If you’re seeking to extend your Skilled Worker visa within the UK, it’s essential to apply before your current leave to remain expires, provided you are still employed by your sponsor for an eligible skilled position. To initiate the extension process, your employer must issue you a new undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Should your potential employer lack a sponsor licence, our dedicated team of experts at Aden & Co Solicitors can offer priority service to facilitate their application for a skilled worker sponsor licence. We aim to secure a decision on the sponsor licence application within just 10 working days.

When applying for an extension of the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the criteria outlined in Appendix Skilled Workers, Appendix Skilled Occupations, and the Appendix Immigration Salary List. As a Point-Based System (PBS) visa, applicants earn points through their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), job skill level, English proficiency, salary alignment, PhD qualifications, and eligibility based on the Immigration Salary List, as well as applying as a new entrant.

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa extension, a total of 70 points must be obtained: 50 points are non-tradeable and mandatory, while the remaining 20 points are tradeable.

For individuals holding a Skilled Worker Visa, the extension process is critical to maintaining your legal status in the UK once the initial visa period ends. Whether you’re continuing with the same employer or exploring new employment opportunities, securing an extension ensures uninterrupted employment and residency in the UK.

Free Immigration Consultation for Skilled Worker Visa Extension
Our team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers a free one-time online consultation for individuals seeking guidance on extending their Skilled Worker visa. You can submit your inquiries online for free advice or schedule an appointment for a more in-depth consultation with one of our immigration specialists to discuss your specific extension application.

What Are the Requirements for Extending a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

To successfully extend a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK, applicants must meet the following criteria outlined in the Immigration Rules:

Valid Application: The applicant must submit a valid application for the extension of their Skilled Worker visa from within the UK.

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The applicant must possess a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by their sponsor, which must be no older than 3 months at the time of application.

Points-Based Requirement: Applicants must score 50 points from mandatory non-tradeable points and at least 20 points from tradeable points.

Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of their extension application.

Immigration Status: The applicant’s current or most recent leave to remain must be under the Tier 2 General migrant category or the Skilled Worker route.

Suitability Criteria: The applicant must not fall under any refusal grounds as outlined in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

Compliance with Immigration Laws:

• The applicant must not be in breach of immigration laws. However, overstaying may be disregarded if Paragraph 39E applies.
• Additionally, applicants cannot be on immigration bail.

Financial Requirement:If the applicant has resided in the UK for 12 months or more with valid permission at the time of the extension application, the financial requirement is deemed met, and no proof of funds is necessary.

If the applicant has been in the UK for less than 12 months, they must either:

• Show personal funds of at least £1,270, which must have been held for 28 consecutive days, as per Appendix Finance, or
• Provide confirmation from their A-rated sponsor that they will support and accommodate the applicant up to the end of the first month of employment, with at least £1,270.

Salary Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa UK

To successfully apply for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK, applicants must secure a total of 70 points. This includes 50 points from mandatory non-tradeable criteria and a minimum of 20 points from tradeable factors.

Mandatory Non-Tradeable Points for the Skilled Worker Visa

To meet the essential eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must earn 50 non-tradeable points. These points are allocated based on the following key factors:

Tradeable Points for Skilled Worker Visa UK: A Comprehensive Guide

When applying for the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, both applicants and their sponsors must submit all relevant details that could contribute to securing tradeable points. Tradeable points are a key part of the visa application process, and applicants can earn them through various criteria. However, it is essential to note that applicants cannot combine different methods for earning points. To qualify for a successful Skilled Worker Visa, an applicant must accumulate 20 tradeable points, and these points must come from a single, eligible option.

The table below outlines the available options for earning tradeable points. To meet the 20-point requirement, applicants must secure their points from one of the following:

• Points Allocation Options A to E: Applicants can earn points from these options, provided they meet the specific criteria outlined for each.
• Points Allocation Options F to J: Points from these options can only be claimed under the following conditions:
• Health and Care ASHE Salary: If the applicant is sponsored for a job in the Health and Care sector with an appropriate salary.
• Pre-4 April 2024 Rules: If the applicant is applying before 4 April 2030, has previously been granted a Skilled Worker Visa under the pre-4 April 2024 rules, and has maintained continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then (with specific exceptions for overstays as per paragraph 39E).
• Option K: Points from this option are applicable only if the applicant is being sponsored for a role listed in the appropriate eligible occupation codes in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

For applicants whose Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued on or after 4 April 2024, a minimum salary threshold is required. The applicant must earn at least £38,700 per year or the “going rate” for their specific occupation, whichever is higher. The going rate varies by occupation code.

