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How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension

If you want to apply to extend your Skilled Worker Visa then you must submit your renewal application from within the UK, and before your current visa expires. You can apply by filling in the online application form that is available on the gov.uk website.

Once your employer has agreed to extend your contract, they will need to apply for an unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

As part of your extension application, you will need to prove your identity and will also have to submit supporting documents to show that you can meet the requirements. To prove your identity you can either:

Give your biometric information (your fingerprints and photo) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point and get a biometric residence permit Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document

Extending your visa with a new employer

If you have had a change of employment, such as a new job or a new sponsor, then you cannot apply to extend your visa but instead must apply to update your visa. To be eligible to update your Skilled Worker Visa your new job will need to meet the requirements and you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your licenced sponsor to prove this.

You’ll only need to provide other evidence that your meet the requirements if you have been in the UK for less than a year.

You must also update your Skilled Worker Visa is 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 move from a job that is on the Shortage Occupation list to one that isn’t a Shortage Occupation role.

You can apply to update your visa 3 months before you begin your new job and you can continue to work in your current job whilst your application is considered. You can make the application using the form available online.

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain

Whilst applying for a Skilled Worker Visa extension will allow you to remain in the UK, you may also be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you would like to make the UK your permanent home. ILR will grant you permission to remain in the UK without any time restrictions and the Skilled Worker Visa category is one of many immigration categories that you can become eligible to apply under.

Skilled Worker Visa holders can become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain when they have been in the UK for at least 5 years. You can submit your ILR application before your current Skilled Worker Visa expires.

As well as meeting the residency requirements, to be eligible for ILR there are other criteria that you must meet such as passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the appropriate English language requirement.

If you need support with your visa extension, contact our offices in London, Manchester, or Birmingham, or use our office finder to find your closest branch.