This guide is maintained as a current resource for July 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Detailed guide to visa extensions and updates after role or employer changes in the UK, explaining when to apply, eligibility rules, procedural requirements, timelines and practical steps for work visa holders navigating updated immigration permission.
Visa extensions in the United Kingdom allow non‑EEA nationals to continue living and working in the UK beyond the expiry of their current permission. For individuals on work‑related visas such as the Skilled Worker visa, extending a visa after a change in employer or role involves specific procedural and legal requirements. The rules govern when an application is classed as an extension, when it is instead an update of visa permissions, and how eligibility criteria apply following employment changes. Understanding these distinctions, the legal framework, timelines and common issues can help applicants maintain lawful status and make informed decisions throughout their immigration journey.
Legal and Policy Framework
Work visas in the UK are granted under the Immigration Rules and linked to conditions including sponsor identity, job role, occupation code and salary levels. Where there is a change in employer or role, the way a visa application is categorised affects whether it is treated as a straightforward extension or requires an updated visa application under a different process. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) provides guidance on updating visas where job or employer changes occur, which in many cases replaces a simple extension application.
Recent reforms to the Skilled Worker route, including rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, introduce higher skill and salary thresholds for new applicants. Transitional arrangements apply to those already on the route, but applicants must ensure their roles and salary levels meet the applicable criteria when extending or updating permission.
Difference Between Visa Extension and Updating Visa
Standard Visa Extension
A standard extension of a work visa typically applies where the holder:
- Remains in the same job with the same employer under the same occupation code as originally granted.
- Continues to meet eligibility criteria such as skill level and salary thresholds at the time of application.
Under these circumstances, an extension application simply renews permission to remain and work for a further period, generally up to five years at a time on the Skilled Worker route.
Updating Visa After Role or Employer Change
If the visa holder:
- Changes employer, or
- Changes to a different occupation code (including a different job role for the same employer),
then the applicant must update their visa rather than submit a standard extension. This is effectively a new visa application under the relevant work category, supported by a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the new employer and evidence that the new role meets eligibility requirements.
Because a change of employer or role alters the conditions of leave, UKVI considers this a substantive variation that must be reflected in permission to stay. An update application therefore replaces the existing visa with new terms reflecting the new job circumstances and may also extend the period of leave.
When and How to Apply
Timing of Application
Applicants can apply to update their visa up to three months before the start date of the new role or, in the case of extension, before the current visa expires. Applying early helps avoid gaps in lawful status. Extensions must be submitted before the visa expires; if filed late without reasonable justification, the applicant may lose legal permission to remain.
Application Process
Update or extension applications are made online through the UKVI portal. Supporting documents generally include:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the new role (for updates).
- Evidence that the job meets eligibility requirements (skill level, salary, occupation code).
- Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).
- Proof of identity and continued eligibility (e.g., passport, current visa details).
UKVI will notify the applicant of supporting documents and processes as part of the application. Even where an update is effectively a new visa, it may extend the applicant's leave if successful.
Dependants
Dependants such as partners and children do not automatically have their visas extended or updated when the principal applicant's visa changes. They must either apply alongside the principal applicant or before their current visa expires to maintain lawful status.
Eligibility After Role or Employer Change
Skilled Worker and Related Routes
For the Skilled Worker visa, the new role (whether with a new employer or with the same employer in a different occupation) must continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including:
- Being on the list of eligible occupation codes.
- Meeting the minimum skill level and salary threshold required at the time of application.
- Fulfilling any other requirements such as English language and maintenance funds where applicable.
The applicant's new CoS must support these conditions.
For some specialist visas, such as the Scale‑up Worker visa, additional rules apply where the employer change occurs within the first six months of the visa. If the employment continues beyond that period, extended eligibility requires meeting the earnings requirements at the point of visa update.
Transitional and Reform‑Related Rules
Rule changes effective from 22 July 2025 affect eligibility for new roles and extensions. For example, roles below RQF level 6 are being removed for new overseas applications, but transitional arrangements may allow existing visa holders in those roles to continue extending or updating their visas under previous criteria. For certain occupations like social care, current visa holders can extend and change roles under transitional arrangements until specified sunset dates.
Processing Times and Decision Outcomes
UKVI's typical decision time for both extension and update applications is within eight weeks of submission. Decisions may take longer if documents need verification, interviews are required, or individual circumstances are complex. Applicants may be offered optional priority services for faster decisions, usually for an additional fee.
A successful application results in a new biometric residence permit or updated immigration status, outlining the new period of permission and conditions of stay. An unsuccessful application can lead to loss of lawful status if the previous visa has expired, affecting future extensions or settlement eligibility.
Risks and Practical Considerations
Unauthorised Work
Starting work in a new role or with a new employer before the update application is approved constitutes a breach of visa conditions and can lead to visa refusal, curtailment or other enforcement action. Applicants should continue to work in their existing role until the new visa is granted.
Gaps in Visa Validity
Failing to apply before the current visa expires can lead to a gap in lawful status, which may complicate future applications and settlement plans. Planning ahead and liaising with employers early is crucial.
Salary and Occupation Thresholds
Rule changes affecting salary and occupation eligibility require diligence. Employers and applicants should confirm roles continue to meet criteria at the time of application. Salaries may need adjusting before the CoS is assigned to avoid application refusal. (Analysed in commentary on reforms; see salary update requirements).
Common Questions and Clarifications
Is an update application a separate extension?
Yes. An update application is treated as a new application to vary conditions of stay. It fulfils the purpose of extending leave but reflects changes in job circumstances rather than merely prolonging the existing visa.
Can I travel while my application is pending?
Applicants are advised not to travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while the update/extension application is pending, as the application may be withdrawn if travel occurs.
Does the new role need a new CoS every time?
Yes. A new CoS is required for any update application following an employer change, and in many cases where a new occupation code is involved. This CoS supports the updated visa application.
Key Takeaways
Visa extensions after a role or employer change involve navigating UKVI's requirements for updating immigration permission. Where employment circumstances change materially, update applications replace standard extensions and require a new Certificate of Sponsorship, evidence of eligibility, and careful timing before current leave expires. Understanding differences between extensions and updates, meeting requirements for occupation and salary, and planning applications proactively helps maintain lawful status in the UK and supports continued employment and future settlement options.
