Skilled Worker Visa Extension UK Requirements and Process 2026
Written by Bill Zahr
Last Updated 24 October 2026
Skilled Worker Visa Extension UK Requirements and Process 2026
When to Apply for a Skilled Worker Extension
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension up to three months before your current visa expires. You cannot apply earlier than three months before expiry an application submitted outside this window will be rejected.
Applying within the three-month window before expiry while your visa remains valid means your leave is automatically extended under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 while the Home Office processes your application. Your right to work continues throughout this Section 3C period.
Extension Eligibility Requirements 2026
Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
You must have a new Certificate of Sponsorship assigned by a licensed employer. If you are extending with the same employer in the same role, they assign a new Undefined CoS through the Sponsor Management System. If you are changing employer or moving to a materially different role, this is technically a variation or switch rather than a straightforward extension the new employer assigns a CoS and you apply to vary leave.
Salary Threshold at Extension
| Skilled Worker salary at extension stage September 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Option A standard general threshold | £41,700 per year |
| Going rate for the SOC code | Per Appendix Skilled Occupations whichever is higher |
| New Entrant (Option E where applicable) | £33,400 at 70% of going rate |
| PhD in relevant STEM (Option B where applicable) | £37,500 at 100% of going rate |
| ISL discount (Option D expires 31 Dec 2026) | £33,400 at 80% of going rate |
| Transitional rate (Option F) | £31,300 only where no change of employer or role since pre-April 2024 CoS |
Your salary must meet the applicable threshold at the date of the extension application not at the date of the original CoS. If you received a salary increase since your last visa was granted, the new salary must still meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your SOC code. If your salary has not kept pace with threshold increases, seek advice before applying.
The 22 July 2025 Occupation List Change Check Your Role
English Language at Extension
If you met the English language requirement for your initial Skilled Worker application and are extending with the same employer in the same or a substantially similar role, you generally do not need to re-demonstrate English. If you are switching employer or changing to a different occupation category, you may need to provide updated English language evidence at B2 CEFR the requirement applicable from 8 January 2026 for new applications.
Extension Costs 2026
| Skilled Worker extension costs 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Application fee extending from within UK (3 years or less / more than 3 years) | £943 / £1,865 |
| IHS per year of extended leave | £1,035 per year |
| Example 3-year extension IHS | £3,105 |
| Priority service | Additional £500 (5 working days) |
| Super Priority service | Additional £1,000 (next working day) |
| ISC large employer | £1,320 per year paid by employer |
| ISC small employer/charity | £480 per year paid by employer |
Extension Processing Time 2026
Standard Skilled Worker extension applications are processed within approximately 8 weeks from the date of application. Section 3C leave covers your right to work and remain in the UK while the application is pending, so there is no gap in your lawful status if you apply in time.
Priority service (£500 additional) targets a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority (£1,000 additional) targets the next working day. Check current priority availability on GOV.UK before paying the 5-working-day Priority service has been suspended at various points in 2026.
Changing Employer at Extension Stage
If you want to change employer at the same time as extending your visa, this is a switch to the Skilled Worker route with a new employer rather than a straightforward extension. The new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship. You apply to vary your leave to remain to the Skilled Worker category under the new employer. The new employer pays the Immigration Skills Charge.
Changing employer does not restart your ILR qualifying period the five years is calculated from the date of your first Skilled Worker or Tier 2 General visa grant, regardless of how many employers you have worked for during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for a Skilled Worker extension?
Up to 3 months before your current visa expires, but no earlier. Apply at least 8 weeks before expiry to allow for standard processing. Your Section 3C leave covers you while the application is pending if you apply before expiry.
What salary do I need for a Skilled Worker extension in 2026?
£41,700 per year at Option A (standard), or the going rate for your SOC code under Appendix Skilled Occupations whichever is higher. Transitional rates may apply under Option F if you have not changed employer or role since your pre-April 2024 CoS.
My occupation was removed from the eligible list in July 2025 can I still extend?
Possibly. Workers sponsored before 22 July 2025 in a role that has since been removed from the eligible list may still be able to extend using the occupation tables that applied at their original CoS date provided there has been no break in sponsored employment. Seek specialist advice before applying.
How much does a Skilled Worker extension cost?
£943 application fee plus the IHS of £1,035 per year for the period of extended leave. A 3-year extension costs £964 + £3,105 IHS = £4,069 in mandatory fees. Priority adds £500; Super Priority adds £800.
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