Skilled Worker Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Work VISA in the UK

If you’re currently holding a Skilled Worker visa (formerly known as the Tier 2 General visa) and are looking to extend or renew it, you’re in the right place. As of April 4, 2024, the UK government has updated the minimum salary requirement for visa extensions to £38,700 per year. This means that staying on top of the latest guidelines and requirements is crucial for a successful extension application.

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about extending your Skilled Worker visa in 2024. We’ll cover the new salary thresholds, essential requirements you must meet, and offer a step-by-step guide to ensure your application process goes smoothly.

What You Need to Know About Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa

Extending your Skilled Worker visa allows you to continue working in the UK under the same conditions as your initial visa. Here’s a brief overview of the key updates and requirements for 2024:

• Increased Minimum Salary Requirement: As of April 4, 2024, the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa has risen to £38,700 per year. This change is a significant update from the previous requirement and must be met to qualify for an extension.

• Meeting UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements: To be eligible for a visa extension, you must still meet all the UK Skilled Worker visa requirements. This includes maintaining your employment with an approved sponsor, working in a qualifying job, and meeting the new salary requirements.

• Application Process: We will guide you through the necessary steps for a successful visa extension application, including gathering the required documents and submitting your application in a timely manner.

What’s New for 2024: We’ll explore what the salary increase means for you and how you can prepare for the changes. If you are applying for the first time, check this fresh application details here>>>

Also note that the 6-year maximum stay rule, which applied to the old Tier 2 (General) visa, no longer exists, meaning there is no limit to the number of times you can renew your Skilled Worker visa. If you have already spent 5 continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you may have the option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Recently the UK government allows applicants to submit their Skilled Worker visa extension application at any time before your current visa expires, as the 28-day rule no longer applies. To meet the 5-year ILR requirement and avoid unnecessary applications, it’s important to time your extension properly.

Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension

As a Skilled Worker visa extension applicant, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Same Job and Employer: You must still be employed in the same job with the same employer as when you received your previous visa.
2. Unchanged Occupation Code: The occupation code for your job must remain the same, as only specific roles are eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route.
3. New UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You need a new CoS for the extended period of your employment.
4. Valid Sponsorship License: Your employer must continue to hold a valid UK sponsorship license to employ Skilled Worker visa holders.
5. Minimum Salary Requirements: You must meet the annual salary requirements, which vary depending on when your CoS was issued:
   • CoS Issued Before 4 April 2024: The minimum salary requirement is £29,000 per year or the lower going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher.
   • CoS Issued On or After 4 April 2024: The new minimum salary requirement is £38,700 per year or your job’s going rate, whichever is higher.

Extending Your Tier 2 General Visa Under the Skilled Worker Route

Since the Tier 2 General visa is no longer available for new applications, those with this visa who wish to extend their stay can do so under the Skilled Worker visa route. While the criteria for renewing your Tier 2 General visa are largely similar to those for the Skilled Worker visa, there are some key differences based on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issue date and occupation:

CoS Issued Before 24 November 2016

• You must extend your visa by 23 May 2023. The minimum salary requirement is £20,800 per year unless the ‘going rate’ for your occupation is higher.

CoS Issued On or After 24 November 2016

• For extension applications submitted before 1 December 2026, you must meet the current Skilled Worker visa salary requirements. However, you can count guaranteed allowances, such as London weighting, towards meeting the salary threshold.

How to Extend Your Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa

To renew your Tier 2 General or Skilled Worker visa, follow these steps:

1. Request a New CoS
   Ask your employer for a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your extended period of sponsorship.
2. Prepare and Submit Your Application
   Complete and submit your extension application online.
3. Pay Fees
   Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
4. Upload Documents
   Upload any documents required by UKVI to support your application.
5. Provide Biometrics
   Update your biometrics by either:

• Using the UKVI ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
• Booking and attending a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

1. Possible Interview
   You might be asked to attend an interview with UKVI before a decision is made.
2. Wait for a Decision
   After submitting your application, documents, payments, and biometrics, expect a decision within 6–8 weeks. For faster processing, you can pay an extra fee: £500 for priority service (decision within 5 working days) or £1000 for super-priority service (decision by the end of the next working day).

Supporting Documents Required for Your Skilled Worker or Tier 2 Visa Extension

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa extension, you may need to provide the following documents:

• New Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number
  A reference number from your employer’s new CoS for the extended period.
• Current Passport
  Your valid passport.
• Updated Biometrics
  Proof of your updated photo and fingerprints (biometrics).
• Evidence of Support Funds
  Proof of £1,270 or more in savings (e.g., recent bank statement) if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months. This requirement does not apply if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more.
• English Language Proficiency
  Evidence of your English language skills, such as a pass certificate from an approved English language test at level B1 on the CEFR scale.
• Criminal Record Certificate
  An updated criminal record certificate, if required for your occupation.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Costs

When applying to extend your Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK, you will need to cover the following costs:

• Application Fee
• Up to 3 Years: £827 per person
• More Than 3 Years: £1,500 per person
• Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
• £1,035 per year per person
• £776 per year for applicants under 18 The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

What Happens After Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa?

Once you have extended your Skilled Worker visa, you have two main options for the future:

• Further Extension or Settlement (ILR)

• Further Extension: If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for another visa extension before your current one expires.
• Apply for ILR: After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

• Benefits of ILR

• No More Visa Applications: With ILR, you are no longer subject to immigration control and do not need to apply for further visas.
• Job Flexibility: You can change jobs and employers without needing permission from UKVI.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.

References

1 GOV.UK: Skilled worker visa | eligible occupations

2 GOV.UK: Skilled worker extension | online application