Extending your stay in the United Kingdom can be essential for continuing studies, work, or staying with family. However, applying for a UK dependant visa extension isn’t just about filling in a form—it requires strict adherence to immigration rules, timely action, and the correct documentation.
This blog by Salam Immigration breaks down the entire dependant visa extension process—from checking if you’re eligible, gathering the right documents, to submitting your application.
We help individuals, students, workers, and families navigate the UK’s complex immigration system with clarity and confidence. If you’re unsure whether you can extend your visa, or what steps you need to take, read on.
Need expert help with your visa extension? Speak to Salam Immigration before making a move.
Eligibility Criteria – dependant Visa Extension UK
To successfully apply for a dependant visa extension UK, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These criteria vary slightly depending on whether you’re a spouse, partner, or child, and on the visa category of the main applicant (e.g. Skilled Worker, Student, Spouse, or Private Life routes).
Below is a breakdown of the key requirements you must satisfy when applying for a dependant visa extension UK.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
For the purposes of a dependant visa extension UK, you must be:
- The spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of the main visa holder, or
- A child under the age of 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as a dependant and not leading an independant life)
General Eligibility Conditions for Dependant Extensions
To qualify for a dependant visa extension UK, all of the following must apply:
- You are currently in the UK on a valid dependant visa.
- The main visa holder is lawfully present in the UK and is either extending their visa or has already renewed it.
- Your relationship with the main applicant is genuine and ongoing.
- You meet any financial maintenance requirements for your visa route.
- You apply before your current dependant visa expires.
- You are not in breach of immigration laws or subject to a deportation order.
- If over 18, you continue to live with the main applicant (for partner dependants) or are not living an independant life (for adult children).
Types of UK Visas You Can Extend
Understanding which UK visa categories are eligible for extension is crucial—especially if you’re applying for a dependant visa extension UK. Whether you’re the main applicant or a dependant, not all visa types allow you to stay longer. Below is a breakdown of visa types commonly extended, with a focus on how dependants can continue their stay legally through a dependant visa extension UK.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most commonly extended routes. If you’re employed by a licensed sponsor and your job remains eligible, you can apply to extend your visa.
- dependant visa extension UK is permitted for spouses, partners, and children of Skilled Workers, provided:
- The main applicant remains employed.
- The relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- Financial maintenance requirements are met.
2. Student Visa (Student Route)
Students pursuing longer academic programmes can extend their visas for further study or to complete their course.
- dependant visa extension UK applies if:
- The main student is on a postgraduate course lasting 9+ months.
- Dependants meet eligibility and financial requirements.
- Children are under 18 and continue to live with the student.
3. Spouse or Partner Visa
This family-based visa allows extensions after the initial 2.5-year period. If you’re still in a genuine relationship with your partner, you can apply to extend and work towards settlement.
- If you’re the partner, you’re extending your own stay.
- If you’re a child dependant, you’ll need a dependant visa extension UK linked to your parent’s ongoing Spouse visa status.
4. Parent of a British Child Visa
This route supports parents with sole or shared responsibility for a British child.
- If other family members are included, they must apply through the dependant visa extension UK pathway and show ongoing connection to the child and the main applicant.
5. Innovator Founder Visa
While technically not an “extension,” Innovator Founders can renew their visa to continue developing their endorsed business.
- dependant visa extension UK is possible if:
- The main applicant has maintained endorsement.
- Dependants remain eligible under the family criteria.
6. UK Ancestry Visa
This visa can be extended if you continue to meet ancestry, employment, and residency requirements.
- Spouses, civil partners, and children of Ancestry visa holders may apply under the dependant visa extension UK category.
Find out if your visa can be extended— Contact our team to give you a personalised route map.
What is the Application Process for Extending Your UK dependant Visa
Applying to extend your visa in the UK—whether as a main applicant or through a dependant visa extension UK—requires precision, planning, and strict compliance with Home Office procedures. Below is a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the process, with special attention to dependants extending their stay.
Step 1: Apply Online Before Your Current Visa Expires
For both main applicants and dependant visa extension UK cases, applications must be made from inside the UK and before your current visa expires. The Home Office expects timely submissions to avoid any breach of immigration rules.
- Use the official UKVI site: https://www.gov.uk/extend-visa
- Choose the correct visa category (Skilled Worker, Student, Spouse, etc.)
- Dependants must submit a separate application linked to the main applicant’s visa route.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Application fees for a dependant visa extension UK are typically the same as those for the main applicant. Additionally, all applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which grants access to NHS services.
