Extension of Dependant Visa UK - Dependant Visa Renewal Through Priority or Super Priority Service

If you are currently in the UK as the dependant partner or dependant child of a visa holder, you may need to apply for an extension of your dependant visa before your current permission expires. In most cases, the dependant will apply for an extension at the same time as the main applicant, who is also applying for an extension of his/her visa. However, where the main applicant is applying for ILR or has already been granted ILR as under the work visa category, and the dependant cannot apply for ILR for some reason, the dependant can apply for an extension of the dependant visa.

A dependant is granted 3 years' leave to remain when the main applicant has already been granted ILR under the work visa category. In most cases, the grant of a 3-year extension enables the dependant to complete the 5-year qualifying period for ILR as a dependant. An application for the extension of a dependent visa is made in accordance with the requirements set out in the UK Immigration Rules.

At Premium Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors provide specialist legal assistance with all types of dependant visa extension applications, ensuring that you and your family can continue living lawfully in the UK. Our team can assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and maximise your chances of success.

• Page Contents
• Free Immigration Advice
• What is a Dependant Visa Extension?
• Who Can Apply?
• Dependant Visa Extension Applications
• Eligibility Requirements
• Priority/Super Priority Service
• Documents for Dependant Visa Extension
• When Should You Apply?
• Can Dependants Apply for ILR?
• How Can We Help?
• Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
• Book an Appointment
• Our Fixed Fees
• Get a Quote
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Free Immigration Advice for a Dependant Visa UK

Our specialist team of dependant visa solicitors can provide a 5-minute one-off free immigration advice for a dependant visa application. Ask a question online to our specialist team of immigration solicitors for free immigration advice online, or book an appointment online for detailed immigration advice and consultation with one of our immigration solicitors concerning your dependent visa application.

What Is a Dependant Visa Extension?

A dependant visa extension allows family members of eligible visa holders to remain in the UK beyond the expiry date of their current dependant visa. In most cases, a dependant's immigration status is linked to the status of the main visa holder (known as the sponsor). Therefore, if the main applicant extends their visa, their dependants must also apply separately to extend their own visas.

Failure to submit an extension application before your current visa expires could result in becoming an overstayer, which may negatively affect future immigration applications.

Who Can Apply for a Dependant Visa Extension?

You may be eligible to extend your dependant visa if you are:

• The spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or same-sex partner of an eligible visa holder;
• A child under the age of 18 of an eligible visa holder;
• A child over the age of 18 who was previously granted permission as a dependant child and continues to meet the relevant requirements.

The main visa holder must continue to hold valid immigration permission or have extended their leave in an immigration category that permits dependants.

Types of Dependant Visa Extensions We Handle

Our immigration solicitors can assist with all types of dependant visa extension applications. At Premium Solicitors, we can provide expert immigration advice and legal representation for the following dependant visa extension applications:

• Extension of a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
• Extension of a Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa
• Extension of UK Ancestry Dependant Visa
• Extension of T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa
• Extension of a Global Talent Dependant Visa
• Extension of Tier 1 Entrepreneur Dependant Visa
• Extension of Sole Representative Dependant Visa
• Extension of Student Dependant Visa
• Extension of International Sportsperson Dependant Visa UK
• Extension of Senior or Specialist Worker Dependant Visa
• Extension of Scale-up Worker Dependant Visa
• Extension of UK Expansion Worker Dependant Visa
• Extension of Innovator Founder Dependant Visa
• Extension of Care Worker Dependant Visa

Requirements For Extension Of Dependant Visa

The most common requirements to be met by a person applying for extension of a dependant visa from inside the UK will have to meet the following requirements to be eligible for extension of dependant visa:

Valid application: The applicant must submit a valid application to extend a dependent visa from within the UK.

Immigration status requirement: The applicant must be currently in the UK with leave to enter or remain as a dependant visa.

Relationship requirement: The applicant must meet the relationship requirement as per the Immigration Rules.

