Extending Your Stay on a UK Skilled Worker Visa
If your existing UK Skilled Worker visa or Tier 2 (General) visa is nearing expiry, securing an extension before your current leave lapses is essential to maintain your continuous residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and protect your lawful right to work under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971.
Recent Home Office rule updates have introduced complex transitional provisions. If you were granted your initial Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before 4 April 2024, you may benefit from protected transitional salary rates rather than the newer £38,700 baseline, provided you extend with the same sponsor or move to a qualifying role.
When to Apply for Your Extension
You can apply to extend your Skilled Worker visa up to 3 months before your current visa expires. You must submit your extension application before your current leave expires to trigger Section 3C leave protection, ensuring your right to work remains valid while your application is processed.
Extension Scenarios We Handle
1. Extending with the Same Employer
Your employer assigns an updated Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) extending your contract. We confirm that your salary meets the applicable going rate under SOC 2020 rules and prepare your Home Office submission.
2. Changing Employers (Sponsor Switch)
If you are moving to a new licensed sponsor, you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa before starting your new job. We coordinate the transition to ensure zero gap in employment status.
3. Extending Dependant Family Visas
Synchronizing extension applications for your spouse, partner, and children so their visas run concurrently with your primary grant.
4. Transition to 5-Year ILR
Evaluating whether an extension or an immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain application is your best strategy. If you are close to completing 5 years, we plan your timing to avoid paying unnecessary IHS surcharges.