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Skilled Worker Visa Extension

office- skilled worker visa extension

For an initial consultation, call us now on 0300 131 6767

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Introduction

The Skilled Worker route replaces the Tier 2 (General Route). Any existing Tier 2 (General) workers can apply for extensions, changes of employment and settlement under the Skilled Worker route, subject to meeting the relevant requirements of the immigration rules.

The requirements for this visa are complex, so you should seek advice from an immigration specialist before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist business lawyers can advise you of the requirements specifically relating to you and ensure that the conditions of your employment are suitable to meet the immigration rules.

Call us today on 0300 131 6767 or complete our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you.

Call us now on 0300 131 6767 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you shortly

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Who is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa extension?

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa extension, you will need to:

  • Be working in the same job role as when you were given your previous permission
  • The job must be in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission as a skilled worker (the occupation code may have slightly changed following the changes on 4 April 2024)
  •  Have the same sponsor who assigned their existing Certificate of Sponsorship
  • The employer is still approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers.

Following the changes to the Skilled Worker visa rules on 4 April 2024, the requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to discuss your Skilled Worker extension application with a member of our expert team for legal advice.

What documentation do I need to supply?

In support of a skilled worker visa extension application, you will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Proof of ID, e.g., Passport
  • A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a Home Office approved sponsor.
  • English test certificate or other accepted evidence showing your English ability at minimum CEFR level B1 in all 4 components (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
  • Proof of existing employment, e.g., payslips, employment contract, etc.

For an initial consultation, call us now on 0300 131 6767

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How can Latitude Law help?

The expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide expert advice on all aspects of Skilled Worker visa extension applications. We can provide detailed guidance about the requirements or prepare the entire application alongside a detailed representation document explaining how the relevant rules are met.

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Why choose Latitude Law?

Latitude Law has significant experience in preparing successful Skilled Worker visa extension applications.

Thanks to our extensive knowledge of immigration rules, we are able to provide pragmatic advice and meet our client’s needs. We have connections with the Home Office and other immigration authorities so we can advise you with confidence and ensure the entire immigration procedure runs smoothly and efficiently for you.

Working with a law firm can be a big decision, which is why we ensure that our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.

As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting visa and residence policies create for skilled workers looking to work and settle in the UK. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on how any changes will impact your application.

We are pleased to be recognised as a leading law firm by the following independent bodies: The Times Best Law Firms 2024, Chambers & Partners 2024, Legal 500 2024 and Who'sWhoLegal 2024. As well as receiving these endorsements from international legal directories, we are proud of our 5-star Google reviews from over 150 satisfied clients.

Call us today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Let our legal experts take the strain out of your Skilled Worker extension application so you can start your successful immigration journey today.

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Contact us

As the requirements for a Skilled Worker extension visa are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that the conditions of your employment are compliant with the very latest immigration rules.

Get in touch with our legal team today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our contact form and we will get straight back to you. Face your future knowing you have the dedicated support of one of our expert lawyers.

Skilled Worker visa extension FAQs

How long will be extension be granted for?

If you application is approved, you will be granted permission to stay for a period until 14 days after the end date of your CoS, which may be up to a maximum of five years after the start date of your CoS.

Can I switch into the Skilled Worker category?

You are able to switch into Skilled Worker from most other long-term UK visa routes. Read the full guide to switching from inside the UK here.

When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the Skilled Worker route?

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after spending a continuous period of five years in the UK. The five-year continuous period consists of time with permission on any of, or any combination of, the following routes:

  • Skilled Worker
  • Global talent
  • Innovator Founder
  • T2 Minister of Religion
  • International Sportsperson
  • Representative of an Overseas Business
  • as a Tier 1 Migrant, other than as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Migrant
  • Scale-up
  • permission on any other route, during the time the applicant was waiting for a decision on their application as a Skilled Worker, provided that application:

o   was for permission to stay; and

o   was made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive); and

o   was supported on the date of application by a certificate of sponsorship assigned by a licensed sponsor; and

o   the application was granted.

Is there a maximum time I can stay under the Skilled Worker route?

No, the Home Office has removed the restriction on the length of stay under the former Tier 2 (General) route.

Can my family join me via the Skilled Worker route?

Skilled workers may be joined or accompanied by a dependent partner over the age of 18 and/or a dependent child under the age of 18.

Our other visa services

Global Business Mobility visa

Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas provide overseas businesses with various routes to operate in the UK. If your company transfers workers from the EU and other countries to the UK, or wishes to establish a presence here, it is important that you understand what is required of you and how to apply.

Scale-up visa

August 2022 saw the introduction of the Scale-up visa scheme, which is aimed at highly skilled individuals who can enable their sponsoring UK scale-up business to continue growing.

Partner Visa

Whether you’re looking to apply for the first time or aiming to renew your partner visa, Latitude Law is well placed to help you secure the right to live with your family member in the UK.

For an initial consultation, call us now on 0300 131 6767

Our Experts

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