The Home Office website stated that 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

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.

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 Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

If you have a Tier 2 (General) work visa

You may need 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
• whether you applied for your first Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visa before 6 April 2021
• 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 before 24 November 2016

If you apply to extend before 24 May 2023, the minimum salary you’ll need to be paid is fixed at a lower rate. You’ll need to be paid at least £20,800 per year unless the ‘going rate’ for your job is higher than this.

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 new salary requirements, but your salary may also include allowances, such as London weighting. Any allowances must be guaranteed for the length of your stay.

If you applied for your first Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visa before 6 April 2021

The minimum salary requirement of £10.10 per hour or the going rate for the type of work you’ll be doing does not apply.

Jobs with different going rates

If you’ve changed job or employer

You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead.

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.

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.

Instruct me:

If you want to instruct Atty Magsino, please email donm@queensparksolicitors.co.uk or queensparksolicitors@gmail.com or call me on 07446 888 377.