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    Skilled Worker extension

    The primary immigration path for skilled workers who intend to live and work in the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa. Prior to the implementation of the UK’s new points-based immigration scheme, this visa was known as the Tier 2 General Visa. The Skilled Worker Visa is valid for a period of up to five years.

    Qualified visa holders, on the other hand, can be given additional leave to remain in the UK after their permit expires if they apply for an extension before their existing immigration status expires. Those who received a Tier 2 Visa prior to the implementation of the new immigration system could be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa extension.

    The lawyers at Rubens Immigration have been working with businesses and employees all over the country for the continuity of their employment in the UK, thus they have had first hand experience in such cases. To know more in regards to the Skilled Worker Visa extension applications you could contact our team.

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    How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension

    If you wish to apply to extend your Skilled Worker Visa, you must do so before your existing visa expires and it should be from within the UK. This could be done online  at the gov.uk website by filling out the online application form.

    Your employer would need to apply for an unlimited Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) once they have agreed to extend your contract.

    You will need to prove your identity and send supporting documentation to demonstrate that you satisfy the standard requirements as part of your extension application. To prove your identity the following could be done: 

    Skilled Worker Visa renewal requirements

    You must meet certain conditions in order to be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa extension. The criterias are as follow :

    • Have the same work as when you were granted permission to remain in the UK previously.
    • In the same occupation code your job must be as when you were granted permission to remain in the UK originally.
    • You must also be employed by the company that issued your current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

    A new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) will be required, along with a relevant salary for your job, proof of maintenance funds, and proof of your English language skills, just as you did when you were given a Skilled Worker Visa in the first place.

    Skilled Worker extension processing time

    The Home Office normally takes about 8 weeks to make a decision on your application. Although, this can take longer in certain cases for a variety of reasons, such as:

    • The supporting documents might need to be checked 
    • An interview might be required to be attended
    • There may be a problem with your personal circumstances, such as whether you have a criminal record.

    If UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) needs additional details after the submission of your application, they will contact you.

    If you are in a rush, the Home Office’s priority service can be used with certain payment given for a faster decision. For the Priority Service it costs £500, and within 5 working days of your decision, you will be notified. If your appointment is on a weekday, within one working day you will receive a decision with the Super Priority Service that costs £800, and if your appointment is on a weekend, then within two working days.

    Extending your visa with a new employer

    If you have a change of jobs, such as a new job or a new sponsor, you must instead apply to renew your visa rather than extend it. Your new job must fulfill the criteria to renew your Skilled Worker Visa, and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) will be needed from your licensed sponsor to prove it.

    If you have been in the UK for less than a year, you will just need to have other proof that you meet the criteria.

    If you take on a second job that is more than 20 hours per week or a different occupation code, if you change jobs or employers, or if you switch from a job on the Shortage Occupation list to one that isn’t, you must renew your Skilled Worker Visa.

    Three months before starting your new job, you may apply for a visa update and you can keep working while your application is being processed. You can use the online form to submit your application.

    Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn how to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.

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      Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain

      Although extending your Skilled Worker Visa would allow you to stay in the UK longer, if you intend on making the UK your permanent residence, you might be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR would allow you to stay in the UK for an indefinite period of time, and the Skilled Worker Visa category is one of several immigration categories for which you can apply.

      If a skilled worker visa holder has been in the UK for at least 5 years, they may be qualified for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You have until the expiration of your existing Skilled Worker Visa to submit your ILR application.

      In addition to satisfying the residency requirements, you must also pass the Life in the UK Test and fulfill the appropriate English language standard in order to be qualified for ILR.

      You may get in touch with our team if you are in need for professional support with your visa extension.

      How can Rubens Immigration help ?

      At Rubens Immigration we recognise the value of keeping your job in the UK. We will assist you with your Skilled Worker Visa extension irrespective of where you are with our solicitors all over the country.  To receive professional assistance with your extension application, is strongly advised because you will still be required to complete a lengthy application process in which you will be required to provide proof that you meet the eligibility criteria. Mistakes could be easily made and  if you do, your extension application will be denied, and you will be restricted to work in the UK any longer.

      To maximise your chances of success, a competent immigration lawyer will ensure that your application for an extension is done correctly. When it comes to assisting Skilled Worker Visa extension applicants, our immigration solicitors have first hand experience.

      Our services include the following:

      • To a professional standard completing your application forms;
      • To ensure compliance with the Home Office, examining the sponsoring company;
      • To go along with the application, composing a concise Letter of Representation;
      • Before submitting, ensure that all dependents have the right documentation.
      • During the application process, keeping in touch with the Home Office;

      To learn more about the other possibilities and UK visa extension process and start with it you can reach our team.

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      Before submitting their applications, applicants who are changing roles but remaining with the same employer must obtain a new CoS.

      If the following applies, a new Certificate of Sponsorship is required:

      • Your primary responsibilities are shifting, and you will need to use a new Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code;
      • Your new work has the same SOC code as your old one, but the pay would be less than the minimum (as shown by the relevant code of practice)
      • You are switching jobs from one that is on the Shortage Occupation list to one that isn't;
      • Your pay is reduced from the amount shown on your current Sponsorship Certificate;
      • Your core responsibilities shift, and you go from one role to another within the same SOC code.

      A new immigration scheme was implemented in the UK on January 1, 2021. Under the new scheme, the Tier 2 Visa is no longer available and has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa.

      Individuals in the UK on a Tier 2 Visa, on the other hand, have the right to stay and can apply for a visa extension when their visa expires. Depending on when you got your first Certificate of Sponsorship, when you first applied for your Tier 2 Visa, and your occupation code, you will need to follow different eligibility criteria to qualify for an extension if you have a Tier 2 Visa.

      If you received your sponsorship certificate before November 24, 2016, and before May 24, 2023, you apply to extend, the minimum wage you must be charged is set at a lower rate. If the ‘going rate' for your profession is higher, you'll need to be paid at least £20,800 a year.

      If you received your sponsorship certificate on or after November 24, 2016, and you apply to extend before December 1, 2026, you must also meet the current salary criteria.

      The minimum wage requirement of £10.10 per hour or the going rate for your occupation does not apply if you applied for your first Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visa before April 6, 2021.

      Your employer would need to apply for an unlimited Certificate of Sponsorship until they have agreed to extend your contract.

      A Skilled Worker extension application must be submitted within three months of receiving a new CoS or 60 days before the end of your current leave, whichever comes first.

      For instance, if a new CoS is assigned to the employer on February 28, the applicant has until May 28 to apply.

      Contact our specialist immigration solicitors today for assistance with your Skilled Worker extension application.

      Yes, our immigration solicitors will help you with your extension application in a range of ways. Our services range from assisting with the completion of application forms to assisting with the collection of all relevant documentation.

      If you are not sure if you meet the criteria for the visa, our solicitors will provide legal consultation sessions in which they can discuss your case with you, determine your eligibility, and advise you of your immigration options.