Age requirement for partner: If the applicant is applying as a dependent partner, they must be aged 18 or over on the date of application.

Age and care requirement for child: If the applicant is applying as a dependent child, they must be aged under 18 on the date of application, unless they were last granted permission as the dependent child of their parent or parents. If the applicant is a child aged under 18 on the date of application, there must be suitable arrangements for the child’s care and accommodation in the UK that comply with relevant UK legislation and regulations.

Suitability requirement: The applicant must not fall for refusal under Appendix Part Suitability of the Immigration Rules.

Financial requirement: The applicant must meet the financial requirement as set out in the Immigration Rules. 

Not be in breach of immigration laws: The applicant must not be:

• • in breach of immigration laws, except that where the Exceptions for overstayers section of Part Suitability applies, that period of overstaying will be disregarded; or
  • on immigration bail.

Fast Track Service For Extension Of Dependant Visa

Documents Required for a Dependant Visa Extension

The documents required vary according to individual circumstances but may commonly include:

• Current passport;
• Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable) or eVisa;
• Evidence of relationship with the main applicant;
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate;
• Birth certificates for dependant children;
• Proof of cohabitation;
• Evidence of financial maintenance (where required);
• Sponsor's visa approval documents;
• Evidence of the sponsor's employment or immigration status.

Our solicitors provide tailored document checklists based on your circumstances.

When Should You Apply?

You must submit your dependant visa extension application before your current visa expires. In many cases, dependants apply at the same time as the main applicant extends their visa, although separate applications can also be made before the dependant's current leave expires.

Applying early allows sufficient time to resolve any issues and avoid unnecessary immigration risks.

Can Dependants Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Many dependant visa holders become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required qualifying period in the UK. Where a dependant has not yet qualified for settlement, they may need to extend their dependant visa before becoming eligible for ILR. Certain dependant visa holders can continue extending their visas even after the main applicant has obtained settlement.

How Can We Help?

Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can provide expert immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed fee basis in relation to your application for an extension of a dependant visa. Our fixed fee for your dependant visa extension application will cover all the work of our immigration solicitors on your extension application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI on your application. The casework to be carried out by our immigration solicitors in relation to your dependant visa extension application will entail the following:

Advice on requirements: Our immigration solicitors will advise you on the relevant requirements you have to meet for your dependant visa extension application to succeed.

Advice on documents: Our immigration lawyers will prepare and email you a comprehensive list of supporting documents to submit with your dependant visa extension application.

Assessment of documents: Our immigration lawyers will assess your documents to ensure that all documents you provide in support of your application comply with the requirements of the immigration rules.

Completing the application form: Our immigration lawyers will complete the relevant form for your dependant visa extension.

Submitting an application via Priority/Super Priority Service: Where possible, our immigration lawyers will submit your online dependant visa extension application through Priority or Super Priority Service to obtain a faster decision.

Booking an appointment with the application centre: After the online submission of your dependant visa extension application, our immigration lawyers will book your appointment with the application centre for you to enrol your biometrics.

Preparing a detailed cover letter: Our specialist immigration solicitors will prepare a detailed cover letter in support of the dependant visa extension application, explaining all relevant legal requirements and how the applicant has satisfied them, with the documents submitted with the application.

Uploading documents online: Before the biometrics enrolment date, our immigration lawyers will upload all supporting documents for the dependant visa extension application.

Follow-up work: Our immigration lawyers will carry out all follow-up work until the UKVI Home Office decision on the dependant visa extension application.

With extensive experience in UK immigration law, we provide clear advice, fixed-fee services, and dedicated support throughout the application process.

Specialist Immigration Solicitors for Dependant Visas

Our immigration solicitors are specialists in UK visa applications for dependants. As one of the best immigration solicitors, we have an excellent track record of helping clients obtain UK visas as dependants. Our highly experienced and fully qualified immigration solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration advice and legal representation for your UK visa as a dependant. 

