1. Proof of current employment in the same occupation as the original visa
In order to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension, you must prove that you are currently employed in an occupation that is the same or similar to the one listed on your original Skilled Worker Visa. This could include providing documentation from your employer, such as a letter or contract verifying your job title and description, or paystubs showing regular income from your employer.
2. No criminal offenses committed during your stay in the country
You must not have committed any criminal offenses since receiving your initial Skilled Worker Visa or since entering the country with it. You will need to provide valid documents proving your innocence. You may also need to submit proof that you have not violated any local laws while living in the country.
3. Demonstration of sufficient financial resources
It is important to be able to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your living expenses while living abroad. You should provide evidence of financial stability by submitting bank statements and other documents outlining any other sources of income available to you.
4. Valid passport:
All applicants must have a valid passport when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension. Your passport should have at least six months left before its expiration date and should contain all relevant travel documents and visas. Without these documents, your application will not be considered by authorities.
5. Adequate health insurance coverage:
Prior to the granting of a Skilled Worker Visa Extension, individuals must acquire adequate health insurance coverage to protect them during their time in the host nation. Failure to acquire proper health care coverage can result in fines or revocation of the visa. Furthermore, if you suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important to make sure they are covered under the chosen plan. It’s also essential to make sure that the plan covers doctor’s visits, emergency medical care, prescriptions, and hospitalization. If the policy does not cover any of these elements, individuals might find themselves facing unexpected medical bills while abroad.
6. Meet the minimum salary requirement:
Each country typically sets a different minimum salary requirement for each profession, and applicants must meet these expectations. To determine the exact amount required for your profession, consult the rules and regulations established by the immigration department in the country where you plan to reside. Additionally, your employer should also be able to inform you about the required amount. Meeting this amount shows that you are financially capable of sustaining yourself without needing public support during your stay in the foreign nation.
Application process for a Skilled Worker visa renewal
If you are a skilled worker in the UK, it is important that you keep your visa valid and up to date. If your visa expires, you will need to apply for an extension before it lapses. The application process for a Skilled Worker visa renewal involves submitting an online application form and paying the applicable fees.
In order to extend your Skilled Worker visa, you must prove that you still meet the eligibility requirements for the Tier 2 (General) visa category. This includes demonstrating that you are employed in a skilled occupation by a licensed sponsor, earning an appropriate salary, and maintaining comprehensive sickness insurance coverage. You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the English language requirements and having sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants during your stay in the UK.
Once your application is received and reviewed, you will receive an email with your decision and further instructions on how to complete your renewal process. If you receive a refusal, you can appeal the decision if there has been an administrative error or if you can provide new evidence in support of your case.
Skilled worker visa extension cost.
The extension of Skilled Worker visa costs are as follows:
- Application fee for visa of up to 3 years: £719 per person
- Application fee for visa of more than 3 years: £1,423 per person
- Immigration healthcare surcharge: £624 (or £470 for those under 18) per person per year. The immigration healthcare surcharge allows full access to healthcare in the UK.
It’s important to remember that these fees are in addition to any legal advice or other professional help you may need in order to successfully apply for a Skilled Worker visa renewal. You should also bear in mind that if your application is refused, you will not be refunded any of the fees you have paid.
When to apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension
You can apply to extend your visa up to three months before it expires, and you must submit the application before your current visa expires.
It’s essential to plan your application well in advance, as any delays could cause your visa to expire and risk your right to remain in the UK. If you don’t submit your application in time, you won’t be able to work or stay in the UK until you have permission from the Home Office.
Make sure you allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. The processing time for an extension will vary depending on the volume of applications the Home Office is receiving and the complexity of your case. It’s always best to plan ahead and submit your application as soon as possible.
You can also apply for a renewal of your Skilled Worker visa up to 28 days before it is due to expire. This option is suitable if you need more time for the Home Office to process your visa extension.
Limits to the number of Skilled Worker visa extensions
A skilled worker visa may be extended up to a maximum of six years, depending on the individual’s circumstances. To be eligible for an extension, applicants must still meet the criteria they originally met when they first applied for their Skilled Worker visa.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have been able to maintain employment or self-employment in the UK for at least one year. The exact amount of time spent in the UK will vary depending on the type of visa being extended.
In addition, skilled workers may only be granted a total of five years of extensions from the date of initial entry into the UK. Any extensions past this five year mark require special permission from the Home Office.
