Leave to Remain • Skilled Worker (extend or switch)

Skilled Worker — in-country extension or switch

We align your SOC code, salary threshold and going rate with current rules, coordinate the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with HR, and file a clean, decision-ready in-country application before your permission expires.

Book a Consultation Free Eligibility Check

At-a-glance

Licensed sponsor & CoS Eligible SOC code Salary: threshold & going rate English B1 Maintenance or sponsor cert Section 3C protection (apply before expiry)

Extend or switch inside the UK with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, the correct SOC code, and pay meeting both the general threshold and the role’s going rate. Apply before your permission expires to keep your rights protected under Section 3C.

Role & employer requirements

  • Your employer holds a valid sponsor licence and issues a CoS for the role.
  • Job duties align to an eligible SOC code at the required skill level.
  • English at CEFR B1 (or exemption/degree in English).
  • Maintenance: hold required funds for 28 days or your sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
  • Switching: many routes can switch in-country; some cannot — we’ll confirm your options.

We cross-check duties vs SOC code, contract hours, and CoS details for a clean, compliant file.

Salary rules & evidence

  • Pay must satisfy both the general salary threshold and the role’s going rate (pro-rated for hours).
  • Base salary counts; most allowances/bonuses don’t unless specifically permitted.
  • Provide contract/offer letter, CoS, and (for switches/extensions) recent payslips to confirm pay and hours.
  • Some roles/conditions (e.g., new entrants, specific lists, Health & Care) use alternative thresholds.
  • We prepare HR wording so the CoS and contract align exactly with the rules.

Close to a threshold? We’ll model options (hours, code alignment, route choice) before filing.

Skilled Worker Route

Applicant Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the core Home Office requirements below. We’ll verify each item and flag anything that could delay a decision.

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

    Valid, assigned CoS for an eligible role with the correct SOC code and start date.

  • English Language (B1+ CEFR)

    Prove English by a UKVI-approved test, degree taught in English, or a nationality exemption.

  • Salary Threshold

    Meets the route-specific minimum (general threshold or going rate, incl. new entrant/shortage rules).

  • Maintenance

    Funds available or maintenance certified by the sponsor on the CoS (if applicable).

  • Criminal Record / TB (role & location dependent)

    Certificates required for certain occupations and TB tests for listed countries.

  • Genuine Vacancy & Compliance

    Role is genuine, at the correct skill level, with a licensed sponsor and compliant terms.

Check My Eligibility Ask a Question

Skilled Worker Route

Eligibility & Application — At a Glance

Scan the key requirements and the application journey. Buttons reuse the same markup as your Spouse Route sub-page.

Applicant Eligibility

Requirement What It Means Notes
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Valid, assigned CoS for an eligible role with the correct SOC code and start date. We pre-check CoS details for compliance.
English (B1 CEFR+) UKVI-approved test, degree taught in English, or nationality exemption. We confirm the strongest evidence route.
Salary Threshold Meets the applicable minimum: general threshold and/or occupation going rate. New entrant / shortage rules may apply.
Maintenance Funds available or maintenance certified by the sponsor on the CoS. Not needed if the sponsor certifies maintenance.
Criminal Record / TB Certificates required for certain occupations and TB tests for listed countries. We will flag if your role/country triggers this.
Genuine Vacancy & Compliance Role is genuine, correct skill level, with a licensed sponsor and compliant terms. We audit SOC code, duties, and salary maths.

Application Process

Step Title What We Do
1 Confirm Eligible Role & Sponsor Check sponsor licence status (A-rated); match role to the correct SOC code and skill level.
2 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Verify CoS data (salary, SOC code, dates) to ensure compliance before submission.
3 Documents & Eligibility Checks Gather passport, English proof, maintenance evidence, and any criminal record/TB certificates.
4 Submit Online Application Prepare forms, upload evidence, and organise fee payments (with your approval).
5 Biometrics / ID Verification Book UKVCAS/VFS or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app where eligible.
6 Decision & Next Steps Confirm grant details, travel/work start dates, and brief you/sponsor on compliance duties.

Timeframes & Support

Topic Summary
Typical Timeframes Processing varies by location and service level; priority services may be available. We’ll advise current timelines at submission.
How We Help • Pre-check SOC code, salary calculations, and CoS data
• Evidence review & uploads to avoid refusal points
• Drafting and fee guidance
• Post-grant sponsor compliance briefing
Book a Consultation Contact Us

Skilled Worker Route

Required Documents & Supporting Evidence

The Home Office requires clear evidence for both the role and the applicant. Below is a checklist to help you prepare before applying under the Skilled Worker route.

