What is a Skilled Worker visa extension?
You can extend a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you are still doing the same job, under the same occupation code, for the same sponsoring employer. You must apply online before your current visa expires. In 2026, the Home Office fee is £943 for up to 3 years or £1,865 for longer, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
A Skilled Worker visa extension gives you more time in the UK on the same sponsored job, without leaving the country or starting a new application from abroad. Your employer assigns a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and you apply to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for further permission. You can extend as many times as you need, as long as you keep meeting the rules. Time on the route usually counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.
If you have changed job, occupation code or employer, you need to update your visa instead (see “Changing employer or job” below).
Our immigration solicitors in High Holborn and Upton Park handle extensions from start to finish. Call 0207 100 2525 or book a free consultation.
Skilled Worker visa extension requirements (2026)
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa extension, you must:
- Hold valid Skilled Worker permission. You must apply before your current visa expires. You don’t have to wait until it is close to expiry.
- Be doing the same job, under the same occupation code, for the same employer. This means the employer who assigned your current CoS.
- Have a new Certificate of Sponsorship from that employer. They must hold a valid sponsor licence.
- Meet the salary requirement. This is usually the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for your occupation code. Workers first sponsored before 22 July 2025 or 4 April 2024 may qualify under lower transitional rules (see below).
- Meet the English language requirement. Most people who proved English at B1 earlier on the route can rely on that for an extension. New entrants since 8 January 2026 need B2.
- Have a good immigration history, with no breaches of your conditions such as unauthorised work or unpaid NHS charges.
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. If you do, UKVI treats your application as withdrawn (GOV.UK: Extend your Skilled Worker visa).
Need the full list of documents? See our Skilled Worker visa extension documents checklist.
2025–2026 rule changes that affect extensions
Changes made in July 2025 raised the salary and skill levels for new Skilled Worker applicants. Many people already on the route are protected by transitional rules.
- Medium-skilled roles (RQF 3–5): you can still extend in a medium-skilled occupation if you got your first CoS before 22 July 2025 and have held Skilled Worker permission continuously since then.
- Workers sponsored before 4 April 2024: lower salary thresholds may apply to your extension (GOV.UK: Skilled Worker salary rules).
- Immigration Salary List: this replaced the Shortage Occupation List. Roles on it have lower visa fees (£628 or £1,235).
- English language: the B2 level applies from 8 January 2026, mainly to new applicants.
Which rule applies depends on your CoS history. We check this before your employer assigns the new CoS, because getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons extensions are refused. Read more in our Skilled Worker visa rules and salary guide.
How much does a Skilled Worker visa extension cost?
From inside the UK, a Skilled Worker visa extension costs £943 for up to 3 years or £1,865 for more than 3 years, per person. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
| Cost (per person, 2026) | Up to 3 years | More than 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (inside the UK) | £943 | £1,865 |
| Application fee – Immigration Salary List role | £628 | £1,235 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (adult) | £1,035 per year | £1,035 per year |
| Priority service (optional, where offered) | £500 | £500 |
| Super Priority service (optional, where offered) | £1,000 | £1,000 |
Example: a 3-year extension for one adult costs £943 + £3,105 IHS = £4,048 before any priority fee. Partners and children each pay the same application fee and IHS.
Your employer pays the Certificate of Sponsorship fee (£525) and the Immigration Skills Charge. You must not be asked to repay these. Sources: GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa costs and GOV.UK: Immigration Health Surcharge.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension
- Confirm your eligibility: check your job, occupation code, salary and transitional status.
- Your employer assigns a new CoS and gives you the reference number.
- Apply online on GOV.UK before your current visa expires.
- Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Prove your identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a UKVCAS appointment.
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Wait for a decision. You can stay and keep working on your existing conditions while it is pending (section 3C leave).
How long does a Skilled Worker visa extension take?
UKVI usually decides Skilled Worker visa extensions within 8 weeks of the application date. Priority service aims for 5 working days, and Super Priority aims for the end of the next working day. It can take longer if documents need checking or an interview is needed. Missing information is the most common cause of delay, which is why we review every application before it is submitted.
Extending visas for your partner and children
Your partner’s and children’s visas are not extended automatically. Each dependant must apply, either with you or separately, but before their own visa expires. They pay the same application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge as you. If they don’t apply, their permission ends on its original expiry date.
Changing employer or job: update, don't extend
If you change employer, take a job with a different occupation code, or move job, you must apply to update your Skilled Worker visa. You can’t extend it. The new role needs a new CoS from a licensed sponsor and must meet the current rules.
You don’t need a new application for supplementary work of up to 20 hours a week. You do need one for a second job above that limit. Our Skilled Worker visa solicitors handle change-of-employer applications too.
Employers sponsoring overseas staff can also get help with a sponsor licence application.
Extension or Indefinite Leave to Remain?
After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) instead of extending. ILR requires:
- a pass in the Life in the UK Test
- English at B1 level
- a salary that still meets the threshold
- the ILR fee of £3,226
The Home Office has proposed a longer “earned settlement” model, so check the current rules before you decide. If you are close to 5 years, an extension can bridge the gap. Read about our Indefinite Leave to Remain applications.
Common reasons Skilled Worker extensions are refused
- A CoS with the wrong occupation code or a salary below the threshold
- Misunderstanding transitional salary protection
- Applying after the visa has expired
- The sponsor’s licence being suspended or revoked
- Missing evidence of earlier English language ability
- Unauthorised extra work
If your application is refused, you may be able to challenge the decision through Administrative Review.
Why choose Adam Bernard Solicitors?
- SRA-regulated immigration solicitors, listed on the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor
- 15+ years’ experience and 15,000+ clients
- We check your CoS details with your employer before it is assigned
- A full review of every document before submission
- Offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London), plus video consultations by Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype
Call 0207 100 2525 or book a free consultation today.
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Fees and rules last checked 8 October 2026.
Skilled Worker visa extension FAQs
Can I extend my Skilled Worker visa?
How much does it cost to extend a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
How long does a Skilled Worker visa extension take?
Can I work while my extension is pending?
Do I need to meet the £41,700 salary threshold to extend?
Can I travel abroad while my extension is being processed?
What if I change employer?
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