Dependent Skilled Worker Visa Extension for ILR Holder

[sunil27]

I am in the process of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa. My current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is due to expire on 24 May 2026.

However, my wife is my dependent, and she still needs another 7 months on her Skilled Worker dependent visa before she becomes eligible to apply for ILR.

I have read several posts on this forum suggesting that, when assigning a new CoS, the start date should be the application date and the end date should be set to 3 years minus 1 day, in order to make it exactly 3 years and ensure the correct Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid.

Question 1: Is this the correct approach for calculating and paying the IHS, or are there better alternatives for extending a Skilled Worker dependent visa?

Question 2: Is it better for both of us to apply on the same day, or should I obtain ILR first and then extend my wife’s visa?

Question 3: My wife is also working and needs her visa extended. If she uses the mobile app to verify her identity, can she still choose a priority service? Some posts suggest that priority services may not be available when using the mobile app, is this correct?

[CR001]

I have read several posts on this forum suggesting that, when assigning a new CoS, the start date should be the application date and the end date should be set to 3 years minus 1 day, in order to make it exactly 3 years and ensure the correct Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid.

You do NOT need a new CoS assigned. You simply use a date 3 years in advance to get the correct IHF fee.

Question 1: Is this the correct approach for calculating and paying the IHS, or are there better alternatives for extending a Skilled Worker dependent visa?

You simply use a 3 year in advance date.

Question 2: Is it better for both of us to apply on the same day, or should I obtain ILR first and then extend my wife’s visa?

It doesn't matter. If you apply at the same time, her application will be held until after you get ILR and rhen be processed. She must apply before her current visa expires. She cannot get a visa extension granted before you get ILR.

Question 3: My wife is also working and needs her visa extended. If she uses the mobile app to verify her identity, can she still choose a priority service? Some posts suggest that priority services may not be available when using the mobile app, is this correct?

Not seen evidence of this. Not many get the app option these days.

[sunil27]

This is spouse skilled worker extension - I received an email from home office saying, "You have indicated on your Visa Application Form that you have applied for a visa for 3 years and under. However, your sponsors previous Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) had been issued for over 3 years. The correct application fee in line with this leave prior will need to be paid. Although you have made a payment, it is not the correct amount. You must now pay the balance of £922"

Original CoS which was issued for 5 years is already expired and i already have ILR.

On spouse extension form i added the original COS number and work start date as 26-04-2026 and end date as 24-04-2026 to pay the correct immigration health charges. Now, they are asking additional application fees of £922 and not any additional immigration health charges.

So, i paid - £943 and if i pay additional £922 it will become £1,865.

up to 3 years - £943 per person
more than 3 years - £1,865 per person

Money is not concern here, concern is how stupid they can be. What are my options and how to explain this situation to home office. They didn't ask for any documents or to attend any appointment. What are my options.