Extension of Skilled Worker Visa UK

You must apply online to extend your Skilled Worker visa before your current visa expires if you want to continue working for a licensed sponsor in the UK.

For a Skilled Worker visa extension, you normally need to remain in the same job, use the same occupation code and continue working for the employer that sponsored you. Your employer must provide a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and you must continue to meet the relevant salary and immigration requirements.

You must apply online and prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or, where required, by providing your fingerprints and photograph at a UKVCAS service point.

If you need help with your Skilled Worker visa extension application, our immigration solicitors can assist. Call 020 3417 3700 or submit an online enquiry.

Table of Contents

What Is a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

A Skilled Worker visa extension allows you to continue living and working in the UK after your current Skilled Worker permission expires.

You can usually extend your visa if:

• You have a Skilled Worker visa or qualifying Tier 2 (General) permission.
• You continue working for the same sponsoring employer.
• You remain in the same occupation code.
• Your job continues to meet the Skilled Worker requirements.
• You receive a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You meet the applicable salary requirements.

If you change employer or move to a different occupation code, you normally need to update your Skilled Worker visa rather than simply extend it.

Can I Extend My Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. You can usually extend your Skilled Worker visa if you remain in the same job, same occupation code and continue working for the employer that sponsored you.

There is no general limit on the number of times you can extend a Skilled Worker visa, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements.

If you have completed the required qualifying period, you may instead be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rather than extending your Skilled Worker visa.

When Should I Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

You must apply online to extend your Skilled Worker visa before your current visa expires if you want to continue working in the UK.

For an extension, your sponsor normally assigns a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a start date of the day after your current visa expires. You cannot apply more than 3 months before the start date shown on your new CoS.

It is important to submit your application before your current permission expires. If you apply before your visa expires, you can normally continue working in your existing sponsored job while your application is being considered.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Requirements 2026

To extend your Skilled Worker visa, you normally need to satisfy the following requirements:

• Continue working for the same sponsoring employer.
• Continue working in the same occupation code.
• Receive a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Meet the applicable salary requirement.
• Continue to meet the relevant Skilled Worker immigration requirements.
• Prove your identity and provide the required documents.
• Apply before your current permission expires.

The exact requirements can vary depending on when you first received Skilled Worker or Tier 2 permission and your occupation. Some transitional salary rules also apply to certain existing Skilled Worker and Tier 2 workers.

Do I Need a New Certificate of Sponsorship to Extend My Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. Your employer normally needs to assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship for your extension application.

The CoS should contain the correct information about your continuing employment, including your occupation code, salary and employment dates.

Check the details carefully before submitting your application because incorrect sponsorship information can cause problems with your application.

What Is the Salary Requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

The salary requirement for an extension depends on your circumstances, including when you first received Skilled Worker or Tier 2 permission and your occupation.

For most new Skilled Worker applications, the standard salary requirement is £41,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. However, lower salary requirements can apply to some existing Skilled Worker and Tier 2 workers under transitional arrangements.

If you first received your Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship before 4 April 2024, you may qualify under lower salary rules when extending your visa.

If you are relying on transitional arrangements, your salary should be checked against the rules that apply specifically to your immigration history and occupation.

Do I Need to Prove English Again for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

In many cases, you do not need to prove your English language ability again if you have already met the English requirement for your current Skilled Worker permission.

However, the exact requirement depends on your circumstances and immigration history.

Documents Needed for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension

The documents you need depend on your circumstances. You will normally need information or evidence including:

• Valid passport or identity document
• Current immigration status or eVisa details
• New Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Employer and job details
• Occupation code
• Salary information
• Evidence of English language ability, where required
• Financial evidence, where required
• Additional documents relating to your job or circumstances

You should follow the document checklist generated during your online application because the documents required can vary between applicants.

Do I Need to Show £1,270 for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

Usually, you do not need to prove maintenance funds if you have been in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months.

If financial evidence is required, you normally need to show at least £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days, unless your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

How To Apply for an Extension of a Skilled Worker Visa?

You must apply to extend your Skilled Worker visa online via the official GOV.UK Visa Portal before your current visa expires to continue working in the UK.

The main steps are:

1. Step 1: Check Your Skilled Worker Visa Extension Eligibility
2. Step 2: Get a New Certificate of Sponsorship
3. Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
4. Step 4: Complete the Online Extension Application
5. Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
6. Step 6: Prove Your Identity
7. Step 7: Provide Your Supporting Documents
8. Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Step 1: Check Your Skilled Worker Visa Extension Eligibility

You can usually extend your Skilled Worker visa if you:

• Continue working for the same sponsoring employer
• Have the same job
• Remain in the same occupation code
• Continue to meet the relevant salary and immigration requirements

If you have changed employer or your job has changed to a different occupation code, you will normally need to update your visa instead.

Step 2: Get a New Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer must normally assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your extension application.

Check that the details on your CoS, including your job, occupation code, salary and employer details, are correct before applying.

Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

The documents you need depend on your circumstances and the information requested during your application.

You may need to provide your passport or other identity document and other evidence relevant to your application. The application will tell you which documents you need to provide.

