How to Successfully Extend Your UK Sponsored Work Visa Stay

Successfully renewing your UK work visa begins with confirming your continued eligibility. You must still be employed by the same sponsor who issued your initial visa. Your role must also continue to meet the required skill and salary thresholds, which have been updated for 2026. It is crucial to understand that your sponsor must maintain their A-rated licence to support your extension application effectively. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of UK sponsored worker rights is essential to ensure your employer adheres to all compliance regulations throughout your employment.

The Home Office mandates that your job continues to be a genuine vacancy and complies with all UK employment laws. This includes adhering to the National Minimum Wage and the Working Time Regulations 1998 without exception. Your sponsor is responsible for demonstrating this compliance when they assign your new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the extension. Therefore, maintaining a clear and lawful employment record is fundamentally important. A Certificate of Sponsorship can be assigned for a maximum period of five years.

Applicants must also meet the points requirement, which totals 70 points across several categories. These points are awarded for sponsorship, having a job at an appropriate skill level, and meeting the salary rules. The final ten points are awarded for satisfying the English language requirement, which remains a key component. For applications made on or after 8 January 2026, this language requirement increases to level B2 or above.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical document but a unique reference number. Your employer assigns this number to you through their Sponsorship Management System (SMS) account. This CoS confirms that you have a genuine job that meets all the necessary criteria for the visa route. It is the critical piece of evidence in your extension application, linking you directly to your licensed sponsor.

For an in-country extension, your employer will assign an 'Undefined' CoS from their annual allocation. This differs from the 'Defined' CoS required for applicants applying from outside the UK. The information on the CoS, such as your job title, occupation code, and salary, must be accurate. Any discrepancies between the CoS and your application can lead to a refusal, so verify all details carefully.

Once assigned, the CoS has a limited validity period of three months, meaning you must submit your visa application within this window. Your sponsor is also responsible for paying a fee for assigning the CoS, which increased to £525 from April 2025. Under current regulations, sponsors are prohibited from recouping this fee or any associated administrative costs from the worker. This rule ensures that the financial burden of sponsorship remains with the employer as intended by the Home Office.

The financial requirement ensures you can support yourself in the UK without recourse to public funds. If your sponsor is A-rated, they can certify your maintenance on the CoS, exempting you from this requirement. Otherwise, you must provide evidence of sufficient funds as specified in the Immigration Rules. This is a crucial step in the Visa sponsor companies UK process that cannot be overlooked. Many professionals find that A-rated sponsors simplify this part of the application significantly.

For your extension, you must continue to meet the English language requirement at the appropriate level. For most applicants, this remains at level B1, which you likely proved in your initial application. However, it is important to note that for new applications submitted from 8 January 2026, the required proficiency level has been raised to B2. Existing visa holders are generally subject to the rules in place at the time of their initial grant.

After submitting your application and attending your biometric appointment, you must wait for a decision from the Home Office. Standard processing times can take several weeks, but priority services are available for an additional fee. It is vital that you do not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your application is pending. Doing so will result in your application being automatically withdrawn, which can have severe immigration consequences.

Once a decision has been made, you will be notified by the Home Office and receive your new Biometric Residence Permit. This BRP will state your updated conditions of stay and the new expiry date of your visa. It is your responsibility to check that all the details on your new BRP are correct upon receipt. Any errors should be reported immediately to ensure your record is accurate, which is crucial for future applications and right-to-work checks.

If you wish to change employers, you cannot simply extend your current visa. You must apply for a new visa with sponsorship from your new employer. This process is similar to an initial application rather than an extension. Your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign you a new CoS. This is a common scenario for professionals looking to advance their careers in the UK.

The application to change employers is effectively a process to switch to a Skilled Worker visa under a new sponsor. You will need to meet all the eligibility criteria again, including the relevant salary and skill level for the new role. It is important to time this application correctly, as you cannot start working for the new employer until your application has been granted. This ensures you remain compliant with immigration rules throughout the transition between sponsored roles.

Successfully extending your sponsored work visa requires careful preparation and timely action. You must ensure your role and salary continue to meet the stringent 2026 requirements. Your employer's cooperation in providing a valid Certificate of Sponsorship is the cornerstone of your application. Remember that the Home Office scrutinises every detail, from the genuineness of your role to compliance with UK employment law. Proactive communication with your sponsor and meticulous document preparation are the keys to a smooth and successful renewal process.

Your next step should be to initiate a conversation with your employer about your visa expiry date at least six months in advance. This allows ample time for them to prepare and assign your new CoS without rushing. You can then gather your personal documents and prepare to submit the online application well before your current permission expires. Staying organised and informed will prevent unnecessary stress and help secure your continued future in the UK.