Skilled Worker Visa Extension
As a Skilled Worker visa holder, you can extend your Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office.
Before starting your Skilled Worker visa extension application, it's important to understand the requirements set by the UK government for a Skilled Worker visa extension. Meeting these criteria is key to a successful application.
Whether you want to update or extend your Skilled Worker visa, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.
If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- What is a Skilled Worker visa extension?
- Requirements for UK Skilled Worker visa extension
- Do you need to meet the English language requirement again for your visa extension?
- Documents required for Skilled Worker visa extension
- How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension?
- UK Skilled Worker visa extension processing time
- How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
- Contact UK immigration solicitors today
What is a Skilled Worker visa extension?
Your Skilled Worker visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You'll need to apply to extend your visa before it expires.
To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa extension, you must continue to work for a licensed sponsor, meet the minimum salary and skill level requirements, have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and meet other relevant criteria such as English language proficiency and maintenance funds.
After living in the UK for five years under the Skilled Worker visa category, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), granting you permanent residence in the UK.
Requirements for UK Skilled Worker visa extension
Extending a UK Skilled Worker visa involves meeting certain requirements set by the UK government. Here are the typical requirements for extending a UK Skilled Worker visa:
- You must continue to work for the same employer and have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK.
- Your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK.
- Your employer must assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your extension application.
- Your job must still meet the criteria for a skilled worker under the UK's Points-Based System (PBS).
- You must be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do.
- You must have enough money to support yourself in the UK.
- You must have suitable accommodation available for you in the UK.
- You may need to prove your proficiency in the English language, depending on your nationality.
Depending on the type of your appication and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
The minimum salary requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa generally must meet either the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for the specific job, whichever is higher.
Currently, the minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is £38,700 gross per year. However, this is the basic threshold and might be higher depending on the job.
Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
You can meet the requirements by:
- passing an approved test at or above the required CEFR level, with an approved provider as set out on gov.uk at: Approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centres
- being a national of a majority English-speaking country
- having an academic qualification which is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree or PhD
Do you need to meet the English language requirement again for your visa extension?
If you have already met the English language requirement for your initial visa application, you usually do not need to provide evidence of English language proficiency again for your extension, unless there are specific circumstances that require it.
Documents required for Skilled Worker visa extension
When you apply for your Skilled Worker visa extension you will need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this
- proof you have enough money to support yourself
- proof of accommodation such as a tenancy agreement
- evidence of English language proficiency
- proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension?
Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
- Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
- Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
UK Skilled Worker visa extension processing time
Skilled Worker visa extension applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying using a standard service. However, you may be able to use "priority service" to get a faster decision.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
Contact UK immigration solicitors today
If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions (Skilled Worker Visa Extension)
You can typically extend your UK Skilled Worker visa for up to 5 years at a time, or for the period offered by your sponsor, whichever is shorter.
You should apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa extension before your current visa expires. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) advises applying at least 28 days before your visa expires.
Yes, your employer must assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your visa extension application, confirming that they still require your services and are willing to sponsor your visa.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.