Petition · Home Office

Extend the Skilled Worker visa grace period from 60 days to 12 months

Open for signatures 87 signatures

What the petition asks

The 60-day grace period can be too short to find new sponsored work. Recruitment and sponsorship often take months, some employers may wait until after probation. Extending it to 12 months could reduce hardship, protect children's education and help retain skilled workers who contribute to the UK
We urge the Home Office to extend the 60-day grace period for sponsored workers who lose their jobs to 12 months. Losing employment already brings significant emotional, mental, and physical stress, but the short timeframe creates further fear of losing homes, stability, and the lives families have built in the UK. A 12-month period could give people a realistic chance to find new sponsorship, protect children’s education, and allow skilled workers to continue contributing to the country.

Timeline

12 Aug 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 87
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 12 Aug 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 13 Aug 2026.