Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2025 – How to Stay Beyond 5 Years

Continue your career and life in the UK

Your Skilled Worker Visa is the foundation of your UK journey. After years of hard work, you may be thinking about your next step — extending your visa or applying for settlement.

This 2025 guide explains when and how to extend your Skilled Worker Visa, what documents you’ll need, and how to prepare for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) when the time comes.

Who this guide is for

This guide is designed for:

• Skilled Worker Visa holders approaching the end of their visa period
• Employers supporting international staff renewals
• Graduates who switched from Student or Graduate routes and want to remain longer

If your visa is due to expire, now is the time to plan your extension or settlement application.

Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa duration

The Skilled Worker Visa can last for up to five years at a time. You can apply to extend or renew it if:

• You still work for the same sponsor
• Your job is in the same eligible occupation
• You meet the salary threshold

You can renew multiple times, but most people apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.

When to apply for your extension

You can apply for an extension up to 3 months before your visa expires. It’s best not to wait until the last minute — applying early helps avoid any disruption to your work or immigration status.

Once your application is submitted, you can stay and work legally in the UK while waiting for a decision.

Key requirements for extending your Skilled Worker Visa

Eligibility

You must:

• Hold a valid Skilled Worker Visa
• Work for the same employer who sponsored you
• Be in the same occupation code
• Continue to meet the salary threshold for your job
• Apply before your visa expires

Salary requirement

As of 2025, you must still meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the current “going rate” for your job — whichever is higher.

If you’ve changed jobs or roles, you’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before applying.

Documents required

You’ll need:

• Passport and current visa
• Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
• Most recent payslips or contract showing salary
• Employer letter confirming continued employment
• Proof of English language ability (if not already shown)

Step-by-step process for extension

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm that your job, salary, and sponsor meet the latest Home Office criteria.

Step 2: Get a new Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer must issue a new CoS confirming your continued employment and salary details.

Step 3: Apply online

Submit your Skilled Worker Visa extension application from within the UK.

Step 4: Pay the fees

• Application fee: £719–£1,500 depending on the length of extension
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Step 5: Wait for a decision

Most applications are decided within 8 weeks, though you can pay for priority processing.

Timeline summary

What happens after 5 years – Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Once you have spent five continuous years in the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

ILR eligibility basics:

• 5 years continuous residence in the UK
• No more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any 12-month period
• Continued employment with your sponsor
• Proof of English language and Life in the UK test
• Clean immigration history

ILR gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently without sponsorship.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting too late to apply

Apply at least 3 months before expiry to prevent overstaying.

Salary below threshold

If your pay has changed, confirm it still meets the minimum rate for your role.

New job without new sponsorship

A new employer must issue a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship.

Gaps in employment

Avoid long gaps between jobs, as this may affect your ILR eligibility.

How AHJ Immigration helps you stay compliant

Visa extensions and settlement applications require accuracy and timing. At AHJ Immigration, we guide you through every step to ensure you remain compliant and secure your long-term status.

We help you:

• Check your eligibility for renewal or ILR
• Review your salary and occupation details
• Prepare and submit your extension application
• Liaise with employers for sponsorship and documentation

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to discuss your extension or settlement options today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Your free consultation provides an overview of Skilled Worker Visa renewals, timelines, and ILR eligibility.

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free session, you can book a detailed 1-hour consultation where we:

• Review your documents and salary compliance
• Check your eligibility for renewal or ILR
• Provide written, step-by-step guidance

The £120 fee is deducted from your final visa cost if you proceed with us.

FAQs

1. How early can I apply for my Skilled Worker Visa extension?
You can apply up to three months before your current visa expires.

2. Do I need a new Certificate of Sponsorship?
Yes. Your employer must issue a new CoS for your extension or renewal.

3. Can I switch jobs during my extension?
Yes, but you’ll need a new sponsorship and must apply for a new visa.

4. When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
After five continuous years in the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa.

5. What if my employer no longer holds a licence?
You’ll need to find a new licensed sponsor before extending your visa.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and immigration rules.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed analysis of your documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Review and submission of your extension or ILR application.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring case progress and managing queries.
6. Decision Phase – Explaining your decision, next steps, and compliance advice.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Keep your UK journey moving forward

Extending your Skilled Worker Visa or applying for ILR is the final step towards long-term stability in the UK. With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can continue your career confidently and secure your future.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today:

After your free session, book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for a detailed review and written advice — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final application cost if you proceed with us.

Your journey doesn’t end here. It’s just getting stronger.