There are also some additional restrictions on applying for a Skilled Worker visa extension, such as an upper limit on the number of days spent outside the UK each year and certain other restrictions on working in the UK. The exact details vary depending on the type of visa being extended.
It is important to note that any breach of any of the restrictions outlined above could result in the applicant’s visa being revoked, so it is important to stay informed of all the requirements before applying for an extension.
Processing time for a Skilled Worker visa renewal
The processing time for a Skilled Worker visa renewal depends on the type of visa you’re applying for and your individual circumstances. You can expect processing times to vary between two weeks and several months.
When submitting an application for a Skilled Worker visa extension, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) usually requires that applicants complete an online form and pay the necessary fee before their application can be considered. However, you may also be required to provide additional documents, such as evidence of your skills, qualifications and experience, or evidence of a job offer.
Once your application has been submitted, it will be allocated to a caseworker who will begin processing your request. In most cases, UKVI is able to make a decision within two weeks. However, depending on the complexity of your case, the processing time may be longer.
It is important to bear in mind that any delays may have an impact on your ability to stay in the UK and continue working. If your visa is due to expire soon and you are unsure how long it will take for your application to be processed, you should consider contacting UKVI for an update.
It is also important to remember that you must apply for an extension of your Skilled Worker visa at least three months before your current visa is due to expire. Failing to do so could result in your application being refused.
Dependants of a Skilled Worker visa renewal
If you have a Skilled Worker visa and you have family members who have dependent visas, then it is important to understand the process for renewing their visas. Dependent visa holders include your spouse, partner, children or other dependants who are living with you in the UK.
In order to renew your dependant’s visa, you must be able to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents in the UK, as well as having an income of at least £18,600 per annum. This income must be from legal sources such as a salary or wages or other eligible sources like pensions.
You will also need to prove that you can pay for your dependents’ health care needs during the visa period. You must also show that your dependents have adequate accommodation and you will need to provide a copy of the tenancy agreement or deed of transfer.
The application form for the renewal of dependents’ Skilled Worker visas can be found on the UK Government website and you will need to fill in all the relevant sections. Once your application is complete and signed, it must be sent off with the supporting documents and the visa fee. Your application should then be processed within 8 weeks from the date of receipt by the UKVI.
Once your application has been approved, your dependents will receive a new visa card with details about their renewed visa and information about their immigration status in the UK.
Skilled workers apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
If you are a skilled worker with a valid visa and have been living and working in the UK for a minimum of 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is a permanent residence status which allows you to stay in the UK without any time limits.
In order to apply for ILR, you must meet certain criteria, including having sufficient funds, passing the Life in the UK Test, and passing the English language test at the B1 level or higher. You must also show that you have continuously resided in the UK throughout the qualifying period.
If your application for ILR is successful, you will no longer need to renew your visa. You will have the same rights as British citizens, such as the right to work and access healthcare, education, and other benefits. However, you will not be able to vote or stand for public office.
The application process for ILR can be complex and time consuming. It is important to make sure that all your documents are in order before submitting your application. For more information on applying for ILR, please visit the UK government website.
Skilled worker visa extension FAQs
Can I work while my skilled worker visa extension application is being processed?
You have the right to work while waiting for a decision on your UK visa as long as you have applied to vary your leave or for a visa extension, and this was submitted before your current visa expires. Likewise, we are also often asked, “can I work while waiting for my biometric card?” If your visa extension has been submitted on time, you can continue work while waiting for your new biometric card (i.e. biometric residence permit).
Can I travel outside of the country while my skilled worker visa extension application is being processed?
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.
Will my dependents be able to work and study while their visa is being renewed?
Under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, you can continue to work in the UK while waiting for a visa application, so long as you submitted your extension application before your existing work visa expires.
Is there a limit on the number of times I can renew my skilled worker visa?
The 6-year maximum stay rule, which applied to the old Tier 2 (General) visa, no longer exists, meaning there is no limit to the number of times you can renew your Skilled Worker visa
Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after my skilled worker visa extension?
Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK
What happens if my skilled worker visa extension application is denied?
If you apply for a visa extension and are refused in the UK, you will be given 14 calendar days. If you submit an application and get a refusal outside Great Britain, you will have up to 28 calendar days to appeal.
Your refusal decision letter will explain the options available to you. You won’t be able to appeal, but you will be able to: Apply for an administrative review (where you ask UKVI to check the decision if you think a mistake has been made)
How we can help
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