UK Visa Guide · 2026
How do I extend my UK work visa?
Who it's for
Anyone holding a UK work visa (Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Scale-Up, etc.) approaching expiry who continues to meet eligibility — typically still working in the same role with the same sponsor, OR switching to a new sponsor mid-visa.
Eligibility requirements
1) Currently in UK with valid visa OR within visa expiry window. 2) Continued eligibility for the route (still meet salary threshold, English language, etc.). 3) Sponsor still licensed and willing to issue extension CoS (where applicable). 4) Genuine vacancy continuing. 5) For some routes, accumulated UK residence requirement met.
Application process
1) Plan extension at least 3 months before visa expiry. 2) Sponsor issues new CoS for extension (if Skilled Worker). 3) Apply online at gov.uk before current visa expires. 4) Pay application fee (typically £719-£1,500) + IHS for the extension period. 5) Provide biometrics (often re-use of existing biometrics). 6) Decision in 8 weeks (UK in-country). 7) Receive extended visa. 8) Time spent on previous visa counts towards 5-year settlement requirement.
Costs and timings
Application fee: £719-£1,500 (varies by route and length). IHS: £1,035/year for the extension period. Health and Care Visa: NO IHS. Decision time: 8 weeks standard (UK in-country). Priority service +£500.
Common reasons for refusal
1) Salary fallen below current threshold (uplifted thresholds since original visa). 2) Sponsor licence issues. 3) Application after visa expiry (overstaying). 4) Failure to provide updated documents. 5) Discrepancies in continuous employment. 6) Significant changes in role/duties not properly reported by sponsor.
Worked example
Maria's 5-year Skilled Worker visa was expiring March 2027. She wanted to extend for another 5 years to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years total. Her sponsor issued a new CoS in December 2026; she applied in January 2027 with priority service. Her salary had risen with the role and exceeded current thresholds. Visa extended for 5 more years; she applied for ILR after the second visa's first 2 years (total 7 years' UK residence). Total cost: £1,500 application + £5,175 IHS + £500 priority = £7,175.
Recruiter pro tip
Plan visa extensions like a project: 6 months before expiry. The biggest risk is salary thresholds rising between original and extension applications — if your salary hasn't kept pace, you may need to negotiate a raise OR switch routes. Always check current thresholds when planning extension; April 2024's 48% threshold uplift caught many extension applicants short. Don't assume yesterday's rules apply today.
Important: UK immigration rules and salary thresholds change frequently. Always verify current rates and rules at gov.uk before applying. For complex cases, consult a qualified UK immigration solicitor (regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or OISC). This guide is for general information only, not legal advice.
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