The high quality of UK visa and immigration legal services provided by our best team of immigration lawyers is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our London-based immigration solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of UK visa and immigration cases. Our team of highly regarded immigration solicitors brings together more than 6 decades of collective, specialised expertise in successfully handling UK visa and immigration applications.

Meet Our Team of Immigration Solicitors in London

At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our immigration solicitors in London. We understand that immigration matters are life-changing events, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the dependent visa process with professionalism and care. 

Our team comprises a diverse group of immigration solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your immigration needs.

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Schedule Your Consultation With Our Immigration Solicitors

Are you seeking expert immigration advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of immigration solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated dependent visa specialists. Our expert team of immigration solicitors and advisors can provide detailed immigration advice and consultation, face-to-face in our offices in London and Birmingham or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:

• Book An Appointment Online With Our Immigration Solicitors in London

Our immigration lawyers are ready to assist you with your UK dependant visa matter. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.

Our Fixed Fees for Extension of a Dependant Visa

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FAQs - Extension of a Dependant Visa

The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the extension of a dependant visa from inside the UK: 

What is a Dependant Visa Extension?

A Dependant Visa Extension allows the family members of eligible visa holders to continue living in the UK after their current dependant visa is due to expire. Dependants may include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or dependent child of a qualifying visa holder. The extension application must be submitted before the current visa expires.

When should I apply for an extension of my dependant visa?

You should normally apply within 28 days of your current dependent visa expiring. It is advisable to prepare your application well in advance to avoid any risk of overstaying and to ensure you have sufficient time to gather the required supporting documents.

Can I extend my dependant visa if the main visa holder extends their visa?

Yes. If the main visa holder successfully extends their visa, you can usually apply to extend your dependant visa to match the duration of their new immigration permission. A dependant's visa does not automatically extend when the main applicant extends their visa.

Can I apply for a dependant visa extension from within the UK?

Yes. Most dependant visa holders can apply for an extension from within the UK, provided they submit their application before their current visa expires and continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements.

Do I need to prove that my relationship is genuine?

Yes. Dependant partners may be required to provide evidence that their relationship with the main visa holder is genuine and subsisting. This may include joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements, council tax bills, and other correspondence showing cohabitation.

Can my child extend their dependant visa?

Yes. Children who already hold dependant status can usually extend their visa provided they continue to meet the Home Office requirements. Children over the age of 18 may still qualify if they were granted dependant status before turning 18 and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

How long does it take to receive a decision on a dependant visa extension?

The processing time for the dependant visa extension applications is as follows: 

Standard Service: decision within 8 weeks

Priority Service: decision within 5 working days

Super Priority Service: decision within 24 hours

Can I work in the UK while my dependant visa extension application is pending?

If you submit a valid application before your current visa expires, you will normally retain your existing immigration rights, including the right to work, until a decision is made on your application.

Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when extending my dependant visa?

Yes. Most applicants extending a dependant visa must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application, unless they fall within a category that is exempt from the surcharge.

What happens if my dependant visa expires before I apply?

If you fail to submit your application before your visa expires, you may become an overstayer. This can negatively affect your immigration history and future UK visa applications. It is important to seek urgent legal advice if your visa is close to expiry or has already expired.

Can I extend my dependant visa if the main applicant has obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

In many cases, yes. Dependants who do not yet qualify for settlement may be able to extend their dependant status even after the main applicant has obtained ILR, provided the relevant immigration requirements are met.

Can a dependant visa lead to settlement in the UK?

Yes. Many dependant visa holders can qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required qualifying residence period and meeting the relevant immigration requirements. The exact route depends on the immigration category of the main applicant.

Can Premium Solicitors assist with my dependant visa extension?

Yes. Premium Solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation for dependant visa extension applications. Our experienced immigration solicitors can assess your eligibility, prepare supporting documents, complete the application process, and ensure that your application meets the Home Office requirements.

Why choose Premium Solicitors for your dependant visa extension?