Waiting for a decision can be stressful, particularly if you have work, travel or family plans. First, understand what your status is while you wait.
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.
- If you applied in time to extend or change your permission, your permission can continue while the application is decided (section 3C leave), with the same conditions as before.
- While you are on 3C leave, you cannot submit a new variation application.
- Leaving the UK while an in-country application is pending can cause it to be treated as withdrawn.
- GOV.UK says administrative review results can take 12 months or more, and that if there is no decision within 6 months the Home Office will contact you. Delays do not affect your rights.
- Legal remedies for delay exist in limited circumstances, such as judicial review. Whether one is available depends on the length and cause of the delay.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Whether your application was valid and made before your permission expired.
- The date of the application, any reference numbers and the service standard stated for your type of application.
- Any travel, work or deadlines that depend on the decision.
- What contact you have already had with the Home Office.
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.