Step 4: Complete the Online Extension Application

Complete the Skilled Worker visa extension application online through GOV.UK.

You will need to provide information about your personal details, current immigration status, employer, CoS, job, salary and other relevant circumstances.

You can save your application and return to complete it later.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

You must pay the relevant visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge when required.

The amount depends on your circumstances, including the length of your extension and whether a reduced fee applies.

Step 6: Prove Your Identity

You will be told how to prove your identity during the application process.

Depending on your circumstances, you may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Step 7: Provide Your Supporting Documents

Follow the application instructions to provide any required supporting documents.

Make sure your documents are clear and consistent with the information in your application and Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Once you have submitted your application, proved your identity and provided your documents, you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision if the service is available for your application. You will receive an email or letter with the decision and information about what to do next.

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Extension Cost in 2026?

For applications made inside the UK, the standard Skilled Worker visa application fee in 2026 is:

• £943 for up to 3 years
• £1,865 for more than 3 years

If the job is on the Immigration Salary List, the application fee is lower:

• £628 for up to 3 years
• £1,235 for more than 3 years

You will normally also need to pay the £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), unless an exemption applies.

Additional fees may apply if you choose a priority or super priority service.

How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Extension Take?

A standard Skilled Worker visa extension application made inside the UK usually takes 8 weeks after you have completed the required application, identity and document steps.

You may be offered a faster service when you apply.

For eligible Skilled Worker applications made inside the UK, priority and super priority services can provide decisions within 5 working days or by the end of the next working day, respectively, subject to availability.

Can I Travel While My Skilled Worker Extension Is Pending?

No. You should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your Skilled Worker extension application is pending.

If you leave the Common Travel Area before a decision is made, your application will be withdrawn.

This is an important consideration when planning holidays or business travel around your application.

Can I Change Employer When Extending My Skilled Worker Visa?

No. If you change employer, you normally need to update your Skilled Worker visa rather than make a straightforward extension application.

You may also need to update your visa if your new job is in a different occupation code.

You can normally continue working in your existing job while your new application is being considered, provided you apply before your current visa expires. You should not start the new job until you have confirmation of your new immigration permission.

What If My Job Changes but My Employer Stays the Same?

If your employer remains the same but your job changes to a different occupation code, you will normally need to apply to update your Skilled Worker visa.

A change within the same occupation code may not require a new visa application, depending on the circumstances.

Do My Dependants Need to Extend Their Visas?

Yes. Your partner or children do not automatically receive an extension when you extend your Skilled Worker visa.

Each dependant must make their own application to extend their permission.

They can apply at the same time as you or before their existing permission expires, subject to the dependant rules.

What Happens If My Skilled Worker Visa Expires Before I Apply?

You should submit your extension application before your current permission expires.

If you apply in time, you may be able to continue working under the conditions of your existing permission while your application is being considered.

Do not assume that you can safely apply after your visa has expired. If your permission has already expired, you should obtain specialist immigration advice immediately.

Can I Extend My Skilled Worker Visa or Apply for ILR?

If you have completed the qualifying period and meet the settlement requirements, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) instead of extending your Skilled Worker visa.

The Skilled Worker route can lead to settlement after 5 years if you meet all the relevant requirements.

If you are close to completing 5 years in the UK, it is important to check whether an ILR application is more appropriate before submitting a further Skilled Worker extension.

How to Find the Best Solicitor for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

When choosing a solicitor for a Skilled Worker visa extension, check that they are properly regulated, have experience with UK work visas, explain their fees clearly, and can provide advice based on your individual circumstances.

Wembley Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), registration number 806549. You can verify our regulatory status on the SRA Solicitors Register.

Don't just take our word for it. Read our 700+ Google reviews and see why individuals and families across the UK trust Wembley Solicitors with their immigration matters. We are proud of the service we provide and the positive outcomes we have achieved for our clients.

We provide immigration advice on Skilled Worker visas, including extensions, changes of employment, salary requirements and settlement applications.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?

Wembley Solicitors can assist with Skilled Worker visa extensions and other work visa applications, including reviewing your eligibility, documents and application before submission.

Key Reasons to Choose Us

• Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 806549)
• Experience in UK immigration and Skilled Worker visa applications
• Fixed-fee immigration services with clear pricing
• Advice on Skilled Worker visa extension requirements
• Assistance with checking your Certificate of Sponsorship and occupation code
• Review of salary and other eligibility requirements
• Help preparing and checking supporting documents
• Assistance with completing the online visa application
• Advice for more complex cases or previous immigration problems
• Support with applications where circumstances have changed

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Solicitor Cost?

Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee of £1,000 to £1,200 for a complete UK Skilled Worker visa extension application service.

The cost of hiring a solicitor for a UK Skilled Worker visa extension can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the level of support required. At Wembley Solicitors, we offer clear and transparent fixed-fee services, so you know the cost upfront with no hidden charges.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Legal Advice

A Skilled Worker visa extension can become complicated if your salary has changed, your occupation code has changed, you have changed roles, your employer has changed, or you are approaching eligibility for ILR.

For legal advice and assistance with your Skilled Worker visa extension, call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or complete our online enquiry form.