How to extend your visa
You should read the visa before you apply.
Within the UK you can:
• apply online
• download the form and apply by post - the address is on the form
• download the form or apply online and use the premium service at a premium service centre
How long it takes
A decision will be made:
• within 8 weeks for postal and online applications
• within 10 days if you are able to use the Tier 2 priority application service
• usually on the same day if you use the premium service
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:
• your supporting documents need to be verified
• you need to attend an interview
• of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction)
Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.
If you change your job
You may need to apply to extend your Tier 2 (General) visa application if:
• you want to change your job and your new job is with a different employer
• your job changes to a different standard occupation classification (SOC) code
• your job is taken off the shortage occupation list
• your changes of job means you are paid less than the amount stated on your certificate of sponsorship or work permit
• You won’t need to make a new application if you’ll be staying with your current employer but your job will change in other ways - eg if you want to change to a job in the same SOC code, or if your pay will increase.
• You must have a new certificate of sponsorship and you must meet all other application conditions, but you won’t need to send evidence in support of your application if you’ve sent it for a previous Tier 2 application.
• You can continue working for your previous sponsor until the start date on your new certificate of sponsorship if your current permission to stay is still valid.
• You should not start your new job until you’ve received your biometric residence permit with your new permission.