What is the validity of a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

What is the validity of a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker visa has a validity of 5 years. The visa can be extended multiple times if you meet the requirements. However, you must update your visa to stay in the country if you change employers or jobs. There is a possibility for you to apply for an ILR upon meeting eligibility. Upon meeting the required eligibility you can also apply for a UK ILR and stay in the country permanently.

 

What is the next step after a UK Skilled Worker Visa expires?

The next steps after the UK Skilled Worker Visa expires are as follows:

Option 1: Extension of the visa

Option 2: Updating the visa

Option 3: Converting the visa into an ILR

 

Option 1: Extension of a UK Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply for an extension 60 days before the current UK Skilled Worker visa expires. The renewal or extension application form must be submitted while staying in the UK.

 

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

You are allowed to extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa if you:

 

• Are still working in the same job with which you were given permission to enter, reside and work in the UK.
• Are still working for the employer in the UK who has given your present CoS
• Are still working with the same occupation code when you have received an offer to work in the UK.

 

What are the steps to extend a Skilled Worker Visa?

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

 

• Complete the application that is on the UK Home Office website. To cover the extended duration of sponsorship, ask your employer to provide a new CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship).
• Upload the documents that the UKVI requests to aid your application.
• Pay for the UK Skilled Worker Visa application fee and the necessary immigration healthcare surcharge online.
• At the UKVCAS, submit the recent biometrics. You can prove your identity by creating a new UK Visas and Immigration account, but a BRP is mandatory. Schedule an appointment to complete an online application form.

 

Option 2: Updating a UK Skilled Worker Visa

It is necessary to update your UK Skilled Worker visa if:

 

• You are interested in changing your UK employer or your job.
• Your employment offer has changed to a different occupation code.
• You are leaving a job listed as a shortage occupation and choosing a job that is not listed.

 

*Note: To update a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you have to submit an application 3 months before your new job starts.

 

Option 3: Converting a UK Skilled Worker Visa to a UK ILR

You are eligible to apply for a UK ILR if you intend to stay in country permanently. But you must meet certain requirements like staying for 5 consecutive years. It is important for you to not stay out of the UK for more than 180 days in the 5- year period. You can apply for a UK citizenship only 12 months after receiving your ILR.

The given requirements should be fulfilled to qualify for a UK ILR:

• For ages 18 to 65, they must pass the Life in the UK test
• Employed in the UK by the same sponsored  licence holder
• Have met the minimum income requirements
• Have sufficient English language abilities

 

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