Salary Requirements Under Options A to E for Skilled Worker Visa UK: A Comprehensive Guide

To meet the salary criteria for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK, applicants must score 20 tradeable points under one of five distinct options. Each option has specific salary thresholds that applicants must meet, as outlined in the Immigration Rules. Below is a detailed explanation of each option:

Option A: Standard Salary Requirements

Under Option A, applicants can earn 20 tradeable points if they meet the salary requirements outlined in paragraph SW8.1 of the Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules. The applicant must meet both of the following criteria:

• An annual salary of £38,700 or higher; and
• The salary must meet or exceed the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code as specified in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option B: PhD in a Relevant Subject

Applicants with a PhD in a subject related to the job may qualify for 20 tradeable points under Option B, in accordance with paragraphs SW9.1 to SW9.4. To meet the criteria, applicants must satisfy both conditions:

• A salary of £34,830 per year or more; and
• At least 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code listed in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option C: PhD in a STEM Subject

For applicants holding a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the role, Option C provides the opportunity to score 20 tradeable points, as per paragraphs SW10.1 to SW10.3. The requirements for this option are:

• An annual salary of £30,960 or higher; and
• A salary that constitutes at least 80% of the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code as outlined in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option D: Job Listed on the Immigration Salary List

Under Option D, applicants who are sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List can score 20 tradeable points. According to paragraphs SW11.1 to SW11.3, applicants must meet both of these salary conditions:

• A minimum salary of £30,960 per year; and
• A salary that is at least equal to the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, as detailed in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option E: New Entrant

For applicants who are new entrants at the start of their career, Option E offers 20 tradeable points. As per paragraphs SW12.1 to SW12.3, applicants must meet both of the following requirements:

• A salary of £30,960 per year or higher; and
• A salary that is at least 70% of the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as set out in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Salary Requirements Under Options F to J for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

To qualify for 20 points under Options F to J for a Skilled Worker visa, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. They are being sponsored for a Health and Care ASHE salary position; or
2. The application is submitted before 4 April 2030, and the applicant holds a Skilled Worker visa granted under the previous rules before 4 April 2024, with continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then (excluding periods of overstaying, where applicable under paragraph 39E, which will be disregarded).

Applicants can earn 20 tradeable points under Options F to J, based on the following conditions:

Option F: Meeting Salary Requirements

Under Option F, as specified in SW8.1 of the Appendix Skilled Worker, applicants can earn 20 points if their salary meets both of the following thresholds:

• Annual salary of £29,000 or more; and
• The going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as outlined in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option G: PhD in a Relevant Field

For applicants with a PhD in a subject related to the job, 20 tradeable points can be awarded under Option G in accordance with SW9.1 to 9.4 of Appendix Skilled Worker, provided they meet both salary requirements:

• £26,100 or more annually; and
• 90% of the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as set in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option H: PhD in a STEM Subject

Applicants holding a PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) subject directly related to their job may score 20 points under Option H, according to SW9.1 to 9.4 of Appendix Skilled Worker, if their salary satisfies both conditions:

• £23,200 or more annually; and
• 80% of the going rate for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code as outlined in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option I: Job Listed on the Immigration Salary List

Under Option I, applicants can earn 20 tradeable points if they are sponsored for a position on the Immigration Salary List and meet both of these criteria:

• Annual salary of £23,200 or more; and
• The going rate for the corresponding SOC 2020 occupation code as detailed in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option J: New Entrant to the Workforce

New entrants to the workforce can also score 20 tradeable points under Option J, following the requirements outlined in SW12.1 to 12.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker. To qualify, applicants must earn a salary that meets these two conditions:

• £23,200 or more per year; and
• 70% of the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as specified in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option K (Employment in a Listed Health or Education Occupation)

Certain health and education occupation codes are outlined in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations. The salary rates for these positions are based on national pay scales, and no reductions to these rates are permissible. If an applicant is sponsored under an occupation code from Table 3, they are only eligible to earn tradeable points through Option K.

Under the Skilled Worker Visa UK application process, candidates may qualify for 20 tradeable points under Option K, according to SW13.1 to 13.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules. This applies if the applicant is sponsored for a role in a listed health or education occupation, with a salary that meets or exceeds the following criteria:

• £23,200 annually; and
• The prevailing rate for the specific occupation code (SOC 2020) as specified in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations within the Immigration Rules.

