UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2025: A Complete Guide

Extending your Skilled Worker visa in 2025 is a critical step toward maintaining your right to live and work in the UK—and eventually applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Whether you're an employer managing a sponsored worker or a visa holder preparing for your extension, understanding the latest rules, salary thresholds, and application steps is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from when to apply and who qualifies, to how much it costs and how it differs from switching jobs or applying for ILR. We also include guidance for dependants, document checklists, compliance tips, and expert support.

When to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension up to 60 days before your current visa expires. Applying within this window gives you enough time to gather the necessary documents, receive a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and complete the application process.

It’s critical to apply before your visa expires. If you don’t, you risk becoming an overstayer, which could:

• Result in visa refusal
• Affect your eligibility for ILR
• Lead to bans or future immigration issues
• Disrupt your employment and cause compliance issues for your sponsor

Employers should ensure their sponsored workers are reminded about visa expiry dates in advance and align CoS issuance with the application timeline.

Eligibility Criteria for Extension in 2025

To extend your Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Continue working in the same job role
• Be sponsored by the same licensed UK employer
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Meet the minimum salary threshold for your occupation code
• Continue to meet the English language requirement if applicable

If you previously held a Tier 2 (General) visa, your application will be processed under Skilled Worker rules. Make sure your job still matches the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code as your previous grant.

If your role has changed significantly or you’re switching occupation codes, you may need to apply for a new visa instead of an extension.

2025 Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Extension

As of April 2024, new salary thresholds apply to visa extensions. These thresholds differ based on occupation type, visa history, and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List.

Additional Factors:

• If your original CoS was issued before 4 April 2024, transitional rates may apply.
• The job must meet UK minimum wage: £12.21 per hour in 2025.
• Allowances such as shift pay or location weighting (e.g. London) may only count under certain legacy rules.
• If your job is on the Immigration Salary List, lower thresholds may apply (e.g. 70–90% of the full going rate).

Step-by-Step Skilled Worker Visa Extension Process

Step 1: Obtain a New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer must assign you a new CoS via the sponsor management system (SMS). This confirms your job details and salary.

The CoS must:

• Be assigned within 3 months of application
• Reference the same SOC code as your current visa
• Confirm continued employment with the sponsor

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the UKVI website and complete the Skilled Worker visa extension form. You’ll need:

• Your new CoS reference number
• Details of your job and salary
• Your immigration history and travel dates

You can save your application and return to it later if needed.

Step 3: Prove Your Identity

There are two options:

• Use the UK Immigration ID Check app (for eVisa or BRP holders)
• Book a UKVCAS biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and a digital photo

Applicants outside the UK must attend a local visa application centre.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

You’ll need to upload or bring copies of:

• Passport (and BRP if applicable)
• Proof of employment and salary (e.g. payslips or employer letter)
• Proof of English language ability (if not previously submitted)
• Relationship evidence for dependants

Make sure all documents are translated if not in English.

Step 5: Await a Decision While Remaining in the UK

You must not leave the UK (including to Ireland, the Channel Islands, or Isle of Man) while your application is being processed. Doing so could result in withdrawal.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Fees & Charges

Visa costs can vary based on occupation, duration, and visa type. Below is the breakdown:

Application Fees:

Additional Charges:

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (£3,105 for 3 years)
• Biometric Enrolment Fee: £19.20
• Immigration Skills Charge (paid by sponsor): £364/year (small sponsors), £1,000/year (large sponsors)

Use our visa fees calculator for accurate estimates.

Document Checklist for Skilled Worker Visa Extension

Required:

• Passport
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa
• New CoS reference
• Payslips for the last 3 months
• Employment contract or letter
• Proof of English (if needed)
• Immigration history (past visas, refusals)

For Dependants:

• Marriage certificate (for spouses)
• Birth certificates (for children)
• BRP or passport for each dependant

Dependants: Extension Rules for Partners and Children

Partners and children must submit separate applications. They can apply:

• At the same time as the main applicant
• Or before their current visa expires

Each dependant must:

• Provide biometric data
• Show proof of relationship to the main applicant
• Confirm residence in the UK

Children Over 18

Children who turn 18 during their stay may need to switch to a different visa route. Check whether they can extend under dependant rules or must apply independently.

Care Workers: Special Restrictions

As of 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers cannot bring dependants unless:

• They held a Skilled Worker visa before that date
• They are extending within the same job or SOC code

This is part of wider immigration reforms targeting the health and social care sector.

Processing Times and Priority Options

Standard:

• 8 weeks from biometric enrolment

Priority:

• 5 working days (+£500)

Super Priority:

• Next working day (+£1,000)

Use priority if:

• You have urgent travel plans (but don’t leave during processing)
• Your application is straightforward

Avoid priority if:

• You have a complex immigration history
• You need extra time to gather documents

Switching Jobs or Employers: Update or Extension?

You need to apply for a new visa if:

• Your job title or duties change significantly
• You switch to a different SOC code
• You change employer

A simple extension only applies if:

• You’re staying in the same job
• The employer remains the same
• The SOC code is unchanged

Talk to your sponsor if you’re unsure which route applies.

What Happens After You Extend?

Once your extension is approved:

• You’ll receive a new BRP or updated eVisa status
• Your right to work is extended for the duration of your new visa
• Your dependant’s status will also be updated if they applied with you

Make sure:

• You update your employer with your new visa details
• Your sponsor reports any changes in work location, hours, or duties

Skilled Worker Visa Extension vs Indefinite Leave to Remain

The Skilled Worker visa is a temporary status. ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) provides permanent settlement rights.

You can apply for ILR if you:

• Have 5 years of continuous lawful residence
• Meet salary requirements (£38,700+)
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Demonstrate English language ability

When to choose extension over ILR:

• If you haven’t met the 5-year residency period
• If your salary is temporarily below the threshold
• If you need time to prepare documentation or meet eligibility

Borderless: Expert Support for Visa Extensions

Borderless simplifies the Skilled Worker visa extension process with:

• Expert legal guidance
• Automated reminders for visa expiry
• Support with assigning a new CoS
• Document reviews and application tracking
• Dependants’ application support
• Integration with the Sponsor Management System

Need help today? Get in touch for a free consultation with our immigration advisors.

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