UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2025: What You Should Know About the New Rules

Professionals from all over the world have long used the UK Skilled Worker Visa to live and work in the country. However, the visa extension procedure has been greatly impacted by recent changes in 2024 under the Rishi Sunak-led government, which include stricter regulations for both new applicants and current visa holders. The UK government is making these adjustments as part of its continuous attempts to control immigration levels and meet labor market demands.

With an emphasis on the most significant modifications, qualifying requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, this article offers a comprehensive reference to the UK skilled worker visa extension process in 2024. Here are some things to consider if you intend to extend your UK skilled worker visa.

How Has the 2024 UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension Procedure Changed?

1. Increased Minimum Income Requirements

Income The increase in the minimum income criteria for holders of a skilled worker visa is one of the biggest changes in 2024.

• For New Applicants: As of April 4, 2024, the minimum yearly wage for the majority of job roles has increased to £38,700, a significant 48% increase over the previous barrier of £26,200.
• For Existing Visa Holders: When requesting an extension, those who were currently pursuing a skilled worker visa prior to April 4, 2024, must meet a lower requirement of £29,000. This gives existing employees some flexibility without materially altering their working conditions. 

The goal of this salary boost is to guarantee that overseas workers receive competitive pay on par with domestic workers. This could be a problem for some employees and companies, though, particularly if wage changes are hard to execute.

2. Revised Occupation Code Going Rates 

Along with the minimal income requirements, profession codes now have different going rates. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2023 data is currently used by the UK government. 

• For New Visa Holders: The going rates for new visa holders are determined by taking the 50th percentile of pay for particular profession codes.
• For Existing Visa Holders: For current Visa recipients (prior to April 2024); for visa extensions, the prior 25th percentile going rates will still be used.

In contrast to new applicants, who must satisfy more stringent pay standards, current visa holders may find it easier to meet the income requirements for extensions.

3. Increased Opportunities for Supplementary Employment

The 2024 amendment to the supplemental employment rules is another significant improvement. Only part-time positions that fit the same occupation category as their principal employment were previously acceptable to visa holders. This limitation is no longer in effect.

• New Rule: The new rule gives professionals more freedom to take on extra work outside of their core duty by allowing holders of skilled worker visas to work in any occupation that meets the requirements for skilled worker jobs.

As long as the part-time position satisfies the Home Office's rules, this update is especially helpful for people who want to boost their income or acquire expertise in other industries.

Qualifications for a 2024 Extension of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

You must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible to apply for a UK skilled worker visa extension:

1. Continued Employment: You have to stay employed by the same company that originally sponsored your visa. A new sponsorship certificate would be needed if one's employment changed.
2. Occupation Code: The occupation code that was utilized for your first visa application must still apply to your work role. 
3. Sponsorship Certificate: To verify the extension of your work contract and outline your new terms, you will want a fresh sponsorship certificate from your employer. 
4. Salary Requirement: Depending on when your visa was initially granted, you may need to earn between £29,000 and £38,700, which is the minimum income required for your position.

Documents Needed to Extend a Skilled Worker Visa

Obtaining the required paperwork is crucial when submitting an application for an extension of a skilled worker visa.

These consist of:

• Present-day passport
• Residence Permit with Biometrics (BRP)
• Proof of Employment: This may include contracts, offer letters, or other official employment documents, contracts, offer letters, and other formal employment paperwork are examples of proof of employment.
• Salary Information: You are required to enter your occupation code, job title, and current yearly salary.
• Employer Details: Provide the name and sponsor license number of your employer. 
• Proof of English fluency: In accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you must exhibit a least level of B1 English language fluency. 

How to Apply for a 2024 Extension of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

Extending your skilled worker visa is a simple application process that demands meticulous attention to detail. Take these actions:

1. Online Application: Fill out the online application for a visa extension on the official UK government website. Personal information, employment information, and facts about your supporting employer must be provided.
2. Cover the application costs: The length of the extension determines the cost of renewing your skilled worker visa: For extensions exceeding three years, £1,636 and £827 for three-year extensions In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 for each year you remain in the UK, must also be paid.
3. Provide Supporting Documents: Online, submit scanned copies of your sponsorship certificate, passport, BRP, and other pertinent documents.
4. Verify Your Identity: You can use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app or present biometric information (a photo and your fingerprints) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) location, depending on the type of passport and residency permit you have.

Priority Services & Processing Time

Extensions of the skilled worker visa typically take eight weeks to process. But for an extra charge, the Home Office provides options for quicker processing:

• Priority Service: For an additional fee, you can have a decision in as little as five business days.
• Super Priority Service: This option allows you to get a judgment by the following business day, which is the fastest.

Conclusion

In conclusion The UK government's emphasis on regulating migration while retaining a skilled workforce is reflected in the modifications made to the UK skilled worker visa extension procedure in 2024. In order to successfully extend their stay, applicants must carefully manage the new conditions, which include revised going rates, higher income thresholds, and more supplementary employment alternatives.

To guarantee compliance and a seamless application procedure, it is imperative that both new and current visa holders stay up to date on the most recent developments. You can make sure you fulfill all the prerequisites and submit a comprehensive application for a UK skilled worker visa extension in 2024 by using this guidance.