UK Family Visa Extension: How Long Does It Take? Processing Times 2026
Waiting for your UK spouse or family visa extension decision? Learn realistic processing times, priority service options, and what to do if your application is delayed.
How Long Does a UK Family Visa Extension Take?
If you're applying to extend your UK family visa (spouse, partner, parent, or child visa), you'll want to know how long the decision will take. This guide covers realistic processing times for family visa extensions in 2026.
Official Processing Times
The Home Office provides these official targets for family visa extensions (also known as FLR - Further Leave to Remain):
| Service Type | Target Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 weeks | Included in visa fee |
| Priority | 5 working days | £500 extra |
| Super Priority | Next working day | £1,000 extra |
⚠️ Reality Check: Standard applications often take longer than 8 weeks
Realistic Processing Times
Based on recent applicant experiences, here's what you can actually expect:
Spouse/Partner Visa Extension
| Service | Official Target | Realistic Time |
|---|---|---|
| Super Priority | Next working day | 1-2 working days |
| Priority | 5 working days | 5-10 working days |
| Standard | 8 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
Parent Visa Extension
| Service | Official Target | Realistic Time |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | 5 working days | 5-15 working days |
| Standard | 8 weeks | 10-20 weeks |
Child Visa Extension
| Service | Official Target | Realistic Time |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | 5 working days | 5-10 working days |
| Standard | 8 weeks | 8-14 weeks |
Factors That Affect Processing Time
Things That Can Speed Up Your Application:
- ✅ Complete documentation: All required evidence provided
- ✅ Clear, high-quality scans: Easy for caseworkers to read
- ✅ Straightforward case: No complications or previous refusals
- ✅ Priority/Super Priority service: Paid fast-track options
Things That Can Delay Your Application:
- ❌ Missing documents: Home Office requests additional evidence
- ❌ Complex relationship history: Previous marriages, divorces
- ❌ Financial requirements unclear: Income/savings documentation issues
- ❌ Previous immigration issues: Overstaying, refusals, etc.
- ❌ Security checks: Additional verification needed
- ❌ Peak application periods: High volume times
Priority Services Explained
Super Priority (£1,000)
- ⏱️ Decision: By end of next working day after biometrics
- ✅ Best for: Urgent travel, job start dates, emergencies
- ⚠️ Availability: Limited slots, book early
- 📍 Where: Premium Service Centres only
Priority (£500)
- ⏱️ Decision: Within 5 working days of biometrics
- ✅ Best for: Need certainty without emergency
- ⚠️ Reality: Sometimes takes up to 10 working days
- 📍 Where: UKVCAS centres
Standard (No extra fee)
- ⏱️ Decision: Target 8 weeks
- ✅ Best for: No time pressure, budget-conscious
- ⚠️ Reality: Can take 12-16+ weeks
- 📍 Where: Any UKVCAS centre
Your Rights While Waiting
If you applied before your current visa expired, you have important protections:
✅ Section 3C Leave
Your permission to stay is automatically extended on the same terms as your previous visa until a decision is made. You can continue working and living in the UK legally.
What You Can Do on Section 3C:
- ✅ Continue working (same conditions as before)
- ✅ Continue renting
- ✅ Access NHS
- ✅ Stay in the UK legally
What You Should Avoid:
- ⚠️ International travel: May break your 3C leave — seek advice first
- ⚠️ Changing jobs: Check if your visa allows this
What If It's Taking Too Long?
Before 8 Weeks:
Wait patiently. Applications within the 8-week window are considered "on time."
After 8 Weeks (Standard) or Target Time (Priority):
- Check your email: Look for any requests for additional documents
- Contact UKVI: Use the online contact form or helpline
- Paid Enquiry Service: £5.48 for email response within 2 working days
- MP Escalation: Ask your local MP to make enquiries
After 12+ Weeks:
- Formal Complaint: Submit a complaint about unreasonable delays
- MP Enquiry: MPs can often get faster responses
- Legal Advice: Consider pre-action protocol letter if excessive delay
How to Contact Your MP
- Find your MP at members.parliament.uk
- Email or write with:
- Your full name and address
- Application reference number
- Date of application
- Date of biometrics
- Time elapsed beyond target
- Ask them to enquire with the Home Office
The Application Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Submit online application | Day 0 |
| Pay fees (visa + IHS) | Same day |
| Book biometrics appointment | Within 1-2 weeks |
| Attend biometrics | As booked |
| Processing begins | After biometrics |
| Decision | 8 weeks (standard) from biometrics |
| BRP collection | Within 10 days of decision |
Tips for Faster Processing
Before Applying:
- ✅ Gather ALL documents before starting
- ✅ Ensure financial evidence covers the required period
- ✅ Get relationship evidence ready (photos, messages, bills)
- ✅ Have English language certificate if required
When Applying:
- ✅ Complete application form fully and accurately
- ✅ Upload clear, complete document scans
- ✅ Pay correct fees (visa + IHS)
- ✅ Book biometrics promptly
After Applying:
- ✅ Check email regularly (including spam)
- ✅ Respond to any requests immediately
- ✅ Keep copies of everything submitted
Current Visa Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Family visa extension (main applicant) | £1,048 |
| Family visa extension (dependant) | £1,048 each |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035/year |
| Priority Service | +£500 |
| Super Priority Service | +£1,000 |
Example: Spouse visa extension for 2.5 years = £1,048 (visa) + £2,587.50 (IHS) = £3,635.50
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while waiting for my extension?
Be very careful. If you're on Section 3C leave, leaving the UK may end your leave. Consult an adviser before any international travel.
What if I applied after my visa expired?
You may be an overstayer and won't have Section 3C protection. Seek urgent legal advice.
Can I upgrade to Priority after submitting?
No. You must select Priority/Super Priority when you first apply. You cannot upgrade a pending standard application.
Is Priority worth it?
If you need certainty (job, travel, peace of mind) and can afford it, Priority at £500 is often worth it. Standard applications can take months.
Will contacting UKVI speed things up?
Generally no, but it's worth checking if there are issues with your application. MP enquiries tend to be more effective.
What happens if I'm refused?
You'll receive a refusal letter explaining why. You may have the right to an administrative review or, in some cases, an appeal.
Key Takeaways
- ⏱️ Official target: 8 weeks for standard applications
- 📊 Reality: Often 10-16+ weeks for standard
- 💨 Priority options: £500 (5 days) or £1,000 (next day)
- ✅ Section 3C: You can work/stay while waiting if applied in time
- 📧 After 8 weeks: Contact UKVI or your MP
- 📋 Complete application: = Faster processing
Related Guides
- UK ILR Processing Times
- Spouse Visa Financial Requirements
- Administrative Review Guide
- ILR for Dependants
Official Government Resources
- 🔗 Extend Your Family Visa — gov.uk
- 🔗 Visa Decision Wait Times — gov.uk
- 🔗 Contact UKVI — gov.uk
- 🔗 Find Your MP — UK Parliament
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Immigration laws and visa requirements vary by country and change frequently without notice.
Always refer to official government sources of the relevant country (e.g., gov.uk for UK, travel.state.gov for USA, ec.europa.eu for EU/Schengen, mofa.go.jp for Japan) as your primary source of truth. The information provided here may not cover all scenarios, exceptions, recent policy changes, or country-specific requirements.
SolveVisaCase is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. We do not provide legal representation or guaranteed outcomes. For complex cases, country-specific questions, or if you're unsure about your eligibility, please consult a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed adviser in the relevant jurisdiction.
We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, delays, or adverse outcomes resulting from reliance on this content. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant immigration authorities.