Your Skilled Worker visa doesn’t last forever — you’ll either extend it or apply to settle. This 2026 guide explains how to extend, the salary you’ll need, when you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), and the big settlement reform on the horizon.
Extending your Skilled Worker visa
You can extend if you’re staying in the same job with the same sponsor (or starting a new sponsored role with a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship). Apply online before your current visa expires; you can keep working while the decision is pending. There’s no limit on the number of extensions.
Salary you’ll need
You must still be paid at least the going rate for your occupation, and meet the general salary floor, which depends on when your CoS was assigned:
- CoS issued before 4 April 2024 — usually £31,300 or the going rate, whichever is higher;
- CoS issued on/after 4 April 2024 — usually £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher.
Settlement (ILR) after 5 years
After 5 years’ continuous residence in the Skilled Worker/Tier 2 route you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. You’ll need:
- ongoing sponsored employment in an eligible role at the required salary;
- English at B2 and a passed Life in the UK Test;
- absences of no more than 180 days in any 12-month period;
- the ILR fee (currently £3,029) — there’s no IHS for ILR.
The 2026 settlement reform — check the current rules
The government has announced an “earned settlement” model that could move many Skilled Worker holders to a longer (up to 10-year) route to ILR, with settlement tied to factors like income and time in the UK. The detail is subject to consultation, so always confirm the current qualifying period on GOV.UK before you apply — if you’re close to 5 years under the existing rules, take advice on timing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I extend my Skilled Worker visa?
Apply online before it expires, with ongoing sponsorship; you can keep working while a decision is pending and there’s no cap on extensions.
What salary do I need to extend?
The going rate or the general floor — usually £31,300 if your CoS was issued before 4 April 2024, or £41,700 if on/after that date, whichever is higher.
When can I apply for ILR on a Skilled Worker visa?
After 5 years’ continuous residence in the route, provided you still hold an eligible sponsored job and meet the other requirements.
What are the ILR requirements?
5 years’ residence, ongoing sponsored employment, B2 English, a passed Life in the UK Test, and absences of no more than 180 days in any 12 months. The fee is currently £3,029.
Is the 5-year settlement route changing?
The government has proposed an “earned settlement” model that could extend the route to up to 10 years for many Skilled Workers. It’s subject to consultation, so check the current rules on GOV.UK before applying.
Does time on other visas count towards ILR?
Time on certain work routes can count, but time on visas such as Student or Youth Mobility does not.
