Are you wondering how much for an extension of your visa in the UK? Whether you’re extending your student, work, or spouse visa, understanding the fees and requirements involved is crucial. At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring your visa extension application is both accurate and compliant with UK immigration laws and explain to you how much for an extension.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
What Does “How Much for an Extension” Mean?
The phrase how much for an extension refers to the cost involved in extending a current UK visa before it expires. If you’re currently in the UK on a temporary visa (such as a work, student, or spouse visa) and wish to continue your stay, you will need to apply for a visa extension. The extension allows you to remain in the UK for a further period, typically of up to 2.5 years, depending on your visa category.that is why you must know how much for an extension.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
Types of Visa Extensions and Their Costs
The cost for an extension will depend on the type of visa you hold. Each visa category has a different application fee. Below are some of the most common visa extensions and their associated costs:
UK Visa Application Fees 2025: Key Updates
If you’re preparing for a UK visa application or extension in 2025, it’s important to budget for some higher fees this year. The Home Office has announced several changes to visa and sponsorship fees effective from 9 April 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Most UK visa categories are seeing an increase in application fees from April 2025. Whether you’re planning a short visit, moving for work, joining family, or applying for settlement, these increases could impact your total cost. The rate of change varies by visa type, with some experiencing modest adjustments and others more substantial jumps.
Highlights of the New Fees
Some of the primary changes include:
- Visit Visas (up to 6 months): Fee rises to £127 (up from £115)
- Long-Term Visit Visas:
- 2 years: £475 (up from £432)
- 5 years: £848 (up from £771)
- 10 years: £1,059 (up from £963)
- Skilled Worker Visas:
- Up to 3 years: £769 (previously £719)
- More than 3 years: £1,519 (previously £1,420)
- Health & Care Worker Visas:
- Up to 3 years: £304 (was £284)
- Over 3 years: £590 (was £551)
- Spouse, Civil Partner, and Unmarried Partner Visas: Now £1,939 (increased from £1,846)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): £3,029 (up from £2,885)
- Naturalisation (British Citizenship): £1,605 (was £1,500)
- Student and Child Student Visas: £524 (previously £490)
- Sponsor Licence Fees:
- Large sponsors: £1,579 (up from £1,476)
- Small sponsors: £574 (up from £536)
- Certificates of Sponsorship: £525 for Skilled Workers (was £239)
A few services, such as Super Priority or Priority processing, remain at their previous fee levels. Similarly, fees for registering a child as a British citizen or certain endorsement fees are unchanged.
Additional Costs
Remember, most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in addition to the visa fee. Some employers hiring overseas workers may also incur the Immigration Skills Charge, further affecting the total cost.
These updated figures should help you plan for your UK visa extension or application in 2025. If you’re unsure about which category applies to you, or you need assistance with ensuring the right fee is paid, our team is here to help. For tailored advice, reach out to Primus Solicitors Manchester via phone, email, or book a consultation directly through our website.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
1. Student Visa Extension (Tier 4)
If you are a student in the UK and need to extend your stay to complete your studies or transition to a different program, the cost for extending your student visa is as follows:
Application Fee: £490 (for applications inside the UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year
2. Skilled Worker Visa Extension
If you’re in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and your job or assignment needs to continue, you’ll need to apply for an extension. The costs for this visa extension include:
Application Fee: £704 to £1,408 (depending on your job and employer)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year
3. Spouse Visa Extension
If you are married to a British citizen or a permanent resident and need to extend your stay, the cost for extending a spouse visa is:
Application Fee: £1,033 (inside the UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year
4. Visitor Visa Extension
If you are in the UK as a visitor and need to extend your stay, the cost is generally:
Application Fee: £993
No IHS required for visitor visas, but applicants must meet the financial requirements for their stay.
5. Other Visa Extensions
Depending on the type of visa you are holding (Innovator, Tier 1 Entrepreneur, etc.), the cost for an extension can vary. It’s essential to review your specific visa category to determine the exact cost.
Updated Fees for UK Settlement and Nationality Applications
If you are considering applying for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR) or British citizenship (naturalisation), it’s important to factor in the most recent fee changes.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): The current application fee is £3,029, reflecting a recent 5% increase from the previous cost of £2,885.
- Naturalisation (British Citizenship): The application fee for naturalisation has also risen by 7%, now standing at £1,605 (previously £1,500).
Before submitting your application, always check the UK government’s official fees page to confirm the most up-to-date charges, as these are subject to change. Receiving expert advice from immigration solicitors, like our team at Primus Solicitors Manchester, can help ensure you plan and budget accordingly for your application.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
Why You Might Need a Visa Extension
A visa extension is typically required for individuals who need to stay in the UK longer than initially permitted. The main reasons for applying for an extension include:
Further studies for student visa holders
Continued employment for Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa holders
Family reunification for spouse or partner visa holders
Visiting family members or friends for an extended period
Switching visa categories if your circumstances change while in the UK
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
Sponsorship Fees: What’s Changing in 2025?
