Renewing your work visa can feel like a daunting situation, but there are many ways to make the process run smoothly and without any problems.
In this article, we’re going to discuss four top tips for renewing your work visa in the UK.
There are so many different types of work visa options available for those who wish to move to the UK to live and work. From short term and long term visas, to graduate and charity work visas, there are many to pick from.
However, many of these visas only last a short period of time, meaning that renewing your visa will need to occur at some point, and there are many things involved with doing so. It’s worth keeping in mind that an application must be made prior to the existing visa expiring, and you often have to be located in the UK when doing the extension.
A skilled worker visa, previously known as a tier 2 worker visa, is slightly different from the others, with your employer needing to ensure they have done a sponsor licence renewal at least 3 months before it runs out. Without this, you will not be able to continue working for the employer or obtain your own visa renewal.
To see the four top tips for renewing your work visa in the UK, keep reading…
1. Check if you Meet the Requirements
Each type of work visa you apply for to work in the UK will have specific requirements that you will need to meet for your visa to be approved. Before making the application, you will need to research your specific visa and its requirements to ensure you meet it. You can do this easily on the GOV.UK website or by seeking advice from your local immigration solicitor.
Keep in mind that if you need to renew your family member’s visas who have joined you in the UK, the process could be different depending on the visa you hold.
Skilled Worker Visa/Tier 2 Worker Visa
If you originally obtained a Tier 2 worker visa, this has since changed to the skilled worker visa, and any extension will be processed under the eligibility criteria for that.
The eligibility criteria to extend your skilled worker visa are the following:
- You have continued the same employment since being given permission to live in/enter the UK
- Your occupation code has remained the same since being given permission to live in/enter the UK
- You work for the employer who provided your current certificate of sponsorship
- Your employer still has their sponsorship licence to sponsor skilled workers
- You meet the salary requirements depending on when you initially applied for your visa
Despite these being the general visa requirements, your circumstances may mean that they change.
UK Ancestry Visa
To be able to renew your UK Ancestry visa, you will need to continue to meet the eligibility requirements, which are:
- You are over the age of 17 years old
- Have enough funds to support yourself and any dependants you have
- Can and plan to obtain a job in the UK
- You have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands or The Isle of Man
- You have a grandparent born in what is now known as Ireland before 31 March 1922
- You have a grandparent born on a ship or aircraft that was registered in the UK or was a possession of the UK government
This eligibility still applies if you or your parents were adopted and your parents or grandparents were not married.
2. Check What You Need to Prepare
Skilled Worker Visa/Tier 2 Worker Visa
When renewing your Skilled Worker visa, there area number of preparations you will need to make. Your identity may need to be confirmed in one of two ways or both:
- Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, this is where you will be able to scan your identity document (ID). This could be your passport, resident permit, or something else to officially prove you are who you say you are.
- You may also need to provide biometric information at a UK VISA and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). This will be your fingerprints and a photograph of you. This will provide you with a biometric residence permit.
UK Ancestry Visa
For your UK Ancestry Visa, you will need to make preparations by:
- Applying for an appointment at UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)
- Uploading or scanning your visa supporting document
If you have travelled with your partner and children and obtained the same visa, you can include them on your extension application at the same time.
3. Determine How Much You Will Need to Pay
To renew your visa, you will be required to pay a fee. This could be similar to what you originally paid when obtaining your initial visa or could be slightly different. There are often different fees for different types of visas.
Skilled Worker Visa/Tier 2 Worker Visa
For a skilled work visa to be renewed, the cost can range from £625 to £1,423. This will entirely depend on your personal circumstances, such as the length of time you plan to live and work in the UK for. There will also be a healthcare surcharge due, which is £624 per year.
UK Ancestry Visa
To extend your UK Ancestry visa, you will need to pay a £1,048 application fee along with the UK healthcare surcharge, which is £624 a year.
4. Don’t Travel Outside of the UK During the Application Process
It’s important to be aware that once you have submitted your visa extension, you cannot travel outside of the UK. Otherwise, your application will be withdrawn.
Renewing Your Visa Doesn’t Have to Be Daunting
What we can see from this article is that renewing a visa can be straightforward. If you need assistance in renewing your visa, it doesn’t have to feel daunting or stressful. There are many ways to have support in doing so.
While we have only listed two different types of UK work visas, there are many more types, and the GOV.UK can provide more advice and assistance on how you can renew your visa, the criteria you need to meet, the fees due and preparations, to allow you to continue living and working in the UK.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained immigration professional. Be sure to consult an immigration professional if you’re seeking advice about getting or renewing a visa to the UK. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
