Change Visitor Visa Status While In The UK

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

November 27, 2020

Last updated: 20 November 2024

Under the UK’s immigration rules, it is not possible to change (switch) a UK Visitor Visa to another type of visa. This means, for example, you cannot switch from a Visitor Visa to a Work Visa, Spouse Visa, Student Visa or any other type of visa while you are in the UK. In the majority of situations, as a Visitor Visa holder, you would need to leave the UK and return to your country of origin before applying for another visa. This no-switch rule exists to ensure that anyone coming to the UK applies for a visa that matches their genuine reason for coming here in the first instance. In other words, it does not provide an immigration pathway to other routes.

While you cannot switch visa if you are in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you may be able to have your stay extended for longer than the six months that is normally granted, but only in certain circumstances. Standard Visitor Visa extensions may be permitted, for example, if you or a family member need to receive private medical treatment in the UK. You can also stay longer if you are an academic as long as you are not filling a permanent post.

In rare circumstances, it may be possible to switch from a UK Visitor Visa to another type of visa under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which protects the right to respect for family and private life. For example, this may be applicable if there are compelling factors, such as it would not be reasonable to expect a child to leave the UK. Alternatively, you may be able to apply for leave outside of the normal immigration rules; this is referred to as Leave Outside of the Rules (LOTR). This may apply, for example, if there are compassionate factors that mean you cannot leave or return to your home country (e.g., an emergency or disaster).

In any event, it is always recommended to discuss your circumstances with an immigration lawyer who can review your case and that of your children to recommend the best course of action. Please speak to one of our experienced immigration solicitors on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form.

Can you get married in the UK on a visitor visa?

It is not possible to get married in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa; instead, you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa before coming to the UK. The rules state that visitors cannot marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. However, they can apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, which is specifically intended to allow foreign national partners to come to the UK to get married (but not to live here).

If you are already in the UK on a Marriage Visitor Visa, you also cannot switch to a Spouse Visa, even though you are married in the UK. To do so, you would need to leave the UK and make an out-of-country application for a Spouse visa, assuming you meet the eligibility rules. If you are getting married to a British citizen or a person who is settled here and want to stay on a Spouse Visa, it is recommended that you apply for a Fiancé Visa in the first instance rather than a Marriage Visitor Visa.

Can you work on a visitor visa in the UK?

In general, you cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person who is a Standard Visitor Visa holder. However, you may be able to work in a very limited capacity. This may include volunteering for up to 30 days with a charity, carrying out certain business-related activities (e.g. a meeting or interview), or taking part in a permitted paid engagement or event as an expert in your profession (e.g. giving a lecture or performing).

Other permitted paid engagement activities on a Standard Visitor Visa include: