The Skilled Worker visa is issued by the United Kingdom to those who want to work in the UK for a long period with a job vacancy filled by a licensed sponsor. The maximum stay on such a visa is five years before any further extension of it. However, irrespective of the original grant of leave, a migrant worker should apply for a renewal of their Tier 2 (General) or UK Skilled Worker visa before the expiry of it.

Steps for UK Skilled Visa Extension Application 

To renew a Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa, migrants will have to apply online through the UK with their related documents.

The applicant must have a new CoS assigned to his/her case, which is essential to renew the visa. The process of renewal will require proving their identity, part of which needs to be self-explained in the application, but the applicant might have to do more, depending on his or her passport and whereabouts as some might need to get his/her fingerprints and photos taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). However, one could also create a UKVI account and download the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app in the comfort of his/her home and scan the identity document rather than walking into a UKVCAS appointment.

The applicant shall be notified of the knowledge they will have to acquire when they make an application for an extension of their Skilled Worker visa. Once their application is deposited, they should not travel abroad whatsoever outside the UK, the Channel Islands, Ireland, or the Isle of Man until their UKVI decision has been granted. If they do leave these countries, their extension application will be canceled.

Can Tier 2 Visa Holders Extend their Visas?

Tier 2 (General) visa holders are allowed to extend their leave under the new rules. The extension will then be put down under the Skilled Worker category, making applications under these rules subject to quite several requirements, such as being required to be employed in a role qualifying for a sponsor at a defined salary threshold. Make sure to learn more about the Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Requirement on the official website of the UK government.

If you extend your application before December 1, 2026, you will have to fulfill the reduced salary requirements, but you may get money in the salary as well, such as London Weighting. That money, however, must be guaranteed for the duration of your stay.

Requirements for a UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 

For workers who want to work in the applicable skillful job, with a sponsor under the Home Office-approved sponsor regime in the UK, a Skilled Worker visa could be obtained. The enrollment depends upon prior issuance to such an individual.

There have to be qualifying circumstances, specifically within the Skilled Worker category, where typically professional migrant workers will apply for an extension of stay:

• If they are doing similar work in the same position as they did when they were granted entry clearance

• If their work falls under the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code as when they were admitted

• If the employer is providing a Certificate of Sponsorship that can meet within the same sponsor from which they received the current Certificate of Sponsorship

• If the applicant works for an employer that is still sponsoring skilled workers concerning its retention of UK Home Office accreditation.
  
  

If the migrant worker has been working and living in the UK with permission for 12 months or more upon renewal of their stay, they meet the financial requirement of this entry to be met by those applying under the Skilled Worker route and thus need not submit at least £1,270 in funds.

How much is a UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension Fee?

Applying inside the UK for a Skilled Worker visa extension starts at the standard application fee of £827 for a period of CoS of up to three years and £1500 for a CoS of more than three years.

However, if an applicant's job will be within Immigration Salary Thresholds, £551 for a CoS for up to three years and £1,084 for more than 3 years will be applicable.

Apart from the visa application charge, one also has to bear the Immigration Healthcare surcharge each year on top of this. Also, biometric data charges of around £19.20 may apply.

Any healthcare surcharge, application fee, and additional biometric fee are to be paid personally by the applicant, but some conditions must be met if you want your UK sponsor to pay your Immigration Skills Charge.

Amounts will differ based on your organization's size and how long the individual will be employed by you from the start date to the end date of the CoS. For small and charitable sponsors, however, it is £364 for the first 12 months and £182 every 6 months thereafter. For medium and larger sponsors, it is £1,000 and £500 for each period.

Conclusion 

Once the UK skilled worker visa application is submitted, for example, UKVI would, on almost all occasions, decide within 8 weeks. An interview might need to be scheduled, but in most instances, it takes fewer than 8 weeks. It is possible to apply for accelerated decision-making on a renewal application using the priority service, however, there is an additional fee for doing so. Also, hiring an immigration lawyer in London is essential if you want to avoid delays or refusals. These solicitors have adequate knowledge and skills to help you file a successful extension application. You can later opt for an Indefinite Leave to Remain after a successful UK skilled worker visa extension.