Can I Use Priority or Super Priority Service to Extend a Skilled Worker Visa?

As dedicated and experienced immigration solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors, based in London, we are registered with the Home Office and UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), alongside its commercial partners UKVCAS Sopra Steria. We offer the Priority and Super Priority Services to expedite the extension of your Skilled Worker Visa.

By using the Super Priority Service, your visa application will be processed within 24 hours, while the Priority Service ensures a decision within 5 working days. Our team of skilled worker visa solicitors can help fast-track your application, ensuring quicker decisions and reducing the waiting time, which can otherwise extend for months or even years.

How We Can Assist With Your Skilled Worker Visa Extension Application in the UK

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our team of experienced immigration lawyers specializes in providing expert guidance and legal representation for the extension of your Skilled Worker Visa in the UK. We offer fixed-fee services to ensure transparency and support throughout your visa application process. From providing legal advice to handling all necessary documentation, our solicitors are dedicated to managing your Skilled Worker Visa extension application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI.

Our immigration solicitors will carry out the following steps to ensure a smooth application process for your visa extension:

Comprehensive Legal Advice: Our skilled worker visa solicitors will guide you through the specific requirements needed for a successful extension application, ensuring you fully understand the process and your eligibility.

Document Preparation Guidance: We will provide you with a detailed list of the essential documents required to support your extension application, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is included for a streamlined process.

Document Assessment: Our team will carefully review your documents to verify that they meet the strict criteria set out by UK immigration rules, minimizing the risk of delays or complications.

Accurate Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will expertly complete the appropriate application form for your visa extension, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Home Office requirements.

Priority and Super Priority Services: If necessary, we will submit your application through the Priority or Super Priority Service, enabling you to receive a decision on your extension application within as little as 24 hours.

Appointment Scheduling: After submitting your online application, we will schedule your biometric appointment at the application center, ensuring all required biometric data is collected efficiently.

Preparation of a Detailed Cover Letter: Our expert immigration lawyers will draft a detailed cover letter to accompany your application, outlining the key legal points and supporting documents needed to strengthen your visa extension request.

Document Uploading: Prior to your biometric appointment, our solicitors will upload all supporting documents to the online portal, ensuring your application is complete and ready for review by the Home Office.

Ongoing Support and Follow-up: Our team will continue to monitor your application, providing follow-up support and ensuring that all necessary actions are taken until the UKVI makes a decision on your Skilled Worker Visa extension.

Cost of Skilled Worker Visa Extension in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are looking to extend your Skilled Worker Visa within the UK, it’s important to understand the costs involved in the application process. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees:

Aden & Co Solicitors Fixed Fees for Skilled Worker Visa Extension

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer competitive fixed fees for your Skilled Worker Visa extension application. Our fees range from £800 + VAT to £1,200 + VAT, depending on the complexity of your case. This fixed fee covers all aspects of the application, including:

• Professional advice on required documents
• Document verification and checks
• Completion and submission of the online application form
• Booking of your biometrics enrolment appointment
• Preparation of a comprehensive cover letter supporting your application
• Uploading all necessary supporting documents
• Follow-up communications with the UKVI until a decision is made

The final fixed fee is determined based on the complexity of your specific case and the volume of work involved. You will be required to pay 50% of the fee upfront, with the remaining balance due upon finalization of your application, just before submission.

Affordable Immigration Advice and Document Review Services

If the full service is beyond your budget, Aden & Co Solicitors offers the following alternative options:

“One-off Immigration Advice and Consultation: For just £100 (including VAT), you can book a consultation to discuss your visa extension.Document Checking Service: For £300 (including VAT), we will review and ensure your documents meet the necessary requirements.”

Home Office UKVI Fees for Skilled Worker Visa Extensions

In addition to Aden & Co Solicitors’ fees, there are also Home Office UKVI application fees, which vary based on the length of your visa extension:

• For stays up to 3 years: The Home Office fee is £827 per person, along with an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.
• For stays longer than 3 years: The fee increases to £1,636 per person, with the IHS also set at £1,035 per year.

However, if your occupation is listed on the Shortage Occupation List, you are eligible for a reduced application fee:

• For stays up to 3 years: The fee is reduced to £551 per person, along with the standard IHS of £1,035 per year.
• For stays exceeding 3 years: The fee is £1,084 per person, plus the IHS of £1,035 per year.

Additional Services Offered by Aden & Co Solicitors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Extension of Skilled Worker Visa UK
Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding the extension of the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: