Extensions

Business and Commercial

Business and Commercial Work permits can be granted for up to 5 years, and are normally issued for this period providing the employer requests it and providing that the employer is well-established. Permits are often issued for shorter periods however and this will normally be either because the employer requests a shorter period or because the employer is unable to document its own trading presence and standing at the time the initial application is made.

After spending 5 years consistently in the UK on a work permit in the UK, an individual will usually want to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and once this is granted, it will replace the need for a work permit, and allow the individual to work freely. 

If a business and commercial work permit needs to be extended however, then an application needs to be signed by the employer and submitted to The Border and Immigration Agency. No resident labour search is needed, but there must be a clear and convincing reason provided for the continued employment of the individual.

Extension applications are often needed because a permit was initially issued to a recently established business, and therefore issued for a short initial period. It is often the case that company related information is needed in support of work permit applications, but in the case of extension applications that are made following a short initial approval, it is usually essential.

If you are interested in making an extension application for a business and commercial work permit, please begin by taking an initial assessment. In order to obtain an assessment, please complete our business and commercial work permit assessment form, and return it to us along with a copy of the current work permit, a job description and a copy of the individuals CV.

The procedure for extensions of business and commercial work permits is the same for work permits issued under the tier 1 or the tier 2 categories. 

TWES – Training and Work Experience Scheme

When initially granted TWES approvals are always issued on the basis, and on the understanding, that the individual intends to and agrees to leave the UK at the end of the approved period. Due to this, applications to extend TWES permits are often not treated very sympathetically by The Border and Immigration Agency. TWES permit holders are often paid low salaries and so The Border and Immigration Agency must also prevent this scheme being abused by employers wishing to take advantage of cheap labour for prolonged periods.

In relation to the work experience category, it is incredibly rare for a total period of 2 years, the official published upper limit, to be exceeded.

For TWES Permits issued on the basis of training (towards a professional qualification) extensions can be granted up to a total period of 5 years, but this will depend heavily on the requirements of the particular professional qualification, as well as the individual’s level and speed of progress.

If you are interested in making an extension application relating to a TWES permit, please get in touch with us, and discuss your case with a consultant. Initial documents that we may ask to see will include the current permit, a copy of the original TWES application form and the relevant schedule along with an indication of progress that has been made so far, and details of any relevant examination performance.