Extending Your UK Visa: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visa Extensions

Is your UK visa about to expire? You must be looking for ways to get it extended. Perhaps you’re looking to build your career there or start a new life with your partner. You may be looking forward to staying for longer so you can take your first steps for becoming a UK resident.

Ahead, we’ve elaborated on the extension process of UK’s top 2 visa systems: Tier 1 and Tier 2.

This guide will give you a better understanding of your available options, requirements, and eligibility for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa extensions.

Visa Extension – Tier 2

You can live for up to six years in the United Kingdom if you’re a Tier 2 visa holder, with extensions included.

Eligibility

You can apply for a Tier 2 visa extensions:

• If you’re still working for the same company as you did while your visa was still fresh.
• If you meet the same eligibility criteria as in your initial days of visa application

If your company is willing to extend your work contract, they must apply for a free Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). After the assignment of the new CoS, you have a 3-month period to submit your application for Tier 2 visa extension or at least 60 days (approx. 2 months) before the expiry date of your current visa.

Requirements

If you wish to extend your Tier 2 visa, you must fulfil the following requirements:

• You should be earning a salary equal to or higher than what you made before applying for a Tier 2 visa extension.
• Obtain a new CoS (as discussed above)
• Provide your biometrics, including a photograph and fingerprints
• Provide documented proof of maintenance funds
• Provide documented proof of your proficiency in the English language. You may have to take another English qualification test (this one should be a level up from the one you took for your first visa application).
• Stay in the United Kingdom until the visa extension application is approved.

Visa Extension – Tier 1

You can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 3 years with this via. You can apply for a Tier 1 visa extension for another three years when your existing visa is about to expire. A good part about Tier 1 visa extensions is that you can apply for them as many times as you want if you meet the requirements. It is also known as the Innovator Visa (formerly called “Entrepreneur Visa”), and it requires you to submit a new endorsement before your current via approaches its expiry.

Eligibility Requirements

Extension Based on a Unique Business Venture

• You must fulfil the endorsement criteria for “new business” if you’re applying for an extension for a different venture as the one in your initial Tier 1 visa application.
• Just like your old business, this venture must also exhibit scalability, innovation, and feasibility.
• You are required to show an investment of at least £50,000 in your new venture.

Extension Based on a Similar Venture

If you want to get an extension for a similar business venture as in your initial Tier 1 visa application, you must follow these criteria:

• Your business venture achieved great success in the initial application period
• Your current business venture is officially recognized by the Companies House.
• You are listed as a member or director of the business in the Companies House.
• The venture is still in the operating phase and trading well.
• The business is expected to observe sustainable growth for at least a year.
• You have played a significant part in the business development and management.

If you meet the requirements mentioned above, consider getting your venture’s idea reviews by an official body while applying for a visa extension. We have some of the best immigration lawyers in London on board who can walk you through the entire extension process.

Get in touch with us to hire the top UK immigration lawyers today!