Leave to Remain Renewal Application
Securing your right to stay in the UK is a significant milestone, but whether you’re renewing your visa to stay with family, continue your work, or pursue your studies, the process can feel uncertain.
Having the right legal support can make this daunting process much easier.
Experienced immigration lawyers understand the nuances of leave to remain renewals and can guide you through each step, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines, and help you gather and organise the necessary documentation to present a strong application to the Home Office.
At Lawhive, we combine the efficiency of our tech-driven platform with the expertise of a regulated law firm to offer you exceptional support at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street firms.
Our network of dedicated immigration solicitors takes the time to understand your circumstances and tailor their services to your needs. Whether you need assistance with complex cases or straightforward renewals, you always receive customised support.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.
What is leave to remain renewal?
Leave to remain renewal means extending your permission to stay in the UK when your current visa or immigration status is nearing its expiration.
If you are living in the UK on a temporary visa or have limited leave to remain, you will need to apply for a renewal to continue your stay legally and avoid lapses in your residency status.
Who is eligible to renew their leave to remain in the UK?
You can apply to renew your leave to remain if:
You currently hold valid leave to remain under various visa categories (such as work, family, or study) or humanitarian grounds;
You have followed the conditions of your current visa and continue to meet the purpose of your visa category;
You can support yourself (and any dependents) financially;
You have been living in the UK for the duration of your current leave.
Specific eligibility for different visa categories
Family visa renewals
If you are in the UK on a Spouse or Partner Visa, you can apply to renew your leave as long as you are still in a genuine relationship with your UK-based partner. You must also continue to meet the financial and accommodation requirements.
If you hold a visa as a parent of a British child, you can renew your leave if you continue to play an active role in the child’s upbringing and meet the financial and accommodation criteria.
Work visa renewals
If you are in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2), you can renew your leave if you are still employed by an approved sponsor and continue to meet the minimum salary requirements.
Student visa renewals
If you are in the UK on a Student Visa, you can renew your leave if you are continuing your studies, have an offer for a new course, or are progressing to a higher level of education. You must also demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself.
Private life
If you have built a private life in the UK, such as through long-term residence or strong family ties, you may be able to renew your leave based on your personal circumstances.
How do I renew my leave to remain status?
To renew your leave to remain status, visit the UK government’s website and find the appropriate online application form for your visa category.
Carefully complete the form, ensuring all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents. This includes personal details, immigration history, and any dependents included in your application
The application process requires you to pay a fee. The amount varies depending on the type of visa you are renewing and whether you are opting for standard or expedited processing. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
If your application is approved, you will receive a new biometric residence permit with your updated Leave to Remain status.
If your application is refused, the refusal letter will explain the reasons. You may have the option to apply for an administrative review, appeal the decision, or reapply with additional evidence.
What documents do I need to submit with my leave to remain renewal application?
Documents you may need to include with your leave to remain renewal application include:
Your current, valid passport;
Your current Biometric Residence Permit;
Proof of your residence in the UK (such as utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreement or mortgage statements, etc);
Payslips and bank statements;
A letter from your employer confirming your employment status, salary, and length of employment.
You may also need to include specific documents based on your visa category such as proof of relationship, a new or extended Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, evidence of your academic progress, or financial proof.
When should I renew my leave to remain?
The UK Visas and Immigration generally recommend that you apply for the renewal of your Leave to Remain at least 28 days before your current visa expires.
Submitting your application close to the expiration date can be risky. If there are any issues or delays with your application, you might end up overstaying your visa, which can affect future immigration applications. Typical processing times for standard applications can be 8 to 12 weeks. Applying 28 days before your visa expires generally allows enough time for processing without risking overstaying.
While it’s important not to apply too late, applying too early can also be problematic. UKVI may not accept applications submitted more than 3 months before the current leave expires, as the application may be considered too early
Some visa categories may have specific rules about when you can renew. For example, student visas might require proof of course progression, while work visas may require a new Certificate of Sponsorship. Check the conditions of your specific visa to determine the best timing for renewal.
If you have special circumstances, such as planned travel or work commitments, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine the best time to apply.
How long does the leave to remain renewal process take?
The timeline for renewing your Leave to Remain in the UK can vary depending on the type of visa you are renewing, the completeness of your application, and the processing times of the UKVI.
You will receive a notification from UKVI once a decision has been made. This is typically done via email or post. If your application is successful, you will receive a new biometric residence permit indicating your updated status.