Extending your stay
This section explains how you can apply to extend your temporary permission to stay (also called 'temporary leave to remain') in the United Kingdom. To apply for permanent residence (also called 'indefinite leave to remain'), you should see the section on settlement.
If you have temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom, you may be able to extend this permission and stay longer. However, if you came here as a visitor, you cannot stay for more than six months in total - you are not allowed to extend your visa beyond six months or to apply for a new visitor visa, but in some circumstances you may be able to transfer to a different category of visa. You should see the appropriate category for more information.
After you have lived in the United Kingdom for five years, you may be able to apply to live here permanently, depending on the category of visa you have. The settlement section gives more information about this.
To apply to extend your visa, you will need to complete an application form. Before you do this, you should ensure that you meet any requirements to be allowed to extend your stay. These will vary according to the category of visa you have. You should see the appropriate category for more information.
If you want to apply to extend your visa, you must do so before your existing visa expires.
Application forms for the following categories are available in the Working in the UK section:
- work permit employment;
- Worker Registration Scheme (WRS);
- Tier 1 (General) of the Points-Based System (PBS);
- Bulgarian and Romanian citizens;
- Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme (SAWS);
- employment under the Sectors Based Scheme; and
- approved training or work experience (TWES).
For information on which application form you will need to complete, see Application types.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?
If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.
News & updates
Terms explained
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Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain (often known as ILR) is permission to stay permanently (settle) in the United Kingdom, free from immigration control.
Internet links
Contact
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Visa services
Visa Customer Services, Visa Services Directorate, International Group, UK Border Agency, c/o Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY If you are outside the United Kingdom, you should contact your nearest British diplomatic post.