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What are my options if my Temporary Work visa is ending but my employer wants to keep me in the UK long term?

What are my options if my Temporary Work visa is ending but my employer wants to keep me in the UK long term?

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Publication date: 02.02.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “What are my options if my Temporary Work visa is ending but my employer wants to keep me in the UK long term?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

26.01.2026 16:35:36 If your Temporary Work visa is nearing its end and your employer wishes to retain you in the UK for a longer period, you have several options. First, you could discuss with your employer the possibility of applying for a different visa category, such as a Skilled Worker visa, which would allow you to stay in the UK as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and your employer is willing to sponsor you. Another option is to explore extensions of your current visa, depending on the specific type of visa you hold. It is also advisable to consult a qualified immigration lawyer for personalized advice and assistance with the application process to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

26.01.2026 16:35:51 As a legal perspective on UK immigration, if your Temporary Work visa (such as under the Temporary Work routes like Creative Worker or Government Authorised Exchange) is nearing its end and your employer wishes to retain you long-term, several options may be available depending on your specific circumstances, job role, and eligibility. Note that this is general information and you should consult a qualified immigration lawyer for personalized advice. 1. **Switch to Skilled Worker Visa**: If your job meets the skill and salary thresholds, your employer can sponsor you under the Skilled Worker route. This allows for longer-term stay, potentially leading to settlement after 5 years. Your employer needs a sponsor licence, and you'd apply before your current visa expires. 2. **Extension of Current Visa**: Some Temporary Work visas can be extended if you meet the criteria, but many have maximum durations (e.g., 12 months for some categories), so check if yours qualifies. 3. **Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)**: If you've been in the UK on qualifying visas for 5 years or more, you might apply for ILR, granting permanent residency. 4. **Other Routes**: Depending on your situation, consider Global Talent visa for skilled professionals, or if applicable, family routes if you have UK-based relatives. Intra-Company Transfer might apply if you're with a multinational company. Time is critical—applications should be made before your visa expires to avoid overstaying. For assistance in Slough, search for OISC-registered immigration advisors or solicitors specializing in visas.

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Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

26.01.2026 16:50:03 If your Temporary Work visa is coming to an end and your employer wants to retain you long term, the most common option is switching into a Skilled Worker visa, provided your role meets the required skill and salary thresholds and your employer holds a valid sponsor licence. This route allows long-term residence and can lead to settlement. Timing is critical, as you must usually apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying. A lawyer can assess whether an in-country switch is permitted for your specific Temporary Work category, confirm your eligibility, and guide your employer through sponsorship requirements if needed. Legal advice can also help identify alternative routes, such as a Global Talent, Graduate, or Innovator Founder visa, depending on your background and career plans.

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Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

26.01.2026 16:54:42 When a Temporary Work visa is nearing expiry, continuing employment in the UK requires moving onto a different immigration route. In most cases, this involves your employer sponsoring you under the Skilled Worker route, which offers longer-term stability and the possibility of settlement. However, not all Temporary Work visas allow switching from within the UK, and not all roles qualify for sponsorship. A lawyer can review your visa conditions, your employer’s status, and your job role to determine the safest strategy. They can advise whether your employer must obtain a sponsor licence, whether a switch is legally possible, or if an out-of-country application is required. Professional guidance reduces the risk of gaps in lawful status and costly refusals.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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