Many Indian tourists wish to prolong their United Kingdom holiday. To get your UK tourist visa extended, you must apply to the Home Office before your authorized stay ends, demonstrating you meet the eligibility criteria. The process for a UK visa extension for Indians involves submitting an online application, paying the required fees, and providing supporting documents.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Indians need to know about United Kingdom tourist visa extensions:
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Types of UK Visa Extension for Indians
The UK offers several types of visas, but not all are eligible for extension. Here are the key points about the UK visa extension for Indians:
- Standard Visitor Visa: This visa, issued for tourism, business visits, or seeing family, can be extended for up to 6 months in total. You must apply before your current visa expires.
- Long-term Standard Visitor Visas: If you hold a 2, 5, or 10-year Standard Visitor visa, you can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. While these visas cannot be extended beyond 6 months per trip, you can re-enter the UK multiple times during the visa validity period.
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visa and Transit Visas: These short-term visas are not eligible for extension as they serve specific, limited purposes.
Extensions are usually granted for:
- Continuing medical treatment
- Completing a training course or taking an exam
- Attending a conference or business event
- Participating in scientific research
- Visiting family due to a crisis
United Kingdom Visa Extension Fees
The UK visa extension fees for Indians depend on the type of visa and the applicant’s age. Here’s a detailed fee table:
| Visa Type | Age | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months) | Adult | £119 (₹13,000) |
| Child (under 18) | £119 (₹13,000) | |
| Long-term Standard Visitor Visa (2 years) | Adult | £361 (₹39,400) |
| Child (under 18) | £361 (₹39,400) | |
| Long-term Standard Visitor Visa (5 years) | Adult | £655 (₹71,500) |
| Child (under 18) | £655 (₹71,500) | |
| Long-term Standard Visitor Visa (10 years) | Adult | £822 (₹89,700) |
| Child (under 18) | £822 (₹89,700) |
Additional charges:
- Biometric information: £19.20 (₹2,100)
- Priority visa service: £220 (₹24,000)
- Super priority visa service: £956 (₹1,04,300)
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Are You Eligible for a United Kingdom Visa Extension?
To qualify for a UK tourist visa extension for Indians, you must satisfy specific criteria:
- Current Visa Validity: Your existing visa should be valid at the time of application. Apply before your authorized stay period ends.
- Extension Purpose: Your reason for extending must align with your original visa purpose. For example, if you entered the UK for tourism, you can extend your stay for tourism-related reasons.
- Proof of Funds: Provide bank statements showing you can support yourself financially during the extended stay without working or relying on public funds.
- Accommodation Details: Submit evidence of where you’ll be staying, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a UK resident.
- Travel History: A history of visa refusals, violations, or overstays can negatively impact your eligibility. Maintain a clean immigration record.
- Health Conditions: If you’re receiving medical treatment, include a letter from a registered healthcare professional confirming your appointment dates and health situation.
- English Language Skills: While you’re not typically required to prove English proficiency for a tourist visa extension, having basic English skills is beneficial for your visa interview and stay in the UK.
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Documents Required for United Kingdom Visa Extensions
When applying for a United Kingdom tourist visa extension, you must provide all UK visa extension documents for Indians, including:
- Completed online application form
- Valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa
- Current BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), if applicable
- Printed copy of your application form
- One passport-sized color photograph
- Accommodation proof, such as hotel bookings or host’s invitation letter
- Financial proof, like 6 months’ bank statements and income/tax documents
- Reason-specific documents:
- Medical treatment: Letter from a UK doctor detailing treatment plan
- Attending a conference: Invitation letter and event details
- Visiting family: Proof of relationship and reason for extended stay
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How to Apply for a United Kingdom Visa Extension
To apply for a UK visa extension, you must submit an online application, pay the fees, and provide biometric information. You may need to visit a visa application center for biometric enrollment or document submission.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps for online UK visa extension application for Indians:
Step 1: Visit the official UK government website to start your application.
Step 2: Click ‘Apply Now’ and confirm that you’re extending a Standard Visitor visa.
Step 3: Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
Step 4: Complete the online application form with accurate information about your:
- Personal details
- Passport
- Current visa
- Reason for extension
- Accommodation
- Financial circumstances
Step 5: Pay the visa extension fee online using a credit or debit card.
Step 6: Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your biometrics. If you have provided your biometrics in the past 5 years, you may be able to reuse them.
Step 7: Attend your UKVCAS appointment and submit your supporting documents.
Step 8: Wait for a decision on your application, which you can track online.
How to Apply Offline
There is no fully offline application for a UK visa extension process for Indians.
Offline Application Processing Centers
You can get assistance with your online application at one of the following visa application centers in major UK cities:
- London: VFS Global, 66 Wilson Street, London, EC2A 2BT
- Manchester: VFS Global, 50 Devonshire Street North, Manchester, M12 6JH
- Birmingham: VFS Global, 3 Pinfold Street, Birmingham, B2 4AY
- Edinburgh: VFS Global, 1 Rennie’s Isle, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6QT
- Cardiff: VFS Global, Regus House, Falcon Drive, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 4RU
United Kingdom Visa Extension Processing Time & Next Steps
After submitting your United Kingdom visa extension application, you can expect a decision in about 8 weeks. If you use the priority service, you may get a reply within 5 working days. For super priority service, you’ll usually receive an answer the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment.
While awaiting a decision, you must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, or your application will be withdrawn. The processing time also depends on your circumstances, so it’s best to apply early.
Need help navigating the United Kingdom visa extension process? OneVasco offers personalized guidance at every step, from application to document verification. Our visa experts ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
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FAQs
1. How can an Indian apply for a United Kingdom visa extension?
- Visit the Official UK Visa Website: Go to the official UK government visa and immigration website to apply for the visa extension.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online application form for the visa extension, providing the required details.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the applicable visa extension fees online as part of the application process.
- Book an Appointment at a UKVCAS Center: Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to submit your biometrics and required documents.
- Submit Biometrics and Documents: Attend the appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) and submit any necessary supporting documents for the extension.
2. What are the reasons for granting a United Kingdom visa extension to Indians?
The UK may grant a visa extension to Indians for reasons like:
- Continuing medical treatment
- Finishing a training course or exam
- Attending a business conference or event
- Participating in an academic research project
- Visiting a close family member due to an emergency
3. What documents are needed for a United Kingdom visa extension for Indians?
For a UK visa extension, Indians are required to submit several documents, including a completed online application form, a valid passport, and a biometric residence permit (BRP) card. Applicants must also provide one recent color photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the UK, and evidence of accommodation arrangements. Additionally, documents supporting the reason for the visa extension, such as medical records, employment details, or other relevant information, must be included.
4. How long before expiration should Indians apply for a United Kingdom visa extension?
It’s advisable to apply for your UK visa extension at least 2-3 weeks before your current visa expires. However, you can submit your application anytime before the expiry date.
5. Can an Indian extend a United Kingdom visa beyond its standard validity?
While long-term Standard Visitor visas are valid for 2, 5, or 10 years, you can only stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time. You cannot extend your stay beyond 6 months on any single visit.
6. How much does it cost to extend a United Kingdom tourist visa for Indians?
The UK tourist visa extension fees for Indian citizens are:
- Standard Visitor visa (6 months): £119 per person
- Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years): £361 to £822, depending on the length
- Biometric information: £19.20
- Optional priority services: £220 to £956
7. What happens if my UK visa extension for Indian tourist is denied?
If your UK visa extension application is refused, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons. You must leave the UK on or before the expiry of your current visa. In some cases, you may be able to apply for an administrative review to challenge the decision.