- IHS for most routes: £1,035 per year (adults and children)
- Payment must be made online as part of the submission process.
Step 3: Upload Documents and Book Your Biometric Appointment
After paying, you’ll be directed to the UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) portal.
For a dependant visa extension UK, each dependant must:
- Upload required documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, financial evidence, etc.)
- Book a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photos
Parents or guardians must attend the appointment with children under 16.
Step 4: Attend the Biometric Appointment
You’ll need to attend your scheduled appointment at a UKVCAS centre. Bring the following:
- Appointment confirmation
- Current passports and BRPs
- Original supporting documents (if required)
For dependant visa extension UK applications, ensure all dependants are present, and minors are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Step 5: Wait for the Home Office Decision
Processing times vary depending on the service level you choose:
- Standard service: Up to 8 weeks
- Priority service: 5 working days
- Super priority service: 1 working day
You must not leave the UK while waiting for a decision on a dependant visa extension UK—doing so automatically withdraws your application.
Step 6: Receive Your Decision and New BRP
If approved:
- You’ll receive an email confirmation.
- A new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will be posted to your registered UK address.
This applies to both the main applicant and anyone granted a dependant visa extension UK.
If refused:
- You may have the right to an Administrative Review or appeal, depending on the visa route and reason for refusal.
Make the process seamless—Salam Immigration can handle your entire visa extension for you.
Documents Required for a UK Visa Extension
To extend your UK visa, you’ll need to provide a robust set of supporting documents that prove your eligibility, identity, finances, and ongoing circumstances. The exact list depends on your visa type, but some core requirements are shared across categories.
Core Documents for Most Visa Extensions
- Valid Passport
A current passport or travel document is required to confirm your identity and immigration history.
- Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you’ve been issued a BRP, it must be submitted with your application.
- Proof of Continuous Residence in the UK
This could include tenancy agreements, utility bills, council tax records, or employment letters to show you’ve remained in the UK lawfully.
- Proof of Finances
You’ll need to show that you can financially support yourself without public funds:
- Students: Bank statements showing at least 28 days of required funds.
- Skilled Workers/Spouse Visas: Payslips, employment letters, and sponsor declarations.
- Confirmation of Sponsorship or Enrolment
- Students: CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) issued by a licensed sponsor.
- Workers: A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Family applicants: Marriage certificate, birth certificates (for children), and proof of ongoing relationship.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
Some visa categories require this unless exempt. Acceptable documents include:
- SELT test results (e.g., IELTS for UKVI).
- Academic qualifications taught in English.
- Proof of nationality from an English-speaking country.
- Tuberculosis Test Results
If required (based on your country of origin), and you’ve been in the UK less than 6 months, a TB certificate may be needed.
- Accommodation Details
Especially for family visas, you’ll need to prove there is adequate accommodation without overcrowding.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Receipt
This fee must be paid during application and provides access to NHS services.
- Any Previous Immigration History Documents
If applicable, provide records of past refusals, appeals, or immigration tribunal decisions.
Visa-Specific Document Requirements
Student Visa Extensions
- Updated CAS with course details.
- Attendance and academic progress confirmation.
- Parental consent if under 18.
Skilled Worker Visa Extensions
- Updated Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Confirmation that your salary meets the threshold.
- Employer’s letter confirming continued employment.
- Co-habitation documents from the last 2.5 years (e.g., joint bills, tenancy).
- Photographic evidence of your relationship.
- Communication records if you’ve spent time apart.
Document Preparation Tips
- Translate any non-English documents with certified translations.
- Scan documents clearly if submitting online.
- Double-check that all documents are dated and consistent.
- Maintain copies of everything submitted for your own records.
Avoid costly delays— Contact us to get your document checklist reviewed by our legal team today.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Extending Your Family or dependant’s Visa
Applying for a dependant visa extension UK may seem straightforward, but small errors can lead to delays, refusals, or even immigration breaches. At Salam Immigration, we’ve seen how common mistakes—often avoidable—can derail otherwise valid applications.
1. Applying After the Main Applicant’s Visa Expires
Dependants can only apply if the main visa holder has valid status. Submitting a dependant visa extension UK application after the lead applicant’s visa has expired is one of the fastest routes to refusal.
Tip: Apply for all visa extensions at the same time—or ensure the main applicant’s visa has already been successfully renewed.
2. Missing or Weak Relationship Evidence
Whether it’s a spouse, partner, or child, you must prove the relationship is genuine and ongoing. A dependant visa extension UK can be rejected if:
- Marriage or birth certificates are missing.
