Skilled Worker Visa Extensions
If you’re already working in the UK under a Tier 2 (General) visa, or what is now known as the Skilled Worker visa, and your permission to remain is coming to an end, it’s crucial to ensure you extend your visa correctly and in good time. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we specialise in helping individuals and employers navigate the Skilled Worker visa extension process with clarity and confidence.
What is a Skilled Worker Visa Extension?
Previously referred to as the Tier 2 General Visa, the Skilled Worker route enables foreign nationals to work in approved jobs for licensed UK employers. After your initial period in the UK – usually up to 5 years – you’ll need to apply for an extension if you wish to continue working in the same role.
If granted, the extension can allow you to stay in the UK for an additional 5 years, taking you closer to the option of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and ultimately British citizenship.
When Should You Apply for an Extension?
You may need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension if:
Your current visa is due to expire.
You’ve changed job roles within the same company (depending on occupation code).
You’ve changed your employer and received a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
It’s important to check whether the new role or employer meets the eligibility criteria under the Home Office Skilled Worker guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa extension, you must:
Be working in the same job you were initially sponsored for.
Remain within the same occupation code.
Continue working for the same employer who issued your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Meet the financial requirements, including the appropriate salary threshold and any visa fees.
The standard application fee typically ranges from £610 to £1,408, depending on the length of the extension and whether dependants are included.
What Documentation is Required?
You’ll need to provide:
Your current Certificate of Sponsorship.
Evidence of continued employment and salary.
Biometric information, submitted via a UKVCAS service point or through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Valid passport and any previous immigration documentation.
Our immigration team will guide you in preparing and submitting these documents to avoid delays or refusals.
Dependants and Family Members
The Skilled Worker visa extension also allows you to bring or continue living in the UK with:
Your spouse or partner, and
Children under the age of 18.
Children are eligible for free state education in the UK, and your partner is also permitted to work.
How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Help
At HM & Co. Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration lawyers are well-versed in both the Tier 2 and Skilled Worker rules. We offer:
✔ Fixed-fee services with no hidden costs
✔ Full management of your extension application
✔ Support with sponsor communication and compliance
✔ Tailored advice based on your individual employment history and visa records
✔ Guidance through every step, from documentation to final decision
Whether you’re continuing in your current role or unsure about recent changes to the rules, we’re here to ensure the process is handled professionally and efficiently.
Contact Us Today
Need support with your Skilled Worker visa extension? Speak to one of our immigration solicitors today for personalised advice and fixed-fee representation.
📍 HM & Co. Solicitors
186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Phone: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Let us take care of your visa, so you can focus on your career and future in the UK.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Skilled Worker Visa FAQs
Can I hire foreign workers for my UK business?
Yes, you can. With a valid Sponsor Licence under the Skilled Worker route (previously Tier 2), UK businesses are permitted to sponsor overseas workers. Once your licence is in place, there is no cap on how many foreign workers you can employ – provided that:
-
The roles meet the skilled worker criteria, and
-
The appropriate salary thresholds are met.
Do I need to advertise the job before sponsoring a worker?
No, the Resident Labour Market Test was scrapped in 2020. While you no longer need to advertise for 28 days, the Home Office still requires proof that the role is genuine and not created solely to facilitate a visa. Our team can help ensure your recruitment process meets compliance standards.
Can I sponsor a foreign worker for any type of job?
Not quite. The job must be on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations. That said, the definition of what qualifies as “skilled work” has recently been expanded, meaning more roles are now eligible. HM & Co. Solicitors can advise you on whether your vacancy qualifies under the updated criteria.
Can I offer part-time roles under the Skilled Worker visa?
Generally, no. The Skilled Worker visa is intended for full-time positions, and roles should be permanent or long-term. Part-time positions are not usually acceptable unless they still meet the minimum salary threshold. We can advise you if you’re unsure whether a specific role qualifies.
Can an agency hire foreign workers to place with clients?
No. The Home Office does not permit third-party contracting or outsourcing under a Skilled Worker visa. The foreign worker must be directly employed by the sponsor, and not simply contracted out to other companies. This is a key compliance area where many agencies fall short – but we can help you navigate these restrictions properly.
Need Legal Help with Sponsorship?
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we offer full guidance on obtaining and maintaining a Sponsor Licence, including:
✔ Sponsorship licence applications
✔ Compliance audits and mock inspections
✔ Skilled Worker visa applications for employees
✔ Advice on eligible roles and salary levels
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Let us help you build your workforce the right way.
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I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
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I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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