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What is a UK Expansion Worker Visa?
UK Expansion Worker Visa is a temporary worker visa designed for overseas companies expanding into the UK market.
- Valid for 12 months, with an option to extend up to 24 months.
- Strictly intended for senior employees setting up or expanding their UK operations.
- Does not usually lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR).
This route does not offer a pathway for long-term settlement in the UK.
Can You Extend the Expansion Worker Visa?
No, you cannot extend your Expansion Worker Visa beyond your two-year maximum stay. The Home Office explicitly states that this visa is non-extendable after the initial period.
Once it expires, your only option is to switch to another visa category, the Skilled Worker Visa being the most common route.
What Happens After Your Expansion Worker Visa Expires?
You need to apply for a new visa or switch to another category, after your visa expiry in the UK. You cannot overstay, as it can negatively impact your future visa applications.
Important: It’s crucial to apply for a new visa or switch before your current visa expires to maintain lawful status and avoid complications.
Reddit Query: Skilled Worker Visa Expiring in 2 Days
A Reddit user recently asked if they could use the same Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from 2022 to renew their Skilled Worker Visa, which was set to expire in May 2025. They also wondered if a short delay between expiry and application would affect their eligibility for ILR.
Note: This is a real account from Reddit and not official advice.
“Hi There! My Visa is expiring on 15 May 2025 will the same Cos assigned to me earlier in 2022 for my 3 years visa can be used to renew my visa? Also if there is a delay between expiration of current visa and my visa extension will there be any issues with ILR.”
Normally, you should know and act on your visa expiry date before it ends. The user here seems to have acted at the last minute, which is highly discouraged.
Fact-wise, you cannot reuse an old CoS for a visa renewal or a switch. Each application must include a current, valid CoS linked to your ongoing employment.
As for delays, overstaying, even for a day, can jeopardise your immigration history and future settlement options. The Home Office allows a very limited grace period, usually 14 or 60 days depending on your circumstance, but it’s safest to submit your extension before your visa expires.
You’ll have less worries in the coming months if you’re proactive about your visa expiry date earlier. Speak to your sponsor and secure another CoS before switching to or extending your Skilled Worker Visa.
For personalised guidance, consult a regulated immigration advisor at Legend Consults.
Switching to Skilled Worker Visa: Eligibility & Process
However, be aware that tougher requirements began on 22 July. Be sure to familiarise all eligibility criteria before considering this route:
- Have a job offer from a licenced sponsor in the UK (approved by Home Office).
- The job must be at RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to graduate level).
- Meet the new minimum salary requirement of £41,700 per year, unless your job is eligible for a lower salary threshold (e.g. shortage occupation, new entrant, or relevant PhD).
- Obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer, issued no more than 3 months before your visa application.
- Prove your English language ability by passing an approved English test at B1 level or higher, or by holding a degree taught in English.
Here’s a quick look into the process:
- Request a new CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) for the Skilled Worker route from your employer.
- Aside from CoS, provide proof of English, a valid passport, and financial evidence (if applicable).
- Submit your Skilled Worker Visa application online before your current visa expires.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
- Attend a biometric appointment or use the UK Immigration app. Most applicants get a decision within 8 weeks.
Reddit Query: SWV Extension Approved Within 24 Hours
A Reddit user shared their experience of Skilled Worker Visa extension that got approved the very next day, even though the standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. They requested an extension for 3 more years after completing their initial 3-year visa.
But there’s a catch: they were overcharged for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The Home Office charged them for an additional two months, even though those months were already covered in the original visa.
Note: This information comes from a real person on Reddit. It shows their experience and is not official advice.
“I applied for SWV extension and got it approved the next day (initial visa 3 years, extended it for 3 more). Regular application said it will take up to 8 weeks to be processed. So now is a good time of the year to do this I guess, for everyone who needs to do the same. I did get overcharged for the health surcharge for my kids, visa was expiring in April this year and they charged me for 3 years plus 2 more months (February and March this year, which was already paid during my initial application 3 years ago). Do I request this back and how?”
This shows that the extension application can be approved as quickly as 24 hours, especially if you applied within the last 60 days before your current visa expires. And in case of overcharging, you can request a refund from the Home Office.
If you need help with the switching/extension process, or claiming necessary UKVI refunds, Legend Consults is here to accurately represent your case.
Skilled Worker Visa Documents
Ensure you have the complete set of documents. Here’s all that you need:
Core Documents (required by UKVI)
- Valid passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if already issued
- Current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Job details: title, occupation code, salary, sponsor licence number
Additional Documents
- Proof of funds (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if applicable for your country)
- Criminal record certificate (if required for certain sectors)
- Academic qualifications, including UK PhD or relevant certificates
- Evidence of dependants’ relationships (marriage, birth certificates)
Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth Visa Switch
Reddit Query: Applying for SWV on a Tourist Visa
A Reddit user asked whether they could leave the UK after their Skilled Worker visa expires, return on a tourist visa to search for a new job, and then apply for another Skilled Worker visa without waiting 12 months. They were unsure if the 12-month cooling-off period applied in this case or if they could switch visas whilst in the UK on a tourist visa.
Note: This information comes from a real person on Reddit. It shows their experience and is not official advice.