- There’s no proof of cohabitation.
- The relationship appears only on paper.
Tip: Include joint bills, photos, communication records, and any documents showing shared life or parenting.
3. Not Meeting the Financial Requirement
Incorrect or incomplete financial documents are a top reason dependant visa extension UK applications fail. Common mistakes include:
- Submitting bank statements that don’t meet the 28-day rule.
- Using ineligible accounts or unsupported currencies.
- Misunderstanding how many dependants need to be covered.
Tip: Ensure the exact required funds are held in the correct format and timeframe.
4. Including Over-Age or Ineligible Dependants
A child dependant must generally be under 18, unmarried, and financially reliant on the main visa holder. Including adult children or dependants who are living independantly can lead to a rejected dependant visa extension UK application.
Tip: Review each dependant’s eligibility carefully before applying.
5. Using Expired or Unofficial Documents
Expired passports, old BRPs, or unofficial translations can invalidate your dependant visa extension UK application. UKVI requires current, certified documentation.
Tip: Double-check expiration dates and ensure all foreign documents are professionally translated into English.
6. Applying as a Dependant While Outside the UK
You cannot apply for a dependant visa extension UK from abroad. Extensions must be submitted from within the UK. If your dependant is overseas, they’ll need to apply for entry clearance instead.
Tip: Plan ahead if your family is travelling, and ensure they’re in the UK at the time of application.
7. Incorrect Application Form or Route
Many applicants choose the wrong online application or visa category, especially when applying for a dependant visa extension UK alongside switching or extending the main visa.
Tip: Always match the dependant’s visa route to the main applicant’s and choose the correct form on the UKVI site—or let a legal professional do it for you.
8. Failing to Include All Dependants in One Application Cycle
If you stagger dependant applications instead of submitting them together, you risk mismatched visa end dates and complications during future extensions or settlement.
Tip: Apply for all dependants at the same time, using the correct dependant visa extension UK process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a dependant visa extension in the UK?
Yes. If you’re in the UK as a dependant of a Skilled Worker, Student, or Spouse visa holder, you can apply for a dependant visa extension UK as long as:
- The main visa holder remains eligible and in the UK.
- You continue to meet relationship and financial requirements.
- You apply before your current visa expires.
2. What documents are needed for a dependant visa extension UK?
For a dependant visa extension UK, you’ll typically need:
- Passports for both the main applicant and the dependant.
- BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits).
- Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificates).
- Co-habitation evidence (for spouses/partners).
- Financial documents showing adequate maintenance funds.
3. Can I work on a dependant visa in the UK?
Yes. Most dependant visa extension UK applicants—especially dependants of Skilled Workers or Students—are allowed to work, but some restrictions may apply (e.g. no work as a professional sportsperson). Always check the conditions of your specific visa route.
4. Do children qualify for a dependant visa extension UK?
Absolutely. Children under 18 can be included in a dependant visa extension UK application if:
- Both parents are in the UK (or one, with sole responsibility).
- The child isn’t living independantly or married.
- There is sufficient financial and accommodation support.
5. Can I include my dependants when I extend my main visa?
Yes. When applying for your own visa extension (e.g. Skilled Worker, Student, or Spouse), you can include your partner and/or children in a dependant visa extension UK application at the same time.
6. What happens if a dependant visa extension UK is refused?
If a dependant visa extension UK is refused, the dependant may:
- Request an administrative review (if eligible).
- Appeal (in some family-based cases).
- Reapply with corrected information.
Legal support is recommended to avoid overstaying or a future re-entry ban.
7. How long does it take to process a dependant visa extension UK?
Standard processing for a dependant visa extension UK typically takes up to 8 weeks, but priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions.
8. Is there a financial requirement for a dependant visa extension UK?
Yes. You must prove you can support each dependant:
- Students: £845/month (London) or £680/month (outside London) per dependant.
- Skilled Workers: £285 for partner, £315 for first child, £200 for each additional child (held for 28 days).
Evidence must be precise to avoid refusal.
9. Do dependants need to meet English language requirements?
For a dependant visa extension UK, the English language requirement generally applies only to Spouse/Partner dependants—not children or dependants of Skilled Workers or Students.
Secure Your Family’s Future in the UK with Expert Support
Whether you’re applying for your first extension or managing multiple dependant applications, getting it right matters. At Salam Immigration, we specialise in dependent visa extension UK services—ensuring your family stays together, legally and stress-free.
Contact us today for initial Assessment
