Here is An Important Update About UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension Process

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a popular option for professionals from around the world who want to work and live in the UK. New regulations, introduced in 2024 by the Rishi Sunak led government, have significantly influenced the process of extending this visa. This affects both new visa applicants and existing visa holders. These changes are in line with UK objectives to manage immigration and respond to labor needs. 

Important Updates

1. Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds

The minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visa holders will increase in 2024.

• For new applicants As of April 4, 2020, the minimum salary threshold for most roles is PS38,700. This represents a 48 percent increase over the previous threshold of PS26.200.
• Existing Visa Holders Workers who received their Skilled Worker Visa prior to April 4, 2024 will face a lower threshold for extension applications of PS29,000. This provides a degree of flexibility for workers already in their role.

Salary adjustments may be difficult for some employers, but they are intended to make sure that foreign workers receive wages competitive with local employees.

2. Revised going rates for occupation codes

The going rate for each occupation code has been updated. These rates are now determined by the UK government using data from Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours & Earnings 2023.

• New Visa Holders The going rates for each occupation are based on the 50% percentile.
• Existing Visa holders (Pre-April 2020) The 25th percentile rates will continue to be applied to those who extend their visas. This makes it easier to meet the income requirements.

The update will result in new applicants being subject to stricter salary requirements while current holders are able to enjoy more lenient wage thresholds.

3. Additional Employment Opportunities

In 2024, the rules for supplementary employment of Skilled Worker Visa holders will also change. Visa holders were only allowed to work part-time in the same occupation as their primary role. This restriction is now lifted:

• New Flexibility Skilled worker visa holders can now work in any position that is considered skilled work. This gives them more flexibility to pursue additional employment outside of their primary job.

The Home Office has set a minimum skill level requirement for the new roles. This is a great opportunity for professionals who want to earn more money or gain experience in specialized fields.

Eligibility Criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension in 2024

For a Skilled Worker Visa Extension in 2024, the applicant must meet several criteria.

• Continued employment You must continue to work for the same employer who issued your visa.
• Consistency of occupation codes: You must maintain the same role as you did when you applied for your visa.
• Certificate Sponsorship : Your employer is required to issue a certificate that confirms an extended contract with updated employment terms.
• Salary Requirements You must meet revised income criteria depending on the date your visa was granted (either 29,000 PS or 38,700 PS).

Required Documents for Extending a Skilled Worker Visa

To apply for an extension to their Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must collect the following documents:

• Current Passport
• Biometric Resident Permit (BRP),
• New certificate of sponsorship: Reflects the extended work period and any updated conditions.
• Proofs of Employment: Includes contracts, offer letters or other official records.
• Salary Data: Includes your current salary and job title.
• Employer Details: Name and sponsor license number of the employer.
• Proof of English Fluency: Demonstrating at least a B1 level of proficiency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Step-by-Step Application Process for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension in 2024

Attention to detail is required when completing the extension application. Complete your application by following these steps:

1. Fill out the Online Application
   • Fill out the online extension visa form on the official UK Government website. Include all the necessary information about your employer and employment.
2. Paying the application fees
   • The fee varies depending on the length of the extension:
     • For extensions of more than three years, PS1,636 is payable.
     • PS827 for up to three-year extensions
   • Pay the Immigration Health surcharge (1,035 PS per year).
3. Upload supporting documents
   • Please submit digital copies of your passport, BRP and sponsorship certificate.
4. Verify your identity
   • You can verify your identity, depending on the type of passport and BRP you have, by providing biometric data such as fingerprints and photos at any UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services location (UKVCAS), or using “UK Immigration:ID Check” app.

Processing Time and Expedited Services

The average processing time for Skilled Worker Visa Extensions is eight weeks. The Home Office does offer faster services for an additional fee.

• Priority Service Receive a decision in five working days, for an extra fee.
• Super Priority Service : Receive a decision the following working day for the fastest processing.

Conclusion

Updates to the UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension Process for 2024 reflect the UK Government’s focus on regulating immigration while supporting a highly skilled workforce. To meet the requirements, applicants need to be informed about higher salary thresholds and updated occupation codes, as well as more flexibility with supplementary employment. This guide will help you ensure that you meet all the criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa Extension.

FAQs on the UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024

1. What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa, and who is eligible for it?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign professionals to live and work in the UK. Eligibility typically requires a job offer from a UK-based employer who is a licensed sponsor, a specified minimum salary, and meeting an English language proficiency level.

2. What are the main changes in the Skilled Worker Visa extension process in 2024?
In 2024, changes include increased minimum salary requirements, updated going rates for occupation codes, and expanded options for supplementary employment. These updates impact both new and existing visa holders differently.

3. What are the new minimum salary requirements for extending a Skilled Worker Visa?
For new applicants as of April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement has increased to £38,700. For existing visa holders who received their visas before this date, the threshold is £29,000 for extensions.

4. Are the going rates for occupation codes the same for new and existing visa holders?
No, new visa holders must meet the 50th percentile of wages for their occupation code, while existing visa holders (pre-April 2024) can still apply based on the previous 25th percentile rates.

5. Can I take on a second job while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, in 2024, Skilled Worker Visa holders can take on supplementary work in any skilled occupation, offering more flexibility than the previous requirement of staying within the same occupation code as their primary job.

6. What documents are needed to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension?
Required documents include your passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, proof of employment, salary details, employer information, and evidence of English proficiency.

7. How much does it cost to extend the Skilled Worker Visa?
The fee depends on the extension length:

• £1,636 for extensions longer than three years
• £827 for extensions up to three years
  You must also pay an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for each year of stay.

8. How long does it take to process a Skilled Worker Visa extension application?
Standard processing takes up to eight weeks. However, faster options are available:

• Priority Service: Decision within five working days (for an extra fee).
• Super Priority Service: Decision by the next working day (for an additional fee).

9. Do I need to stay with the same employer for a visa extension?
Yes, to extend your visa, you must continue working with the employer who sponsored your initial visa. Changing employers requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship and an application for a fresh visa.

10. What English proficiency level is required for a Skilled Worker Visa extension?
You need to demonstrate at least a B1 level of English proficiency, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

11. What happens if I don’t meet the new salary requirements?
If you cannot meet the updated salary threshold, you may not qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa extension. It is essential to check the new salary requirements for your role and occupation code before applying.

12. Can I apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension online?
Yes, the application process is completed online through the official UK government website. Supporting documents and biometric information may need to be submitted through UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) or the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.

These FAQs cover essential details and help ensure applicants have a clear understanding of the UK Skilled Worker Visa extension process in 2024.