“If my skilled worker visa expires and I leave/return on a tourist visa to look for work, will there be any restrictions on applying for another skilled worker visa?
I read somewhere that if my Skilled Worker Visa expires then I have to wait 12 months before another can be applied for. Is this true? Or can I reenter and continue applying while on my Tourist Visa and then switch over again once I find something?”
You can visit the UK as a tourist, but doing so immediately after your visa expires may raise questions about your intentions and ties to your home country.
You need to leave the UK before applying for a new Skilled Worker visa. Switching within the UK on a tourist visa isn’t permitted. It’s advisable to plan your departure before your current visa ends to avoid overstaying.
Can You Work While Visa Renewal Is in Progress?
Yes, you can work during visa renewal if you apply before your current visa expires. You should apply within the last 60 days before visa expiry; this window offers you the freedom to work during the process.
Reddit User Experience: Skilled Worker Visa Renewal in 2024
One Reddit user shared that they applied for their Skilled Worker visa extension in June 2024 and received approval within two days—a swift process compared to the typical 8-week timeframe.
Note: This information comes from a real person on Reddit who posted in 2024. It shows their experience, which may be outdated after the 2025 immigration overhaul, and is not official advice.
“I had a 3-year Skilled Worker visa, which my company extended for another 2 years. I submitted my application using the ID check app on 20th June and got a confirmation from UKVI two days later. The approval came on 6th July, and I received my BRP by 11th July. The whole process was smooth and straightforward—no documents were even required. My friend got his approval in just 2 days, so timelines can really vary!”
Reddit Source: u/Complete-Sentence201 on r/ukvisa
As per their experience, the entire process was smooth and quicker than expected.
They also mentioned their friend who got approval in just 2 days, and their BRP arrived within a week, showing that timelines can really vary from case to case.
Consequences of Overstaying
The Home Office does not offer any legal grace period after your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to serious visa expiry consequences in the UK, such as:
- Lesser chances of getting any future UK visas.
- Getting banned from re-entering the UK for up to 10 years (depending on how long you overstayed).
- Affected ability to switch to other visa categories or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) later on.
Real Reddit Query: When Must You Leave?
Another Reddit user asked how long they have to leave the UK after their Skilled Worker (Health and Social Care) visa expires on 7 August.
Since they work until the very last day of their visa, they were concerned about needing extra time to pack and ship their belongings. However, they were confused by conflicting information online.
Note: This information comes from a real person on Reddit. It shows their experience and is not official advice.
“Hi all,
I’m on a skilled worker/health and social care visa and my visa is up August 7th. I’m not renewing my visa and returning home (EU country). When do I have to leave before I worry about any future consequences? I’ve seen mixed messages on immigration sites, anywhere from “depart immediately” to “30 days to leave the UK”. I work until the end of August 7th and therefore it would be incredibly hard for me to leave that day, plus I need to work on shipping all my stuff out of the country. So the question is – how much time do I have to leave the UK once my visa is up?”
Leaving after that day will be classed as overstaying and you will need to declare that in all future applications, even for tourist visas. You can only get grace period when the Home Office curtails a visa before expiration.
If you want to apply for a new visa or switch categories before expiration, contact Legend Consults and we’ll walk you through the process.
Dependent Visa UK
Dependent visa extension can be done along with the main applicant. You all must apply before your current visa expires. Each dependant must meet the financial requirements, including maintenance funds if needed.
- The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
- Children need to live with the main applicant.
- Submit applications online with the supporting documents (e.g., BRP, proof of relationship, proof of address).
Need Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa Extension UK?
You can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if your UK Expansion Worker Visa expires. Make sure to apply before your current visa ends, get a new CoS, and apply online with all the documents to avoid any legal issues. There are also other routes to consider, which you should first get expert advice on.
If you’re unsure which next steps to take before your UK Expansion Worker Visa ends, or ineligible for the Skilled Worker Visa and need to explore more options, whatever your case, our UK immigration expert at Legend Consults is here to help. Your first initial consultation is free!
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FAQs
No, this visa is generally non-extendable, as stated by the Home Office. You must switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, to be eligible to work in the UK.
It depends. You can stay if you’ve submitted a valid visa switch application before expiry. Otherwise, you may be considered an overstayer.
Core documents needed are a valid passport, BRP, a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of salary and job offer, and English language proficiency proof.
Yes, they must apply separately but can switch along with you. It is better to submit applications together.
The process typically takes up to 8 weeks; but faster with priority service.
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is valid for a maximum of two years and cannot be renewed once that period is over. As your visa nears expiry, it’s not just about paperwork; your livelihood and your dependants’ visas could be at risk if you don’t act on time.
The good news is, you can switch to a different visa category, most commonly the Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the updated, more stringent requirements. This route lets you stay and work in the UK for up to five more years or for the length of your employment contract, whichever is shorter.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to switch or extend your Skilled Worker Visa, outline the key requirements, costs, and common pitfalls to avoid, so you get it right the first time.
TL;DR
The UK Expansion Worker Visa isn’t renewable after two years, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa to stay longer and continue working in the UK. This guide covers the process, eligibility, costs, and mistakes to avoid and ensure a smooth transition before your visa expires in 2025.
