Skilled Worker visa
Extend your visa
You can usually apply to extend a Skilled Worker visa or a Tier 2 (General) work visa if all of the following are true:
- you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
- your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
- you’re still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Your partner and children
Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.
They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
If you’re a care worker or a senior care worker, your partner and children may not be able to stay in the UK as your dependants when you extend your visa.
If you have a Skilled Worker visa
If you got your certificate of sponsorship (CoS) before 4 April 2024 you may be able to meet lower salary requirements.
If you have a Tier 2 (General) work visa
You may be able to meet different eligibility requirements, depending on:
- whether you got the certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 visa before or after 24 November 2016
- your occupation code - some have different going rates
The requirements will apply if you either:
- have a Tier 2 (General) work visa
- had a Tier 2 (General) work visa which you’ve extended as a Skilled Worker visa
If you got your certificate of sponsorship on or after 24 November 2016
If you apply to extend before 1 December 2026, you will still need to meet the lower salary requirements, but your salary may also include allowances, such as London weighting. Any allowances must be guaranteed for the length of your stay.
Jobs with different going rates
For some jobs, the going rate for the Skilled Worker visa is different if you had a Tier 2 (General) visa. These going rates are based on a 40-hour working week.
| Occupation code for your Tier 2 (General) application | Occupation code for your current application | Going rate | 90% of going rate | 80% of going rate | 70% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2114 Physical scientists | 2113 Physical scientists | £29,000 (£13.94 per hour) | £26,100 (£12.55 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 2119 Natural and social science professionals not classified elsewhere | 2119 Natural and social science professionals not classified elsewhere | £29,000 (£13.94 per hour) | £26,100 (£12.55 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline | 2119 Natural and social science professionals not classified elsewhere | £29,000 (£13.94 per hour) | £26,100 (£12.55 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline | 2311 Higher education teaching professionals | £33,000 (£15.87 per hour) | £29,700 (14.28 per hour) | £26,400 (£12.69 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 2311 Higher education teaching professionals | 2311 Higher education teaching professionals | £33,000 (£15.87 per hour) | £29,700 (14.28 per hour) | £26,400 (£12.69 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) |
| 2322 Education managers | 2311 Higher education teaching professionals | £33,000 (£15.87 per hour) | £29,700 (14.28 per hour) | £26,400 (£12.69 per hour) | £24,750 (£11.90 per hour) |
If you’ve changed job or employer
You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead.
Fees
Check how much it costs for your type of visa.
You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.
Proving your identity and providing supporting documents
As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport or resident permit you have.
You’ll either:
- use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
- give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
Apply to extend your Skilled Worker visa
You must apply online before your current visa expires.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
Continue your application
Find out how to sign in to your account.
How long it takes to get a decision
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.
You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- you need to attend an interview
- of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.
After you apply
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.