UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024: Essential Updates and Application Guide

One of the most popular immigration routes for professionals looking for work in the UK is still the UK Skilled Worker Visa. But in 2024, the Labor administration led by Rishi Sunak changed the requirements for eligibility, affecting both new applications and current visa holders.

For skilled workers looking for work in the UK, the skilled worker visa is a well-liked immigration path. To slow down the rise in net migration, the UK Labor government—headed by Rishi Sunak—implemented major modifications to the skilled worker visa program at the beginning of 2024. These modifications affected the qualifying requirements for both new and existing visa holders.

Therefore, to comply with immigration laws, foreign nationals planning to prolong their stay through a UK Skilled Worker Visa extension application in 2024 must be aware of the new requirements.

What Modifications Has the 2024 Skilled Worker Visa Extension Process Undergone?

The following are the main modifications to the 2024 requirements for the skilled worker visa that affect applications for extensions filed by existing visa holders.

Minimum Income Level

The government raised the minimum income requirement for the skilled worker visa route on April 4, 2024. On or after this day, the minimum annual salary requirement for the majority of positions increased by 48% to £38,700 for new candidates.

When extending their visas, applicants who were already on the skilled worker path before April 4, 2024, will have to meet new standards. To allow for some adjustment without significantly compromising their living and working conditions, their new wage criterion is set at £29,000.

Some people may find it difficult to meet the requirements for a visa renewal due to the new salary thresholds. The income requirement was £26,200 before the most recent modifications, having previously increased from £25,600 in March 2023. Companies will not be able to sponsor these individuals in the future if they are unable to modify their pay structures to account for the new regulations.

Going Rates

The going rates for occupation codes increased to the 50th percentile level in tandem with the increase in minimum income requirements. This is in line with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2023.

However, skilled workers with visas before April 4, 2024, are not affected by the increased prices. According to ASHE data from 2021, they will still be subject to the 25th percentile of wages when requesting extensions.

Supplementary Employment

Professionals with the necessary skills can work additional hours on top of their full-time sponsored positions. They can work for any employer as long as it satisfies the requirements set forth by the Home Office for supplemental employment, and they must complete this job after regular business hours.

For skilled individuals, part-time employment is required to fall under the same occupation classification as their primary job prior to April 4, 2024. But as a result of the recent modifications, visa holders are now able to work in any field that qualifies as a skilled worker vocation.

Eligibility Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa Extension

To be qualified for the application of a skilled worker visa extension, you have to fulfill the following criteria:

• Maintain the same employment status with the same company as when your first visa was approved.
• The occupation code in which you are employed must match the one used for your prior visa.
• Obtain a fresh sponsorship certificate from your company that reflects the length of your extended work term.
• Fulfill the minimum wage prerequisite for your position.

Documentation Needed for an Extension of the Skilled Worker Visa

The following paperwork will be needed when your skilled worker visa is extended:

• Your current passport
• Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) card
• A new sponsorship certificate reference number
• Evidence of your employment, including contracts or other paperwork
• Information about your annual pay, occupation code, and job title.
• The sponsor license number and name of your employer
• Evidence that according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, you know English at least at level B1.

Guide for Increasing the Duration of Your UK Skilled Worker Visa

If you want to renew your skilled worker visa before your existing authorization ends, you must apply online. Following your determination of eligibility for an extension and preparation of your supporting documentation, you should complete the following actions:

• Fill out the application online: Go to the UK government’s website to complete the application process. You must fill out the online application form with your personal information and employment details.
• Cover the costs: If you want to extend your stay for more than three years, you will need to pay £1,636 for the visa application fee, or £827 for up to three years. For every year you want to stay in the UK, you will also need to pay the £1,035 immigration healthcare premium.
• Put your documents online: You need to scan and upload copies of your supporting documentation to the online service before submitting your application.
• Verify your identification: Depending on the type of passport or residency permit you have, you will need to provide proof of identity. You have two options: either provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point or use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity document.

Processing Time for Extension of Skilled Worker Visa

The processing of applications to extend a skilled worker visa typically takes eight weeks.

If you want to pay an additional cost for priority services, the Home Office will assess your application more swiftly. With the priority service, you can receive a decision for applications submitted within the United Kingdom (such as visa extensions) in five working days, and with the super priority service, you can receive a decision by the following working day.

Conclusion

The UK government has worked to lower net migration levels in the nation and improve the immigration system. The qualifying standards for both new applicants and current visa holders on the Skilled Worker route were impacted by some of the new regulations that were implemented this year.

To prevent any delays to your lawful stay in the nation, you must comprehend the new regulations and how they affect your capacity to extend your skilled worker visa.