Work permits
Can I extend my work permit?
This page explains whether you can apply to extend your work permit.
If you want to apply for an extension to a work permit you should apply before the person's permission to stay in this country runs out. You will need to apply at least one month before the date when their leave runs out, but no more than three months before.
If you submit a work permit extension application, the individual may continue working with you while this application is being considered provided he/she either:
- continues to have valid leave to remain; or
- has submitted an application for further leave to remain before the existing leave to remain expires.
On an extension application you should always state why and for how much longer you need to employ the person.
Business and Commercial
Extensions for a work permit should be submitted on the WP1X application form; or using the SR1 application form for sponsored researchers; or using the PD1 application form for postgraduate doctors and dentists.
You cannot apply for an extension to a multiple entry work permit (MEWP).
Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES)
Extensions are possible where we are satisfied that the person can successfully complete the training or work experience programme and the period is justified.
Extensions for a TWES permit should be submitted on form WP1X; or using the MTI1 application form for Medical Training Initiatives.
Sports and Entertainments
Extensions for Sports and Entertainments permits should be submitted on the WP3X form.
Student Internships
Extensions are not possible under the Student Internship work permit arrangements.
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
Extensions are not possible under the GATS work permit arrangements.
Sectors Based Scheme (Bulgarian and Romanian nationals only)
Extensions are not possible under this arrangement.
Sectors Based Scheme (Non-EEA nationals)
Extensions are possible under this arrangement. You should complete form SB1X.
For further information on extension applications, please refer to the appropriate guidance notes which you can download from the right side of this page.
If you are applying under the Business and Commercial, Training and Work Experience, or Sports and Entertainments schemes, you can submit your application by email. For more information see Electronic forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can the overseas national work while the application is being processed if they are already living in the United Kingdom?
Normally if you have been issued with a new work permit you can not start working under the conditions of that permit until you have been granted further leave to remain (FLR) to do so using application form FLR(IED). However, you may work while the FLR(IED) form is being processed if you have valid leave to remain in an immigration category that allows you to do so.
For example, if you are residing in the United Kingdom as a working holidaymaker or on a permit-free training visa, you can continue to work until a decision is made on your FLR as long as the work permit application and the associated application for FLR is received before the expiry date of your visa.
An interim arrangement is currently in place whereby existing work permit holders can start a new job on the strength of the work permit permission letter, providing his/her existing leave to remain covers all or part of the period of the new employment. In these cases individuals will then have to submit a further leave to remain application before their existing leave expires, or within six months, whichever is the sooner. As the employer's work permit will have been approved, and the individual will still have to submit a further leave to remain application, this does not undermine immigration controls.
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What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?
If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.
Application forms
Postgraduate doctors and dentists
- Form PD1DOC 1.8M opens in a new window
- Business and Commercial guidancePDF 204K opens in a new window
Sports and Entertainments, extension of stay
- Form WP3xDOC 1.6M opens in a new window
- Sports and entertainments guidePDF 189K opens in a new window
Business and Commercial work permits, extension of stay
- Form WP1XDOC 1.5M opens in a new window
- Business and Commercial guidancePDF 204K opens in a new window
Sectors Based Scheme, extension of stay (non Bulgarian and Romanian nationals)
- Form SB1xDOC 1.5M opens in a new window
- SBS guide for recruiting non Bulgarian and Romanian nationalsPDF 182K opens in a new window
Training and Work Experience, extension of stay
- Form WP1XDOC 1.5M opens in a new window
- Training and Work Experience guidePDF 189K opens in a new window
Sponsored researchers
- Form SR1DOC 1.8M opens in a new window
- Business and Commercial guidancePDF 204K opens in a new window
Medical Training Initiative
- Form MTI1DOC 1.7M opens in a new window
- Training and Work Experience guidePDF 189K opens in a new window
See also
General guides
- General information (PDF 154K opens in a new window)
- Service standards (PDF 97K opens in a new window)
- Payment guide (PDF 157K opens in a new window)
Shortage occupations
Terms explained
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Resident worker
A person who is a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or is legally settled in the United Kingdom with permission to work here. In some cases, an employer who wishes to employ a person who is not a permanent resident must show that no resident worker could be found to take the job.
Contact
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Work permits customer contact centre
0114 207 4074
Customer Contact Centre, UK Border Agency, PO Box 3468, Sheffield, S3 8WA