Can a UK Skilled Worker Visa be extended?

Can a UK Skilled Worker Visa be extended?

Yes, a UK Skilled Worker Visa can be extended. You are required to submit an online application to extend your stay in the country. The application must be submitted before the before the current visa expires to avoid overstaying. You have to meet the eligibility to renew a visa as a skilled worker.

 

*Are you interested in applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with step by step process.

 

What are the requirements for extending a UK Skilled Worker visa?

 You have to satisfy the following requirements to extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa:

• Work for the same job role
• The same occupation code of the current job must be same as the previous job role
• Work for the sponsor who has issued your CoS previously
• Your licensed employer is still recognized by the Home Office in the UK and permits sponsoring workers through this route.

 

*Note: You are not required to provide evidence of funds of £1,270, if you have been working in the UK for 1 year or more than that.

 

What is the process for extending a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

You are required to submit an online application with the requested documents to extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa.

The steps to extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa are as follows:

Step 1: Apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship

Step 2: Prove your identity if applicable

Step 3: Provide biometrics like fingerprints and photographs at the UKVCAS

Step 4: Create an account in the UKVI

Step 5: Scan your identity documents via the UK Immigration: ID Check app

Step 6: Wait for the decision

Step 7: Get the visa

 

What is the cost required to extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The cost required to extend or renew a UK Skilled Worker Visa depends on the duration of your stay in the country.

The following table lists the visa application costs if they are made from within the UK.

Applications made in the UK	Fee
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants	£827
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants	£1,500
Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants for the applications made until 3 July 2024 with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024	£551
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024	£551
Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants for the applications made until 3 July 2024 with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024	£1,084
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024	£1,084
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants	£284
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years -main applicant and dependants	£551
Skilled Worker – shortage occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants for the applications made until 3 July 2024 with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024	£284
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List- Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024	£284
Skilled Worker – shortage occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants for the applications made until 3 July 2024 with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024	£551
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024	£551

 

If you are having a job on the Immigration Salary List, then you need to pay around

• £551 for duration up to 3 years
• £1,084 for a duration of more than 3 years

 

You are also required to pay an IHS fee each year with an additional cost of £19.20 for scanning documents and submitting biometrics.

 

When should I submit an application to extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

You are required to submit an application for extending the current visa if you intend to stay and work in the UK. You have to apply:

• Before the expiry date of the existing visa or
• Within the 3 months of the issuance of a new CoS

How many times can I extend my UK Skilled Worker Visa?

You can extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa multiple times as required. But, it is mandatory to meet the eligibility criteria to extend the visa.

What is the processing time to renew a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UKVI takes around 8 weeks to process a UK Skilled Worker Visa application. It may take longer in certain cases if you are requested to appear for an interview or are asked to submit additional documents.

*Note: You can pay an additional cost to process your application through priority service.

 

*Looking to migrate to the UK? Reach out to Y-Axis the, the world’s No.1 Overseas Immigration Company, for end-to-end support.