Staying in the UK on a family visa usually means extending before your permission ends. Switching from another visa is possible only in limited cases, and a mistake on timing can leave you without lawful permission.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- GOV.UK says you can extend or switch to a family visa inside the UK, but switching is limited to a spouse or partner, child, or parent.
- Visitors, and people with permission of 6 months or less, usually have to leave the UK to apply for a family visa. GOV.UK gives exceptions, including 6-month fiancé(e) visas and permission linked to a family court or divorce case.
- You cannot get a family visa if your family member is on a work or student visa.
- If you apply to extend or change your permission before it expires, your permission can continue while the application is decided (known as section 3C leave). Late or invalid applications do not qualify.
- While you have 3C leave, you cannot submit a new variation application.
- Victims of domestic abuse and bereaved partners may be able to settle under separate provisions (see family changes).
What usually decides the outcome.
- The date your current permission ends and the earliest date you can apply.
- Whether the requirement for your extension has changed since your last grant, including financial requirements.
- Whether your relationship or circumstances have changed since you last applied.
- Whether your application is valid and complete before you submit it.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.