You are able to apply for extensions to most UK visas while you are present in the UK. The visas you are not allowed to apply for extensions for are short term visas, like a visit visa.
You should bear in mind when applying for an extension to your existing visa that you must satisfy the requirements to that visa before filing your application to the Home Office or Work Permit (UK).
Do's & Don’ts
Do’s :
Make sure your current visa is valid for more than 6 months and is not a visit visa;
If travelling to the UK for the first time, you must ask the British Embassy before travelling to the UK whether or not you can apply for an extension to the visa in the UK;
Always make sure that you understand what requirements you must satisfy before applying for the extension;
Make sure you have enough money in your bank account to demonstrate to the Home Office that you can support yourself financially for the duration of the new extension to your visa;
Always submit original supporting documents to the Home Office. Remember you do not want the application to be refused, so give yourself the best chance possible;
Make sure that you post all the documents at least 1 month in advance of your current visa expiring;
Do not be afraid of contacting the Home Office directly should you be in doubt of advice received or if you have concerns that you cannot provide some of the paperwork;
Don’t s :
Send your documents on the last day of the visa expiring;
Apply for an extension to a visitors visa - this will be refused;
If you have any doubts as to what documents you should be sending to the Home Office, do not send them, seek advice;
Types of visas that extensions can be applied for are as follows:
