British National (Overseas) visa

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Extend your visa

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to extend your existing BNO visa.

You must apply before your existing visa expires.

Your visa extension does not have to be granted before your current visa expires. You’ll be able to stay in the UK and do the same things you were able to do on your previous visa until a decision is made on your extension application.

If you want to live permanently in the UK, do not apply earlier than 28 days before your visa expires. This is to make sure you have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously when you apply to settle.

Your new visa will start on the date it is granted. If you have time remaining on your previous visa, you can have up to 28 days added to your new one.

There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your BNO visa.

Find out how much is costs.

Your family members

Your family members can apply to extend their BNO visa. Each family member will need to make their own application. How they apply depends on their age and if they are dependent on you. They can apply at any time before their current visa expires.

Children under 18

In most cases, children under 18 need to apply to extend with both parents who have BNO visas, unless:

  • one parent has sole responsibility
  • one parent has the right to live in the UK permanently, for example if they are a British Citizen
  • one parent moved to the UK before the child

They will need to use your extension reference number to apply.

Partners, children over 18 and adult dependent relatives

Partners, children over 18 and adult dependent relatives can apply separately from you and do not need to prove their relationship to you.

If your relationship ends, your partner can apply to extend their visa independently from you.

Apply online

As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, you can sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying for a visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks of your application date.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, the 12 weeks starts from the date you submitted your online application.

If you went to a UKVCAS service point, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints.

Your application may take longer to process if:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence
  • you need to attend an interview
  • you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

After you apply

You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision about your application.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision.

If you’re applying with a family member

You and your family members might get your decisions at different times.

If your family members are waiting for a decision, it does not automatically mean their application has been unsuccessful.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI.

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

You’ll get a letter or an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Find out what happens after you get your decision.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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