This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy. Confirm your visa requirements via Our UK Visa Guidance.
Focus phrase: Extend a UK Skilled Worker Visa.
Yes — if your current Skilled Worker Visa is nearing expiry, you can apply to extend or renew it as long as you continue to meet the Home Office eligibility criteria. The UK Skilled Worker Visa typically lasts up to five years, and applicants can extend it multiple times provided they remain sponsored by an approved employer and still meet the role and salary requirements.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension, you must:
- Be employed by the same sponsor who issued your current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Continue in a role that appears on the eligible occupations list.
- Meet the salary threshold for your occupation.
- Continue to satisfy the English language requirement.
Applications can be made online up to six months before your current visa expires. The extension process is similar to your initial visa application and must be completed before your existing permission ends.
Documents You’ll Need
- Your current passport or travel document
- Your valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Proof of English language proficiency (if not previously provided)
- Updated employment contract or payslips confirming salary and role
The fee for extending a Skilled Worker Visa is typically £625 for stays up to three years. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
How Long Does Processing Take?
Most Skilled Worker Visa extension applications are processed within eight weeks. Applicants using the UK Priority Service can receive a faster decision, usually within five working days. However, processing times can vary depending on workload and complexity.
Staying Beyond Five Years
While there is no set maximum number of extensions, you cannot hold a Skilled Worker Visa indefinitely. After five years of continuous residence in the UK under this visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the UK’s settlement status. ILR allows you to live and work in the UK permanently without sponsorship.
To qualify for ILR under the Skilled Worker route, you must:
- Have lived continuously in the UK for five years under an eligible visa
- Still be employed by a licensed sponsor
- Meet salary and knowledge of life in the UK requirements
For more details, visit How to Extend or Renew Your UK Visa.
Who Is Eligible to Extend a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can apply to extend if you are still employed in the same role and by the same sponsor listed on your current visa. Your employer must confirm this via a new Certificate of Sponsorship. You cannot extend if your employer is no longer licensed or if you change occupation — in that case, you must apply for a new visa.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Expired or invalid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Salary falling below the updated threshold
- Employer losing sponsor licence status
- Missing documentation or failure to apply before visa expiry
If your application is refused, review the reasons and refer to Understanding Your UK Visa Refusal Letter for appeal or reapplication guidance.
Related Visa Routes
The extension process is similar for other employment-based routes such as the Health and Care Worker Visa. For applicants looking to change employers or roles, a new Skilled Worker Visa application may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my extension be denied?
Yes, but if you are still working for the same sponsor and meet the salary and eligibility conditions, refusals are rare. Ensure all documents are accurate and up to date.
Can I change employers during the extension process?
Yes, but your new employer must issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship and be a licensed sponsor. You’ll need to submit a new Skilled Worker Visa application rather than a simple extension.
How soon before expiry should I apply?
You can apply up to six months before your current visa expires. Applying early ensures continuous legal status and avoids disruption to your employment.
Can I apply for settlement after five years?
Yes. After five years, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet salary and residence requirements.
Does this apply to Health and Care Worker Visas?
Yes, the same extension rules and procedures apply to Health and Care Worker Visas.
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025
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