Tier 2 to skilled worker visa extension

[Ivan Dsouza]

Hello everyone,

Wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
The time has come for me to apply for Tier 2 visa extension which is valid till 01-04-2021. I have few queries regarding the visa extension process.

- Does my employer need to conduct Labor market test again?

- Since tier 2 visa is now called as skilled worker visa, is there any changes in the visa extension procedure?
I have been living in the UK since august 2016 and on April 2018 my new employer sponsored me tier 2 general visa [which is expiring in 1 April 2021].

- Do I need to provide the proof of address for visa extension? what are the documents I need to submit?
I live in a shared accommodation so it is difficult for me to give the bills other than that I can provide my salary slip, bank statements.

- is there any changes my employer need to take care of while issuing the skilled work visa due to name change from tier 2 visa?

- I am completing 4 years 8 months in the UK on April 1st. So how long the visa I can apply for?

Thanks and regards,
Ivan

[srsw]

RESPONSES IN CAPS

- Does my employer need to conduct Labor market test again?

NO

- Since tier 2 visa is now called as skilled worker visa, is there any changes in the visa extension procedure?

NO, BUT SOME ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ADDED TO THE ONLINE FORM.

- Do I need to provide the proof of address for visa extension? what are the documents I need to submit? I live in a shared accommodation so it is difficult for me to give the bills other than that I can provide my salary slip, bank statements.

NO, ONLY PASSPORT & BRP WILL BE REQUIRED, BUT THIS IS BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE OF TIER 2 EXTENSION IN 2018.

- is there any changes my employer need to take care of while issuing the skilled work visa due to name change from tier 2 visa?

NO, BUT THEY SHOULD STILL HAVE ACTIVE SPONSOR LICENCE.

- I am completing 4 years 8 months in the UK on April 1st. So how long the visa I can apply for?

THE FORM WILL GIVE OPTION FOR 3 YEARS OR LESS, BUT AS PER OLD RULES MAX 6 YEARS ON TIER 2 SO THEY MAY GIVE ACCORDINGLY (OR) THEY REMOVED CAP ON MAX YEARS I THINK SO YOU MAY GET 3 YEARS. OTHERS MAY PROVIDE MORE GUIDANCE ON THIS POINT.

THE OTHER OPTION IS TO APPLY FOR ILR JUST BEFORE YOUR VISA EXPIRES AND GIVE BIOMETRICS WHEN YOU REACH 5 YEARS MINUS 28 DAYS ELIGIBILITY AND SKIP EXTENSION APPLICATION ALL TOGETHER.