UK Sets New Rules for Skilled Worker Visa Extensions

The United Kingdom government has established conditions for extending the stay of foreign workers under the Skilled Worker visa, directly linking the duration of stay to the worker's certificate of sponsorship. According to Appendix Skilled Worker of the UK Immigration Rules, workers granted entry clearance or permission to stay can remain until 14 days after the end date on their certificate of sponsorship.

This certificate can be valid for up to five years from its start date, allowing for a potential stay slightly beyond five years. A specific provision applies to workers sponsored under the SOC 2020 occupation code "2211 Generalist practitioners" who are in General Practitioner (GP) specialty training, granting them entry clearance or permission to stay until four months after their certificate's end date.

This distinction provides GP trainees with additional time to transition within the UK system. Workers whose sponsorship ends earlier than expected will have their leave to remain adjusted accordingly, emphasizing the certificate of sponsorship as the key document for their stay.