Services

What is Leave to Remain?

“Leave to Remain” is the term for UK immigration permission granted to non-British nationals that allows you to stay in the UK either temporarily or permanently. 

There are several routes under which you might apply, including:

• Further Leave to Remain (extension of your current visa)

• Switching between visa categories while in the UK

• Applying via Long Residence or Private Life grounds if you have lived in the UK for many years

• Moving towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Why Choose Us for Your Leave to Remain Application?

• We are specialist immigration solicitors based in London, with extensive experience in leave to remain and visa extension work.

• We guide you through eligibility checks, assist you to compile the correct evidence, and help you understand any risks or complexities (such as previous immigration history, absences from the UK, or criminal records).

• We handle the complete application process — including document preparation, form-filling, submission, and liaison with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

• We keep you informed at every step, provide realistic timelines and costs, and tailor our advice to your personal circumstances.

Our Leave to Remain Services

Visa Extensions / Further Leave to Remain

If your current visa is due to expire, we assist you in applying to extend your stay under the same or a different route (for instance from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, or family visa to partner visa).

Switching Visa Category Within the UK

If you wish to change your visa category (for example from a work visa to a family visa, or from a student visa to a work visa), we provide advice on eligibility and the full switching process.

Long Residence & Private Life Applications

If you have lived in the UK lawfully for a long period (e.g., 10 years continuous lawful residence) or you have strong private life grounds, we advise on applications under those routes and the documentation required.

Preparing the Application & Supporting Documents

We assist you with gathering all necessary evidence including residence history, employment/self-employment information, absences from the UK, and any required medical or criminal record checks.

Handling Complex or Urgent Cases

We provide specialist support for challenging scenarios: previous refusals, absences exceeding the limit, criminal records, immigration status gaps, and urgent applications where deadlines are tight.

Key Eligibility Criteria & Considerations

When applying for leave to remain or an extension, you must consider:

• Lawful stay: You must have valid permission to stay at the time of applying.

• Absences: Many routes impose limits on how many days you can spend outside the UK. 

• Good character: Some routes require you to show you have complied with immigration rules, have no serious criminal history or deception.

• Financial, employment or family criteria: Depending on the route you are applying under (work, family, etc) you may have to meet specific requirements.

• Timely application: It is crucial to apply before your current leave expires — late applications carry risk.

Process, Timescale & Fees

We provide a clear process and transparent pricing:

1. Initial Consultation – We assess your status, eligibility, identify risks, and provide clear advice.

2. Document Review & Preparation – We help compile and check all supporting documents.

3. Form Completion & Submission – We complete the correct application form, pay the Home Office fee, and submit.

4. Correspondence & Follow-Up – We liaise with UKVI on your behalf for any additional requests or queries.

5. Decision & Next Steps – We guide you on what happens after decision-approval (for example rights, travel, pathway to settlement).

Timescales vary depending on the route and complexity. Urgent/super-priority services may be available at additional cost.

Fees are agreed up-front and we clearly explain what is included (e.g., initial advice, document drafting, submission) and what is not (e.g., Home Office fees, biometric enrolment costs).

FAQs – Leave to Remain UK

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