Document Checklist

Category Document Type Purpose
Personal Identification Valid passport or national ID (if applicable) To verify your identity and nationality.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Assigned CoS reference number issued by your licensed sponsor Confirms your job offer and sponsor details.
Proof of English IELTS for UKVI, SELT, or degree taught in English To demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level B1 or higher.
Employment Evidence Offer letter, job description, employment contract To confirm your job role, duties, and salary align with SOC requirements.
Financial Maintenance Bank statements or sponsor’s maintenance confirmation To show you can support yourself in the UK or that your employer will do so.
TB Test (if applicable) Home Office–approved TB test certificate Required for applicants from listed countries.
Criminal Record Certificate (if applicable) Police certificate from your country of residence Mandatory for certain listed occupations.
Dependants’ Evidence (if applicable) Marriage or birth certificates for dependants To prove family relationship for dependent applications.
Book a Consultation Contact Us

Skilled Worker Route

Fees & Processing Times

Fees and timelines can vary by job type, location, and service level. Use the tables below to see who pays for what and how long decisions typically take. We’ll confirm the latest figures at the point of submission.

Home Office & Associated Fees

Fee Who Pays When Notes
Visa Application Fee Applicant At online submission Varies by role/length and whether inside/outside UK. We confirm the exact band before payment.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Applicant At online submission Paid per year of leave. Grants access to the NHS during your stay.
Priority / Super Priority Service (optional) Applicant When selecting service level Availability varies by location. We’ll check eligibility and current prices before opting in.
Biometrics / UKVCAS Appointment (if applicable) Applicant When booking Standard centres are often free; premium slots may carry a fee depending on venue/time.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Assignment Fee Sponsor (Employer) Before application Paid by the licensed sponsor when assigning your CoS.
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Sponsor (Employer) When assigning CoS Payable for most Skilled Worker roles; rate depends on sponsor size/length of sponsorship.

Processing Times (Typical)

Service Level Where Applied Typical Decision Speed Notes
Standard Inside or outside the UK Varies by location and season We confirm the current Home Office timeline on the day of submission.
Priority (optional) Where available Faster than standard Limited capacity; eligibility and speed differ across centres/countries.
Super Priority (optional) Where available Fastest available Strict slots; not offered everywhere. We’ll confirm availability before booking.

Cost-Saving & Compliance Tips

Tip Benefit
Choose the correct SOC code first time Prevents refusals and re-application costs; ensures salary meets the right threshold.
Check IHS and fee bands before you extend Avoids under/overpayment and last-minute changes to your requested length of leave.
Sponsors: plan for ISC across the full term Accurate budgeting and smoother finance approvals before assigning CoS.
Book a Consultation Contact Us

Skilled Worker Route

Extending / Switching to Skilled Worker

Whether you’re continuing with the same employer, changing sponsor, or switching from another visa type, use the tables below to understand what you’ll need and when to apply.

Extend with the Same Employer

Requirement What It Means Evidence
Valid CoS for extension New Certificate of Sponsorship assigned for the extended period. CoS reference; role details and salary stated correctly.
Role & salary unchanged (or compliant) Role remains eligible and salary meets the latest threshold/going rate for your SOC. Contract/update letter; payroll or offer letter showing current salary.
Continuous lawful residence No gaps in leave and conditions complied with. Current BRP/eVisa details; prior grant letters if requested.
Application timing Apply before current leave expires (you’ll be covered by Section 3C while pending). Submission confirmation; proof of biometrics/ID check.

Changing Employer (New Sponsor)

Scenario What You Need Notes
New sponsor, same occupation New CoS; eligible SOC code; compliant salary with the new sponsor. You must apply and receive permission before starting the new job (unless rules allow otherwise).
New sponsor, different occupation New CoS with a different eligible SOC; salary must meet that occupation’s going rate. Skills level and eligibility are reassessed; genuine vacancy checks apply.
Additional role for same sponsor Check if a variation is allowed or a new application is required. Consult sponsor HR/compliance for correct route and paperwork.

Switching to Skilled Worker (Inside the UK)

From Can Switch? Key Conditions
Student / Graduate routes Usually yes (subject to timing/conditions) May need to complete course or meet degree conferral rules; CoS and salary must be compliant.
Visitor / Short-term routes Generally no Usually must apply from outside the UK unless a specific exemption applies.
Other work/family routes Often yes Check for route-specific switching restrictions and any cooling-off/conditions.
In-country overstayers Exceptional only Strict rules; seek advice urgently if your leave has expired.

Dependants, Conditions & eVisa

Topic Summary
Dependants Partner and children may apply to extend/switch with you; must prove relationship and maintenance (if required).
Work conditions You can work for your sponsor in the stated role; secondary work has limits—check permission before taking additional roles.
Travel while pending Avoid international travel after applying until a decision, as it may treat your application as withdrawn.
eVisa / BRP Moves to digital status; keep contact details up to date and use your share code for checks when required.
Book a Consultation Contact Us