3C leave protects your status while your in-time application is pending. You can continue working (if your visa permitted it) and remain in the UK legally. However, international travel during this period is restricted—leaving the UK typically ends your Section 3C leave. For applications that result in refusal, you may have options including administrative review depending on your visa category.
- Standard UK visa extension processing time is 8 weeks for most categories
- Spouse visa extensions show 98-99% success in meeting the 8-week target
- Student visa extensions have the highest processing success rate at 99.8%
- Priority (£500) and super priority (£1,000) services offer faster decisions
- Apply before your current visa expires to maintain Section 3C leave protection
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Visa Extension Processing Time
How long does UK visa extension take?
Standard UK visa extension processing time is 8 weeks (40 working days) for most categories including spouse, skilled worker, and student visas. Priority service reduces this to 5 working days for an additional £500, while super priority provides next working day decisions for £1,000. Processing times are calculated from when UKVI receives your complete application and biometric information.
What is the spouse visa extension processing time?
Spouse visa extension processing time is 8 weeks for standard applications. Home Office statistics show that 98-99% of spouse visa extensions are decided within this timeframe. Super priority service is available for £1,000, providing a decision by the next working day for straightforward cases. Processing may take longer if your application is classified as non-straightforward.
How long does Tier 2 visa extension take?
Tier 2 visa extension (now Skilled Worker visa extension) processing time is 8 weeks for standard service. Approximately 92% of applications are decided within this period. Priority processing (5 working days, £500) achieves an 85% success rate, while super priority (next working day, £1,000) reaches 97% success for meeting the target timeframe.
What is the student visa extension processing time?
Student visa extension processing time is 8 weeks for standard applications, with approximately 99.8% decided within this timeframe—the highest success rate of any visa category. Priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services are available. You must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before applying.
How long does UK visa renewal take?
UK visa renewal (extension) processing time follows the same 8-week standard for most visa categories. The term "renewal" and "extension" are often used interchangeably for in-country applications to extend your leave to remain. Processing times vary by visa type and service level chosen, with priority options available to reduce wait times to 5 working days or next day.
Is priority visa extension worth it?
Priority visa extension is worth considering if you need certainty for work, study, or travel commitments. Priority service (£500) delivers 85-99% of decisions within 5 working days depending on visa type. Super priority (£1,000) achieves 97-99% next-day decisions. However, if your case is non-straightforward, these timelines may not apply. Standard processing often meets the 8-week target reliably.
What happens if my visa extension application is delayed?
If your visa extension exceeds the 8-week standard, first check for any UKVI communications requesting additional documents. You can then use the paid enquiry service to contact UKVI directly. Your Section 3C leave protects your immigration status while a valid in-time application is pending, allowing you to remain and work in the UK. For significant delays, contacting your MP or seeking legal advice may help expedite a decision.
How long does dependent visa extension take in the UK?
Dependent visa extension UK processing time is 8 weeks when applying separately, or processed alongside the main applicant if submitted together. Submitting applications together is recommended to ensure coordinated decisions. Priority and super priority services are available for dependent extensions. Processing times mirror those of the principal visa holder's category.