The first step to extending your Tier 2 Visa is ensuring you still want to live and work in the UK. Before you apply, you will have to confirm that you are still with the same employer and employed in the same job you originally applied for.
It won’t be possible to apply until both the NHS Immigration Health surcharge and extension application fees have been paid.
In order to confirm the applicant’s identity, after completing the online form and paying all fees, an appointment must be made at the UKVCAS center. Additionally, there will be a fee for submitting the biometric information (currently £19.20). You must also prove that:
- Your salary meets the minimum requirements set out by UKVI.
- Your current sponsor can continue sponsoring your right up until the date of expiry.
- You are able to support yourself financially without recourse on another person’s income.
From gathering the correct paperwork to understanding the fees and processing times, these tips will help ensure a successful application and help you stay in the UK.
1) The Application Process – Extending Tier 2 Visa
To extend a Tier 2 visa in the UK, you’ll need to fill out an application form. First, you’ll need to pay a fee, gather your documents and fill out the form. After submitting it, you’ll receive a decision about whether your visa extension request was successful or not.
Extending a tier 2 visa usually takes up to 8 weeks for processing. Make sure to keep track of your application’s progress and prepare to provide additional information if needed.
After five years of lawful residency in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, the ILR becomes available. Once you complete the first tier 2 visa extension, you can apply to stay in the UK. To stay in the UK after Tier 2 expires, you must apply under the separate ILR process. There is no automatic process for obtaining ILR. Status is granted after you submit an application to the Home Office.
2) The Cost of Tier 2 Visa Renewal
If you wish to renew your tier 2 visa, the fees associated with this process can vary. It is important to apply for an extension before your existing visa expires.
The cost for an extension will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and if you are applying for an extension for your dependents. Generally, the cost for an adult is £478, whereas, for a child, it is £244. Furthermore, you may also need to pay an additional fee for a biometric card. Therefore, checking the Home Office website for updated costs and fees is important.
Thinking of a Tier 2 visa extension? When should I apply? It is best to apply for the tier 2 visa extension no later than 6 months before your current visa expires. This will allow you time to make adjustments to ensure your application is accepted.
The visa extension can be applied online or by post, whichever works best for you. It can take up to 8 weeks for the extension to be processed. So, it is important to factor this into your plans for when to apply for the extension.
3) The Documents to Extend the Tier 2 Visa
When considering tier 2 visa renewal, it’s important to have the necessary documents. You will need to submit documents that prove your identity, eligibility, and residence in the UK. These documents may include the following:
- A valid passport
- Proof of your current UK address, current job, and salary, previous employment, and salary
- Certificate of sponsorship
- Your most recent tax return
- Any letters from your employer
- Proof of support funds totaling at least £1,270 (i. e. If you have resided in the UK for a full year or longer, you are exempt from providing a bank statement.
- Criminal record check
- Documentation of English language skills
Be sure to keep copies of all documents you submit if any questions arise about your Tier 2 visa renewal application.
In addition, you should make sure you have the correct visa type and length of visa for the job you are applying for. The table below outlines the various types of tier 2 visas and their associated time limits:
If your job pays more than £20,800 annually, you can apply for an extension before 24 May 2023. Before 1 December 2026, you may be able to include certain salary allowances, such as London weighting, in extension applications. However, there is also a minimum salary threshold.
4) The Length of The Extension
When extending your tier 2 visa, you can choose to apply for a maximum of three years. However, it is important to note that the total length of stay cannot exceed six years.
This means that if you are already halfway through your visa and are extending it for another three years, you must be aware that you will need to leave the UK after the extension period ends. Therefore, carefully considering your options when extending a tier 2 visa is important.
Scan your identity document using the app “UK Immigration: ID Check.”. Additionally, you’ll create or UKVI account.
Visit UKVCAS to give them your photograph and fingerprints (biometric information). Get a biometric residence permit by completing this.
In order to extend their stay in the UK, the holder has to switch over to the CoS assigned by the sponsor. You will need this to apply to the Home Office. For visa extension requests, the application must be made within 3 months of the COS issuance or before the existing visa expires, whichever comes sooner.
5) Your Application Approval
If your application to extend your Tier 2 Visa is approved, you can stay for an additional period of time. Your visa extension will include new start and end dates, which will be specified on your visa.
Make sure to review these dates carefully and ensure that you abide by them. Failing to do so could result in losing your right to remain in the UK.
In order to avoid a withdrawal of the application, you shouldn’t go outside the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, or Irish while the extension application is being processed.
TUPE (or similar) protection may apply if you change jobs but remain employed by the same employer. In this case, your new job will contain the same SOC. However, your salary will be less than the appropriate rate according to the applicable code of practice when you change jobs under TUPE.
FAQs
Q: What is a Tier 2 visa?
A: A Tier 2 visa is a work permit that allows foreign nationals to work and live in the United Kingdom for up to five years.
Q: How do I apply for a Tier 2 visa extension?
A: To apply for a Tier 2 visa extension, you must submit an application form, along with supporting documents, to the UK Home Office.
Q: How long does processing a Tier 2 visa extension take?
A: It typically takes around 8 weeks for the Home Office to process a Tier 2 visa extension application.
Q: What happens if my Tier 2 visa extension application is unsuccessful?
A: If your Tier 2 visa extension application is unsuccessful, you will have 28 days to leave the UK or make a new application from outside the UK.
Wrapping Up
Extending your Tier 2 visa in the UK can be a complex process. However, with the right preparation and understanding of the criteria, you can ensure that your application is successful.
Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you need to make changes to your application after submission. You can request that your application be withdrawn. If UKVI has not yet begun processing, only you can get your fee back. You’ll receive a letter or email with the outcome of your application. This will outline what you should do next.
Remember to review all the documents needed, the cost of renewal, the length of the extension, and the application process before submitting your application. If you’re still unsure or have questions, contact a UK immigration lawyer, KQ Solicitors, to assist you with the process. Good luck!
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