You can apply for the extension of a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if your job is in the same occupation code and still working for the same employer.
As a Skilled Worker visa holder, if you wish to renew your visa, you must apply for an extension before the current visa expires to keep lawful status in the UK.
The earliest you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa extension is 60 days before the expiry date of the current work visa to extend your stay in the UK.
Do you want to renew your Skilled Worker visa? Call our immigration lawyer on 0161 989 9370 for legal help with your skilled worker visa extension application.
Table of Contents
- What is a Skilled Worker visa UK?
- What is a UK Skilled Worker visa extension?
- How to extend a Skilled Worker visa UK?
- What are the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa extension?
- What documents are needed for a Skilled Worker visa extension?
- How long does it take to extend a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
- How much does it cost to extend a Skilled Worker visa?
- Immigration lawyer for Skilled Worker visa extension
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Need legal advice or help from an immigration lawyer?
What is a Skilled Worker visa UK?
The UK skilled worker visa, also known as the Tier 2 visa, allows skilled workers from outside the EEA to come and work in the UK for an approved employer.
Once granted, the visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with the option to extend it further. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, visa holders may be eligible to apply for settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
What is a UK Skilled Worker visa extension?
The UK Skilled Worker visa extension allows individuals who are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa to extend their stay beyond the initial visa duration.
This extension allows individuals to continue living and working in the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa category. To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa extension, the applicant must meet all the eligibility requirements.
How to extend a Skilled Worker visa UK?
You can apply for an extension of the UK Skilled Worker visa to extend your stay if you are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and want to continue with the same job for the same employer. An application for an extension of a Skilled Worker visa cannot be made from outside the UK.
You must apply online to extend your UK Skilled Worker visa if you meet the eligibility requirements as set out in Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker.
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, an applicant must follow these steps:
- Check if you are eligible
- Get a certificate of sponsorship
- Collect the necessary documents
- Fill out the application form and apply online
- Book & attend a biometric appointment
- Wait for a decision
What are the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa extension?
To extend a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- You must apply before your current visa expires.
- You 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.
- You're still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship.
Applicants must provide a new certificate of sponsorship from their UK employer and meet the same requirements they met when they applied for their initial visa, including English language proficiency, financial requirements, and skill level.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on type of application and your personal circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.
What documents are needed for a Skilled Worker visa extension?
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, an applicant must submit several documents, including:
- A valid passport or other travel documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Evidence that you meet the financial requirement
- Evidence of your knowledge of the English language
- Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable)
This is a general list of documents. Depending on type of application and your personal circumstances, you might also need to provide additional documents.
Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and find out the required list of documents in support of your application.
It is recommended that you consult the immigration lawyer on applying for the extension of the Skilled Worker visa to ensure that you provide all the necessary documents for your application.
How long does it take to extend a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
The UK Skilled Worker extension or renewal applications usually take 8 weeks if applying for the extension from inside the UK by using a standard service.
Super Priority Service
You may be eligible to use the 'super priority service' to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay £1,000 in addition to the UK Skilled Worker visa application fee.
Priority Service
You may be able to choose the 'priority service' when you apply for a UK visa to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay £500 in addition to the UK Skilled Worker visa application fee.
How much does it cost to extend a Skilled Worker visa?
The Home Office fee for a UK Skilled Worker visa extension application is £719 per person (up to 3 years) if applying from inside the UK using standard service.
It does not include Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS). Visit the GOV website to find out how much you need to pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application.
Immigration lawyer for Skilled Worker visa extension
The application process and requirements for the extension of a Skilled Worker visa may change over time, so applicants should always consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor for the latest information and eligibility requirements.
Call our immigration lawyer on 0161 989 9370 for legal help with your Skilled Worker visa extension application. We will help you every step of the way.
Assistance with UK visa extension application
As part of our immigration services for your immigration application, our expert immigration lawyer will:
- assess your eligibility for the relevant visa type by fully considering your circumstances;
- advise you on the required supporting documents to be submitted in support of your immigration application;
- assess all the documents to ensure that the documents you provide are as per the requirements of the Immigration Rules;
- advise you on strengths and potential weaknesses in your visa application and how you can overcome such weaknesses if any;
- complete the online immigration draft application form to share it with you for cross-checking;
- submit your application online and schedule your biometrics appointments with the relevant commercial partner of the UKVI;
- prepare a detailed cover letter in support of the immigration application explaining in detail how you are meeting all the requirements of the Immigration Rules so that you have the maximum chances of succeeding in your visa application;
- upload all the supporting documents online in support of the immigration application in their correct format and order;
- dealing and responding to any caseworker enquiries or correspondence from the Home Office caseworker for any further documents or information concerning your pending immigration application;
- do all the follow-up work on your immigration application until a decision is received from the Home Office UKVI.
Contact our experienced and friendly immigration lawyer on 0161 989 9370 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential immigration advice and legal assistance with a UK visa application or any other immigration matter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding UK visa extensions:
Yes, in most cases, you can stay in the UK while waiting for your visa extension to be processed. As long as you submitted your visa extension application before your previous visa expired.
To extend your UK visa, you typically need to apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You'll need to complete the appropriate application form, pay the required fees, and provide the necessary supporting documents.
In most cases, you can continue working or studying while your visa extension application is being processed, as long as you submitted the application before your previous visa expired. However, it's important to check the specific conditions and limitations of your visa category.
It's generally advisable not to travel outside the UK while your visa extension is pending, as it may impact the processing of your application. If you need to travel urgently, it's best to seek advice from an immigration lawyer.
Most UK visa extension applications for work, study and family visas are currently being processed within 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK. However, you may be eligible to use the 'super priority service' or 'priority service' to get a faster decision depending on the type of application.
Applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
If your visa extension application is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision or apply for an administrative review. The refusal letter should outline the available options and the deadline for taking action. If the application is rejected, you may be required to leave the UK immediately. Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer is recommended in such cases.
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