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.
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.
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At-a-glance
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.
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.
Genuine Vacancy & Compliance
- Role is genuine, at the correct skill level, with a licensed sponsor and compliant terms.
Criminal Record / TB (role & location dependent)
- Certificates required for certain occupations and TB tests for listed countries.
Maintenance
- Funds available or maintenance certified by the sponsor on the CoS (if applicable).
Salary Threshold
- Meets the route-specific minimum (general threshold or going rate, incl. new entrant/shortage rules).
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.
Tip: Many refusals stem from incorrect SOC codes or salary math. We pre-check both before you apply.
Applicant Eligibility
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
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.
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.
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.