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UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024: Everything You Need to Know About the New Rule Changes

The UK's 2024 Skilled Worker Visa changes bring new income requirements, updated job codes, and flexible secondary job options for skilled professionals. These rules affect both new and existing visa holders, making it essential to understand the salary, job classification, and application process to maintain legal working status in the UK.

By Anjali Tamta
Published on
UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024
UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024

UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024: The UK has revamped its Skilled Worker Visa extension policies as of April 2024, bringing in new rules designed to align with the country’s labour market needs and curb rising net migration. These changes impact everything from salary thresholds to supplementary employment rules, affecting both new applicants and current visa holders looking to extend their stay in the UK. Understanding these updated requirements is crucial for those seeking to maintain legal work status in the UK.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension 2024

AspectDetails
Minimum Salary ThresholdIncreased to £38,700 for new applicants; £29,000 for those extending visas issued before April 2024.
Supplementary WorkSkilled workers can now engage in eligible side jobs outside main job hours without occupation restrictions.
Occupation Codes UpdateSOC 2020 replaces SOC 2010, updating eligibility for sponsorship.
Processing TimeStandard: 8 weeks; Priority: 5 days; Super Priority: 1 day
Immigration Salary ListReplaces Shortage Occupation List with stricter salary requirements and fewer eligible codes.
Official GuidanceUK Government Skilled Worker Visa Extension

Navigating the UK Skilled Worker Visa extension process under the new 2024 rules requires careful planning and awareness of updated requirements. From raised salary thresholds to flexible supplementary employment options, these changes aim to streamline skilled labour immigration while adapting to the UK’s economic needs. By understanding these rules and preparing in advance, applicants can secure a smooth extension process, ensuring continued professional stability in the UK.

Minimum Salary Requirements

One of the most notable changes is the increased minimum salary threshold. For new Skilled Worker visa applicants, the salary requirement now stands at £38,700, aligning with the 50th percentile of earnings according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from 2023. However, if you hold a Skilled Worker visa before April 2024, your extension will only require a minimum salary of £29,000, along with the specific going rate for your role.

To support skilled worker flexibility, a new Immigration Salary List (ISL) has replaced the previous Shortage Occupation List (SOL). While ISL offers a 20% discount on salaries for certain roles, it applies to fewer occupations than the SOL, potentially restricting some lower-paying skilled roles from eligibility.

Updated Supplementary Employment Rules

A significant improvement for visa holders is the updated supplementary employment rule. Skilled workers can now take on secondary jobs in other eligible occupations outside their main working hours, regardless of occupation code. This flexibility can help individuals earn extra income without needing a new visa as long as they follow Home Office regulations.

Steps for Extending a Skilled Worker Visa

To extend a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants need to follow several critical steps.

  1. Confirm Eligibility and Collect Documentation: To qualify for an extension, visa holders must:
    • Hold the same job with the same employer as listed on their original visa.
    • Maintain the same occupation code as previously approved.
    • Meet updated minimum salary requirements.
  2. Complete the Application: Applications are submitted online through the UK government portal, where applicants must complete detailed information about their employment and personal data.
  3. Pay Associated Fees: The visa extension fee varies based on the duration:
    • Up to 3 years: £827.
    • More than 3 years: £1,636.
  4. Additionally, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs £1,035 per year.
  5. Document Upload and Identity Verification: Applicants must upload digital copies of all required documents, including their passport, Biometric Resident Permit, and employment verification. Depending on their documentation, applicants may verify their identity through the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or by visiting a Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) location for biometric submission.
  6. Await Decision: Standard processing times are eight weeks, though priority options are available. The priority service returns decisions within five days, while the super priority service offers a next-working-day response.

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SOC Code Update and Job Eligibility

The UK has replaced the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2010 codes with SOC 2020, reflecting evolving labour demands. This update means that some occupations previously eligible for sponsorship no longer meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3), notably affecting roles such as fashion stylists, concierges, and car sales personnel. While current visa holders in these positions can renew their visas, they cannot switch employers under this new system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the £38,700 threshold apply to everyone?
No, only new applicants after April 2024 must meet the £38,700 requirement. Extensions for existing visas need a minimum of £29,000.

2. Can I work a second job on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, new rules allow supplementary employment in eligible occupations outside your main job, with no specific occupation code restriction.

3. How long does visa processing take?
Standard processing takes eight weeks, while priority options offer responses within five working days or one working day with super priority service.

4. What happens if my occupation code is no longer eligible?
Existing visa holders in affected roles can renew their visas but cannot switch employers under the updated SOC 2020 guidelines.

5. How do I know if my job is on the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) has replaced the SOL and offers a 20% salary discount for eligible roles. You can confirm ISL eligibility through official UK immigration resources.

Author
Anjali Tamta
Hey there! I'm Anjali Tamta, hailing from the beautiful city of Dehradun. Writing and sharing knowledge are my passions. Through my contributions, I aim to provide valuable insights and information to our audience. Stay tuned as I continue to bring my expertise to our platform, enriching our content with my love for writing and sharing knowledge. I invite you to delve deeper into my articles. Follow me on Instagram for more insights and updates. Looking forward to sharing more with you!

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