Leave to Remain — Skilled Worker Extension
Extend or Switch Your Skilled Worker Leave with Professional Legal Support
Apply to extend Skilled Worker leave through Legate Hub | Specialist Immigration Solicitors
Overview
The Skilled Worker Extension route permits existing Skilled Worker visa holders to extend their leave to remain in the UK, or to switch employers where the new employer holds a valid Sponsor Licence and issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Legate Hub assists applicants and sponsoring employers with compliant extension applications, ensuring continuity of lawful residence and adherence to Sponsor Management System obligations.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must currently hold valid Skilled Worker leave or be in a route that permits switching to Skilled Worker from within the UK.
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer specifying the role, salary and start date.
- The job must meet the required skill level and the salary must meet the applicable threshold (the general salary threshold or the appropriate going rate for the occupation).
- You must continue to satisfy the English language requirement where applicable.
- You must not be subject to grounds of refusal such as recent serious criminality or breaches of immigration conditions.
Required Documents Checklist
- Current passport and any previous passports showing UK leave.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference from your employer.
- Employment contract or formal job offer detailing duties, salary and working hours.
- Employer’s sponsorship evidence where required (letter confirming sponsorship, HR compliance statements).
- Recent payslips and bank statements to confirm continued employment and maintenance where sponsor has not certified maintenance.
- Evidential proof of the job meeting the appropriate skill level and salary thresholds.
- TB test certificate if applicable based on country of residence.
- Certified translations for any non-English documents.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Eligibility Review: Book a consultation with Legate Hub to confirm your current leave status, the sponsor details and whether switching or extension is the appropriate route.
- Step 2 – Employer Coordination: Legate Hub liaises with your sponsor to confirm the Certificate of Sponsorship and to ensure the employer’s HR systems comply with Sponsor Management System duties.
- Step 3 – Document Preparation: Download the Skilled Worker Extension checklist from our Document Centre below. Our solicitors compile and verify your application bundle to meet Home Office evidential standards.
- Step 4 – Online Submission & Biometrics: Legate Hub completes the online application, pays the relevant Home Office and IHS fees where applicable, and books biometric appointments.
- Step 5 – Decision & Compliance Advice: We monitor the application, address any UKVI requests, and provide post-decision guidance including BRP collection and compliance obligations under the Sponsor Licence.
Typical Processing Timeline
| Service | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| In-Country Extension / Switch | Approximately 8 weeks from submission. |
| Priority Service | Approximately 5 working days where available (additional fee applies). |
| Outside UK Entry Clearance | Approx. 3 weeks after biometrics (dependent on local VAC processing). |
Note: Processing times vary by case complexity and UKVI workload. Legate Hub ensures timely, compliant filing to preserve continuous lawful status and sponsor obligations.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Skilled Worker Extension
Download Application Forms
- Skilled Worker Extension Checklist (PDF)
- Certificate of Sponsorship Evidence Checklist (PDF)
- Sponsor Compliance – HR Template (PDF)
Download the required checklists and employer templates. Submit completed materials to Legate Hub for verification and formal submission support.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub provides specialist support for Skilled Worker extensions and employer-driven immigration matters. We coordinate closely with sponsors to ensure CoS issuance, evidence integrity and Sponsor Management System compliance, reducing the risk of curtailment, refusal or sponsor penalties.
Book a Consultation
Maintain your skilled-worker status and employment continuity in the UK. Contact Legate Hub to arrange a Skilled Worker extension assessment.