Alongside the Skilled Worker Visa extension costs, employers will also see steeper bills for sponsor-related fees starting in 2025.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
If you’re issuing Certificates of Sponsorship, brace yourself for a significant price jump. The standard CoS fee, which previously stood at £239, will surge to £525—a whopping 120% increase. This affects Skilled Workers, T2 Ministers of Religion, Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker), and International Sportspersons (over 12 months).
For roles such as Global Business Mobility Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker, Scale-up Worker, or International Sportsperson (up to 12 months), the CoS fee rises from £25 to £55.
Sponsor Licence Fees
Applying for, or renewing, your sponsor licence will also be pricier. Here’s a breakdown:
- Large sponsors: Fee goes from £1,476 up to £1,579.
- Small sponsors and charities: Fee climbs from £536 to £574.
So, whether you’re planning to sponsor new staff or keep your doors open to international talent, it’s worth factoring these increased costs into your future hiring budget.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
How to Apply for a Visa Extension
The process for applying for a visa extension is straightforward but must be done before your current visa expires. Here’s how to apply:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa extension. This includes having the necessary documents, including proof of income, accommodation, and your relationship (for spouse visas).
2. Complete the Application
You can apply for your extension online via the UK Home Office website. You will need to submit personal information, details of your current visa, and the reasons for your extension.
3. Pay the Fee
The cost for an extension must be paid online when submitting your application. The fee is dependent on your visa type.
4. Submit Supporting Documents
You’ll need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
Financial documents (proof of income or savings)
Proof of accommodation
Passport and biometric residence permit (BRP)
Proof of relationship (for spouse/partner visas)
5. Biometric Appointment
Depending on your visa type, you may need to attend a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and photograph.
6. Wait for a Decision
The Home Office will process your application. Processing times vary depending on the visa category, but you can usually expect a decision within 8 weeks. If you’ve applied for a priority service, your application may be processed faster.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
Additional Costs for Visa Extensions
In addition to the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you may also face other costs when applying for an extension, such as:
Priority Service Fee: This optional service expedites the processing of your application. The cost for the priority service is £573 (for non-settlement visas).
Biometric Fee: If you need to submit biometric data, there is usually a fee of £19.20 for in-UK applications.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
Common Mistakes When Extending a Visa
Many applicants make mistakes during the visa extension process that can delay or cause refusal of their applications. These include:
Missing the application deadline: You must apply before your current visa expires.
Submitting incomplete documents: Always ensure all supporting documents are included.
Incorrect fee payment: Double-check the application fee and IHS charges for your specific visa type.
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure a smooth application process.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Are Any UK Visa Fees Staying the Same in April 2025?
If you’re wondering whether all UK visa fees are set to increase in April 2025, there’s some good news. Not every fee is changing. For example:
- Priority Visa Service Outside the UK: Applying for settlement or non-settlement visas using the Priority Service will still cost £500—no price hike here.
- Super Priority Service Within the UK: Need an ultra-fast decision? The Super Priority Service stays at £1,000.
- Innovator Founder Endorsement Fee: This fee, paid to the endorsing body if you’re on the Innovator Founder route, remains £1,000 (excluding VAT).
- Child Registration as a British Citizen: The Home Office fee to register a child as a British citizen is also staying put at £1,214.
So, while many application costs are rising, several key services will hold steady—offering a bit of consistency in an otherwise changing landscape.
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today
FAQs About How Much for an Extension
1. How much for an extension UK visa?
The cost varies by visa type. For a spouse visa, the fee is £1,033. For a student visa, it is £490. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
2. Do I need to pay the IHS if I am applying for an extension?
Yes, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is required for most visa extensions, including those for student, skilled worker, and spouse visas.
3. Can I apply for a visa extension if my visa has expired?
You can apply for an extension if your visa has expired, but it is essential to apply as soon as possible. You may be able to apply for an extension under the 10-day grace period if your visa has recently expired.
4. How long before my visa expires should I apply for an extension?
It’s recommended that you apply at least 8 weeks before your visa expires. If you wait too long, you risk overstaying, which can affect future visa applications.
5. Can I work while waiting for my visa extension?
If you have a valid visa and applied for an extension before it expired, you can continue to work under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.
6. How long does it take to process a visa extension?
Processing times can vary, but generally, it takes about 8 weeks for a decision. Priority services are available for faster processing.
7. Can I apply for a priority service?
Yes, if you need a quicker decision, you can apply for the priority service at an additional cost of £573.
8. How much will UK partner and family visa fees increase in 2025?
From 2025, the Home Office will raise the application fees for certain partner and family visas by around 5%. For example, the spouse, civil partner, and unmarried partner visa fee is set to rise from £1,846 to £1,939. The adult dependent relative visa fee will also move up—from £3,250 to £3,413. Keep an eye on the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information before submitting your application.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information and does not constitute personalized legal advice. Please contact Primus Solicitors Manchester for assistance with your specific visa extension application.
Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester
Need expert advice on how much for an extension or help with your visa application? Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
