Skilled Worker Visa Extension Application Process

by Whytecroft Ford | May 23, 2025 | UK Immigration, Work Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the principal immigration route for non-UK nationals to work in skilled roles within the United Kingdom. Skilled Worker visas may be issued for a period of up to five years; however, if your current Skilled Worker visa is due to expire, you may be eligible to extend it, provided you continue to meet the relevant criteria under the Immigration Rules. This post provides an overview of the application process for a Skilled Worker visa extension.

Can You Extend a Skilled Worker Visa?

As with the initial Skilled Worker visa application, the applicant will need to demonstrate that they continue to satisfy the eligibility requirements. To extend your Skilled Worker Visa, you must demonstrate that:

You are continuing in the same role with the same employer
The job remains within the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code
Your employer maintains a valid sponsor licence
You have been issued a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to extend your visa
You continue to meet the salary threshold for your occupation
If you have been living and working in the UK with permission for 12 months or longer on the date of your renewal application, you’ll meet the financial requirement under the Skilled Worker route and do not need to show funds of at least £1,270.

There is no maximum number of times a Skilled Worker visa can be renewed. Unlike the old Tier 2 (General) visa, the 6-year cap no longer applies. This provides greater flexibility for visa holders to continue working in the UK while pursuing their long-term immigration goals. However, an extension should be considered strategically, particularly if you are approaching eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

When to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension

You may apply at any time before your current visa expires. The previous 28-day window rule is no longer applicable to extension applications. However, it remains relevant to those applying for ILR. It is prudent to factor in your ILR eligibility and avoid unnecessary extensions, especially if you are nearing the five-year qualifying residence threshold. Applying too early or too late may inadvertently disrupt your continuous lawful residence. An immigration legal adviser can assist in determining the most effective timing aligned with your long-term immigration strategy.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Requirements in 2025

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa extension in 2025, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

Same Job Role: The extension must be for the same position you were originally sponsored to undertake. Changes in job responsibilities or title that alter the SOC code may trigger the need for a fresh application.
Ongoing Sponsorship: Your sponsoring employer must continue to be licensed by the Home Office and authorised to issue CoS under the Skilled Worker route.
New CoS: Your employer must assign a new CoS that covers the proposed extended period of employment.
Salary Threshold:
- For CoS issued before 4 April 2024: minimum salary of £29,000 or the lower going rate for your role, whichever is higher.
- For CoS issued on or after 4 April 2024: increased threshold of £38,700 or the role-specific going rate, whichever is higher.

There are permissible lower salary thresholds in some cases, including for:

Workers under 26 or in professional training
Those with a PhD relevant to their job
Postdoctoral researchers
Certain health, care, and education roles on the Immigration Salary List

Extension for Tier 2 (General) Visa Holders

The Tier 2 (General) visa category has now been replaced. However, holders of a Tier 2 visa can transition to a Skilled Worker visa when seeking an extension.

CoS issued before 24 November 2016: The final extension deadline was 23 May 2023. These applicants were subject to legacy salary thresholds (e.g., £20,800).
CoS issued on or after 24 November 2016: Transitional arrangements remain in place until 1 December 2026, during which applicants may include guaranteed allowances (e.g. London weighting) to meet salary thresholds.

Understanding the nuances of these transitional rules is essential to ensure compliance and avoid application refusal.

Application Process for Skilled Worker Visa Extension

The application process involves the following stages:

Request a New CoS: Your sponsor must issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
Submit Online Application: Complete and submit your application using the UKVI online platform.
Pay Relevant Fees: This includes the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Upload Documentation: Evidence your eligibility by submitting supporting documents.
Identity Verification: Depending on your nationality and documentation, verify your identity via:
- The UKVI ID Check mobile app, or
- A UKVCAS centre appointment to provide biometrics

Important: You must not travel outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) while your application is under consideration. Doing so will result in automatic withdrawal of your application.

Supporting Documents

You may be required to submit:

A new CoS reference number
Valid passport or travel document
Evidence of English language proficiency (e.g. B1 CEFR test certificate)
Criminal record certificate for roles that require it
Proof of financial maintenance (unless exempt)
Biometric confirmation

Applicants who have lived in the UK for over 12 months may be exempt from providing maintenance evidence. Nonetheless, documents must be clear, verifiable, and compliant with UKVI standards.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Fees (2025)

As of 2025, the following fees apply to applications made from within the UK:

Visa valid up to 3 years: £885 per applicant
Visa valid for more than 3 years: £1,751 per applicant
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1035 (adult) or £776 (child) per year

You and your family will pay a lower application fee if your job is on the immigration salary list. The fee for each person applying is:

£590 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
£1,160 if you’re staying for more than 3 years

Priority processing fees:

5 working day service: £500
Next working day (super-priority): £1000

All fees are subject to review by the Home Office. We recommend applicants check the GOV.UK website or seek legal advice for the most up-to-date costs.

Dependant Family Members

Dependants do not benefit from automatic extension and must submit individual applications. Eligible dependants include:

Spouses or civil partners
Unmarried partners (with evidence of 2 years’ cohabitation)
Children under 18 (or over 18 if previously granted leave as a dependant)

Each dependant must:

Apply before their visa expires
Satisfy maintenance and relationship evidence requirements

Note: Since 2024, some care-related occupations have seen restrictions on dependants, particularly in lower salary bands. Advice should be sought for dependants of care workers or senior care workers.

Skilled Worker Visa to ILR

Holders of a Skilled Worker visa may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five continuous years in the UK. This includes time spent on Tier 2 (General) visas where applicable.

Advantages of ILR include:

No requirement to apply for further visas
Freedom to change employers or jobs without sponsorship
Access to public funds (subject to eligibility)
Ability to apply for British citizenship after 12 months (subject to meeting residency and good character requirements)

ILR applicants must also pass the Life in the UK test and meet the continuous residence requirements. Legal support is strongly recommended to ensure compliance and prepare a complete application.