To renew a Skilled Worker visa, you apply for further leave to remain in the Skilled Worker category before your current visa expires. You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, must meet the current salary thresholds, and must apply while you are still in the UK with valid leave.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| How to renew | Apply for further leave to remain (Skilled Worker) |
| When to apply | Before current visa expires — apply up to 3 months early |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Required from your current or new employer |
| Standard salary threshold | £41,700 per year (or going rate if higher) |
| Application fee (2026) | £943 (up to 3 years) / £1,865 (more than 3 years) |
| IHS on renewal | Paid upfront for the new visa period at £1,035/year |
Quick Overview
✅ You apply to extend — not reapply from scratch — which is simpler than your initial entry application
✅ You can apply for further leave to remain up to 3 months before your current visa expires
✅ Your qualifying period for ILR continues to accumulate through renewals
⚠️ You must meet the current salary thresholds at the time of renewal — rates changed in April 2024
⚠️ Your employer must still hold a valid sponsor licence — check before applying
📌 If you change employer at the same time as renewing, you need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from the new employer
📌 Section 3C leave applies if you apply before expiry but the visa expires before a decision is made
💡 Your 5-year ILR qualifying clock continues to run through renewals — renewal is a step toward settlement
Renewing a Skilled Worker visa is a standard part of the 5-year journey to ILR. Most people renew once — from a 3-year initial visa to a further 2 or 3 years — before reaching the ILR qualifying period.
When you are close to 5 years and eligible for ILR, consider whether to renew or apply for ILR directly. Use the ILR eligibility calculator to check your qualifying date.
How to Renew a Skilled Worker Visa
Renewing is officially called applying for "further leave to remain" in the Skilled Worker category.
Steps:
- Confirm your employer still holds a valid sponsor licence
- Ask your employer to issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the renewal period
- Gather supporting documents — payslips, passport, current BRP or eVisa details
- Apply online at GOV.UK using the further leave to remain application
- Pay the application fee and IHS upfront
- Book and attend a UKVCAS appointment to submit biometrics if required
You apply while in the UK, using the online visa application system. You do not need to leave the UK to renew.
When to Apply
Apply before your current visa expires. You can apply up to 3 months before your visa expiry date.
Do not leave the application to the last week. Processing times vary and delays are possible. If your visa expires while your renewal application is being processed — and you applied in time — Section 3C leave extends your right to remain and work.
If your visa expires before you apply, you are out of status. Do not let this happen.
Salary Requirements for Renewal
To renew a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the current salary threshold at the time of application.
From April 2024:
- Standard minimum salary: £41,700 per year (raised from £38,700 in 2025)
- Or the "going rate" for your specific occupation code — whichever is higher
If you got your first Certificate of Sponsorship before 4 April 2024 and are continuing in the same job, you may qualify under lower transitional salary requirements. Check GOV.UK for the figure that applies to your case.
If your current salary is below the new threshold, you may need to negotiate a pay rise with your employer before renewing. If your employer will not meet the threshold, this is a significant problem — you cannot renew without meeting it.
Certificate of Sponsorship for Renewal
Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to support your renewal. This confirms:
- Your employer is still sponsoring you
- Your role and salary details
- The period of the new sponsorship
If you are staying with the same employer in the same role, the process is straightforward. Your employer's HR or legal team typically handles the CoS.
If you are changing employer at the same time as renewing, your new employer issues the CoS. The new employer must be a licensed sponsor.
What Happens to Your ILR Qualifying Period?
Your 5-year ILR qualifying period accumulates continuously through visa renewals.
If your first Skilled Worker visa was granted in June 2021 and you renew in June 2024 for another 2 years, your qualifying date is still June 2026 — 5 years from the original grant.
You do not restart the qualifying clock when you renew.
Use the absence calculator to confirm your absence record is clean before your qualifying date arrives.
Common Mistakes
❌ Applying after the visa expiry date Once your visa expires, you are out of status. Apply for renewal before expiry — up to 3 months early. Do not wait until the last few days.
❌ Not checking the salary threshold before applying If your salary has not increased in line with the latest threshold changes, your renewal may be refused. Check the current threshold for your occupation code before submitting.
❌ Assuming your employer's sponsor licence is still valid Sponsor licences can be revoked, suspended, or lapse. Before applying for renewal, confirm your employer's licence is still active on the GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors.
❌ Not including the IHS in your budget The IHS is paid upfront with every renewal. At £1,035 per year, a 2-year renewal costs £2,070 in IHS per person, plus the visa application fee. Budget for this well in advance.
❌ Renewing when you could apply for ILR instead If you are within 28 days of your 5-year qualifying date, apply for ILR rather than renewing the visa. ILR means no more renewals, no more IHS, and no more visa fees.
Expert Tips
1. Check the sponsor register before applying. The GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors is public. Search for your employer's name to confirm their licence is active. A revoked licence means your renewal is invalid — and you face a 60-day curtailment period.
2. Calculate whether to renew or apply for ILR. If your qualifying date is within 6-12 months, consider whether a short renewal makes sense. Compare the renewal cost (application fee plus IHS) against applying for ILR directly. ILR stops the IHS permanently.
3. The salary threshold applies at the time of the renewal application. Make sure your current salary meets the threshold before you submit. A payslip from the most recent month is typically required.
4. If you are close to the 5-year qualifying date, use the 28-day window. You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before your qualifying date. See the ILR 28-day rule guide for how to time this correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you renew a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
You apply for further leave to remain in the Skilled Worker category before your current visa expires. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, must meet the current salary threshold, and apply online at GOV.UK. You do not need to leave the UK to renew.
How early can you apply to renew a Skilled Worker visa?
You can apply up to 3 months before your current visa expiry date. Apply as early as the 3-month window allows — do not leave it to the final days.
Does renewing a Skilled Worker visa reset the ILR qualifying period?
No. Your 5-year ILR qualifying period runs continuously from when your first Skilled Worker visa was granted. Renewing does not reset the clock. Your qualifying date remains 5 years from your original grant.
What salary do you need to renew a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
The standard minimum salary threshold is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for your occupation code — whichever is higher. If you were first sponsored before 4 April 2024 and are staying in the same job, lower transitional thresholds may apply. Always check GOV.UK before applying, as thresholds are reviewed regularly.
What happens if my Skilled Worker visa expires before my renewal is decided?
If you applied before expiry, Section 3C leave automatically extends your existing leave and its conditions while the application is processed. You can continue working for your sponsor. Do not travel internationally while on Section 3C leave.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
The Skilled Worker further leave to remain application process, salary thresholds, and Certificate of Sponsorship requirements are all set out in the Immigration Rules (Appendix Skilled Worker) and the Home Office guidance published on GOV.UK.
Official Resources
- Skilled Worker visa — GOV.UK — application, renewal, and conditions
- Check if an employer can sponsor you — GOV.UK — verify sponsor licence status
Our Free Tools
The Life in the UK test is required for ILR at the end of your 5-year journey. Use the free practice questions to prepare. Check your absence record with the absence calculator before your qualifying date arrives.
Last reviewed: August 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest Skilled Worker salary thresholds and application fees.